RS members object to PM’s appeal on drought situation

NEW DELHI, APRIL 24: Members in the Rajya Sabha today objected to Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee’s appeal through Doordarshan and All India Radio on the drought situation saying the Government should have come to Parliament first before making the statement outside.

Raising the matter during Zero Hour, Nilotpal Basu (CPI-M) said had the Government come to the House with the statement, a national consensus could have been evolved.

Basu was supported by BJP member Venkaiah Naidu who said members should get an opportunity to air their feelings.

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CPI-M members Jibon Roy and Sarala Maheshwari wanted to know what steps Government had taken to tackle the drought situation.

At this stage, Minister of State for Law O Rajagopal said Government was willing to have a discussion on the issue in the House.