BJP, BSP stage walkout from UP assembly

LUCKNOW: Opposition BSP and BJP today staged a walkout from the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, accusing the government of not being serious towards preventing the spread of dengue and other vector-borne diseases in the state.

The matter was raised during the Question Hour by BSP member Dharampal Singh, who sought a reply from the government on measures being taken for prevention of dengue and other such diseases in the state.

In his reply, Health minister Ahmad Hasan said the government ensured fogging and spray of insecticides in urban and rural areas to prevent mosquito from breeding.

The minister said one person died from dengue in Kanpur and 72 people were diagnosed with the disease, but no death was reported in the state due to malaria.

Expressing displeasure over measures being taken for prevention of vector-born diseases, Leader of Opposition Swami Prasad Maurya and other BSP members walked out of the House, claiming that no fogging was done in any district of eastern Uttar Pradesh and accusing the government of "not being serious towards the sensitive issue".

BJP members also joined them and staged a walkout from the House.