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. Further, while tracing the project’s origins, Gehlot stated that the refinery was conceptualised after the Congress came to power in 2008.
He said discussions were initiated with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), who was initially hesitant to start the project. “It was only after the intervention of then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi that the project was approved,” he said.
He added that the foundation stone was laid by Sonia Gandhi with the vision of strengthening India’s energy security and transforming Barmer into a major energy hub. “The refinery was meant to place Rajasthan at the forefront of the country’s oil and energy sector,” he noted.
However, Gehlot alleged that after the change in government, the project “took a political turn” and was stalled by the BJP. “For years, the project remained hanging. The Congress had to stage protests, and only under pressure did the BJP restarted the work in 2018,” he claimed.
Highlighting his government’s tenure, Gehlot said the project was prioritised when Congress returned to power. “Despite COVID-19 disruptions, continuous monitoring ensured steady progress, and nearly 80 per cent of the work was completed during our tenure,” he said.
He further argued that delays adversely impacted employment and economic growth. “The youth of Rajasthan lost valuable opportunities due to unnecessary delays,” he added. Calling the refinery a symbol of the Congress’ commitment, Gehlot said, “Today, as the refinery nears completion, its scale reflects our dedication to public welfare.
This is the true model of development where public interest takes precedence over politics.” The Pachpadra Refinery is expected to significantly boost energy security and economic activity in the region, even as political debate over its execution continues.