It was a historic moment for the state as the Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Work Commencement Ceremony of Barmer refinery on Tuesday. Modi landed at the ceremony site at about 12:46 pm and his arrival was played on numerous screens placed inside the pandal. Excitement among the crowd was palpable as people welcomed him with thunderous applause, chanting ‘Modi Modi’ at the top of their voices. Sea of saffron-coloured BJP flags was widespread.
Just before coming taking to the dais, Modi saw the model of the refinery and HPCL chairman MK Surana briefed him about the project. Chief minister Vasundhara Raje, petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan, chief secretary NC Goel, petroleum secretary Aparna Arora were also present on the occasion.
Modi said that he had taken assurance from the HPCL to complete the refinery work by 75th Independence Day in 2022. He also went through various pictures related to the refinery and DIPR secretary and principal OSD to chief minister Ariji Banerjee briefed him about the water recharge system and about the water availability needed for the project.
Modi was received by chief minister Vasundhara Raje and union petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan at the podium. He was given a shawl by chief minister Vasundhara Raje while petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan greeted him by presenting a turban to him. Pradhan was also felicitated by minister of mines Surendra Pal Singh TT.
Modi inaugurated the work commencement ceremony by using a remote. Moreover, a short film on the refinery was also shown which informed about the benefits of the refinery to the state.
MLAs including Sheo MLA Manvendra Singh, Abhishek Matoria, Chotu Singh Bhati, Kailash Choudhary were all sitting under the pandal to witness the ceremony. Jhalawar MP Dushyant Singh also marked his presence.
Moreover, before the Prime Minister’s arrival, union ministers namely PP Choudhary, CR Choudhary and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat spoke about the various schemes of union government.
