New Delhi Railway Station Stampede on Saturday night (February 15) has hit national headlines. At the time of publishing of this story the death toll due to the tragedy on one of the busiest railway stations in India was 18. It was feared that the death toll would rise even as injured received medical care in hospitals of the national capital.
President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi took cognizance of the mishap shortly after the news broke. Reactions from other political leaders began trickling-in on the morning of February 16 (Sunday).
AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi offered condolences to families of those who lost their lives. In a post from his official handle on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Owaisi said that an independent, judicially monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) should be formed to probe the matter.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also took to X and said that the stampede was indeed a sad and unfortunate event. He lashed out at the government and said that the tragedy was indicative of the railways' failure and insensitivity of the government.
Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati demanded strong action against those responsible for the stampede.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath prayed for strength to families of people affected by the mishap.
Former Delhi CM and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal did not appear to join the opposition ranks to lash out against authorities. It is worth noting that AAP's Atishi is still the caretaker chief minister of Delhi.
Former UP CM and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav warned those in power to not think like a politician but understand emotions of many grieving families who have lost loved ones in the stampede.
Media reports suggest that as crowd increased on the station, authorities attempted to appeal people to avoid gathering at one place. Delay in departures of trains was one of the factors why the situation became worse.
