Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu stated that the state government cannot annul power purchase agreements with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) without concrete evidence supporting the bribery allegations.
His remarks are particularly relevant given the recent indictment of Adani by the U.S. Department of Justice, which alleges that the company was involved in a scheme to pay $250 million in bribes to Indian officials in return for favorable solar power contracts, including those in Andhra Pradesh. Adani has denied these allegations, as has the opposition party, YSRCP.
The prior YSRCP administration in Andhra Pradesh is also implicated in this alleged corruption scandal, with claims that officials received bribes from the Adani Group totaling approximately ₹1,750 crore.
During an informal discussion with journalists at the TDP headquarters in Mangalagiri, Naidu emphasized the importance of obtaining proper documentation before taking any action. He cautioned that immediate cancellation of the memorandums of understanding (MoUs) could result in legal complications.
Naidu reiterated that he prefers to act based on solid evidence rather than engage in political vendettas, asserting, “I will not hesitate to pursue justice against wrongdoers, regardless of their stature.” He affirmed that further steps would be based on the thorough gathering of evidence regarding the allegations of corruption.
He also pointed out that SECI’s decision to purchase power from the Adani Group ultimately benefits Andhra Pradesh, and that any actions related to bribery claims will be contingent on solid proof.
The YSR Congress Party has refuted the bribery claims, stating that the agreements were strictly between the state government, the distribution companies, and SECI, a central government entity—insisting that there was no involvement from third parties.
Additionally, Y.S. Sharmila, president of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee, has accused the previous YSRCP administration of signing a deal with the Adani Group for 25 years, ensuring power purchases at ₹2.49 per unit, despite the fact that the same company was offering power at ₹1.99 per unit in Gujarat. She argued that this arrangement has imposed a financial burden of ₹1 lakh crore on the people of Andhra Pradesh.
