Bhubaneswar: War of wards ensued between the ruling BJD and BJP leaders on Sunday following the former's allegations of reduction of kerosene quota supplied by the Centre to the state.
Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan lashed out at the State Government over its decision to protest the decline in the fuel quota. Speaking to media persons during a party function here, Pradhan alleged that the state government is trying to encourage black marketers by losing revenue.
Daring the State Government, Pradhan said, “The list of sub-dealers has been displayed on the website but there is no information about the beneficiaries. If they have courage then they should publish the detailed list of beneficiaries listed under the NFSA scheme,” he said.
Meanwhile, rubbishing the comments of Pradhan, BJD Spokesperson, Pratap Deb said the Union Minister's allegations are not based on facts and truth. “If the Centre is so concerned about the revenue loss, then they should stop the kerosene quota. That would stop black marketing. The Centre appoints kerosene wholesale dealers and all the information about that goes to its ministry,”
Taking a dig at the Minister, Deb said he must have the idea how much oil goes from depots. A responsible minister like Pradhan should not try to give baseless comments.
Earlier on Saturday, the BJD announced to hold state-wide protests over decline in the kerosene quota to Odisha. Alleging that the State’s demands for increasing the fuel quota as per the rise in demands are not being heeded time and again, the ruling party informed that it would hold protests starting April 10.