Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot raised concerns about the delay in finishing the Barmer Refinery project before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to inaugurate it. Gehlot criticized the previous BJP government in Rajasthan, alleging that the project had been stalled for five years, leading to a significant cost increase. He emphasized the importance of a grand public inauguration for the refinery, considering it a crucial development milestone for Rajasthan.
Gehlot highlighted the efforts of the Congress government in making the refinery project a reality after the discovery of oil in Barmer. He mentioned the role played by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi in facilitating the formation of the refinery company in collaboration with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and the Rajasthan government. Questioning the BJP’s accountability for the project’s delay, Gehlot demanded answers from the Prime Minister and the NDA government regarding the halt in work during the previous BJP tenure.
Regarding Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s two-year tenure as the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Gehlot praised him for being a strong advocate on issues affecting farmers, laborers, youth, and the underprivileged. He commended Rahul Gandhi for his active role in questioning the government’s policies and leading initiatives such as the NEET examination issue. Gehlot dismissed allegations against State Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra by BJP leader Kirodi Lal Meena as unfounded and politically motivated, emphasizing the need for evidence to support accusations.
Critiquing the current BJP government in Rajasthan led by Bhajan Lal Sharma, Gehlot criticized the administration for widespread public discontent due to failures in governance, stalled development projects, and increasing corruption. He pointed out issues such as underutilization of newly constructed hospital buildings due to a lack of medical staff and equipment, describing the administrative situation in Rajasthan as unprecedented. Gehlot clarified that his recent meeting in New Delhi was solely for the Rajiv Gandhi National Relief and Welfare Society and not related to any political matters within the Rajasthan Congress.
