Says Ashok Gehlot “Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the underprivileged access to LPG connections. However, the cylinder is still empty because the current cylinder rates range from 400 to 1,040.”
Ashok Gehlot, the chief minister of Rajasthan, announced today that the state will offer cooking gas cylinders for 500 rupees to those who are enrolled in the Ujjwala program and live below the poverty line. This declaration comes in front of the assembly elections next year. Rahul Gandhi, a prominent party figure, was present when the Chief Minister made the declaration. He said his government would give each of these people 12 cylinders a year at less than half the cost, an apparent jab at the BJP.
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“I’m prepping for the budget next month… Right now, I want to say only one thing. Under the Ujjwala Scheme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi provided the poor with LPG connections… But the cylinder remains empty, because the (cylinder) rates are now between ₹ 400 and ₹ 1,040,” Mr Gehlot said. “I would like to say that we will provide 12 cylinders a year for those who are poor and under the Ujjwala scheme, at ₹ 500 each,” Mr Gehlot added.
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Assembly polls are due in Rajasthan next year and the Congress is going all out to win a second consecutive term in the state. But more than governance, the party has drawn eyeballs for its infighting.
A fresh friction cropped up between Mr Gehlot and his former deputy Sachin Pilot earlier this month, just before Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra was to reach the state.
…Ashok Gehlot
Mr. Gandhi, who was in Alwar today, hailed the accomplishments of Mr. Gehlot’s administration.
And made special note of the 1,700 new English-medium schools that were add.
The declaration is interpreted as Mr. Gehlot’s signal to Team Pilot that his position is secure and that he will offer the election budget for the following year and take the initiative.
…Ashok Gehlot
The government’s decision is anticipate to give the freebies and subsidies debate, which up until now has been focus on Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party, a new lease on life.
In an August hearing, the Supreme Court, which is currently examining the case, recommend that an all-party discussion be convened.
