Rahul Gandhi questions Tata Group meeting at Amit Shah's residence, alleges corporate favouritism

New Delhi, Oct 28 : Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday questioned Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over a reported meeting involving representatives of Tata Trusts and Tata Sons at the residence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging preferential treatment for select corporate groups under the Narendra Modi government.

In a post on social media platform X, Gandhi sought clarification on the purpose of the reported meeting and questioned what legal or commercial issue had necessitated the gathering.

"Which 'legal and commercial matter' required Tata Trusts and Tata Sons to be hosted at Amit Shah's residence?" he asked.

In a further pointed remark, Gandhi questioned when what he described as "crony number 1" would enter the picture and what interests within the Tata Group could be involved.

Although he did not identify the individual referred to as "crony number 1", his remarks renewed the Congress's allegations of crony capitalism and preferential treatment for a handful of powerful business houses under the Modi government.

Gandhi also claimed that businesses across the country, barring a few corporate groups allegedly favoured by the government, were dissatisfied with the ruling establishment.

The Congress leader's remarks have brought renewed focus on corporate access to those in power, transparency in government dealings and the relationship between the government and influential business groups.

The Tata Group is one of India's largest conglomerates, with interests spanning information technology, steel, automobiles, aviation and consumer products. Tata Trusts, a group of philanthropic institutions, play a significant role in the ownership structure of Tata Sons, the group's principal holding company.

The Congress has repeatedly accused the Modi government of favouring a small number of powerful industrialists and questioned whether government policies ensure a level playing field for businesses across the country. The BJP has rejected the broader allegations of favouritism.

However, Gandhi's post did not specify the legal or commercial matter allegedly discussed at Shah's residence, provide details of the circumstances surrounding the meeting or identify the person he referred to as "crony number 1".

The allegations and questions raised by Gandhi do not, by themselves, establish any impropriety in the reported meeting or prove that any particular corporate group received preferential treatment.