Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has called for strict action against individuals who allegedly provided inaccurate information to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the status of the Barmer Refinery project. Gehlot cited official data presented in the Lok Sabha, indicating that the refinery had surpassed 80% completion by July 15, 2024, before the Congress government left office in December 2023.
Questioning the BJP government’s claims, Gehlot highlighted the rapid progress of the refinery under the current administration, contrasting it with the previous government’s performance. He expressed skepticism over the sudden advancement in construction within a short period.
Following the Prime Minister’s statements during the refinery’s inauguration, Gehlot referenced a parliamentary response from August 1, 2024, revealing that the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited project had achieved 80.8% overall physical progress by mid-July 2024. Gehlot emphasized the need for accountability for those responsible for providing misleading information.
Gehlot reiterated that the Congress government had overseen significant progress on the refinery project until December 2023, challenging assertions that the work had stalled. He criticized the delay between the project’s mechanical completion target in March 2025 and its actual inauguration, suggesting a lack of efficiency in project execution.
Defending his government’s handling of the project amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Gehlot emphasized the continuous progress made despite challenges such as lockdowns and labor shortages. He condemned attempts to discredit the project’s continuity and the efforts of those involved in its construction.
Accusing the BJP of exploiting government platforms for political gain, Gehlot denounced the alleged misinformation provided to the Prime Minister, labeling it as regrettable and misleading. He emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in public projects, urging for a fair assessment of the refinery’s progress.
Gehlot concluded by highlighting the public’s scrutiny of the situation and tagged the PMO India in his remarks.
