Delhi, 25 October (H.S.): Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Saturday sharply criticized the government for what he described as a failure to manage the severe overcrowding on trains heading to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar during the Diwali and Chhath Puja festival season.

In a post on the social media platform X, Gandhi highlighted the inhuman conditions faced by travelers, asserting that many trains to Bihar are operating at double their capacity, forcing people to cling to doors and even travel on roofs. He questioned the government's claim of running 12,000 special festival trains, asking why the situation deteriorates each year despite such promises.

The Railway Ministry had previously announced plans for 12,011 special train services to accommodate the festive rush.Gandhi linked the annual travel crisis to a lack of employment opportunities in Bihar and Eastern India. He argued that if people could find respectable livelihoods in their home states, they would not be compelled to migrate thousands of kilometers for work and endure such an insulting and arduous journey home for festivals

This is not just about forced travel; it is living proof of the NDA's deceptive policies and intentions, Gandhi stated. He concluded by emphasizing that safe and dignified travel is a fundamental right of every citizen, not a governmental favor. The criticism has added to the political heat surrounding the management of public services during one of the country's busiest travel periods.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar