Telangana Govt Will Not Accept Adani's Rs 100 Crore Donation Amid Ongoing Controversy: Revanth Reddy

Revanth Reddy said so far the Telangana government has not accepted a single rupee into its account from any organisation, including Adani Group.

File photo of Telangana CM Revanth Reddy.

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Revanth Reddy-led Congress government in Telangana on Monday said that the government will not accept the Rs 100 crore donation announced by Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani for the Young India Skill University being set up in the state.

The move comes amid a controversy over US prosecutors indicting Adani and seven others for allegedly paying bribes to Indian government officials for securing solar power contracts.

Revanth Reddy, in a press conference, said "Many companies have given funds to the Young India Skill University. In the same way, the Adani group also gave Rs 100 crores. Yesterday, we wrote a letter to Adani on behalf of govt stating that the state govt is not ready to accept the Rs 100 crores given by Adani group."

He said so far the Telangana government has not accepted a single rupee into its account from any organisation, including Adani Group.

 

"I and my Cabinet colleagues do not want to be involved in unnecessary discussions and situations that would dent the image of the state government or my own. That is why, on behalf of the state government, our official Jayesh Ranjan wrote a letter (to Adanis). Due to the (present) situation and controversies, the Telangana government is not ready to accept the Rs 100 crore donation you (Adani) generously offered," Reddy said.

 

The CM said the letter clearly requested the Adani Foundation not to transfer Rs 100 crore to the university. The state government's attempts to obtain Income Tax exemptions for the donations made to the varsity fructified recently, the CM said.

 

Reddy said that the amount proposed by Adani was part of the company's Corporate Social Responsibility activities. 

 

Gautam Adani had met the Telangana chief minister on Octrober 18 and symbolically handed over a cheque for Rs 100 crore towards donation to the skills university.

 

Asked about the comments of BRS that the government should cancel the Adani Group's investment proposals in the state, Reddy said the government will have to take legal opinion for cancellation of any agreements as the other party can go to courts against unilateral termination of pacts.