Chandrasekhar takes oath as RS member

NEW DELHI: Independent Member of Parliament Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who was re-elected unopposed to a second term in Rajya Sabha from Karnataka, took oath in Parliament on Tuesday.In the first announcement made immediately after taking oath, Chandrasekhar said that he will use his funds under Local Area Development Funds -- MPLADs -- towards providing relief for drought works in the state.The MPLAD funds will be used to provide drinking water to the people in drought hit region and fodder for the cattle.An initial amount of `50 lakh will be released for the purpose.Chandrasekhar said, “In the last six years, I have worked hard to serve the people of the State and the country and will continue my endeavours to take up the issue of state and nation.Currently more than 24 districts in Karnataka are reeling under severe drought and there is an urgent need to mitigate the problems faced by people in these districts.I will use my Local Area Development Funds funds to undertake relief works in these districts and an initial amount of `50 lakh will be released for the purpose immediately.” After taking the oath, Chandrasekhar greeted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.Chairman Hamid Ansari congratulated him and remarked “welcome back.”