In crisis mode, Congress back to number crunching
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and senior Congress leaders, including Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, and her political secretary Ahmed Patel, went into a huddle at 7 Race Course Road late on Wednesday night, after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee precipitated a potential political train-wreck: sources said she had faxed a letter to the Prime Minister, asking him to sack Railway Minister and fellow Trinamool party leader Dinesh Trivedi and withdraw the hike in passenger fares announced in his first budget earlier in the day.
Railway Budget 2012 - at a glance (PDF)
The Congress Core Group's meeting ended without any decision on Mr Trivedi's fate, but, sources said, the government was not in a mood to buckle under Ms. Banerjee's pressure on her demand for a total rollback of the hike in passenger fares: at best, it is possible it might consider withdrawing the increase in the lower category fares. The name suggested by Ms. Banerjee as Mr Trivedi's replacement, Mukul Roy, it is learnt, is not acceptable to Dr. Singh, but at the time of going to press, Mr. Trivedi's exit seemed inevitable. The sources added that the government was now concentrating on a contingency plan, focussing on the numbers, in case the Trinamool withdraws support. It is in close touch with both the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, which together have 43 MPs.
Earlier in the day, moments after Mr. Trivedi presented the Railway budget for 2012-13, furious fellow Trinamool Congress MPs — in what must be a first in parliamentary politics — demanded a rollback of the passenger fare increase. Ironically, they had sat quietly through his speech in the Lok Sabha: some had even thumped the tables, as if welcoming the measures. “The philosophy of our party is pro-aam aadmi,” the Trinamool's leader in the Lok Sabha Sudip Bandopadhyay declaimed, giving serial sound bites to TV journalists outside Parliament House, adding: “We have asked Dinesh Trivedi to announce a rollback in fares.”
Party MP Derek O'Brien, who had sat through Mr. Trivedi's speech in the Rajya Sabha gallery, keeping a sharp eye on the proceedings, tweeted his disapproval of the hike. Meanwhile, in West Bengal, party supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, addressing a public rally at Nandigram, said firmly: “We did not know that there will be a fare hike. We do not agree to a fare hike and we will not let it happen.” This was even as Dr. Singh described the budget as “forward looking.”
Intriguingly, Mr. Trivedi appeared unfazed by the fact that his job now hangs by a thread, as he has been given a deadline by his party to reverse the increase. Instead, after the customary post-budget press conference, he went studio-hopping to put across his own case, stressing heroically that if Bhagat Singh could sacrifice his life for his country, he was willing to lose his job for the country. For him, it was country first, family second, and party third.
Mr. Trivedi's continuation as Minister, political sources told The Hindu, even before the presentation of the budget, was uncertain, as his occasional show of independence had gone down badly with Ms. Banerjee. They said that explained his show of defiance on Wednesday: instead of being meekly pushed out, he can now go down, all guns blazing, if he is sacked. Indeed, for the last few weeks, there has been talk in political circles about growing unhappiness in the 19-member Trinamool Parliamentary Party.
Last year, after the party backed the Lokpal Bill in the Lok Sabha, the party's Chief Whip, Kalyan Banerjee, almost quit having been upbraided by Ms Banerjee. Subsequently, the party joined hands with the Opposition to move amendments to the Lokpal Bill in the Rajya Sabha. Indeed, even on Wednesday, two party MPs, Sultan Ahmed — an MoS — and Kabir Suman came out in Mr. Trivedi's support.
Meanwhile, the Congress tried to distance itself from the soap opera. Asked how the Congress viewed the passenger fare hike, party spokesperson Rashid Alvi said cautiously: “We are not opposing it but we will try and achieve consensus before the budget is passed.” For the government, the storm over the Railway budget just adds to the complications in its relationship with the Trinamool. The Congress is bracing itself for what the Trinamool might do when the debate on the President's address to the joint session continues in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.
Government sources told The Hindu that the Trinamool's amendment on the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) issue had been rejected on technical grounds, but it would be embarrassing if that party supported the BJP's amendment. But these sources added that the worst case scenario, in case the amendment was carried, would be the censure, not collapse, of the government. They also clarified that Mr. Mukherjee had not written to Ms. Banerjee on the issue; he had only verbally indicated, at the UPA meeting before the Prime Minister's dinner on Tuesday, the inappropriateness of a UPA ally moving an amendment to the President's address.
Keywords: Rail Budget 2012, Trinamool Congress, roll back demand
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regional parties in national politics will ruin countries.
The antics of Mamata Banerjee reminds us of Jaya's antics during BJP rule at the centre. Its a shame that people elect such regional government, which in turn cause an embarassment to the whole country. The price hike in railway fares has come after eight years, which is quite acceptable and commuters have no qualm on this. When such is the case, why the damn BJP and Mamata are adamant to stall the proceedings of parliament, threatening the government and unrealistic demands.
