Elphinstone stampede: Let PM Modi take over Railways, prove himself, says Congress

Prime Minister Narendra Modi should take over the railway ministry as he "boasts of his efficacy" and prove himself, Goa Congress chief Shantaram Naik said on Friday.

His comments come after a massive crowd of morning commuters stampeded on the stairwell of a narrow footbridge linking two railways stations in Mumbai today, leaving at least 22 people dead and more than 30 injured.

"The portfolio of railways should be taken over by Modi who always boasts of his efficacy and goes on giving lectures to even world leaders... and prove himself," Naik said in a statement.

"If Modi takes over the Railways, he will have to judge himself on merits and resign as prime minister if any major railway tragedy takes place," it said.

The Congress leader added, "Since his disastrous policies of demonetisation and GST mismanagement have not made any impact on his mind, at least now, let him handle the Railways and prove himself."

The incident occurred on the foot over bridge which is known to be crowded most of the times and especially during peak hours.

According to the TV reports, heavy rains triggered the chaos which resulted in a stampede at the Mumbai local railway station.

PTI