UP govt denies any hunger death

Lucknow, Aug 24 (UNI) Refusing to waive agricultural loans given to farmers, the Uttar Pradesh government today denied any hunger or poverty related death in the state.

State revenue minister Ambika Chaudhary claimed that the power to waive loans was vested with the Centre only, even as leader of the opposition and senior BJP leader Lalji Tandon alleged 50 deaths had occurred in Bundelkhand, Poorvanchal and Ruhelkhand regions so far.

Disatisfied with the reply, BSP and BJP members staged a walkout claiming the state government was insensitive and anti-farmers.

Mr Chaudhary said in 1989, the Mulayam Singh Yadav government waived loans upto Rs 10,000 only after the Centre had approved the same.

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