As long as people cling to the regionalism mindset, the coaltion is inevitable. Electoral mandate should think in a national level, when electing a candidate for parliament. It has to be obviously a national party to choose. The existing fiasco is the result of people's misunderstanding and regional mindset.
Who installed the failed Greek experiment of Democracy in India ? Elections do not reflect the will of the people - they only bring to power "representatives" the people pin their hopes on, who then end up dismantling it through corruption, complacency and mismanagement. Personal gain through self-preservation and dynastic rule drives these anti-national politicians. The vote bank drama does not serve the interest of the country, its people or the environment. Bhaarat should once gain go back to its Dharmic order, where the country is governed by Dharmic principles of Law and Truth, where secularism is not forced religious tolerance but of mutual acceptance, where humans, environment, animals are protected by a common ethic, where economics prosperity means long term sustainability not just double digit growth, where the nation is not mined out its precious minerals and natural resources to satisfy a foreign materialistic appetite. What has happened to my Bhaarat !
This is unrealistic.Inflation goes up in amount of all costs.Why should Indian railways suffer the great impact. Fuel prices are high, salaries are high, man power are sky high. I think government can give subsidies to those who cannot afford.But for general public fares should be raised.
This is the most atrocious way of treating a Minister.How does the
party chief think that the minister will be able to control so vast an
organisation like Railways.Shame. Why this budget and eating away tax
payers money? CO-alition does not mean running a parellel government
department wise. Indian voters did you ever spend a minute as to how
your vote is being misused.Any civilised and honest person would not
be willing to accept a small and negligible rise as now
proposed..Public should be beware that if you are not willing to
accept direct budgetorial hike you will definitely be sacked through
indirect taxation and in other names of surcharge.Have you ever
dissect what amounts to basic fare and other surcharges you are paying
at present?
Oh my mother land when will you come out of the fetters of the
coalition?
Can anyone give any other instance where a minister who presented
budget in afternoon is asked to resign by the evening by his own party?
I wonder where is the end point of dirty display of TMC? I am not at
all saying congress has a pious hand but what TMC has been doing right
from they came to power in west bengal is absolutely opportunistic and
outright political. Poor people of India can't afford to do anything
that requires even a single penny. Why not Banerjee open state coffer
and provide at least Bengalis every thing free of cost? I wonder what
is stopping Mr. PM from cutting ties with this disturbing and
denigrating element called TMC? And if it's just a cliched political
SA-RE-GA-ma-PA then UPA2 becoming a sad soap opera is just a matter of
time. One thing that I have learnt from these drama that "anything is
possible and also fair not only in love and war but politics also". We
need to sit together and rewrite the history books to include politics
in the line of love & war!!!
@Mamata--- Loads of Drama--- earlier "TATA Nano Singur controversy" and now Opposing of "Railway Fare hike"...Let me remind you Ms. Mamta It's not 18th century, people are intelligent enough and are literally fed up of your dirty drama/games.
Mamata is a mindless socialist who is hell bent on screwing the country to satisfy her egos.
WB people should never have mandated her, she is only going to ruin the state and country with her irrational and populist rants.
A really brave and forward looking budget by Dinesh Trivedi. It will be
shame for government and TMC if he will be forced to resign on the
grounds of much needed fair hike for Indian Railway.
Hike in Rail Fares after a long gap of 8 years will definitely hit the
common man. The increase in rail fares for short distance travel
appears to be on the higher side. But Railways have plan to introduce
more suburban trains, increase in safety measures to overcome the
accidents, especially trying to abolish all unmanned level crossings
etc. Railway Minister is not enjoying the confidence of his party
chief who bent upon roll back of the proposal of hike in fares. The
chief of Trinamool congress even suggested removal of the minister. It
appears that proposed railway fares hikes will undergo several
changes before it gets passed in the House. It is not uncommon that
politicians plays to the gallery to keep their importance rather than
trying to do good for the nation.
Government is slowly transforming into a corporate company fooling the 'AAM AADMI' by putting up a show, but with a brand " AAM AADMI GOVT."
Mamata really lost a huge number of supporters, if not from WB but from the rest of india.If this non-hiking continues then one day the so-called am admi will be forced to pay thrice to travel the same distance after the privatization.
I think proposal made by Mr. Dinesh triedi is good, They really try to do something for railway modernization, since after Mr. Nitish kumar era there is nothing happen except new train introduction on railways track, And if Mr. Dinesh Trivedi has vision to do something for railways then their is need of money, and if taking about Madam Mamta banerjee she has short vision or have no vision.
