Left groping for answer,Azam Khan blames officials

Three projects,including one in Kanpur and two in Allahabad,were awaiting clearance from the Centre.

In the supplementary,Mahana asked for details of the project at Kanpur. Khan had no reply,but in a face-saving effort,he stated: “It has been sent to central government and when it is sanctioned the details will be intimated. We are not sure about it as the Centre may amend the project before clearance.”

Mahana did not lose heart,and again asked: “Can you please tell me the details of the project at Kanpur which has been sent by the state to the central government?”

Khan searched his papers,but had no answer. Addressing Speaker Mata Prasad Pandey,he remarked: “Sir,what shall I answer? The note of the briefing done by the officials in chamber before the question hour is not enclosed in my file. When the officials do not give all papers,for how long shall I use my experience to get away from such situations?”

The members were surprised at Khan’s statement. Mahana,however,defused the situation and remarked: “Sir,I have got my answer.”

Later,Mahana told The Indian Express that he had no intention of embarassing the minister. “When the minister is admitting that his officials are not listening to him,there is no answer. We can raise issues,but there is no intention of personally embarassing the minister,” Mahana added.