Telangana Says ‘No’ To Adani Foundation’s ₹100 Crore Donation Amid US Bribery Case

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy announced on Friday that his government has turned down a ₹100 crore commitment from Gautam Adani.

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy announced on Friday that his government has decided to reject the ₹100 crore commitment made by Gautam Adani’s foundation towards the Young India Skills University. The announcement was made during a press meet earlier in the day.

While addressing a press conference, Telanagana CM Revanth Reddy said that since Adani's announcement gave rise to "unnecessary discussions" that it may appear favourable to the state government or the CM, if the donation was accepted.

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

"I and my Cabinet colleagues do not want to be seen at 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.

He said the letter clearly requested the Adani Foundation not to transfer Rs 100 crore to the university.

Attempts by the state government to obtain Income Tax exemptions for the donations made to the varsity fructified recently, the CM said.

According to Reddy, the amount proposed was part of the Corporate Social Responsibility activities by Adani.

The decision comes in the backdrop of a U.S. court issuing an arrest warrant against Gautam Adani in a cheating case. The Telangana government, aiming to avoid any controversy surrounding the donation, took swift action in distancing itself from the offer.