Hats off to Mr. Trivedi and the railway ministry who rose above populism
to present a brave budget which is understandably the need of the hour.
Hopefully better sense will prevail on Ms. Mamta.
All this gung-ho seems to be the consequence of the centre not
suurendering to the demand of "didi" for a "package".
These populist overtones are not doing any good for the railways. In
case railways are kept wanting for funds, all the major projects,
safety drives etc will get derailed and certainly in future, is going
to be detrimental to the lives of railway travellers.
Why not give them their package and shut their mouth once and for
all?? Or gather support from SP, BSP and get rid of TMC and all its
political brinkmanship!!!!
Is Mamata is one and only one leader in India? It's a very bad politics. We should accept the rail budget of Mr. Trivedi. This is a nice budget. if price rising is going on with each and every other site, so why not it will be with Railway. Have we forgot that the government is running with 6th pay, So from what source Railway will pay salary to their employees, even modernization is the second thing.
i think Mamata B'ji is remote controller of each own party member, just
like Sonia ji.
Nobody cares whether Indian Railways Runs or sinks. Who cares if
AirIndia is sinking. Who cares if Janata's money is lost, in filling
the holes made by political bosses, to resurrect these carriers.
Janata is not opposed to fare hike.Janata only wants clean and safe
travel. Janta wants a person who can guarantee a safe, secure and fast
journey. What if passenger fares are not raised in the last decade?
Janata is still paying the prices due the hikes in freight rates.
Mamata wants a midterm poll now. She fancies her chances when the sun
is shining.She's playing the ruling and opposition roles. Congress
will avoid a midterm poll at any cost. BJP is on the fence, confused
in its policy and act. So AAm ADMI you are doomed. It is same with UPA
,NDA, or in between front. They're robbing your money,your livelihood,
your lands,your peace and now your conveyances. We educated Janta are
callous to the current dacoity.
i can't say removal of mr.Trivedi is a political stunt or not,but price hike is right decision for the growth of indian railways.how can u run a business with no profit at all,this price hike should have done 5 or 6 yrs back.But still it is good because better late than never.
who does mamata think she is?
It is high time railways improved the safety and other amenities at stations and the trains.
The price rise should have been done long ago, but no minister was daring enough to do this.
I strongly support the fare hike.
But there might be lots of other issues in his budget that are worthy of debate and criticism, is seems his entire 100hours of speech boiled down to only one issue
Well done Trivedi Sir by putting minimal load of fare hike of Rs 4k crore a year on us as we spend Rs 1500k crore and time of even more value on roads, phones, TV and net only. But increased infrastructure by private help is the urgent need of the hour as government itself can’t or shouldn’t do this mega job. According to my calculations India urgently needs a trillion dollar to increase its railway infrastructure as against one trillion dollars for entire infrastructure in next plan as computed by GoI. Indian railways are almost dead foe vast majority of Indians. Electric Railways are free mode of transport in this era of boiling imported crude. It consumes only 8 kWh electricity of Rs 30 to carry 1000 ton of load for a km while road need 30 liters of diesel of economic cost of Rs 1800 to do same work. Please complete all ongoing and intended railway projects taking full help of private sector. Make all roués 4 lined, fenced and electrified, increase rolling stocks by 5 times, connect all tehsils with district and all districts with neighboring districts by above mentioned routes in next 10 years.Railway should then carry all road vehicle running nonstop for more than 200 km by ro ro system at their respective fuel cost. Policy maker’s time starts now.
It's a political melodrama by TMC. I don't see anything wrong in increasing rail fares after all it does not run on water. Prices of basic things are getting hiked but for last 9 years Railway is dealing in Profit I don't know how? Another thing it's a vote bank politics from TMC. They just want to show they are with people.
Dinesh Trivedi has arrived in the big political scene! Kudos to him for the high spirits. Guess, this is the first time in the parliamentary history, that the minister was forced to resign - even before the discussion on the railway budget could start. The people opposing the move can be branded as economic terrorists, who wants to hold the economy to ransom with 19 members.
Pragmatism call for fare reform in railways as populism alone would make railways run the public carrier way, i.e.calling for bailout every year.
But the increase shouldn't be steep and all of the sudden, but gradual.
Since 8 years there wasn't any hike in the fares even if price of every other commodity has skyrocketed, which is not economically sustainable policy.
To make railways pro-citizens yet profitable, fare rise is welcome.
It is just a political drama. It makes no sense to force the railway minister to decrease the fare.
