‘Rigged deal’: Congress attacks Maharashtra govt over Adani’s power bid win

Even as the controversy over the Adani Group’s alleged malpractices and alleged links with the SEBI chief continues to rage, it has won a bid to supply 6,600 MW of power to Maharashtra, prompting the Congress to claim that the deal was “rigged”, courtesy the ruling Mahayuti government.

The Mahayuti government is a coalition of the BJP, the Shiv Sena faction headed by Eknath Shinde, and the NCP faction headed by Ajit Pawar. The Adani Group has often been accused of having unhealthy close ties with the BJP, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Yet another Modani enterprise”

The opposition party’s attack came after the Adani Group won the bid to supply 6,600 MW of bundled renewable and thermal power to Maharashtra for the long term after its quote of Rs 4.08 per unit beat the likes of JSW Energy and Torrent Power. Supplies are to start in 48 months from the date of award of the letter of intent.

Reacting to the development, Congress general secretary in-charge Jairam Ramesh wrote on X, “Even as the Mahayuti Government in Maharashtra totters towards a landslide defeat, this is what they choose to do with their last few days in power. Yet another Modani enterprise undoubtedly! Shocking details of this rigged deal will soon start tumbling out.”

Bid conditions

According to the bid conditions, Adani Green Energy will supply solar power at a fixed cost of Rs 2.70 per unit throughout the entire supply period, while that from coal will be indexed to coal prices.

While Adani Power will supply 1,496 MW (net) thermal power from the new 1,600 MW ultra-supercritical capacity, its sister concern Adani Green Energy Ltd will supply 5 GW (5,000 MW) solar power from the Khavda renewable energy park in the Kutch district of Gujarat.

The group has confirmed the news in an official statement: “Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) issues a letter of intent for 6,600 MW to Adani Power.”

(With agency inputs)