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Gujarat minister defends Modi in gas exploration row

Last Updated 05 May 2016, 19:21 IST

Defending the Modi-led Gujarat government in the oil exploration row in Krishna-Godavari Basin, state petroleum and energy minister Saurabh Patel said the project was sanctioned by the UPA regime.

Government auditor CAG mentioned in its report that future prospects of investment of Rs 19,576 crore in Krishna Godavari (KG) block project appeared “uncertain”, which provided the opposition Congress ammunition to attack the BJP government in Parliament.

The Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC) undertook the exploration project in 2003 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure as chief minister.  Patel alleged that Congress’ attempt to rake the issue in Parliament is merely to divert attention from the controversial AgustaWestland helicopter deal in which its leaders were accused of aiding corruption.  Patel asked the reasons for the management committee made of Union petroleum ministry officials to approve the KG Basin exploration if they were convinced that there was no oil.

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(Published 05 May 2016, 19:21 IST)

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