In the aftermath of a stampede at Bandra Terminus that left at least nine people injured, including two in critical condition, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray strongly criticized Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The Opposition questioned the minister’s competence in ensuring railway safety, calling his leadership “incapable” in managing critical railway infrastructure.

Thackeray remarked, “The incident at Bandra shows the lack of capable leadership in our railway system. Instead of ensuring safety, the Railway Minister has been focused elsewhere, leaving citizens at risk.” He further highlighted that Vaishnaw has been actively involved in election campaigns for the BJP in Maharashtra, leaving railway safety issues unaddressed. Thackeray’s terming of Vaishnaw as a “reel minister” underscores the Opposition’s perception that Vaishnaw prioritizes public appearances over operational safety.

Adding to the criticism, NCP leader Clyde Crasto expressed disappointment over the Railways Ministry’s failure to increase train availability during the Diwali festive rush, attributing the stampede to poor crowd management. Crasto highlighted the urgent need for more trains and stronger local administration to handle high passenger traffic.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut also voiced frustration, suggesting that the railway minister’s focus on the Bullet Train project has led to neglect of Mumbai’s needs. He remarked, “Mumbai generates significant revenue for the Union government, yet our railway facilities remain inadequate.”

According to Western Railway officials, the stampede occurred early morning when two passengers attempted to board the Bandra-Gorakpur Antyodaya Express as it arrived on the platform, causing panic among the crowd. Injured passengers were swiftly taken to Bhabha Hospital for treatment.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) attributed the incident to the heavy festive rush ahead of Diwali, noting that at least 130 special trains were operating from Mumbai to destinations in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar for the holidays.