Jaipur, March 12 Rajasthan Minister of State for Home, Jawahar Singh Bedham, accused state Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra of misleading the public regarding the availability of gas on Thursday.
"Dotasra is seeking opportunities to confuse the people of Rajasthan and is more focused on political gains than development. Engaging in petty politics at such a time is unacceptable," the minister said.
The Congress leader has criticized the BJP governments at the Centre and state for mishandling energy supplies amid the West Asian conflict.
"Just as people were made to stand in queues during demonetisation, they are now being forced to queue up for gas cylinders," Dotasra told reporters at the party's war room here.
Bedham said the state government is committed to maintaining the smooth supply of essential commodities and has directed officials to ensure that citizens face no inconvenience.
The government is working with full dedication towards the welfare of the people, he added.
Senior BJP leader and former Leader of Opposition, Rajendra Singh Rathore, also criticized Dotasra, saying his statement was "irresponsible" and an attempt to "create panic among people".
Rathore said that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, public representatives also have a moral responsibility while making statements, especially in the current global situation affecting fuel supplies.
"Due to the prevailing international circumstances, there has been pressure on the supply of petroleum products such as petrol, LPG and natural gas across the world, but Rajasthan has not witnessed any shortage or black marketing," he said.
He said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the BJP in opposition had extended support to the Congress government dealing with the crisis in the state.