Mumbai: Heavy rainfall in Mumbai on Monday caused traffic upheaval and local train services to be disrupted, leaving at least 10-15 legislators and ministers stranded. Many legislators from both the state houses were stuck in trains just before reaching Kurla and Thane, as services were halted on account of waterlogging of tracks.
One minister and an MLC disembarked from the train and were seen walking on the tracks – which is illegal – in their bid to exit the station and take the road. According to The Times of India, Anil Patil, the Relief and Rehabilitation Minister, covered a distance of 2 kilometres on foot, including on tracks.
Minister Anil Patil said he had notified the railway authorities to avoid stopping passenger trains between stations, as individuals might disembark and walk on the tracks, raising their risk of falling into drains, the Times of India reported.
Videos of Patil and Amol Mitkari, a Member of Legislative Council from NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), walking on the tracks along with their bodyguards and other team members have gone viral. They had disembarked from a Mumbai-Howrah train, according to the Times of India report.
Meanwhile, NCP (Ajit Pawar) minister Hasan Mushrif got off the Mahalaxmi Express at Kalyan, and took a car to reach the Vidhan Bhavan, reported Times of India.
Sanjay Gaikwad, a Shiv Sena MLA, said they had been notified about the extensive traffic congestion. As a result, some of the MLAs remained on the train while others chose to walk, the report said.
The Opposition has slammed the leaders who were seen walking on the tracks.
In a post on X, NCP (Sharad Pawar) spokesperson Clyde Crasto tagged Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and said, “Isn’t it illegal to walk and trespass on the railway tracks? Whatever may be the circumstances, public representatives, just like any other citizens, are supposed to obey the law and also set an example. What action do you propose to take after seeing this video?”