BJP Leader Accuses Congress of Delaying Key Rajasthan Refinery Project
In a sharp political attack, former BJP state president Satish Poonia on Thursday leveled serious allegations against the Congress party, accusing it of deliberately delaying the crucial Pachpadra refinery project and inflating its costs during its tenure in Rajasthan. Poonia asserted that the BJP government's intervention has resulted in substantial savings for the state.
Allegations of Cost Inflation and Project Delays
Targeting the opposition directly, Poonia claimed that a pervasive "culture of delay and diversion" under Congress rule led to significant setbacks for the refinery initiative. He emphasized that had the project not been stalled, Rajasthan would have reaped its benefits much earlier, particularly during times of economic crisis.
"The Congress's mismanagement cost the state dearly, but our government has revived the project and saved approximately Rs 40,000 crore," Poonia stated. He highlighted that the Union Cabinet has now approved a revised project cost of Rs 79,459 crore, describing the refinery as a major economic boost for Rajasthan's industrial landscape.
Prime Minister Modi to Inaugurate Revived Project
The refinery project is scheduled for a formal inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 21, marking a significant milestone in the state's development agenda. Poonia positioned this event as a testament to the BJP's commitment to accelerating infrastructure projects that had languished under previous administrations.
Criticism Extends to Jaipur Metro Phase-1
Expanding his critique, Poonia also addressed the Jaipur Metro Phase-2 project, noting that the 41-kilometer corridor linking Sitapura to VKI is four times larger than the 11-kilometer Phase-1. With an estimated cost of Rs 13,037 crore, funded equally by the Centre and the state, he contrasted this with Phase-1.
"Phase-1 of the Jaipur Metro was launched primarily for electoral gains, without securing central support, which ultimately burdened the state financially," Poonia alleged, accusing the Congress of prioritizing short-term political benefits over sustainable development.
BJP Leaders Contrast Governance Approaches
Echoing these sentiments, Minister of State for Home Jawahar Singh Bedam commented on Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma's visits to Delhi, stating they are strategically aimed at securing essential development projects for Rajasthan. Bedam accused the Congress of engaging in "vote bank politics," drawing a sharp contrast with the BJP's focus on governance and public welfare.
In a pointed remark, Bedam also took a swipe at former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, questioning the frequency of his trips to the capital and implying they lacked the productive outcomes seen under the current BJP leadership.
The allegations underscore ongoing political tensions in Rajasthan, with the BJP positioning itself as a driver of efficient, cost-effective development against what it portrays as Congress's legacy of delays and fiscal irresponsibility.
