SP walkout to protest sending ''empty water train'' to Bundelkhand

New Delhi, May 6

The Samajwadi Party walked out of Rajya Sabha on Friday accusing the central government of “playing petty politics” by sending an “empty” water train to drought- hit Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh.

The Samajwadi Party claimed that while the Centre had not heeded to state government's requests for additional funds for tankers and dam to deal with drought in Bundelkhand, it sent the water train without speaking to the state government.

Samajwadi Party leader Naresh Agarwal first brought up the debate and said the Centre had not consulted the state government before sending an “empty” water train.

“The state government had sought central funds for building dam, water tankers, de-silting ponds and handpumps, none of which was agreed to by the Union Government,” he said.

“Can a Minister do water politics? The Minister should resign," he said referring to Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu.

The SP trooped the Well of the House shouting slogans. Amid the din, Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien got 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.

Prabhu said a steam-cleaned, 10-wagon train was on the way to fill water at Jhansi before going to the drought-hit areas.

The state government should properly utilise the Bundelkhand package extended by the Centre. "Central government is willing to extend more help," he said.

Unsatisfied, the SP demanded an apology and walked out of the House.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi maintained that the government was not playing politics on drought and water crisis in some parts of the country. — PTI