@ Mamta Banergee : Didi please pay attention to West Bengal. Whatever is going at center is perfect. Earlier you
interrupted with FDI and now with this. Please dont do this
Watching Railway Minister on TV yesterday, I salute his conviciton and courage to stand for what is right. 9 years without a fare hike in the present world of inflation!!! If railways become bankrupt, who will pay? Ultimately, it will be the taxpayers, not Mamata or any other politician. And, coming to the politics of it, a 19 member group cannot dictate to a 200+ group of Congress. And, I think Manmohan Singh should go for a fresh mandate for a stable government so that such crazy politicians can be put in place. I admire Mamata's bravery while in opposition; but ruling is different and difficult, especially in a diverse country like India. TMC or any regional party has to pamper only the regional population, but not national parties like Congress or BJP. Enough Mamata. Permit your own Railway Minister andthe PM to rule.
Its once again time for hard thinking on electrol reforms, regional parties and independents are wrecking our democracy, with just little representation in their own states they should not be allowed to contest parliamentary polls if they do not have representation in atleast 10 to 15% of total states in India, this will leave only 3 or 4 parties at the national level and no independents at all and will surely put an end coalition politics.
It is a national shame the way in which goverment of India
functions.Prime minister mere an onlooker.All political parties needs
people without spine and that is why country is going to dogs.
Its good that Ms.Mamata Banerjee has rejected the increase in passenger fares.Mr.Dinesh Trivedi's Rail Budget has loaded options like periodical increase in the name of fuel sur-charge, rail fare regulatory authority etc. This man will leave the Government after doing the damage leaving the party in power to face the ire of the public. The whole budget speech is about the uncertain future facilities of the railways like a fiction. First let the Government come out with a statement of facts on the performance against the promises made all these years while increasing the fares and freight chages.
Its a balanced railway budget for 2012-13 . Shri Dineshji Trivedi acted as any other person budgets for his family to earn and feed foreseeing some saving too. I dont know what is family status of Mamtaji Banerjee to learn from her to run a family . I foresee her political debacle in her senseless/cheap speeches/utterances.
The Indian Railways were once the pride of the nation. Today the trains are a disgrace - thanks to our politicians.
This is are ( Comman people) all welcome to railway budget 2012, nothing (small hike for fare),who is affect? not affected for the comman & other people. Government give the good service ok. mamata think when lose the railway can hike fare double fare. Tomorrow Finanace minister Pranab Mukherjee submitted the budget 2012 wait and see.
I am not against feminism. But Mayawati, Mamta, Sonia, Jaya... are just
tooo much...
This seem like a political stunt as she was aware of this happening
and instead of supporting the railway budget she protest for making
over her image ie showing Bangali people that she is with them in
fair hike. We think she is less practical but this decision of
removing Trivedi is more practical decision to gain the support of
people. This is good example of pragmatism and populism in one stone.
I really don't understand who is running the Government whether it is Congress or Mamta Banarjee with just handful of MPs. She is blocking every economic reform which put the Country into trouble. She is trying to do samething to Country what Left did for Kolkata for last 25 years.
I am extremely happy to see the Railway Budget as presented by the Railway Minister. It is progressive and well thought out. Kudos to a MAN who has stood up against the undeducated tyrant of a woman. It is not her personal fiefdom to decide what is good for the country. The lady does not know modernism, nor understand technology leave alone good polics.
Stand Tall Mr. Trivedi and dont resign or give up your post. We need people line you.
It is time some body takes care of this woman. I do not like to bad mouth anybody, especially a woman, but some times I wonder if she is one.
I say to the rest of the TMC MP's, Drop the woman from her pedstal and let Mr. Trivedi take over. Let her go the way of Mayawathi.
I do not understand what they mean by "pro-aam aadmi". Cant they realise that even their aam aadmi is supporting the price hike.! people are so sick of her and her politics. Every time we expect a better governance, they hit us with politics. We are so frustated,helpless and sick of this cheap politics
With due respect to Ms Mamta Ji who is controlling the petrol price
hike. But the scenario in railway is different, here safety need to be
put in place. For safety alone Railway requires Rs. 1 lakh crore (by Dr.
Anil Kadodkar committee report). To achieve this there is no option than
increase the fare. And when we see the increase, it is rightly planned
and will not deprive railway from common people.
There is no need of hike in fair, Govt should achive better maintenacne of Railways by zeroing corruption. We have to have DiDi kind of partners in coillation Govts especially when congress is leading. It is fairly visible for eavery one that Congress knowingly started the Drama with the Help of Trivedi. They do not want to give a better chance to DiDi in Union Budget. Now the Congies will increse many things in Union Budget
A shortsighted and a selfish action by TMC.
There is nothing wrong in hiking fares. Some leftist media use to propogate that price rise is anti-people. But actually it's a result of inflation which depends on demand-supply dynamics. Had there been no increase in fare since 1947, we would be spending just around thirty rupees to travel from Chennai to Delhi.
