JAIPUR: Former Rajasthan Chief Minister, Ashok Gehlot, on Wednesday sharply criticised the BJP government for its handling of the Pachpadra Refinery project, describing it as the “mega chapter” of what he termed 'Intezaar Shastra', a metaphor for prolonged delays in development. “The cost has escalated from Rs 37, 229 crore to nearly Rs 80, 000 crore, reflecting poor planning and politically-motivated delays, ” he said.
In a statement, Ashok Gehlot alleged that BJP governments caused “grave injustice” to the people of Rajasthan by delaying the project and increasing its financial burden.
Gehlot wrote on X, "BJP governments have committed a grave injustice against the people of Rajasthan in the name of this refinery. An unnecessary financial burden was imposed upon the public. The project cost skyrocketed from Rs 37, 229 crore to approximately Rs 80, 000 crore. Driven by the politics of credit-claiming, the BJP deliberately caused a delay of over seven and a quarter years. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Congress government had completed 80 per cent of the work, " he said.
"The BJP's parochial politics have dealt a severe blow to the state's economy and employment aspirations of its youth. Why, after all, does the BJP harbour such animosity towards the development of Rajasthan, " Gehlot questioned.