The deadly rail accident in Odisha’s Balasore on Friday has put Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw under pressure as many have demanded that he resign to demonstrate responsibility for the tragedy.
At least 275 people were killed and 900 others were injured in a collision involving three trains, making it one of India’s worst railway disasters.
However, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and its supporters have vociferously extended their backing for the embattled railway minister, praising his work ethic and highlighting his credentials.
Vaishnaw under pressure
Among those who has called for Vaishnaw to resign is Rahul Gandhi of the Congress. “No accountability even after 270+ deaths!” Gandhi tweeted on Saturday. “The Modi government cannot run away from taking responsibility for such a painful accident. The prime minister should immediately seek the resignation of the railway minister!”
Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar and Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjeemade similar demands.
Some social media users too have called for Vaishnaw to resign on moral grounds. The railway minister also drew criticised for changing nationalist slogans at the accident site, even as bodies were still being recovered from the wreckage.
Why “Jai Shree Ram” Chants not Raised 🤔
Modi, Modi Chants were also Raised.
BJP Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw made People Chant “Vandemataram” & “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” at #BalasoreTrainAccident Spot.
In #BalasoreTrainTragedy 288 People Died & More than 1,000 People Injured. pic.twitter.com/cC72QSZRtG
— Syed Rafi…
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