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Linking of major rivers top priority: PM

The prime minister made this announcement in his brief intervention during the day-long discussion on an adjournment motion on the severe drought situation in the country. The motion was defeated by a voice vote with the opposition not pressing for a division.

"We will take up the massive project on a war footing. Funds for such a project will not be a problem. The government has sufficient money," the prime minister said.

"What is needed is that the money be spent in a proper manner to provide a lasting solution to the drought problem," Vajpayee said rejecting the opposition charge that the Centre was politicising drought relief and appealed to all parties to keep politics out of this 'humanitarian' issue.

Participating in the debate, Sonia Gandhi said her party's intention while raising the drought issue was not to politicise the matter but to point out 'inadequacies and weaknesses' in tackling the situation.

"If it has been mistaken as politicisation of the issue, then I am sorry," the Congress president said adding only constructive dialogue could help the affected people.

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