Rajasthan sees political discrimination in refinery backout

Jaipur, Jan 17 (UNI) The BJP government in Rajasthan today alleged political discrimination in the backout of the proposed refinery by the ONGC and said the matter would be taken up with the Prime Minister to get justice for the state.

PWD Minister and cabinet spokesman Rajendra Singh Rathore and Laxmi Narayan Dave in a joint press briefing after the cabinet meeting held here today said the the government would come out with a ''status report'' on the refinery issue at the next cabinet meeting on January 24 to explain steps taken by the state government.

Replying to a question whether the state government has received any official communication from the ONGC regarding their decision the minister said ''the unreasonable conditions and incentives put forth by the ONGC itself is enough indications of their decision''.

Mr Rathore said, ''the cabinet decided to take up the matter with the Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh and Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje will meet the prime minister in this regard shortly''.

Mr. Dave said the state government would lose heavily in sales tax on the by-products in the form of chemicals and gaes like Nathpta, Coke, LPG, turban oil and sulphur generated out of crude processing if the refinery was not established in the state. Mr Dave said the refinery was estimated to generate employment to about 50,000 youths and the government would not be found lacking behind in getting justice to the people of the state.

UNI