BJP MLA Tumbles onto Tracks at Vande Bharat Express Flag-off

BJP's Etawah MLA Sarita Bahdauriya fell onto the railway tracks while attempting to wave the green flag for the Agra-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express on Monday. Videos of the incident have surfaced on social media.

The incident took place around 6 pm on a crowded platform as the train arrived. The 61-year-old second-term BJP lawmaker was among several people holding the green flag, as shown in the video.

Commotion on Platform

As the train's horn signalled its departure, chaos erupted on the platform with supporters jostling for position. In the melee, Bahdauriya was pushed off the platform and fell onto the tracks in front of the train.

The train was stopped in time by bystanders, preventing a major accident. Bahdauriya was quickly rescued from the tracks by police and taken to the hospital, according to eyewitnesses.

Flag-Off Event

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's virtual inauguration of the Vande Bharat train, numbered 20175, Rail Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu flagged it off from Agra. The train made stops at Tundla before arriving at Etawah station.

Upon its arrival, a commotion ensued on the platform as various political figures, including Samajwadi Party MP Jitendra Douwhare, former BJP MP Ram Shankar, and current MLA Sarita Bahdauriya, gathered to participate in the flag-off, videos showed.

MLA's Condition

When contacted, BJP's Etawah unit treasurer Sanjeev Bhadauriya said, "The MLA was helped off the track and she then waited for some time at the platform for the flag-off event."

"Later she consulted doctors and is resting at her home now. She did not suffer any visible physical injuries. If there is any internal injury, it is yet to be confirmed," Bhadauriya added.

Train Operations

Talking about the operation date for the Vande Bharat Express, PRO Prashasti Srivastava from the Agra division of railways said that the date will be announced soon.

The train will cover the distance between Agra and Varanasi in approximately seven hours. The return train will operate as number 20176 from Varanasi to Agra, while the Agra-Varanasi service will be number 20175.

The incident has raised concerns about safety measures during such events. Authorities are expected to review protocols to prevent similar occurrences in future flag-off ceremonies.