Now, BSP jumps into controversy over train fares of migrants

Lucknow, May 5 (IANS) After the Samajwadi Party and the Congress, the Bahujan Samaj Party on Tuesday jumped into the controversy over fares charged from stranded migrant workers wishing to return to their native states amid the lockdown.

Dubbing it “very unfortunate” that the central and state governments were charging money to ferry migrants by trains and buses etc, BSP chief Mayawati tweeted to say that if these governments were reluctant to foot the bill, the BSP will arrange for help through its cadres and supporters.

“All the governments should make it clear whether they are capable to pay the fares for the labourers or not. This is a demand of the BSP.”

Earlier, Congress state President Ajay Kumar Lallu wrote a letter to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to seek details of migrant labourers returning home from other states.

He said that the Pradesh Congress Committee will bear the travel expenses of these labourers, following directions for the same from Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

Lallu urged the labourers to return home without any break in journey.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said in a statement that thousands of people from the state are stranded outside.

He claimed that the exact number of workers left stranded in other states was also not correct.

“Now complaints are being received about the neglect of Uttar Pradesh natives by governments of other states. Even in Uttar Pradesh, the administration has become indifferent,” the former Chief Minister claimed.

He said that the Railways had donated money earned from passengers to the Prime Minister’s Fund and then leving a surcharge of Rs 50 each on hungry and thirsty poor labourers returning home to collect more money.

“The exploitation of the poor is a BJP model even in times of disaster. The self-esteem of the country has been shaken by the mistreatment of workers by the central government,” the SP leader remarked.

–IANS

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