Politics over deprived Bundelkhand hotting up

Lucknow, Jan 21: Politics over drought-hit Bundelkhand is again hotting up with Uttar Pradesh Governor T V Rajeswar and chief minister Mayawati visiting the region to assess the situation. Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi, during his rally at Jhansi on January 17, had asked the Chief Minister to visit the area to see what her officials were doing.

He alleged that only five per cent of total development funds were being spent due to rampant corruption. While the governor is expected to visit Chitrakoot and Banda tomorrow, Ms Mayawati will address a massive 'Bundelkhand Haqikat Jawab Rally' at Jhansi on January 29. According to official sources, her programme had already beeng finalised, but the slection of the rally venue was yet to be made.

During the rally, Ms Mayawati would reply to all the allegations made by Mr Gandhi underscoring that Congress was the main 'villian' for the deteriorating condition of Bundelkhand region, said BSP sources here today.

''The centre's indifferent attitude towards the Bundelkhand region by not considering the package of over Rs 7,000 crore to meet the crisis proves how much they are serious about the issue,'' the leader claimed.

Earlier, the Congress MP from Amethi during his two-day tour to the region blamed the UP government for the miseries of the people.

Rahul visited four severe drought-hit places of the region and met the family members of the people, who had committed suicides due to growing financial burden.

Meanwhile, BSP leaders working round the clock to make the rally of the Chief Minister a great success and a massive turnout in reply to the political charges made against the government by the Congress and other parties.

UNI