BJP joins RJD, LJP in slamming Nitish govt over train mishap

Against the backdrop of changed political equations in Bihar, BJP today joined RJD and LJP in slamming the Nitish Kumar government over lack of relief and rescue measures after a rail accident in Khagaria claimed several lives.

As soon as the Rajya Sabha met for Zero Hour, Ram Vilas Paswan (LJP) and Ram Kripal Yadav (RJD) were on their feet saying, "Thirty people were killed by Rajyarani Express from Saharasa at Dhamara Ghat this morning but no rescue and relief measure has been initiated after 10 hours of the mishap by the Nitish government which claims good governance."

Both the leaders were soon joined by BJP members who stood on their feet, holding Bihar government responsible for the accident.

Responding to members' concern, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajeev Shukla said, "The House is saddened over the accident. Minister of Railways is being contacted to apprise the House at the earliest of the steps taken so far."

Earlier, Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said, "government should come out with statement."

Paswan said despite claims of good infrastructure, the condition of roads was such that no relief measures could reach the spot, for which he held the state government solely responsible.

Yadav joined him blaming the Nitish government for "anarchy" there saying the railway station has been set ablaze and situation was serious.

Ravi Shankar Prasad and Rajiv Pratap Rudy (both BJP) also blamed the Bihar government for the situation.