New Delhi: Alarmed at the worst drought confronting the country in 15 years, a united Opposition on July 25 slammed the government in Lok Sabha accusing it of failing to take prompt steps to mitigate the plight of the people.

Participating in a special discussion on drought and floods in some parts of the country, they demanded immediate relief including additional food grains, fodder and essential commodities to the affected states to tide over the crisis besides waiver of dues owed by farmers.

Congress member Mani Shankar Aiyer said, "This government is unable to do what should be done. We have no hope that the government will be able to face this challenge."

Recalling that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had toured the drought-hit areas to redress people's grievances after monsoon failure in 1987, he said Agriculture Minister Ajit Singh should undertake such visits.

Accusing the Centre of giving "step-motherly" treatment to Karnataka in extending financial assistance to deal with natural calamities, former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda sought one-time waiver of dues owed by farmers or at least writing off the interest component of loans taken by them.

Initiating the discussion, Ajay Singh Chautala (INLD) demanded immediate action by Government saying delayed measures would lead to worsening of the situation and add to woes of the farmers whose crops have dried up. He also pleaded for steps to provide drinking water.

Sharing the Opposition concern, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, BJP, demanded a long-term comprehensive plan to deal with drought and floods. He said derailment of initial monsoon predictions has caused huge losses to farmers who had sowed seeds in anticipation of rains.

PTI