The BJP on Sunday asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to intervene and institute an impartial inquiry into the Gyaneshwari Express train disaster. The party also accused the CPI-M and the Trinamul Congress of fighting a political match over the accident.
“Both Trinamul Congress’ railway minister Mamata Banerjee and CPI-M, which is heading the state government, have failed in providing quick relief to train disaster victims. Both of them are engaged in a political match over the issue with an eye on Assembly elections in the state,” BJP national spokesperson Mr Prakash Javdekar said.
Coming down heavily on Ms Banerjee for “giving a clean chit to the Maoists even before the inquiry is to happen,” the party urged the Prime Minister to ensure that such things are not allowed as it will only embolden the Maoists.
The BJP leader also said that the Prime Minister should immediately swing into action and “make amends in the irresponsible behaviour of the UPA minister.”
The party also accused authorities of showing carelessness towards the relief and rescue work. He alleged that there was shortage of manpower and equipment at the accident site and bodies were still trapped in the train compartments.
“The railway minister has forgotten railway security and appears more inclined to give a clean chit to Maoists, which is highly irresponsible. When the probe is yet to happen, how could she come to know that there is no Maoist hand into the incident,” Mr Javadekar said.
“If UPA ministers work like this, it will be a betrayal of the mandate,” the BJP leader added.