This is indeed a disgrace to Democracry. This is the disadvantage of alliance government. A price hike in a decade, that too for a good reason is not welcomed, what a shame. Every statement made by TMC, BJP and other parties is only to gain some favour from the Below Poverty line people who actually do not travel much.
I really appreciate Mr. Trivedi for his courageous statement "Country above Party", but there is no place for such good politicians in this country.
People who are supporting the price hike should understand a 30% hike is
not a slight hike instead a very high increase.Today it is Railway fare
tomorrow Bus fare and later anything else.Indeed price hike is necessary
but it should be slow and steady.For the last 8 years Railways is not
withholding price hikes but rather waived it off as it was in
profits.When there is possibility of running railways in profit for last
7 years then why did it go into loss this year?
These kind of people are barriers to development. The marginal fare hike in 9 yrs is totally rational. Mamata is pushing Railways on lines of Air India. Only God can save this country from these shrewd politicians. Firstly they don't go anything good. Even if others are doing good, they pull that person down. Shame on these people.
May be in the next elections people need to deliver a better result,
another coalition government will ruin the country. :( felling sad for
Mr.Trivedi
As a central Minister , Mr..Dinesh Trivedi, has performed his responsibilities. He applied his mind for the welfare of the Nation. For this, the minister should not be humiliated by his Party. Hitherto only Officials are shifted for having done good things to the Nation.This should not be extended to minister level. The hike proposed in the Railway Budget is only marginal and that too after 10 years. The common man is worried about the service/Security provided by the Railway mainly than the meager Hike.So I appeal all opposition parties in the Parliament to allow the Government to perform its duty for the development of the Nation.
When price of everything has increased many times during last decade, why should rail fare only be left out. Instead of benefiting the common man, such practices will only result in gradual collapse of Indian Railway. When the loses are too much after some years, next thing to happen will be privatisation, then there will be no control on the fares.
This is a disgrace to democracy!! A single person is derailing the development of the nation. And Congress is a mute spectator? What a powerless PM! It is a shame on India that a cabinet minister is resigning few hours after he presented a well-balanced and reform focused budget.
Is Ms. Banerjee serious?!! Who is going to pay dues, if not the people and organizations who use the Railways for travel and transportation respectively?! Does that mean we, the taxpayers, have to ultimately foot the bill in order to strengthen Ms. Banerjee's political base? When is India going to come out of this kind of cheap populism? Doesn't Ms. Banerjee realize that it is exactly this foolishness and antics that has driven entrepreneurs, employers and capital away from her state? She needs to realize that we live in a world that is competing for resources, beyond our country's boundaries. If she continues to exhibit such provincial and childish attitudes, what alternative is left for the voters of Bengal? There seems to be no difference between her and the Left in their obduracy and idiocy when evaluating the world and how India gets impacted and what kind of proactive measures ought to be taken accordingly. Hasn't Bengal suffered enough with this lunacy?!
India is lost ever since it got Independence, It is a virually a failed state, only few years left for it be offically be declared in International arena. Better , move out and migrate to other countries if there is a chance and just ignore the happenings in your beloved country by these thugs , rogue, criminals and third class citizen's ruling the country.Winston Churchill predicted 100% currently what was going to happen to country after Independence.God save this country
Its an overwhelming outcry above shown by a section of people which is good to see but just taking a step back and looking at this holistically-Indian Railways objective is to uphold safety and security of all stake holders by spending every rupee they earn and not to see that as a profitable organization is the first aspect, now coming to TMC playing its constitutional right to stop to satisfy its vote bank who may not come here to voice their view is another one. Coming to the drama which is being played on bigger screen is more unconstitutional and fabricated to stop real opposition in Parliament and in public on how this is being fulfilled. This malice practice outside parliament often shows that gov is getting succumbed to various pressures from all sides is an act in itself which is not a democratic way of functioning.
Mamata Banerjee will go to any extent to Keep the CPM shut saying they are only Pro-poor. THis Rail budget is indeed very good. THis is one example of how Indian Politicians cheat Indian general public. Mamata is Playing dual role. It is very hard to believe the rail fare hike happened without the knowledge of DIDI.
The forced resignation of a railway minister right after presenting his first budget is unfortunate. This clearly shows that indian politics do not have the development vision but clearly opportunitic and short sighted. It is invetible for any railway minister to increase rail fares slightly after a gap almost nine years. one can think simply that the so called aam admi's well wisher Trinamul Congress Party not even opposed the steep hike in petrolium prodducts. If the TMC is a common man's party it should not be continued in the UPA for atleast one day as the UPA 2 fuelled the spiralling prices in the country.
