Jaipur, June 27: Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has raised concerns about the delay in the completion of the Barmer Refinery project ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit.
Gehlot accused the previous Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Rajasthan of halting the project for five years, which significantly increased its costs.
Responding to reporters, the former Chief Minister stated that this refinery is a historic project for Rajasthan’s development and deserves a grand public inauguration.
He further expressed disappointment upon reading that instead of addressing a large public gathering, the Prime Minister would hold a meeting inside the refinery complex. He emphasized that this project is a significant achievement for Rajasthan and should be celebrated publicly.
Recalling the project’s inception, Gehlot noted that the construction of the refinery was made possible due to the continuous efforts of the then Congress government following the discovery of oil in Barmer.
He highlighted the crucial role played by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and former Congress President Sonia Gandhi in establishing coordination between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and the Rajasthan government for the refinery’s formation.
Targeting the BJP over the project’s delays, Gehlot questioned why the refinery’s work was allegedly stalled for five years during the previous BJP administration. He demanded accountability from the Prime Minister and the NDA government regarding the delays that have caused the estimated cost of the refinery to rise from approximately ₹37,000 crores to over ₹80,000 crores. He asserted that the people of Rajasthan have the right to know who is responsible for the financial losses incurred due to these delays and cost increases.
Speaking on the occasion of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi completing two years as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Gehlot described this term as ‘historic’ and praised Gandhi for emerging as a strong voice on issues affecting farmers, laborers, youth, and the poor.
He noted that Rahul Gandhi has consistently questioned the central government’s policies both inside and outside Parliament, effectively fulfilling the responsibilities of the opposition. Gehlot also credited Gandhi for leading a nationwide movement regarding the NEET examination issue.
In response to allegations made by BJP leader and Rajasthan Minister Kirori Lal Meena against state Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra, Gehlot dismissed them as baseless and politically motivated. He insisted that accusations should be supported by facts and evidence, stating that making unfounded claims is unacceptable.
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