The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has called for the resignation of Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw following the deadly train accident near Balasore in Odisha that claimed the lives of at least 275 people. The party has accused the central government of negligence, alleging that the safety and lives of innocent citizens have been compromised due to its focus on symbolic gestures. The BJP has yet to issue a response.
At a press conference, AAP chief spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appearances at Vande Bharat trains’ flag-off functions, arguing that the central government’s approach demonstrates a disregard for human lives.
The tragic incident has raised questions about the government’s attention to railway safety, with demands for immediate action to ensure adequate measures are taken to prevent such occurrences going forward. Criticisms of the central government’s response to the incident continue to mount with some alleging that the government has failed to take adequate safety measures despite previous warnings.
As discussions around the government’s approach to railway safety continue to circulate, the public is calling for swift and effective measures to ensure the safety of those who rely on India’s railway system. In light of the tragedy, calls for greater governmental accountability regarding safety measures have intensified, with many emphasizing the importance of prioritizing citizen safety over symbolic gestures.
