Revanth Declines Adani Funds for Skills Varsity

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said on Monday that the state government has declined a Rs.100-crore donation from the Adani Group intended for the Young India Skills University. The decision was made to distance the institution from ongoing controversies involving the Adani conglomerate, he added.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, the Chief Minister said,: “We have not accepted funds or donations from any organisation, including the Adani Group, for the Young India Skills University. This decision ensures we stay clear of unnecessary disputes.”

The move comes amidst allegations in an indictment in the US that the Adani Group paid bribes to Indian government officials to secure solar power contracts — a charge the group has strongly denied.

The `100-crore donation, announced by Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani during an October meeting with Revanth Reddy, was set to support the development of the Skill University. Opposition parties, including the BJP and the BRS, criticised the Congress-led Telangana government for "double standards," given its vocal criticism of Adani in other contexts.

In a letter addressed to Adani Foundation chairperson Priti Adani, IT and industries special chief secretary Jayesh Ranjan said that the state government would not proceed with accepting the funds. “In view of present circumstances and arising controversies, the Chief Minister has instructed not to seek transfer of funds,” the letter stated.

Revanth Reddy dismissed speculation that external pressures influenced the decision. “There is no pressure. This is a proactive decision to avoid controversies that could tarnish the state's image or that of my government,” he said.

He added that the state government was committed to transparency, with funding processes following a tender-based approach. “Rahul Gandhi has emphasised that public projects must adhere to systematic, democratic processes. Whether it’s Adani, Ambani, or Tata, all tenders must be fair and open.”

Despite the turbulence, Revanth Reddy expressed optimism about the progress in the university plans. He noted that the state government's efforts to secure income-tax exemptions under Section 80G for donations had succeeded, paving the way for other donors to contribute without financial hurdles.

The Chief Minister also highlighted that other corporate donors had contributed to the university but did not elaborate on whether similar scrutiny would apply to those donations.

Revanth Reddy stated that it was the previous BRS government which maintained 'close relations' with Adani Group. He released pictures of BRS chief and former chief minister K. Chadrashekar Rao’s meeting with Adani Group chairman Goutam Adani in 2014 and also released news clippings of him inviting Adani to set up power plants in Telangana. Revanth Reddy also released pictures of then IT minister K.T. Rama Rao with Gautam Adani and inviting him to invest in Telangana.