Farooq Abdullah applies for LPG subsidy; PDP flays him

Srinagar, Sep 2: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah is in the midst of a controversy in the wake of his recent application for LPG subsidy, which was criticised by his rivals.

Abdullah, the president of main opposition National Conference, has submitted a form for non-Aadhar based LPG subsidy transfer with Super Gas Sevice at Durga Nag, a distributor of HP Gas, on August 14 this year, an official of the gas agency said.

During the Lok Sabha elections last year, he had declared an annual income of more than Rs 10 lakh and assets worth over Rs 13 crore. He lost that election, marking his first electoral loss in his 35-year political career.

Attempts to seek Abdullah's comment on the issue could not fructity as his staff said he is "busy in a meeting". Ruling PDP spokesman Waheedur Rehman Parra criticised Abdullah for seeking LPG subsidy despite his "huge assets".

"He (Abdullah) thinks he is a Prince. His family has amassed huge assets and yet he is seeking subsidy. If he is so poor, we offer him free gas supply for six years," Parra said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been appealing for months that the well-off people should give up LPG subsidy so that benefits could be diverted to the needy poor people.

Responding that appeal earlier, Abdullah had said in July that it should be left to the conscience of the MPs whether or not they want to give up the LPG subsidy.

Asked whether he had given up his LPG subsidy, he had said, "Don't worry about me. I will do whatever I have to."

PTI