‘Modi not reason for rise in wealth, he will never do personal help,’ has invested in Left ruled Kerala, says Adani

NEW DELHI: Gautam Adani, the world's third richest man, responded to accusations that his close relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the reason for his increase in wealth. Adani in an interview to a national media clarified that he has invested in opposition-ruled states also.

‘We are trying to make maximum investments in all states. Adani Group operates in 22 states today and all these are not ruled by the BJP. We have no problem with any state government. We are also working in Left-ruled Kerala, in Mamata Banerjee's West Bengal, in Naveen Patnaik's Odisha, in Jagan Mohan Reddy’s state and even in KCR’s state.

You will never get personal help from Modi. One can talk to him about policies in national interest. However, when he formulates a policy, it is not only for the Adani Group but for everyone.

Misconceptions are being spread about the Adani Group. This worries both banks and the common people. Over the last seven to eight years our income has increased by 24 percent and loans have increased by eleven percent. Our assets are only four times our debt.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's allegations against me are part of political agenda. Had attended the investor conference in Rajasthan after invited by Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. Rahul Gandhi later appreciated our investments in Rajasthan.

Adani Group's success started during the Congress rule. There have been three major successes in life. The first was in 1985 during the tenure of Rajiv Gandhi. It was when our company was allowed to become a global trading entity through the EXIM policy. The second was in 1991 when P V Narasimha Rao and Dr Manmohan Singh opened up the economy. This is how we entered into public-private partnership activities. The third is Narendra Modi's 12-year long rule in Gujarat. I can proudly say that it was a very good experience. Gujarat is an investment friendly state but not Adani friendly.

We have not received any project except through auction. We have a philosophy of not touching any project without bidding, be it port, airport, roads or power house. Even Rahul has not made any allegation of rigging in the auction," said Gautam Adani.