Odisha Train Accident: Several State Ministers extend condolences

Several state ministers have reacted to the horrific accident that happened in Odisha when three trains collided leading to over 288 deaths.

Several state ministers have reacted to the horrific accident that happened in Odisha when three trains collided leading to over 288 deaths.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami cancelled a roadshow and a cultural programme scheduled for Saturday to commemorate the one-year anniversary of his victory in the Champawat by-poll, according to a press release from the chief minister’s office.

According to the statement, the CM described the train accident in Odisha as “very painful,” expressed condolences, and wished the injured passengers a speedy recovery.

“Describing the train accident in Odisha as extremely painful, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has cancelled all cultural programmes and a road show scheduled for Champawat on the one-year anniversary of his assembly election victory.” “CM Dhami has conveyed his condolences to the injured passengers and wishes them a speedy recovery,” a CMO official said.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Saturday that he is “distraught” over the Odisha train disaster, which claimed 280 lives and injured over 1,000 people.

Sarma took to Twitter to express her condolences for the victims of the tragedy. “I am devastated by the train accident in Balasore, Odisha.” We, the people of Assam, pray to God for the souls of the departed to rest in peace and for the bereaved families to find strength in this time of grief. “Our hearts go out to the affected families,” Sarma said.

However, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Farooq Abdullah has stated that an investigation is required. He also questioned why, if one train was involved in an accident, the other two trains were not stopped.

“This is a very unfortunate incident.” More than 250 people have died as a result of this, and many others are in critical condition. A few days ago, the Railways Minister stated that there will be no more accidents. If one train was involved in an accident, how come the other two trains were not stopped? “It is necessary to conduct an investigation,” Farooq Abdullah stated.

Sharad Pawar, President of the Nationalist Congress Party, said on Saturday that the train accident in Odisha was unfortunate and that the case should be thoroughly investigated. “This is a very unfortunate incident,” NCP leader Sharad Pawar told reporters in Pune. Everyone wants a thorough investigation into the accident case.” 

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences to bereaved families and wished for the speedy recovery of over 900 people injured in the train accident in Odisha’s Balasore.

“You may have seen that the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, Coromandel Express, and a goods train collided in Balasore, Odisha,” he said. Several passengers died in this horrific accident, and approximately 900 people were injured. I extend my condolences to all those who have lost loved ones on behalf of the people of Uttar Pradesh and the government. I also wish those who were seriously injured in this accident a speedy recovery.”

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said on Saturday that he has directed the entire Congress party organisation to assist the victims of a disastrous train accident in Odisha’s Balasore.

“Regardless of political parties, at this time of grave national tragedy due to the terrible train disaster in Odisha, I have instructed the entire Congress party organisation to extend all possible and necessary help,” he said. 

Kharge also expressed his condolences for the Odisha train tragedy, saying that while questions about the incident can be addressed later, the primary focus should be on assisting those affected.

“We have many questions for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but those will have to wait because the immediate task is rescue and relief,” Kharge said in a statement.

He urged all authorities to collaborate seamlessly to ensure the victims’ safety and well-being. Kharge’s remarks came as he acknowledged the gravity of the situation and emphasised the importance of swift and effective action to mitigate the tragedy’s impact.