Youth Congress Workers Protest Outside SEBI Headquarters in Mumbai, Demand Chairperson’s Resignation
Youth Congress workers staged a protest outside the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) headquarters in Mumbai on Monday, calling for the resignation of SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch amidst allegations of a conflict of interest. The workers, holding placards and chanting slogans against Puri Buch, gathered outside the SEBI office as the board was set to convene for the first time since the allegations surfaced.
The protest, which took place at the Bandra-Kurla Complex, saw Mumbai Police detaining the demonstrators and removing them from the area. The demonstration was sparked by a report from Hindenburg Research regarding investments in foreign funds, allegations that both Puri Buch and her husband have vehemently denied.
Earlier this year, Hindenburg Research accused SEBI of delaying its probe into certain Adani Group companies due to Puri Buch and her husband’s alleged personal investments alongside one of the Adani brothers. The report also raised questions about Puri Buch’s impartiality in decision-making processes. Despite the allegations, Puri Buch and her husband have refuted any wrongdoing.
The Congress party has also joined the fray, accusing Puri Buch of receiving a salary from her former employer, the ICICI Group, after her appointment to SEBI. The party has been vocal in demanding Puri Buch’s resignation in light of the conflict of interest allegations.
Pawan Khera, spokesperson of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), took to social media to share updates on the protest, stating, “The @IYC held massive protests today outside the #SEBI headquarters in Mumbai against a series of conflicts of interest by the SEBI chief. We will soon be back with more on #SEBI.”
The demonstration outside the SEBI headquarters underscores the growing pressure on Puri Buch to step down from her position amidst the allegations of conflict of interest. As the SEBI board meeting unfolded, the calls for her resignation only intensified, with protesters demanding accountability and transparency within the regulatory body.
The protest outside the SEBI headquarters serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding ethical standards and maintaining the integrity of regulatory institutions. The outcome of this controversy will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for SEBI and its leadership, as stakeholders and the public alike closely monitor the developments surrounding Puri Buch’s tenure.
