Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray voiced strong criticism of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw following a stampede at Mumbai’s Bandra Terminus that injured at least nine people, with two in critical condition. Thackeray questioned Vaishnaw’s ability to ensure railway safety, calling it a “shame” that the country had such “incapable ministers.”
Aaditya Thackeray Calls Vaishnaw a ‘Reel Minister’
Responding to the stampede incident, Thackeray accused Vaishnaw of being more focused on his image than on actual work. “The incident at Bandra shows how incapable the current Railway Minister is,” he remarked, pointing out that BJP has appointed Vaishnaw as Maharashtra’s election campaign leader despite recurring railway incidents.
Opposition Leaders Blame Lack of Railway Safety Measures
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Clyde Crasto echoed Thackeray’s criticism, calling the stampede at Bandra “disturbing” and citing “a lack of trains during the festive season” as well as “a failure of the local administration.”
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also weighed in, saying that Vaishnaw is “too busy with the bullet train project,” neglecting Mumbai’s railway infrastructure and passenger safety. Raut highlighted that although Mumbai contributes significantly to the Union government revenue, it receives minimal support for railway facilities.
Western Railway’s Response to the Incident
Western Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Vineet Abhishek, explained that the stampede occurred when two passengers tried to board the Bandra-Gorakpur Antyodaya Express at around 2:30 am. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) attributed the rush to the festive season, as many were traveling ahead of Diwali and Chhath Puja.
The injured passengers, including two in critical condition, were immediately taken to Bhabha Hospital for treatment.
To manage the increased demand, Western Railways has been operating 130 special festive trains from Mumbai to destinations in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
