Vande Bharat Express Misbehaviour Case: BJP Workers accused of harassing women passengers
The ill treatment that some BJP workers doled out to a lady and her friend who were traveling in the newly inaugurated Meerut-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express has outraged and condemned people from all spheres. This train flagged off by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, 31 August 2024, was supposed to mark progress and connectivity. However, all those aspects of greeting the very first journey of the train were belied by unfortunate events aboard the train, raising very serious questions over the behaviour of people linked to the ruling party.
The Incident: Allegations of Harassment and Misbehaviour
The incident came to light when one of the women, who was returning with her companion by the Vande Bharat Express, narrated the ordeal to the reporters. According to her, a problem started when they tried to cross through the coach in order to get food. She further took her complaint and claimed that one man blocked their path, saying that the cabin was kept reserved for BJP members and they were not allowed to pass through.
We were crossing the cabin to take food when an uncle stopped us, saying it is BJP’s cabin and we can’t go through it,” the woman recounted. But things took a worse turn when they tried to return: an argument broke out and a scuffle ensued. “When we were returning, they started arguing and pushed us, asking why we were frequently moving around the cabin,” she added. But they felt that even being BJPs, the attitude of the BJP workers was uncalled for and would damage the party’s image.
Eyewitnesses React: BJPs Break Their Silence
A friend of the victim, who introduced himself as a BJP supporter and an influencer who was invited to cover the inauguration of the train, spoke about his outrage over the incident. He said that they were employed by the BJP for promoting the event and were taken aback by the conduct of party workers. “The BJP had hired us as influencers. They think the train is their personal property, and they misbehaved with my sister,” he said, pointing out the sense of entitlement that was there among those who were involved.
The incident brought to the fore questions of not only the conduct of BJP workers but, in general, the culture of the party. Something is seriously wrong with the way those people conducted themselves: complete disregard for the rights of fellow passengers and the diabolical misuse of power and influence.
Political Reactions: Condemnation and Calls for Action
The video of the incident goes viral, and netizens lash out at the BJP workers for their actions. Similarly, the incident also drew the attention of political leaders. Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed went to social media with her outrage. She said the matter needs to have its rightful action. “This is absolutely unacceptable. The train is public property, not some personal or BJP property. BJP workers harassing woman passengers of Vande Bharat Exp.
Inaugurated by PM @narendramodi Ji.
The Congress party, too, on later issued a press statement on the same issue with condemnation of the actions by the BJP workers and demanding responsibility: “Narendra Modi today flagged off the Vande Bharat train from Meerut to Lucknow. Then BJP leaders took control of this train. The BJP leaders misbehaved and assaulted a female passenger in the train who was going to get food. “The video captures it all – the witness to the conduct, character and face of BJP,” the release read.
These statements reflect a growing sense of exasperation and outrage on the part of the opposition and the ordinary citizen, who feel that some BJP members have acquired arrogance and high-handedness. The incident on the Vande Bharat Express has understandably blown up into a wider controversy about the behavior of those at the top and how they relate to other citizens.
The Larger Ramifications: Public Trust and Accountability
What happened in the Vande Bharat Express is, in fact, more than an act of misbehavior; it is a symptom of a deeper ailment that besets the political culture. The sense of entitlement and impunity evident from the BJP workers associated with this incident raises very serious questions about the party’s commitment to public service and accountability.
It is based on integrity, respect, and accountability from their political institutions and leadership. Events like this one-where people around a political party misuse their positions in harassment and intimidation-totally undermine that and the very basis of democratic governance.
As the ruling party, the added responsibility of the BJP is to set an example in maintaining the highest possible yardstick in its conduct and to take swift and definite action against those who do not match up to those standards. Failure to do so might cost the party dear both in terms of damage to its image as well as standing in the way of discharging its obligations towards effective governance and sustained public confidence.
Conclusion
One should also consider that the mischief in the Vande Bharat Express presents an opportunity-at least some accountability and integrity towards the political party and its members. The BJP must seize this moment to show that the party indeed believes in these values through necessary action against those involved and to make sure such incidents do not occur again in the times to come.
The Vande Bharat Express is one of modernity and advancement; it should not be disgraced by some actions. Now, it is of prime importance that the continuity of this train is a safe space for each and every one wherein respect is given to all commuters irrespective of their political affiliation. Only then alone will people believe in them and order respect from the very people whom they serve.
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