BJP members disrupt House alleging ‘biased allotment of hand pumps’

Minister of State (independent charge) for Rural Development Arvind Singh Gope in his reply assured the House that the government is concerned about availability of drinking water and installation of hand pumps across the state. Singh then said that as per the norms of Rajiv Gandhi Drinking Water Mission (RGDWM),every area should be given equal opportunity while installing hand pumps. “We are not discriminating against any area. Last month the government had issued 50 new hand pumps and 50 reboring of hand pumps in every block,” Gope replied.

BJP members termed it as a lie and raised their voices against the minister. At this Gope also reacted and remarked: “Don’t use unparliamentary language. I speak little and whenever I speak,it means business.” He also informed that 50,000 more hand pumps have been sanctioned by the chief minister during last month.

Singh,however,said: “Can you give details of the hand pumps which were installed at the recommendation of BJP legislators. There is discrimination by the government and the opposition members are overlooked.” Getting no reply,BJP members trooped into the well raising slogans against the state government.

The Speaker then adjourned the House for five minutes and extended it to 25 minutes. The leaders of all political parties were called by the Speaker to his chamber to diffuse the situation.

Later,in his ruling Pandey assured that the issue will be taken up with Akhilesh. “Since it is a policy decision I will personally take up the issue along with minister of parliamentary affairs with the CM. We will find a solution after discussing with all leaders,” Pandey added.