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The accident resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, prompting a wave of criticism and calls for accountability.
NEW DELHI: Following the tragic collision between the Kanchanjunga Express and a goods train in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, the Congress party has strongly condemned the Narendra Modi government for what it terms the “criminal abandonment” of the Indian Railways. The accident resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, prompting a wave of criticism and calls for accountability.
“Extremely distressed by the collision in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, where many people have lost their lives and several have been injured. The scenes are painful. Our heart goes out to the families of the victims. We express our solidarity and condolences to each one of them. We wish a speedy recovery to the injured. Immediate and full compensation must be provided to the victims,” Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge expressed on X (formerly Twitter).
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Kharge lambasted the Modi government for its handling of the Railway Ministry over the past decade. “Over the past 10 years, the Modi government has utterly mismanaged the Railway Ministry,” Kharge stated, adding that the ministry has been transformed into a “platform of camera-driven self-promotion.” He described the incident as a tragic reminder of this reality.
Extremely distressed by the Kanchanjunga Express train collision accident in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, where many people have lost their lives and several have been injured.
The scenes of the accident are painful. Our heart goes out to the families of the victims. In this hour…
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) June 17, 2024
Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to the incident via social media, expressing his sorrow and providing updates on the government’s response. “The accident in West Bengal is saddening. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. Rescue operations are underway to assist the affected. The Railways Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw Ji is on the way to the site of the mishap as well,” PM Modi wrote on X.
The government has announced a compensation package for the victims: ₹10 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased, ₹2.5 lakh for those grievously injured, and ₹50,000 for those with minor injuries.
The incident has reignited debates over infrastructure investments, safety protocols, and the broader governance of the railway sector.
