Ashwini Vaishnaw’s Fierce Rebuttal to Opposition Criticism

Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently made headlines for his unexpected and combative response in the Lok Sabha. Amidst relentless criticism and chants of “reel minister” from Opposition MPs, Vaishnaw provided a robust defense of his ministry’s performance, particularly addressing issues related to train safety, recruitment, and loco pilot welfare.

Vaishnaw’s Uncharacteristic Response

On August 1, 2024, Ashwini Vaishnaw found himself at the center of a heated debate in the Lok Sabha. Known for his typically composed demeanor, Vaishnaw’s frustration boiled over as Opposition members persistently chanted “reel minister,” referring to the railway ministry’s social media posts. In an unusual outburst, he challenged the Opposition’s accusations, emphasizing that his focus was on hard work rather than public relations.

Opposition’s Criticism and Vaishnaw’s Counterarguments

The Opposition’s criticism intensified following the tragic Balasore train accident in June 2023, which claimed 296 lives. Recent incidents, such as the July 30 derailment of the Howrah-Mumbai train in Jharkhand, have further fueled scrutiny. Vaishnaw countered these criticisms by highlighting the significant safety improvements under his tenure.

During his speech, Vaishnaw criticized the Congress party, stating, “You couldn’t even install 1 km of automatic train protection system while in power for 58 years.” He accused Congress of spreading misinformation to instill fear among train passengers.

Railway Safety Records and Improvements

Vaishnaw pointed out the progress in railway safety during the current administration. The decade-long rule of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) saw 1,711 train accidents with 904 fatalities, while the Modi government has recorded 678 accidents with 748 deaths in the past ten years. Vaishnaw claimed these figures represent a significant improvement in safety performance.

In response to ongoing concerns, the railway ministry has implemented several measures to enhance safety. Vaishnaw highlighted a substantial reduction in rail fractures—from approximately 2,500 in 2013-14 to just 324 in 2024—indicating an 85% decrease. Additionally, the ministry has conducted 2,652,000 ultrasonic flaw detection tests and incorporated new technologies for better maintenance.

Recruitment and Welfare Measures

Vaishnaw also addressed criticisms related to recruitment and loco pilot welfare. He revealed that between 2014 and 2024, the railways had completed 502,000 recruitments compared to 411,000 during the UPA era. He mentioned that 40,565 vacancies have been notified and will be filled soon.

Significant improvements in loco pilot welfare were also highlighted. Since 2016, 558 running rooms have been air-conditioned, and over 7,000 loco cabs have been upgraded with ergonomic seats and air-conditioning. Vaishnaw accused the Opposition of failing to address these crucial issues.

Conclusion

Ashwini Vaishnaw’s fervent defense in the Lok Sabha underscores the high-stakes environment of Indian politics, especially concerning crucial issues like railway safety and recruitment. His rebuttal highlights the ongoing debate about the achievements and shortcomings of the current and previous administrations.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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