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Key Points

Rajasthan's Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully has launched a scathing attack on the BJP government over the delayed Pachpadra oil refinery project. He claims the project, initially started in 2013, has seen significant cost escalations due to government inaction. Jully highlighted that over 80% of the work was completed during the Congress government, questioning why the remaining 20% remains unfinished. He is demanding accountability from both state and central BJP leadership for the project's continued delay.

Key Points: Jully Blames BJP for Pachpadra Refinery Project Delay

  • BJP stalled project after 2013 Congress government initiated refinery
  • Project cost escalated from Rs 37,000 crore to Rs 1 lakh crore
  • Over 80% work completed during Congress rule
  • No clear timeline provided by current government
2 min read

Rajasthan: LoP Jully blames BJP govt for delay in Pachpadra oil refinery project

Rajasthan LoP Tika Ram Jully accuses BJP government of stalling Pachpadra oil refinery project, highlighting cost escalation and broken promises.

"If the Congress government could complete over 80 per cent of the work even during the Covid-19 crisis, why has the BJP's so-called 'double-engine' government failed to finish the remaining 20 per cent? - Tika Ram Jully"

Jaipur, Oct 14

Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Rajasthan Assembly and senior Congress leader Tika Ram Jully, on Tuesday, levelled serious allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government over the delays in the Pachpadra (Balotra) Refinery project.

He accused the BJP government of betraying public trust by failing to initiate production at the refinery, despite clear commitments in the 2025-26 state budget.

LoP Jully said that the Budget announcement for the year 2025-26 explicitly said that the Pachpadra (Balotra) Refinery would commence production by August 2025.

"However, not only has production not started, but the state government has also failed to provide any concrete explanation for the delay," he added.

He said that the foundation stone of the refinery was laid in 2013 under the Congress government, with a scheduled completion date of 2018.

However, following the change in the government in December 2013, the incoming BJP government stalled the project.

After five years of inactivity, the BJP resumed work only in late 2018.

When the Congress government returned to power in December 2018, the project was expedited -- even amid the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic -- and more than 80 per cent of the work was completed by 2023.

LoP Jully also said that the estimated project cost in 2013 was Rs 37,000 crore but due to the BJP government's delays and mismanagement, it has now escalated to nearly Rs 1 lakh crore.

He also criticised the previous BJP government's decision to withdraw the state's share in the project, which has imposed an additional financial burden on Rajasthan.

He noted that in August 2024, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri visited the refinery site, but neither provided a timeline for its inauguration nor clarified when the production would begin.

The LoP asked: "If the Congress government could complete over 80 per cent of the work even during the Covid-19 crisis, why has the BJP's so-called 'double-engine' government failed to finish the remaining 20 per cent in two years under normal circumstances?"

He concluded by saying that the people of Rajasthan demand answers from the BJP-led state government.

"Was the budget announcement a lie? When will the government be held accountable for this delay?" LoP Jully demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Ministers provide clear answers on this issue during their visits to Rajasthan.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone from Barmer district, we've been waiting for this project for years. It's heartbreaking to see political games delaying development that could transform our region's economy.
S
Sarah B
While I agree the delays are concerning, let's not make this entirely political. Infrastructure projects often face genuine challenges. The government should provide transparent updates about the actual hurdles.
V
Vikram M
The "double-engine" government promised accelerated development, but here we see the opposite. If Congress could complete 80% during COVID, what's stopping BJP from finishing the remaining 20%? 🤔
A
Ananya R
Cost escalation from 37K to 1 lakh crore is shocking! This money could have built so many schools and hospitals. Our leaders need to be more accountable with public funds.
M
Michael C
Both parties are pointing fingers, but the real sufferers are the people of Rajasthan. We need this refinery for energy security and economic growth. Hope they resolve this soon! 🙏
K
Kavya N
The CM and Union Minister visited the site but didn't give any timeline? This shows lack of planning and commitment. Rajasthan deserves better governance.

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