TMC Blasts BJP Over 'New Normal' of Train Accidents

The Trinamool Congress criticised the BJP-led Central Government following recent train accidents, accusing them of lacking accountability. The latest incident involved the derailing of the Howrah-Mumbai Mail in Jharkhand, leading to two deaths and 20 injuries. TMC leaders called out the Railway Minister for neglecting railway safety.

The Trinamool Congress on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Central Government, criticizing the alarming frequency of train accidents as the 'new normal' in India, and accusing the railway ministry of having zero accountability. The latest incident saw at least 18 coaches of the Howrah-Mumbai Mail derail in Jharkhand's Seraikela-Kharsawan district early on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of two people and injuries to 20 others, according to officials.

The derailment occurred at 3:45 AM near Barabamboo, approximately 80 km from Jamshedpur, under the Chakradharpur Division of the South Eastern Railway (SER), officials reported.

'This is becoming the new normal. Accountability of @AshwiniVaishnaw ji is zero. The GOI has no answers whatsoever,' senior TMC leader and MP Sushmita Dev posted on X, echoing widespread concerns within her party.

TMC MP Sagarika Ghose questioned how many more train accidents it would take for the Central Government to address their concerns. 'People are suffering and being put through hardships while the Modi government evades accountability for rail safety,' she stated. Ghose further criticized Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for being preoccupied with election management in poll-bound states rather than focusing on his ministry's safety responsibilities.

(With inputs from agencies.)