Synopsis
Rahul Gandhi criticizes the BJP government for poor infrastructure following the stampede at Mumbai’s Bandra station. He stresses the need for international-class infrastructure that accounts for local needs and emphasizes public safety amidst festival seasons, citing inadequate disaster management during the incident.
Attacking the BJP government on recent stampede at Mumbai’s Bandra station, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said the country needs international-class infrastructure that also takes into account the local needs of the poor – that makes business easier, travel easier and keeps people safe.
“The recent stampede at Mumbai’s Bandra Terminus station is the latest example of India’s crumbling infrastructure. The Balasore train accident in June last year claimed the lives of 300 people, but instead of compensating the victims, the BJP government has entangled them in a long legal battle,” said Rahul Gandhi in a post on X.
Read More: Nine persons injured in stampede at Bandra railway station in Mumbai
Further commenting on the incident that left nine injured, the LoP said inaugurations and publicity are good only when there is a foundation behind them that actually works to serve the public. “When people lose their lives and bridges, platforms or statues start collapsing after the ribbon is cut, due to lack of maintenance and neglect of public property, it is a matter of serious concern,” said Gandhi in his statement.
“Just think, when even the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj falls down in just 9 months, it clearly means that the intention was only publicity – there was no respect for Shivaji Maharaj in this, nor was the safety of the public taken into consideration. India is capable and competent – we just need an effective and transparent system aimed at public service and focused on laying the foundation for a strong future for the country,” said Rahul Gandhi.
Bandra station stampede:
Nine persons were injured in a stampede after rush for boarding a Gorakhpur-bound train at Bandra railway station in Mumbai on Sunday, civic and disaster control officials said.
In view of the upcoming Diwali and Chhath festivals, a large number of people planning to go to their native places had reached the Bandra Terminus where several passengers rushed to board the unreserved train when it was being brought on a platform, according to sources. The incident took place when people rushed to board train 22921 Bandra-Gorakhpur Antyodaya Express on platform no.1 at the Bandra Terminus, the civic official said.
Those injured have been identified as Shabhir Abdul Rehman (40), Parmeshwar Sukhdar Gupta (28), Ravindra Harihar Chuma (30), Ramsevak Ravindra Prasad Prajapati (29), Sanjay Tilakram Kangay (27), Divyanshu Yogendra Yadav (18), Mohammad Shareef Shaikh (25), Indrajith Sahani (19) and Noor Mohammad Shaikh (18), the civic official said. Shahani and Noor Mohammad Sheikh were in critical condition and undergoing treatment at the Bhabha Hospital, a police official said.
(with agency inputs)
