Introduction:

The relationship between business and politics is not new to India. Since
Independence, the country has witnessed several instances of the nexus between the
two. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which came to power in 2014, has been
accused of crony capitalism – an unhealthy nexus between politicians and
businessmen. One of the biggest beneficiaries of this nexus is the Adani Group. In
this essay, we will delve deeper into the relationship between the BJP and the
Adani Group and how it has contributed to crony capitalism in India.

Background:
The Adani Group is a business conglomerate with its headquarters in Gujarat. It has
interests in ports, logistics, energy, mining, and agribusiness, among others.
Gautam Adani, the founder of the Adani Group, has close ties with the BJP
leadership. His proximity to the BJP was evident when he was appointed as a member
of the Board of Governors of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, by the
then BJP government in Gujarat.

BJP and Adani Group’s Favorable Treatment:

The Adani Group has been accused of receiving favorable treatment from the BJP
government. One of the most glaring examples of this is the award of contracts to
operate and manage six major airports in India to the Adani Group in 2019. The
award of the contract to the Adani Group was criticized by industry experts, who
argued that it was done on the basis of political connections rather than merit.

The Adani Group has also received favorable treatment in the area of coal mining.
The group is one of the biggest players in the Indian coal mining sector and has
been accused of receiving preferential treatment from the BJP government in the
allocation of coal blocks. In 2014, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India
(CAG) accused the Adani Group of receiving undue benefits to the tune of Rs 1.06
lakh crore in the allocation of coal blocks. However, the BJP government has
consistently denied these allegations and no action has been taken against the
Adani Group.

Adani Group and Electoral Funding:

The Adani Group has also been accused of funding the BJP during elections. The
Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR), a non-governmental organization, has
alleged that the Adani Group donated Rs 11 crore to the BJP during the 2014 Lok
Sabha elections. The ADR has also alleged that the Adani Group donated Rs 5 crore
to the BJP during the 2017 Gujarat Assembly elections. The Adani Group has denied
these allegations.

Impact of the Nexus between the BJP and the Adani Group:
The nexus between the BJP and the Adani Group has had several adverse effects on
the Indian economy. The most obvious impact has been the rise of crony capitalism.
This has created an uneven playing field for businesses, with only a select few
benefiting from government policies and contracts.

The nexus has also led to a concentration of wealth in the hands of a few
individuals and corporations, which has further exacerbated income inequality in
the country. This has had serious implications for social cohesion and stability.

Furthermore, the nexus has undermined the credibility of the Indian democracy. It
has eroded public trust in democratic institutions and has given rise to the
perception that the government is not working for the benefit of the people but is
instead serving the interests of a select few.

Conclusion:
The relationship between the BJP and the Adani Group is a clear example of the
nexus between business and politics in India. It has had serious implications for
the Indian economy, society, and democracy. The rise of crony capitalism and income
inequality, and the erosion of public trust in democratic institutions are some of
the negative impacts of this nexus. It is important for the government to take
steps to break this nexus and create a level playing field for all businesses