BJP criticises Mamata after train accident in Sainthia

BJP on Monday raised eyebrows about the capability and willingness of Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee in providing safety to passengers and suggested that if she continued to use her office for playing politics in West Bengal she should be made "minister without portfolio".

BJP on Monday raised eyebrows about the capability and willingness of Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee in providing safety to passengers and suggested that if she continued to use her office for playing politics in West Bengal she should be made "minister without portfolio".

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"Mamata Banerjee should concentrate on railways. If she is using the railways as a platform for politics in West Bengal, it is better to make her a minister without portfolio," BJP spokesperson Tarun Vijay said.

More than 60 people are feared dead and 90 injured in an early morning collision between Uttarbanga Express and Vananchal Express that took place at Sainthia station in Birbhum district of West Bengal.

Five major train accidents have taken place since Banerjee took over as the Railway Minister in 2009.

When asked if BJP would demand her resignation, the spokesperson said at the moment the party only wanted an inquiry into the latest incident.

"The accident has raised serious doubts about the railways capability to provide safety and a comfortable journey," Vijay said.

He suggested that the inquiry into the latest accident should also look into this issue.

Vijay said the statement of Banerjee after the accident that she has "deep doubts" about its cause seems to suggest that it could be a Naxal attack or a case of sabotage.