Cong raises alleged food grain diversion in Punjab

Congress today alleged that there was diversion of food grains in Punjab due to a "nexus" between the state government and "food mafia", leading to heated exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches in Rajya Sabha.
Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Congress leader Pratap Singh Bajwa claimed that CAG reports have highlighted diversion of food grains and "corruption in Government of Punjab" in the distribution.
Citing figures, he alleged there was a collusion between the state government and "food mafia".
Members from the ruling Shiromani Akali and BJP in Punjab objected to Bajwa's statement.
As the two sides argued, Deputy Chairman P J Kurien asked Bajwa not to level allegations against anyone.

"Allegations not permitted during Zero Hour," Kurien said and added he would go through the records.

However, the Congress member said he was only quoting CAG reports.
In his Zero Hour mention, Chandrapal Yadav (SP) said the central government was playing politics over drought in Uttar Pradesh.
He said drought is a natural calamity, but Centre was enacting a "political drama" by sending an empty water train to the state. The train, he said, has been stationed at Jhansi.
A photo journalist was electrocuted while taking pictures of the train, Yadav said.
He said the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister has announced Rs 20 lakh assistance to the family of the deceased.

Yadav also claimed that Centre was prompt in sending water to BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh.
The SP member demanded that Centre should release Rs 10,500 crore to deal with the drought situation.
Devender Goud T (TDP) also raised the problems being
faced by people in Telangana due to drought and continuing heatwave.
He said the state was facing the "worst drought" and farmers were selling cattle at throwaway prices as there was shortage of fodder. People were also migrating to other places from the worst affected districts.
Noting that 200 people have died due to heatwave in the state, the TDP member urged the Prime Minister to intervene to help the state with additional funds.

T Subbarami Reddy (Cong) expressed concern over threat to Western Ghats due to industrial activities. He said the Western Ghats were a hotspot of biodiversity and need to be protected. He called for striking a balance between environment and industrial activities.
Raising the issue of linguistic minorities in different states, Baishnab Parida (BJD) said there was no school in Delhi which teaches in Odiya. He said there are about 10 lakh Odiya speaking people in Delhi.