Samajwadi Party MPs staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha on Friday morning after alleging that the Modi government was not serious in tackling the drought situation and had sent an “empty” water trai
Samajwadi Party MPs staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha on Friday morning after alleging that the Modi government was not serious in tackling the drought situation and had sent an “empty” water train to Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh.
The SP alleged that the state government’s demand for additional funds for tankers and dam to deal with drought in Bundelkhand has not been met by the Centre.
However, refuting these charges, railway minister Suresh Prabhu stated that a steam-cleaned, 10-wagon train was on the way to fill water at Jhansi before going to the drought-hit areas. SP members were not satisfied with the reply and wanted the minister to apologise for playing with the sentiments of people. They staged a walkout of the House soon thereafter.
The issue was raised by Naresh Agarwal (SP) soon after the House assembled for work. He alleged that the Centre had not contacted his party’s government in UP before deciding to send the water train to Bundelkhand. He claimed that the train was empty and contained no water when it reached Bundelkhand.
The state government had sought Central funds for building dam, water tankers, desilting ponds and handpumps, none of which was agreed to by the Union government, he said.
“The state government did not ask for a water train. They asked for funds,” he said.
SP members trooped into the Well of the House raising slogans against “water politics”. Amid the din, Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien got the listed papers laid on the table.
Mayawati (BSP) said 50 districts of Uttar Pradesh were facing drought and both central and state governments should rise above party politics and think about solving the water crisis.
If a water train was sent by the Centre, the state government should have accepted it and exposed that it was empty, she said.
However, responding to the criticism, Prabhu drew a parallel with the water train sent to Latur in Maharashtra saying a train has to be steam cleaned for it to transport portable water. Steam cleaning facility is only available at Kota in Rajasthan and so when water train was to be sent to Latur, it was cleaned at Kota and then it travelled empty to Miraj in Maharashtra where it was filled and the water transported to Latur, he said.
Similar provision was made for Bundelkhand, he said adding a new 10 wagon train was cleaned at Kota which then travelled to Uttar Pradesh. Water is being filled in the train at Jhansi after which it will go to Bundelkhand, he said, adding water was being filled from within the state that needs it.
Prabhu said “We dont want to play any politics,” and added that he had spoken to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav yesterday on the issue. “We are ready to provide whatever help is needed.”
Kurien said the minister has already stated that he has communicated with the Chief Minister and so the issue raised by SP members raises was over. SP members were however not satisfied and walked out of the House.
