File photo of Farooq Abdullah.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah has landed in a controversy after he recently applied for LPG subsidy - months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called upon the affluent to give up the subsidy so the needy could be served better.
The president of the main opposition party, the National Conference, had submitted a form for non-Aadhar based LPG subsidy transfer on August 14, said an official of the gas agency.
Ruling PDP spokesman Waheedur Rehman Parra criticised Mr Abdullah for seeking LPG subsidy despite his "huge assets". During the Lok Sabha elections last year, Mr Abdullah had declared an annual income of more than Rs 10 lakh and assets worth over Rs 13 crore.
"He (Abdullah) 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," Mr Parra said.
In response to PM Modi's appeal, Mr Abdullah had said in July that it should be left to the conscience of the lawmakers 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."
Mr Abdullah was not available for comment - his staff said he was busy in a meeting.