Modi sounds bugle for assembly polls in Rajasthan

The ruling BJP in Rajasthan sounded the bugle for upcoming assembly elections with Prime Minister Narendra Modi relaunching a big-ticket refinery project in Barmer in Pachpadra district on Tuesday.

Claiming that the refinery costing Rs 43,129 crore will be ready by 2022 and will change the economic landscape of the state, Modi said, "With this refinery, Rajasthan will take the lead to become the energy powerhouse of the country." The refinery witnessed a second foundation stone laying today, with the first being laid by Congress leader Sonia Gandhi in 2013.

The event saw a gathering of thousands of people. Though the BJP claimed that more than 3 lakh people attended, sources said arrangements were made for one lakh only. Those in the organising team confirmed that not more than 70,000 people turned up. The same number had attended the previous ceremony when former UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi did the honours.

'Can't mislead people'

Taking a dig at the Congress, Modi said, "We cannot mislead people by installing stones. We believe in concrete plans. While India celebrates 75 years of independence in 2022, we will ensure that our refinery starts functioning the same year," Modi added.

The Barmer Refinery cum Petrochemical Complex, a joint venture between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation and Rajasthan government, will have the capacity to refine 9 million tonne crude oil annually. Modi appreciated the efforts of Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje who turned the project into reality.

The refinery will be the state's first. The product output from the refinery will conform to the advanced BS-VI emission norms.