VARANASI, Sept. 15 -- Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee president Ajay Rai on Tuesday questioned the functioning of the Varanasi Nagar Nigam (VNN) and Jal Kal department over recurring sewer blockages and waterlogging, despite claims of pre-monsoon cleaning drives and regular maintenance.

Addressing a press conference in Varanasi, Rai also raised issues of inflation, unemployment and basic civic amenities, but focused on the city's drainage and sewer systems.

Referring to sacks filled with sand found inside sewer lines in Shivala and some other areas two days ago, Rai alleged that the incident was being used to deflect attention from civic authorities' failures. "This is part of a conspiracy by the BJP that wants to evade accountability ...