DNA EXCLUSIVE | Konkan Refinery Project: It’s BJP vs rest

The fault lines have become evident as the ruling BJP has been pitted against its ruling partner Shiv Sena, opposition parties and NGOs over the development of the Rs 3 lakh crore refinery project in the coastal Rajapur taluka of Ratnagiri district. This is similar to the Enron project controversy in which Congress was a strong advocate while each and every other political party and NGOs were opponents.

Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) have formed a company, Western India Refineries and Petrochemicals, to execute the 60 million tonne refinery-cum-petrochemicals complex.

The state government has issued a notice under section 32 (2) of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Act, 1961 for the acquisition of 15,000 acres in Ratnagiri district and 1,000 acres in Sindhudurg district.

While land holders and opponents have launched an agitation against it, the BJP is making a strong case for the refinery. The party believes it will expedite the Konkan region’s development, create jobs and open up opportunities for local businesses.

BJP’s former legislator Pramod Jathar told DNA, “Those opposing the refinery project are playing politics. BJP hopes that the project will transform the Konkan region. The party along with the locals will …read more