Trivedi is a minister of the GOI and not of Mamta. If she has to tell him something, she can call him and advice. Sacking him is nothing but creating the theatre of the absurd.BSP and SP should join hands with UPA and teach her a lesson. When the fare increase has been generally applauded, she is the only one who is creating noise.She ruined the railways and is now ruining Bengal by her antics.Roll back the fares and give nothing to Bengal, She will then learn a lesson.She and her tribe in TMC think that only they love the poor.
AT long last, Railways find a commendable Minister in Mr Trivedi.Indian Railways should not be allowed to be termed or named as TMC Railways.
Fares are hiked or not,finally it is going to hit common people directly or indirectly and Mamta should understand this. If there is still no hike or no other way is carved to augment the profit of our largest public sector enterprise, it is going to crumble under such pressures.
Mamata Bannerjee would have lost most of her admirers by her action y'day. Dinesh Trivedi has been true to his portfolio and kept the country's interests while presenting the budget. Derek O'Brien seems to have lost a bit of his quizzing sharpness after becoming a MP and his example of rail fare from Guwahati to Bangalore would indicate that passengers travel such long distances. Instead treating Railways as a commercial enterprise politics is being played. In fact Railways budget being presented is an anachronysm which needs to be removed. Railways should be treated like any other public sector undertaking and fares should be periodically reviewed. All those opposing the budget seem to have forgotten the plethora of concessions available to a sizeable portion of the population viz.students, senior citizens men and women, challenged persons etc.etc. The populist methods of Lalu has been corrected by the scholarly Dinesh Trivedi and robbing Peter to pay Paul has been forsaken for good.
For the last ten years Lalu and Mamata have mis-informed the nation that the railways was in excellent financial condition. That it doesn't warrant any hike in passenger fare. Lalu even gave a lecture at MIT (USA) on how to make profits without hiking fares! The true story is out. The railways is in doldrums. Here is a man who is forthright in saying that your destination is not guaranteed unless something is done. The Government should not drop him from the cabinet. The Congress should re-jig its alliances. If its a must, dump TMC. 19 MPs cannot make the Government dance. It is equally important that the Congress enjoys the confidence of its allies more than its support. This bullying tactis of its allies have gone too far. The UPA-1 sytle of co-ordination between the allies should be brought back.
What we are witnessing, is chaos of coalition politics,unsettling the Govt. and the people. We are making a mockery of democratic functioning. As long as we practice politics without principles, under the garb of benefiting aam admi, we are sure heading for a greater disaster. Tolerance of different views and reconciling these differences is the very essence of democracy. We lack this real spirit.
Kudos to Mr.Trivedi. for coming with a good budget and being bold enough to face the oppposition from his own party for the cause of the people and the nation.
Congratulation Dinesh for your boldness and you have proved that you have a spine which several other political leaders are lacking. I can definitely predeict it is the begining of the end of Mamata autocracy. I personally know several Trinamool MPs and several State level leaders who are very much dissatisfied with her and does not have the courage. Now I think some of the TMC MPs will be in touch with you so that you can work out the legality of anti-defection Law. The UPAs is not in danger and if you are forced by Mamata you will replaced by Mulayam Singh Yadav and SP will fomally join UPA and your door will remain open for Congress
Who is running the Central government?
India need to Progress, with a clear mission, vision and strategy... of course with backed with a good budget... if policy and decision makers are threatened I fear the worst.. wish the Indian citizens realize the political gimmick and give a clear verdict for a stable government with a strong opposition.. we do not want to see more of Air-India stories... its time that we wake up and act
It's but sheer political stunt.O.K.Let there be no hike in Railway fares for decades.Then how about aminities and safety of Railway passengers.Should we be satisfied with what we have inherited from the Britishers.Railway budget is for the entire Indian nation and not meant to appease a few.Let us be realistic and go ahead with what is required for the whole of Indians and stop satisfying a few local political leaders.
With Mamata polices Indian Railways derails soon. With ever raising oil prices and poor standards, lack of network, railways need to expand and meet and modernize the networks while meeting needs. Few pennies do not matter as long as there are enough trains to travel. Speeding the travel time by introducing bullet trains and subway system is the need of hour. Price raise is very reasonable and justified, Mamata should stop politicising.
Mamata is losing her balance. Union Railway minister can't be dictated by the Chief Minister of a state. Does she want all of us to believe that she deserves to be the prime minister. Congress should move away from this woman, who is unduly interfering at national level. She did the same with Bangladesh.
Mamata and Laloo were preparing budgets for votes and not for vision. Without even increasing the price how will the services be improved. When are we going to get rid of this vote politics.
