Gehlot Criticizes BJP Government Over Refinery Fire Incident

Ashok Gehlot has expressed strong criticism towards the BJP-led government in Rajasthan regarding the recent incident at the Pachpadra refinery in Balotra district. Gehlot accused the government of hastily attempting to inaugurate the refinery before it was truly ready, coinciding with Narendra Modi's intended visit last month.

The refinery suffered a fire on April 20, just one day before Modi was scheduled to inaugurate the project, which led to the cancellation of his visit. Gehlot questioned the readiness of the project, suggesting the trial runs were inadequately conducted within the last minute, only 24 to 36 hours prior to the PM's visit.

Gehlot further alleged that the government misled the public by exaggerating the project's completion. He maintained that the refinery was initially promised to commence operations by December 2024. Additionally, he criticized Jodhpur MP Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for overseeing numerous pending infrastructure projects.

In his remarks, Gehlot insinuated that had Shekhawat consulted him, he could have learned effective project management. Gehlot also accused the state government of deliberately postponing municipal, panchayat, and cooperative elections, attributing this to a fear of electoral defeat.

(With inputs from agencies.)