BJP alleges siphoning off of allotted kerosene provided to Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Odisha BJP Vice President Samir Mohanty targeted the State Government today over the kerosene quota, alleging that the kerosene provided to the State is siphoned off in between. He said that money earned from this is going to the pockets of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Sanjay Das Burma and BJD spokesperson Pratap Deb.

Mohanty informed that while 2.93 lakh kilo litre of kerosene had been provided to Odisha last year, only 2.48 lakh kilo litre of kerosene will be provided this year. The kerosene quota has been decreased based on the reports of the State Government mentioning increase in gas and electricity connection.

Addressing a Press meet, Mohanty said, "Claiming to be in politics for the benefit of the poor, a large share of the black marketing of kerosene is going to the pockets of current and former Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister. The government should clarify about the amount of kerosene which is not used by the people; secondly it should clarify the names of kerosene users in every panchayat, block, town, municipality or NAC."

BJD Vice President Surya Narayan Patro replying to the allegation of Mohanty said that kerosene is provided by the Centre, so the amount of kerosene siphoned off can only be said by the Union Minister.

Patro, talking to media persons said, "All information will be near Supplies department or Central Government. Supplies minister can give an adequate reply on it. The minister can only give the details about the kerosene shortage and steps taken by the State Government. BJP leaders know to raise allegations but they are not ready to find solution of the matter. The Union Oil minister can only say what amount of kerosene is diverted on the way from Delhi to Odisha."