CPI MP demands Vaishnaw's resignation; Modi, others condole Odisha train accident
CPI MP Binoy Viswam has demanded the resignation of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw following the triple-train accident in Odisha on Friday.
At least 50 people were killed and more than 350 injured in the horrific crash in Odisha involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train, officials said.
“Government concentrates only on luxury trains. Trains and tracks of common people are neglected. Odisha deaths are the result of it. Rail minister should resign,” Viswam said in a tweet.
Vaishnaw said he was “rushing to the site in Odisha”. “Rescue teams mobilised from Bhubaneswar and Kolkata. NDRF, State govt. teams and Airforce also mobilised,” he tweeted.
Rushing to the site in Odisha. My prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured and condolences to the bereaved families.
Rescue teams mobilised from Bhubaneswar and Kolkata. NDRF, State govt. teams and Airforce also mobilised.
Will take all hands required for the rescue ops.— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) June 2, 2023
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and others condoled the deaths.
“Deeply anguished to know about the loss of lives in an unfortunate rail accident in Balasore, Odisha. My heart goes out to the bereaved families. I pray for the success of rescue operations and quick recovery of the injured,” said President Droupadi Murmu, who hails from Odisha.
Deeply anguished to know about the loss of lives in an unfortunate rail accident in Balasore, Odisha. My heart goes out to the bereaved families. I pray for the success of rescue operations and quick recovery of the injured.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 2, 2023
Modi tweeted: “Distressed by the train accident in Odisha. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon.”
Distressed by the train accident in Odisha. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to Railway Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw and took stock of the situation. Rescue ops are underway at the site of the mishap and all…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 2, 2023
“The train accident at Balasore in Odisha is deeply agonizing. The NDRF team has already reached the accident site, and other teams are also rushing to join the rescue operation,” said Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The train accident at Balasore in Odisha is deeply agonizing. The NDRF team has already reached the accident site, and other teams are also rushing to join the rescue operation. My condolences to the bereaved families and praying for the speedy recovery of those injured.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 2, 2023
“My heart goes out to the bereaved families. Wishing for the speedy recovery of those injured,” said Rahul.
Anguished by the tragic news of the accident involving the Coromandel Express, in Balasore, Odisha.
My heart goes out to the bereaved families. Wishing for the speedy recovery of those injured.
I urge Congress workers & leaders to extend all support needed for rescue efforts.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 2, 2023
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said: “We urge the authorities to expedite rescue operations & provide relief to the injured.”
Deeply saddened by the terrible train tragedy involving Coromandel Express in Odisha.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims.
We urge the authorities to expedite rescue operations & provide relief to the injured.
Request Congress workers to provide all possible help.
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) June 2, 2023
“Shocked to know that the Shalimar- Coromondel express, carrying passengers from West Bengal, collided with a goods train near Balasore today evening and some of our outbound people have been seriously affected/ injured,” tweeted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. “We are coordinating with Odisha government and South Eastern Railways for our people’s sake.”
Shocked to know that the Shalimar- Coromondel express, carrying passengers from West Bengal, collided with a goods train near Balasore today evening and some of our outbound people have been seriously affected/ injured. We are coordinating with Odisha government and South…
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) June 2, 2023
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, in a tweet in Tamil, said he was in touch with the Naveen Patnaik government in Odisha, and assistance was being given to stranded passengers. The Coromandel Express was headed to Chennai.
ஒடிசா மாநிலத்தில் #CoromandelExpress விபத்துக்குள்ளான செய்தியறிந்து அதிர்ச்சியடைந்தேன். உடனடியாக மாண்புமிகு ஒடிசா மாநில முதலமைச்சர் @Naveen_Odisha அவர்களைத் தொடர்புகொண்டு விபத்து குறித்துக் கேட்டறிந்தேன். அவர் கூறிய தகவல்கள் கவலையளிக்கிறது.
விபத்தில் உயிரிழந்த அனைவருக்கும் எனது… https://t.co/Gh5H4jI0JO
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) June 2, 2023
