Bundelkhand, Poorvanchal issue rocks Parliament

New Delhi, Apr 22 (UNI) The BSP today forced brief adjournments in both Houses of Parliament and later staged a walkout, demanding an immediate financial package of Rs 80,000 crore for Bundelkhand and Poorvanchal.

'Stop politics in name of Bundelkhand and Poorvanchal,' the BSP members shouted slogans as they stalled the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha.

The BSP's pressure on the UPA Government comes days after UP Chief Minister Mayawati threatened to withdraw support to the Centre if it failed to provide the package and bring down prices of essential commodities.

Ms Mayawati reiterated her threat following the recent storming of the Bundelkhand's Divisional Commissioner's Office by Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi.

In the Lok Sabha, as soon as the new members took oath and Speaker Somnath Chatterjee read out a message on Earth Day, Brajesh Pathak (BSP) demanded suspension of the Question Hour to take up discussion on the plight of farmers in Bundelkhand and Poorvanchal.

Mr Chatterjee, however, said he would allow discussion on the issue during Zero Hour like he had done thrice in the current session.

As his request to the members to resume their seats went unheeded, the Speaker adjourned the House for 50 minutes till 1200 hrs.

When the House reassembled during Zero Hour, BSP members again raised slogans and later staged a walkout.

The Rajya Sabha also witnessed noisy scenes on the issue.

The BSP members entered the well, demanding discussion on the conditions of farmers in Poorvanchal and Bundelkhand.

As bedlam continued, Chairman Hamid Ansari adjourn the House briefly for 15 minutes at 1105 hrs.

When the House re-assembled, the BSP members were again on their feet, reiterating their demand, and staged a walkout after their demand was not accepted.

UNI TEAM YJ AS1549