'Time To Stand By Grieving Families': Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge Mourn Odisha Train Accident

Congress leader Pawan Khera, mourning the loss of lives, said the party has decided not to take part in any TV debates this evening in view of the accident.

Coromandel Express, Bengaluru-Howrah Express and a goods train derailed, in Balasore district, Saturday. ( Image Source :PTI )

New Delhi: Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Pawan Khera mourned the death of several passengers in Odisha's Balasore train accident and extended their condolences to the bereaved families. The train crash, the fourth deadliest in India, according to available records, took place near the Bahanaga Bazar station in Balasore district on Friday and the death toll of the devastating accident has risen to 261.

Expressing grief over the tragic incident, Sonia Gandhi issued a statement saying, “I am most pained and anguished by the terrible train disaster in Odisha. I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to all the bereaved families.”

Extending his condolences, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge tweeted, “At this moment of grave national tragedy on account of the terrible train disaster in Odisha, I have instructed the entire Congress party organisation to extend all possible and needed help. A number of Congress leaders from different states have either already reached or will soon be reaching Balasore. I once again extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families."

At this moment of grave national tragedy on account of the terrible train disaster in Odisha, I have instructed the entire Congress party organisation to extend all possible and needed help.

1/3 pic.twitter.com/TGK8NavywB

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) June 3, 2023

“We have many questions to ask of the Prime Minister and the Railway Minister but those can wait since the Immediate task is of rescue and relief,” the party leader added.

Congress leader Pawan Khera, mourning the loss of lives, said the party has decided not to take part in any TV debates this evening in view of the accident.

This is the time to come together and stand by the grieving families.

The Congress Party has decided not to participate in any TV debates this evening on account of the ghastly train tragedy in Odisha.

Our heartfelt condolences are with the families of those who lost their…

— Pawan Khera 🇮🇳 (@Pawankhera) June 3, 2023

“This is the time to come together and stand by the grieving families. The Congress Party has decided not to participate in any TV debates this evening on account of the ghastly train tragedy in Odisha. Our heartfelt condolences are with the families of those who lost their valuable lives,” Khera tweeted.