Responding to remarks made by former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, BJP Rajya Sabha member Rajendra Gehlot criticized the comments on the inauguration of the Pachpadra Refinery in Jaipur as reflective of “petty politics.” Rajendra Gehlot alleged that during Ashok Gehlot’s tenure, the refinery lacked a finalized site, concrete planning, or a clear budget framework, suggesting that the foundation stone was laid hastily for political gain.
Rajendra Gehlot claimed that it was under the BJP government in 2016 that the appropriate site for the refinery was determined, and a structured financial plan was established. He further accused the previous Congress government of making minimal progress on the project between 2018 and 2023, emphasizing that political concerns took precedence over advancing the refinery work.
Highlighting the efforts of the current state government, Rajendra Gehlot praised Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma for prioritizing the refinery project after the BJP came to power in December 2023. He mentioned that the Chief Minister personally oversaw the project’s progress through multiple site visits to ensure timely completion. The Pachpadra Refinery is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 21, with expectations of generating employment opportunities, enhancing infrastructure in western Rajasthan, particularly in Barmer, and stimulating regional economic growth.
Rajendra Gehlot also pointed out that infrastructure projects like Bharatmala and related connectivity initiatives, such as railway links, pipelines, and logistics networks, are anticipated to further drive industrial development in the region. In conclusion, he urged Ashok Gehlot to focus on his own tenure’s performance rather than criticizing a project that signifies a significant milestone in Rajasthan’s development.
