Leaders of all opposition parties, including Leader of Opposition Shivpal Yadav, Congress Legislature Party leader Pramod Tiwari and Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Om Prakash Singh flayed the government for its 'obvious indifference and apathy towards the drought.'

They were also critical of the chief minister's craving for new aircraft in her fleet. A special Rs.10 crore provision has been made to purchase a helicopter.

Unanimously condemning Mayawati for allocating much more money for memorials and statues than for fighting the prevailing drought, some opposition members even staged a walk-out to mark their protest against the 'blatant extravagance'.