BJP's Promise to Provide LPG Cylinders for Rs 450 in Rajasthan Denied by Minister in Rajya Sabha

New Delhi: In a surprising development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has contradicted its own manifesto commitment to provide subsidised LPG cylinders at Rs 450 in Rajasthan.

The contradiction arose during a Rajya Sabha session when MP Javed Ali Khan questioned the minister of state for petroleum and natural gas, Rameswar Teli, about the promised rate. However, the minister denied any such announcement.

Teli said, "No. There has been no such announcement by the Government of India in Rajasthan."

This discrepancy comes shortly after the BJP included the Rs 450 LPG cylinder pledge in its manifesto ahead of the November assembly elections.

Home minister Amit Shah also publicly reiterated this commitment in a rally.

Also read: Farmers, Women, Corruption and Jobs: Comparing Congress, BJP’s Rajasthan Manifestos

On November 22, home minister Amit Shah, in a rally, had promised the women of Rajasthan, saying, "Let the price of the cylinder increase, but the women in Rajasthan will still have access to it for Rs 450." [See video. Time stamp: 20:55]

This public reaffirmation by Shah was intended to counter the existing Congress party scheme, where over 76 lakh families below the poverty line were already benefiting from LPG cylinders priced at Rs 500 in Rajasthan. 

The Congress, in its manifesto, had gone further, promising to reduce the LPG cylinder price to Rs 400 in Rajasthan. It had also promised to expand the beneficiary base to one crore households.

The discrepancy between manifesto assurances and official statements adds complexity to the voters' perception of the BJP's governance in Rajasthan.

The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.