Bathinda Refinery - 27/06/2007
Ref.No. : QRLD/2007-08:
S. Prakash Singh Badal Ji,
Hon. Chief Minister Punjab
CM Punjab Residence
House 45 Sector 2,
Chandigarh
27 June 2007
Dear Badal Sahib,
Bathinda Refinery
I fully commend my fellow NRI, Mr. L.N. Mittal, for his momentous decision to invest the colossal amount of Rs. 3506 crores in this project, in the process making its implementation much more likely.
That you have chosen this opportunity for political posturing is unfortunate especially considering the following :
- The project was sanctioned by the government of the late Sh. Narashima Rao, with the Union Government’s letter of intent dated 3 April 1996.
- Land for the project was allotted by the Punjab Government of Sardar H.S. Brar.
- Uncertainty about its viability led to HPCL to be unwilling to take up this venture on its own.
- Numerous potential global partners failed to materialize, largely on account of government control on product pricing.
Had it not been for the resurgent Indian economy under the direction of the UPA administration, resulting in a much higher demand for petroleum and petrochemicals, this refinery may well still be languishing without a partner.
Quite how you can blame the previous administration for any lapse is beyond me.
The fact is that Mr. Mittal’s involvement has absolutely nothing to do with this Akali administration. I do not recall either you or any member of your family personally lobbying Mr. Mittal.
The Bathinda refinery project has reach this stage because of:
- The collective efforts of the previous three Punjab governments, including your third term.
- The resilience of HPCC in overcoming a number of rejections by potential partners.
- The entrepreneurial instinct of Mittal.
I do share your happiness on this excellent piece of news, but please refrain from manipulating the facts.
Kind regards
Yours sincerely
Jasbir Singh Khangura MLA
HALQA QILA RAIPUR
