Congress, BJP leaders jostle for space, credit

The Vande Bharat train was flagged off amid intense political activity here, with Congress leaders trying to make their presence felt and those of the BJP, which rules at the Centre, taking credit for the initiative.

The flagging-off ceremony was marked by chaos as BJP and Congress workers were seen jostling against each other to grab limelight.

BJP leaders were seen leaving no stone unturned to woo people while taking credit for initiating long-pending projects in the state.

Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu said several more trains would be introduced in due course to improve connectivity between Majha and Malwa regions to “usher in an era of economic prosperity” in Punjab’s border areas.

Though Bittu did not name any specific project, citing the imposition of the model code of conduct for the Tarn Taran bypoll, he apparently referred to the Ferozepur-Patti rail link, which has been hanging fire due to delay in acquiring the required land for the 25-km stretch. He said that the work would be initiated soon by the Railways. Bittu said a Chandigarh-Ferozepur Vande Bharat train would also be introduced. BJP leader Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi said termed the initiative a “beginning of development works” planned for the state.

Sodhi claimed that Ferozepur’s development was delayed as Prime Minister Narendra Modi wasn’t allowed to reach here three years ago by some mischievous people, who had blocked his way to the district.

“He was likely to make huge announcements for the development of this district. Due to this act, the development was halted. But now, things will improve,” said Sodhi referring to the incident when some protesting farmers had allegedly blocked the PM’s cavalcade, forcing him to return Delhi.

On the occasion, Congress leader and Ferozepur MP apprised Bittu of problems being faced by people in Fazilka and Abohar areas.