Non-BJP states allege discrimination, disrupt Rajya Sabha

The Rajya Sabha was disrupted several times on Thursday as members from several states not ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party accused the central government of not releasing funds to them for different programmes.

Samajwadi Party leader Ramgopal Yadav vowed not to let the house function unless the central government assured release of funds for Uttar Pradesh.

Ramgopal Yadav said: "Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Chief Secretary and other ministers have written to the central government several times. The contribution that the Centre should give to Uttar Pradesh is not being given. There is partiality."

He said funds for flood mitigation, compensation for crops destroyed in hail, scholarships for minorities and the Scheduled Castes, and the monies for making roads have not been released by the central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Had it been their own government, they would have given the money. Unless they assure they will disperse the money in next few days, we will not allow the house to function," Yadav said.

Later, Samajwadi Party members trooped into the well of the hosue near the chairman's podium.

Janata Dal-United leader Sharad Yadav joined the protest, saying similar treatment was being meted out to Bihar.

"Centre is not implementing crop insurance scheme in Bihar," Ali Anwar Ansari of the JD-U said.

Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said: "Wherever there are non-BJP governments, they (the Centre) are not giving money."

As protests continued, Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien adjourned the house for 15 minutes for the first time.

When the house re-assembled and the situation did not change, Kurien again adjourned the house till 12 noon.

Disruptions continued when the house met for the question hour, forcing Chairman M. Hamid Ansari to adjourn the House till 12.30 p.m., and then again till 2 p.m.

--IANS

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