I want Indian railways to improve. I am sick of dirty toilets, platforms, old tracks, accidents etc. If there is no hike in fares the services offered by the railways will further degrade.
The time has come for the Congress to run the government without the support of TMC. Mamata has been following the politics of blackmail and the UPA cannot succumb to the repeated threats of Mamata. It may be tough for the UPA to remain in power without the support of TMC. But, it is Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayavati may come to the rescue of the UPA. UPA also may get support from the Communists to remain in power for atleast now.
KUDOS to the "Great Indian Political circus". We get what we are deserved for. It's our fate to bear such populist leaders like Mamta, Lalu Prasad, Mulayam etc....As long as such people are at the centre our country is not going to prosper. All these people have some short term political agenda of their own and they never have a far sighted view for the entire nation.
This is why basic economics should be a part of school curriculum. If the Government subsidizes rail fare then all that will happen is demand will grow and train tickets get sold out even faster than before. Even now one has to book at least 2 weeks in advance to travel. It is much better to increase the fare in high demand routes and use the money to finance better quality or more trains!
If it's not now then when do didi think the right time is to increase the rail fares.Didi used the railway machinery to achieve her political aim,and now even after leaving ministry she continues to derail yhe wheels of rail towards progress.
I am now really worrited about WB.. West Bengal has landed to Fire from the Frying Pan. Why she doesnot understand, people don't fear paying Price Hike, they are willing to pay for betterment of services, else Indian Railway will keep languishing in filthiness without any Hike.
Finally we have a great national hero (Mr Trivedi our Railway minister) who can think straight on the railways.All excellent steps in the right direction. Will Mamata guarantee rail safety? Is she out of her mind? Who is she to jeopardize the lives of 1 billion people? No point in penny pinching on the fares and destroying the railways.Current fares are outrageously low and will only result in the death of the railways as we see it happening slowly. (Dirty unusable toilets, trash everywhere on the stations and tracks, overcrowded trains, stations and facilities, travel dates that are two months out in the future etc etc)
It's a golden opportunity for TMC to dethrone this government. They have been giving a poor administration to the nation, the rail budget being the current solid evidence. Before this, they hiked petroleum prices. A significant number of scams unfolded under this government. Mining mafia is blossoming. Black money is waxing by leaps and bounds. Poverty has risen from 27% to 33%. Government tricked the poor public by raising poverty line from Rs. 26 to 32 per day to hide the number of people forced into the slums. About more than 50% of population in 4 metro cities are currently living in slums. Is this government working for the 'last man', as Mahatma Gandhi asked Nehru to make policies with 'last man' in mind? It is only about 10% of Indian people who can benefit this rail budget mainly the government employees who get it reimbursed. Common man cannot afford it. The two main transportation system of the country, air and rail are about to bankrupt. What are they doing to us?
All these politicians are destroying the nation for the sake of votes to stay in power. Why cannt Mamataji give free passes to all the poor people in WB to subsidize the rail travel and WB state can pay the train fare from their exchecker. Rail ministry is not under west bengal government.
It is bad for any state to have an emotionally immature leader like Mamta. Her politics is one of tantrum-throwing and brinkmanship. It is irritating; it does not any good to anyone. High time such immature personalities are removed from Indian politics.
Mamta you don't show mamta on general public. this is not your party budget which will be prepared as per your wish. I believe Mr Trivedi would have done his homework before he took this decision. Anyways stop this political stunt. Whenever there is a hike in petrol price, on every occassion you played this stunt then also what is the outcome you know better than me. you can fool common people but this will not long last.
I think this is not the correct way to just write a letter and remove a Minister. Our politics has sunk to such lower ebb is a shame for me. I think CM of West Bengal should study 1 year in economics to understand how it works. I guess Miss Mamta will be happy that fares be reduced to zero or that railway should pay to passengers for using rail services.
From singur fiasco, FDI in retail to railway budget,Mamta Banerjee is mercurial and has opposed government on everything. She is not in line with the government's view on any issue and doing no good to the nation, thanks to coalition politics. Indian railways is not some piece of land in west Bangal on which she could choreograph political drama. This nominal fair hike is in best interest of Indian Railways.
Now does the hike stand cancelled? Lets look at our bottom line rather than worry about these guys playing with us.
This shows Mamata's utter disregard for reason and disrespect for anyone who does not dance to her tunes. It is high time that TMC is thrown out of UPA even if it means the collapse of UPA.
it is nothing but mockery to make such illogical comment. Roll back is impossible when the railways is expanding by leaps & bounds; Let us realise the realities of the situation for a sustained growth for a mammoth organisation like railways which is having the same structure of revenue resources as has been eight years ago. Whether Air India takes off or not in the near future, the trains are to move for lakhs of aam admi and carry the tonns of our goods; we can not allow it to derail.
