BJP lashes out at Mamata, calls her 'absentee' railway minister

The BJP today criticised Mamata Banerjee over the stampede at New Delhi railway station, saying nothing better could be expected from an "absentee" railway minister.

"BJP feels the prime minister owes an explanation to the indifference and absenteeism of the railway minister," party spokesperson Rajeev Pratap Rudy said.

He said the death of innocents at Delhi railway station is "inexcusable and unpardonable".

"Nothing better is expected from an absentee railway minister. While the system and administrative failure has led to virtual collapse of Railways, the minister prefers politics to work unleashing death and misery to poor passengers," Rudy said.

The Congress described the incident as unfortunate but defended Banerjee.

"It is sad and unfortunate... But I want to ask the BJP what can a railway minister do in such an incident.

It is upto the officials in-charge of the the station and other railway officials to supervise the crowd in the rush season," party spokesperson Shakeel Ahmed said.

He, however, said that "the railway minister should take note of the tragic incident".

The Congress spokesperson said that special arrangements should be made by the railways for the peak season when the schools are closed and people go on holidays.

"It should be ensured that such unfortunate incidents are not repeated," Ahmed said.