Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced on Monday that the state government will not accept the Rs 100 crore donation offered by Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani for the establishment of the Young India Skill University in the state.
Reddy explained that the decision was made after the donation sparked "unnecessary discussions" and concerns that it might appear as if the donation was intended to favor the state government or him personally. He emphasized that no funds have been accepted from any organization, including the Adani Group, by the Telangana government.
"I, along with my Cabinet colleagues, do not want to be part of any debates or situations that could harm the reputation of the state government or myself," Reddy said during a press conference. "Therefore, on behalf of the state government, our official Jayesh Ranjan has sent a letter to the Adani group."
In the letter, the state government expressed its decision not to accept the Rs 100 crore donation due to the current controversies. The Chief Minister clarified that the donation was part of Adani Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility activities.
Reddy also shared that the Telangana government had recently succeeded in securing Income Tax exemptions for donations made to the university.
Adani Group’s Growing Presence in Telangana
The Adani Group has a significant presence in Telangana, with at least 12 ongoing or upcoming projects in various stages of development. These include the operational Adani Elbit Systems Defence Unit, the under-construction Missile Shell Manufacturing Unit, and the planned Counter-Drone Manufacturing Unit in Mamidipally. Both the Defence and Shell Manufacturing Units have received approvals under the current BRS government.
Other major projects include the Microsoft Data Center in Ellikatta, where phase-1 has been completed, and ongoing land acquisition for the Data Centre Tech Park at Chandenvelly. A proposal for a Data Centre Complex at Mucherla has been submitted, alongside plans for a Logistics Park and Dry Port at Ramannapeta. The group is also involved in three National Highway Projects, a 750 kV Transmission Line Project, a 5000 MW Pumped Storage Project, a 6 Mn MT Cement Grinding Unit at Ramannapeta, and a 9 Mn MT Cement Plant at Kodangal.
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