JD-U, SP accuse govt of allowing rice exports during drought

JD-U and SP today came together in the Lok Sabha to accuse the government of trying to help some big exporters by allowing rice exports during the time of drought and alleged that it was "big scam".

Utilising the opportunity, SP members attacked the Mayawati government for its handling of the situation in rain-deficient Uttar Pradesh.

Raising the matter during Zero Hour, JD-U chief Sharad Yadav alleged that the government had issued a dozen notifications to promote rice exports "to benefit 2-3 big rice exporters".

"All this is happening at a time when a large part of the country is facing deficient rainfall and a serious drought situation," he said.

He was supported by Samajwadi Party members who claimed that the export of rice at a time of drought was a "big scam".

Earlier during Question Hour, the SP members alleged that the Mayawati-led Uttar Pradesh government was politicising the deficient rain situation by declaring drought in "selective" districts.

SP members were on their feet when the Lok Sabha met for the day claiming that regions from where their party had won were not declared drought-hit by the UP government.

SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, who later associated with his JD(U) counterpart, pointed out that while Etawah district was not declared drought-hit, other districts were so categorised by the rival BSP-led state government.

Congress member Jagdambika Pal also raised similar concerns during Zero Hour, saying the UP government had not given any notice to the Centre about the grave situation.

Pointing out that 60 of the 71 districts were hit, Pal said the kharif crop had been severely affected and there had been no cultivation on 53 lakh hectares.

"The UP government has so far not given any memorandum to the Centre on the issue," he said.

As Pal spoke, he got support from SP members, but those from BSP opposed their contention.