Pouring water over Centre’s claim of extending help through a 'water train', Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said that UP does not need a water train, if the Government is serious in extending help, it should provide us with tankers.
“We did not ask for any water train. The Centre sent a so-called water train, that too without water. This shows how serious the BJP is in providing water to the drought-hit people of Bundelkhand,” the CM said while addressing a rally in Ferozabad after inaugurating development schemes.
Yadav said that the State Government has made it clear that UP does not need water. “We have enough water in reservoirs of Bundelkhand. We need tankers to carry this water to far flung areas. Already a fleet of 600 tankers is working overnight supplying water to the needy. If the Centre really wants to help the State, it should provid us tankers,” Yadav said.
On Thursday, Yadav had written to Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti to immediately provide 10,000 water tankers for the water-starved villages.
“Despite lack of rain in two monsoons, reservoirs still have water. If the Centre can provide tankers, water from these reserviors could be carted to parched villages," Yadav wrote.
“Water politics is a twin-edged sword. The BJP wanted to kill us with this sword yesterday but today it itself stands destroyed,” he said. “We are providing water to the Bundelkhand while the BJP is only doing politics,” he charged.
The CM had come to Ferozabad to honour Gram Panchayats which had played an important role in banning open defecation in villages. In the rally, Yadav spoke at length about the work done by the SP Government in the last four years.
“If you compare our achievements with previous Governments, you will find the BSP, the BJP and the Congress are nowhere. Ours is a Government that has benefited people to the hilt. We ensured development in all villages and the process is on to link tehsils with district headquarters,” the CM said.
Yadav spoke at length about his Government's efforts to improve power generation and how health facilities have been extended to all sections of the society.
“Ours is a Government of farmers and the poor. We Samajwadis understand the pain and anguish of the poor and therefore are ready to go the extra mile to solve their problems,” the CM said.
“The SP Government has opened the job market by generating employment in police and education sectors. Employment generation has been sped up in all departments. There is all-round development across the State. You name a sector and you will find development there,” Yadav said.
The CM however warned party workers to stay cautious about the BJP’s plan. “This party thrives on spreading hatred. Stay alert and spread the message of good work among the masses,” Yadav said in his parting words.