A chaotic incident erupted on the newly launched Meerut-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express on Saturday when a woman and her companion claimed they were harassed and mistreated by BJP workers on board.
The woman described the incident, stating that they were accosted while passing through a train coach to get food. According to her, a man blocked their way, asserting that the cabin was reserved for BJP members and that they were not permitted to pass through.
When they tried to return, the situation escalated into a heated argument and eventually a physical altercation.
“We were moving through the cabin to get food when an uncle stopped us, saying it was a BJP cabin and we couldn’t go through,” the woman told reporters on the Vande Bharat train. “As we were returning, they started arguing and pushing us, questioning why we were moving around the cabin so much. We are also associated with the BJP, but people like them bring shame to the party.”
Her companion, who identified themselves as BJP supporters and influencers invited to cover the train’s inauguration, expressed outrage over the incident. “BJP hired us as influencers. They treat the train like it’s their personal property and were misbehaving with my sister,” he said.
The incident quickly went viral on social media, with Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed condemning the behavior.
“This is completely unacceptable. The train is public property, not a private asset of the BJP,” she posted on X.
The Congress party also shared a video of the incident, stating, “This video shows the conduct, character, and true face of the BJP.”
On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagged off the Meerut-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express, along with the Chennai Egmore-Nagercoil Vande Bharat Express and the Madurai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express.
The Meerut-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express will save passengers approximately one hour compared to the current fastest train between these two cities.
During the virtual inauguration, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the significant progress made by the railways in addressing long-standing issues and emphasized that the efforts will continue until the Indian Railways becomes synonymous with comfortable travel for all.
“Through years of hard work, the railways have made tremendous progress in solving long-standing problems and offering new solutions and hope. We will not rest until Indian Railways ensures comfortable travel for everyone,” Modi stated.
