In a pointed critique, Rajasthan’s ex-CM Ashok Gehlot has held the BJP government accountable for the Pachpadra refinery project’s escalating costs and chronic delays, which he says have crippled job growth and state development. The venture’s budget has doubled from Rs 37,000 crore to Rs 80,000 crore due to what Gehlot calls poor planning and intentional slowdowns.
Tracing the project’s roots to 2008 under Congress governance, Gehlot noted HPCL’s initial reluctance was overcome through persistent efforts and direct involvement from national leaders like Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi. By the time Congress returned to power in Rajasthan, 80% progress had been achieved amid pandemic hurdles, showcasing efficient execution.
Gehlot charged that the BJP’s takeover introduced artificial roadblocks, resuming work only after public pressure in 2018. This ‘procrastination policy,’ as he dubbed it, has not only inflated expenses but also denied Rajasthan’s youth crucial jobs in energy and related sectors.
The refinery promises to transform Barmer’s landscape by meeting local energy demands and fostering ancillary industries. Gehlot portrayed it as a Congress legacy, emphasizing how his administration prioritized it to drive inclusive growth. He demanded answers on why the current dispensation seems reluctant to expedite Rajasthan’s energy ambitions.
With the project on the verge of fruition, Gehlot warned that further delays would exacerbate economic woes. The controversy highlights deeper tensions over infrastructure priorities, calling for urgent resolution to harness the refinery’s socioeconomic dividends.
