Odisha Train Tragedy: The opposition party leaders have expressed their condolences for the tragic incident in Odisha, where nearly 300 passengers lost their lives in the train accident, with over 900 others sustaining injuries.
They have also raised concerns regarding the signalling system of the railways, which is believed to have played a role in the occurrence of the crash.
The accident involved three trains: the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, and a goods train.
TMC's national general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, accused the central government of prioritizing the allocation of funds for softwares to allegedly spy on opposition leaders, rather than focusing on the installation of anti-collision devices in trains to avert such accidents.
The TMC demanded accountability from the Railway Minister, underscoring the need to prioritize the implementation of anti-collision devices as a preventive measure against such tragic incidents.
Abhishek Banerjee stated that the Narendra Modi government at the Centre is misleading the public by boasting about Vande Bharat trains and newly-constructed railway stations, aiming to strengthen political support, while neglecting essential safety measures.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Abhishek Banerjee expressed his condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the tragic train crash and extended his wishes for a swift recovery to the injured. He emphasized that if there is any sense of conscience left, the Railway Minister should resign immediately.
TMC spokesperson Saket Gokhale echoed the sentiments expressed by Abhishek Banerjee, conveying his heartfelt prayers for those affected by the train crash and extending his sympathies to their families.
In a tweet, Gokhale emphasized the urgent need to address the significant inquiries arising from this tragic incident.
In response to the "horrendous" train accident in Odisha, the Congress party also emphasized the utmost importance of prioritizing safety in the functioning of the rail network.
Jairam Ramesh, the Congress general secretary, expressed his deep anguish over the incident, describing it as truly horrendous.
In a tweet, Jairam Ramesh emphasized the critical importance of prioritizing safety as the topmost priority in the functioning of the rail network. He stated that there are several valid questions that need to be raised, but suggested that they should be addressed at a later time.
Expressing their deep sorrow over the tragedy, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chief Rahul Gandhi also conveyed their sadness on Friday night.
They urged all party workers and leaders to provide necessary support for the ongoing rescue efforts.
