Jagan responds to allegations amidst Adani indictment controversy

In his first public statement following corruption allegations linked to the US indictment of Gautam Adani and associates, YSR Congress Party leader and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy denied any bribery in the state's solar power purchase agreements during his tenure.

Jagan clarified, “The power purchase agreement was strictly between Andhra Pradesh government discoms and the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), both government entities. Neither Gautam Adani nor the Adani Group were involved.”

The US court indictment mentions that Adani met with "Foreign Official 1" in Andhra Pradesh to facilitate power supply agreements between SECI and the state's electricity distribution companies on several occasions in 2021. While the indictment does not explicitly name this official, it notes that "Foreign Official 1" held a high-ranking position in Andhra Pradesh from May 2019 to June 2024. During this period, Jagan served as Chief Minister.

In response to these claims, Jagan emphasized that upon assuming office in June 2019, his administration reduced the power procurement cost from Rs 5.10 per kWh to Rs 2.49 per kWh through an agreement with SECI. He stated, “The agreement was signed between SECI, a Government of India entity, and the Andhra Pradesh Government. Adani Group had no involvement in this. The tariff reduction to Rs 2.49 per kWh was solely achieved through this agreement, bringing significant benefits to the state.”

Jagan also accused the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) of disseminating false information. While current Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has claimed that the allegations tarnished the state's reputation, two ministers in his cabinet have indicated that agreements signed under Jagan's administration are under review.