Karachi, The Adani Group, led by billionaire Gautam Adani, has acquired a significant stake in the news agency IANS, following its purchase of the television channel NDTV. This move comes amid increasing concerns about the influence of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government on the media landscape in India.

According to Kashmir Media Service, AMG Media Networks, a part of the Adani Group, finalized the acquisition of a 50.50 percent stake in IANS. The share purchase agreement was signed on December 15, and the IANS Board of Directors approved the transfer of shares on the same day. IANS, with an annual turnover of over Rs 11.86 crore, is the latest addition to the Adani Group’s expanding media portfolio.

The specifics of the financial deal between AMG Media Networks and IANS were not disclosed in the information submitted to the Mumbai Stock Exchange. The acquisition of IANS follows the Adani Group’s purchase of NDTV at the end of the previous year.

The report highlights concerns about the BJP government’s alleged use of media organizations to further its agendas. The government is accused of manipulating media outlets for propaganda purposes, leading to a media environment in India dominated by organizations with links to Hindu extremism. Independent media organizations, perceived as impartial and transparent, reportedly face pressures to conform or sell out to entities with extremist ties.