Uma Bharti cautions officials against Maoist elements in Bundelkhand

Bundelkhand (

), June 30: Union Water Resources Minister

has cautioned local officials against the possibility of Maoist elements gaining ground in the backward Bundelkhand region due to unemployment and poverty.

"Maoists have an eye on the areas where there is poverty and unemployment as they get a chance to gain ground there so the officials of the Bundelkhand region have to remain more alert," Bharti told reporters after a meeting with administrative and police officials in her parliamentary constituency on Sunday.

Bharti also regretted that the funds of the special package for development of the Bundelkhand region was returned and said an inquiry would be conducted into it.

The Union Minister asked the officials to give more emphasis to law and order situation. Bharti termed rail and freight fare hike as an important and encouraging step for the betterment of Railways which is in a bad shape.

On the controversy concerning Sai Baba and the statement of Shankaracharya, she said that it is the matter of individual belief and faith.

PTI