Farooq applies for LPG subsidy, PDP slams him

Former Jammu and Kashmir CM Farooq Abdullah is in the midst of a controversy in the wake of his recent application for LPG subsidy, which was criticized by his rivals.

Abdullah, the president of National Conference, has submitted a form for non-Aadhar based LPG subsidy transfer with a distributor of HP Gas on August 14 this year. During the Lok Sabha elections last year, he had declared an annual income of more than Rs 10 lakh and assets worth over Rs 13 crore. He lost that election, marking his first electoral loss in his 35year political career.

Ruling PDP spokesman Waheedur Rehman Parra criticized Abdullah for seeking LPG subsidy despite his “huge assets“. “He thinks he is a Prince. His family has amassed huge assets and yet he is seeking subsidy . If he is so poor, we offer him free gas supply for six years,“ Parra has been quoted by media in India.

PM Narendra Modi has been appealing for months that the well-off should give up LPG subsidy so that benefits could be diverted to the needy poor people. Responding to that appeal earlier, Abdullah had said in July that it should be left to the conscience of MPs whether or not they want to give up the subsidy . Asked whether he had given up his LPG subsidy , he had said, “Don’t worry about me. I will do whatever I have to.“