Akhilesh meets PM over drought situation

 A day after the Samajwadi Party (SP) accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of sending an empty water train to drought-hit Budelkhand region, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the water crisis situation.

Yadav apprised the prime minister of the work done by the state government for farmers and drought-affected areas. Nearly 50 districts are facing drought in Uttar Pradesh which is reeling under acute water scarcity.

"Had a productive meeting with UP CM Akhilesh Yadav on the drought situation in various parts of UP. The various drought mitigation measures undertaken in the state were discussed extensively in the meeting," Modi tweeted.

In another tweet, he said: "Akhilesh Yadav and I discussed the need to effectively utilise the period before monsoon for water recharge and conservation efforts. Usage of latest technology and community participation, particularly of our Nari Shakti can play a key role in effective drought management."

Yadav's Samajwadi Party on Friday raised in the Rajya Sabha the issue of an "empty water train" reaching Bundelkhand. SP members later staged a walkout from the Upper House.

The party had also accused the Centre of "playing politics" over drought.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, however, had said the Centre is ready to extend all help, and the issue should not be politicised.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati had said that the Centre and the state should coordinate and help the people of Bundelkhand.