RS adjourned for the day over Andhra water shortage issue

New Delhi, May 14 (UNI) The Rajya Sabha was today adjourned for the day following vociferous demand by opposition led by Telugu Desam Party and the AIADMK that the Centre give a statement over acute water shortage in Andhra Pradesh due to the construction of a dam at Babli on the Godavari river by the Maharashtra government.

The issue led to adjournment of the House thrice earlier.

As soon as the House reassembled at 1400 hrs, agitated TDP members C Ramchandraiah, N P Durga and S M Laljand Basha and AIADMK member S G Indira rushed into the well of the House highlighting the plight of the Andhra farmers and sought a discussion on the issue.

Many other members also supported their demand pointing out that thousands of farmers from the state had travelled 2000 km to lodge their protest against the injustice meted out to them and were agitating at Jantar Mantar.

However, Deputy Chairman K Rahman Khan said that an important discussion on agriculture was scheduled and the Babli issue could not be taken up just because agriculture and water were related issues.

He said that the members should have given a proper notice for structured debate if they wanted a statement from the government.

It was only after proper notice that the chair could direct the government for a statement on the issue.

However, the TDP, AIADMK and other members persisted with their demand for immediate discussion on the Babli issue while Shiv Sena members rose to oppose them. When the uproar continued, Mr Khan adjourned the House for the day.

More UNI