Congress Slams BJP Over Harassment Of Woman Influencer Inside Vande Bharat Express: 'Completely Unacceptable'

A chaotic incident marred the newly inaugurated Meerut-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express on Saturday when a woman and her companion alleged harassment and misbehavior by BJP workers onboard.

The woman recounted the ordeal, explaining that they were accosted while moving through a train coach to get food.

Photo Credit: X

The incident quickly gained traction on social media, drawing widespread condemnation. Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed voiced her disapproval, stating, "This is completely unacceptable. The train is public property, not a personal or BJP asset," in a post on X.

Congress party further shared a viral clip of the incident, commenting, "This video is a witness to the conduct, character, and face of the BJP."

According to the woman, a man blocked their path, insisting that the cabin was reserved for BJP members and that they were not allowed to pass through.

"We were passing through the cabin to take food when an uncle stopped us, saying it is BJP's cabin and we cannot go through it," she told reporters inside the Vande Bharat train.

As the situation escalated, she mentioned that when they attempted to return, a heated argument and physical altercation ensued.

"When we were returning, they started arguing and pushed us, asking why we were frequently moving around the cabin. We are also connected with the BJP, but these kinds of people defame the party."

Her companion, who identified themselves as BJP supporters and influencers invited to cover the train's inauguration, expressed outrage over the incident.

"BJP hired us as influencers. They consider the train as their personal property and were misbehaving with my sister," he said.

The incident overshadowed the inaugural journey of the Meerut-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express, which was virtually flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Alongside the Meerut-Lucknow route, two other Vande Bharat trains, Chennai Egmore-Nagercoil and Madurai-Bengaluru, were also inaugurated.

The new Meerut-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express is expected to save passengers around one hour in comparison to the current fastest train between the two cities.

During the flag-off ceremony, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the strides Indian Railways has made in recent years, saying, "Through its hard work over the years, the railways has made big strides in addressing long-standing issues and offered new hopes and solutions. We will not stop until Indian Railways becomes a guarantee of comfortable travel for everyone."