Uproar in Bihar Assembly over drinking water shortage

Patna, Mar 15: Uproarious scenes were on Tuesday witnessed in the Bihar Assembly as Opposition BJP members protested in the House alleging shortage of drinking water in the state.

As soon as the House assembled for the day, Leader of the Opposition (LOP) Prem Kumar made a mention of the adjournment notice moved by seven BJP MLAs for a special discussion on the shortage of drinking water which was rejected by Speaker Vijay Kumar Chaudhary.

Irked, the BJP legislators and their NDA allies trooped into the well of the House and shouted anti-government slogans. The Speaker first tried carry on with the proceedings of the Question Hour amid din but as pandemonium continued, he adjourned the House till 2 PM.

Later, BJP members led by Leader of the Opposition staged a dharna on the lawns, in front of the main entrance of the Assembly. Some JD(U) MLAs also gathered at the portico of the House and shouted slogans against BJP and the Union government.

The LOP while talking to reporters outside the Assembly slammed the state government's decision to discontinue 'Chief Minister Handpump' scheme under which MLAs could recommend installation of handpumps in their areas.

Public Health and Engineering Department Minister Krishnandan Prasad Varma criticised BJP for creating a scene in the House over the issue.

"Providing drinking water to every household is part of the Chief Minister's seven promises which the government is committed to fulfil. In place of 'Chief Minister Handpump' scheme, the government is now bringing 'Chief Minister Drinking Water' programme," he told newspersons.

PTI