West Bengal Chief Minister Demands Rollback of Dynamic Pricing in Railways

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called on the Indian Railways to prioritize the safety and security of passengers and roll back the dynamic pricing of train tickets. Banerjee, a former Railway minister, alleged that train fares were sometimes higher than flight tickets. Expressing her concern on social media, Banerjee asked, "Where will common people go in case of emergencies? Fare hike must be curbed and reduced! And attention must be given to safety and security issues."

As railway accidents continue to rise in the country, Banerjee questioned the failure to use anti-collision devices and other anti-accident measures that she had introduced during her tenure as Railway Minister. She emphasized the need for these measures to prevent the increasing number of train accidents. Banerjee criticized the current fare regime as "anti-people."

In a separate event, Banerjee accused the BJP-led central government of saffronizing various institutions, including the Indian cricket team and Metro stations. She disapproved of the introduction of saffron color in the cricket team's practice jerseys and the painting of Metro stations. Banerjee stated, "They are trying to paint the entire country saffron. We are proud of our Indian players, and I believe they will be champions in the World Cup. But they brought in saffron colors there as well, and our boys now practice in saffron-colored jerseys. The Metro stations have been painted saffron. This is unacceptable."

Banerjee criticized the attempt by the BJP to politicize various aspects of the country, emphasizing that India belongs to the people and not just to a specific political party. The BJP, in response, dismissed her allegations as a "reflection of a vindictive approach."

As the West Bengal Chief Minister, Banerjee's demands for a rollback of dynamic pricing in railways and her objections to the saffronization of institutions reflect her concerns for the welfare of the common people and the preservation of a diverse and inclusive society.