Impact of Hindutva on Maharashtra’s Political Landscape
This week, all eyes are on India as state elections kick off, particularly in Maharashtra. The choices facing voters in Maharashtra are stark, with two ideologically incompatible alliances in a stand-off. It’s gotten to the point where even progressive voices are backing the Maha Vikas Aghadi, led by Shiv Sena’s Uddhav Thackeray.
Meanwhile, Gautam Adani, the head of the Adani Group, recently found himself in hot water in the US. Adani was indicted for concealing over $250 million in bribes to Indian government officials between 2020 and 2024. These bribes were tied to solar energy supply contracts and were used to fraudulently raise funds, according to US prosecutors. Alongside Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani and other executives are facing charges related to criminal conspiracy and obstructing investigations. Adani Green Energy even decided to cancel a $600 million bond issue following the indictments.
This isn’t Adani’s first brush with controversy. In January 2023, Hindenburg Research accused the Adani Group of stock market manipulation and fraud, claims that were vehemently denied. Closer to home, the Adani Group’s activities in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar have stirred up criticism and scrutiny.
In other news from Southasia, pollution levels in Delhi have soared to staggering heights, prompting school closures. Additionally, the detention of prominent Rohingya spokesperson Dil Mohammed in Bangladesh is coming under international scrutiny.
The region is abuzz with political developments, from Sri Lanka’s cabinet appointments to Myanmar’s rebel army leader’s detention in China. Stay tuned for further updates as events continue to unfold across Southasia.
