Opp.stages walkout on foodgrain distribution issue

Mumbai, Apr 10 (UNI) Shiv Sena- BJP members today staged a walkout protesting against the ''irregularities'' in the distribution of food grains to the people affected during the deluge in July last year and alleged that Congress workers were given priority while distribution was on.

Replying to the question raised by Sanjay Dutt (Cong) during the Question Hour, Minister of State for Food and Civil Suplies Baba Siddiqui said the government was inquiring into the allegations.

Members of the Opposition were not satisfied with the reply and Madhukar Sarpotdar (Sena), Leader of the Opposition Pandurang Phundkar and Nitin Gadkari (BJP) alleged that Mr Siddiqui himself was sitting in the rationing office in the Mumbai suburb and gave kerosene to Congress workers for distribution.

Mr Siddiqui denied the allegation. However, heated verbal exchanges took place between the Opposition members and the minister before they staged the walk out.

UNI JM ADG SS HT1955