Bhubaneswar: The tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on February 15, which claimed 18 lives and left several others injured, has highlighted severe mismanagement by authorities. Video footage from the incident revealed the absence of RPF and Delhi Police personnel, despite the massive crowd waiting for trains to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The government’s failure to learn from past incidents, such as the Kumbh Mela stampede, raises serious concerns. Allegations of attempts to downplay the incident have further fueled criticism.

Opposition Demands Railway Minister Vaishnaw’s Resignation

Following the disaster, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has faced mounting pressure from opposition parties demanding his resignation. Critics argue that his delayed response—tweeting about the situation only hours later—demonstrates poor crisis management. This latest tragedy adds to a series of railway mishaps under his tenure, questioning his leadership and accountability in ensuring passenger safety. Railway disasters under Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Railway Disasters Under Ashwini Vaishnaw

India’s rail network has witnessed multiple fatal accidents during Vaishnaw’s tenure, drawing international attention. Some of the major incidents include:

• Bahanaga Train Tragedy (June 2023) – A collision in Odisha killed 296 people and injured over 1,200.
• Mizoram Bridge Collapse (August 2023) – 26 laborers lost their lives when an under-construction railway bridge collapsed.
• Madurai Train Fire (August 2023) – A fire in a tourist train led to 9 deaths and 20 injuries.
• Vijayanagaram Train Mishap (October 2023) – 14 passengers died due to a signaling system failure.
• Jalgaon Train Derailment (January 2025) – 13 passengers lost their lives in Maharashtra.
• New Delhi Railway Stampede (February 2025) – The latest tragedy further eroded public trust in railway safety.

Political Fallout: BJP Faces Backlash in Odisha and Beyond

The frequent railway disasters have put the BJP under scrutiny, especially in Odisha, where the party recently ended the 24-year rule of BJD. Vaishnaw, elected to the Rajya Sabha from Odisha, is now facing strong opposition criticism for mismanagement. His handling of railway safety raises doubts about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Odisha” and a future with high-speed bullet trains. With the demand for his resignation growing louder, the political impact of these disasters could be significant. Railway disasters under Ashwini Vaishnaw

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