RJD grills Govt over flood relief

RJD member Ram Kirpal Yadav wanted to know specifically about the relief provided to Bihar. ‘‘We would like to know why the foodgrain for relief is being provided at the market price to the affected people,’’ Ram Kirpal said.

Patil sought to take questions at the end of the discussion but within minutes, RJD member Devendra Prasad Yadav cut in and demanded to know why relief foodgrain could not be given at BPL price or for free. ‘‘The price of relief foodgrain is fixed by my colleague…who is in the other House,” Patil said. Agitated RJD members got to their feet, asking why answers could not be given to their questions. Devendra Yadav said, ‘‘We are not beggars. We want to know the details of the relief for the affected people. And for answering such an important discussion, at least three ministers should have been present.’’

‘‘We will consider the suggestion of supplying foodgrain for free,” Patil said but as the minister’s reply failed to satisfy the member, Devendra Yadav threatened to walk out and almost reached the door when Congress MP Pawan Kumar Bansal intervened and stopped him from walking out.