What is difference between the earlier CPI-M and TMC especially Mamata. At least CPI-M was / is providing issue based support to Central Government. I believe that UPA should remove TMC from its coalition to become a stable government.
Did Mamata during her tenure as Railway Mainister discuss Railway budget with any one before it was presented to Parliament? Isn't that treated as breach of office.
I think this fare hike is logical.Pls Mamta Didi do`nt behave like
this.This may abate your respect in public.
Well, I strongly support Mr. Trivedi for his wisdom and on the other hand feel sorry for this lady, who thinks in this way she will keep her vote bank secured, but in the next election, which will be held in another 4 years, she is bound to understand the reality. Although I am a TMC supporter, and wanted to see a change from the then 35 years of retrograde ruling of CPIM but now feel sorry to see WB in coming 4 years.
Mamta's childish acts has no end.She should understand that Mr.Dinesh Trivedi is a democratically elected MP and inducted in to the cabinet by Prime Minister (PM) and he is bound to work with the guidance of PM and his cabinet colleagues towards making the budget. It doesn't mean that since, Mr.Dinesh is elected through Trinomool Congress party and he is bound to take all his ministry decisions in discussion with the party chief. This is making fool of democratic system for the benefit of an individual i.e.Ms.Mamta Banerjee. Ms.Mamta Banerjee made fun of last 2 years Railway Budgets by carving a lion's share to her home state in order to win 2011 state elections. Our lame duck PM along with UPA Chairperson also supported her inspite of resisting her. Nowadays, Regional Parties with handful of MPs is ruling the Union Government without any clear agenda and national interests. These kind of cheap tactics politics is going to be a big threat to our unity in diversity democracy
when the price of every essential commodity required by an aam adami has been increased by more then 10-50 rupees then i dont think there is problem in increasing the fare by in passenger fares by 2 paise per km for suburban and ordinary Second Class, 3 paise per km for Mail/Express Second Class and 5 paise per km for Sleeper Class, 10 paise per km for AC Chair Car, AC-3 Tier and First Class. for 100 km the increase for aam adami will be increase of rs.3..why political parties specialy of west bengal crying..they dont know what happening to AIR INDIA..fares hike is very much needed to generate income for railways which is in loss..
It's gundagiri of mamata and her party gone uncontrolled, the poor man has to balance his budget. IF the petrol price is hiked, will mms fire the petroleum minister, this is becoming a joke. Food inflation is up, fire Pawar then! cost of living is up fire the home minister! Cost of flying is up fire the aviation minister! There is a urgent need for a vote of confidence motion in the parliament given the performance of the ruling coalition in the states.
The indian electorate is paying a heavy price in accepting persons like Mamata Banerjee as a politicians.she is at the height of her arrogance in calling for the replacement of the railway minister even before the ink of the budget had dried up.
It is a hike in fares after 9 years. That too its quite nominal. Its
better for the government to step down rather than succumbing to her
pressure like this. This country is not being run by Mamata for sure.
People should first replace her with another leader in WB.
Heard modernistic approaches by creating SPVs for managing safety and modernisation of railways first time. the rate hike was definitely inevitable. Mamata did the same drama in Singur, hope the green revolution stops with WB. But I am not really seeing any cost cuts in the budget at all. All seems to be hike in rates but no cost cuts. Before modernisation of railways, the govt shud first rationalise spending in railways. Privatisation is the key. But God knows when we will head to private era.
I praise Diwedi for his work, going above party politics and doing what is required for the railway, i m guessing and seriously hoping pranab mukherjee to do the same thing in the Budget. Parties should understand that an individual today understands the foul politics.
A price hike in the Railway fare will not affect much to common man. For commuters in case of short journey cheap Rail passes are available. A common man is not travelling frequently to long distances. What actually affecting to common man is hike in food items which everybody(irrespective of the financial condition) needs to consume daily.
we people are ready to pay extra. Politicians are not allowing our country to improve. Not even
god can help India.
Who is Mamata Banerjee to decide the position of Railway Minister??
It is a good decision to increase the fares, else the same fares will be continuing for the next few years and people expect better facilities from Railways. Very unfortunate that Mamata Banerjee is playing the populist card here.
Congress wants to play the divide & rule policy like the British.When
Congress can write off even over 60000 crores of farmer's dues to suit
their interest for winning the Lok Sabha election by nook or crook at
the cost of the economy what is wrong in Mamata asking for a roll back
on passenger fares at a time when the poor citizens of this country
are suffering from high inflation and are dependent on the cheap
transport such as railways to commute.If am admi, Can the Govt not
find this 3000 crores through budget allocation?. It is a treacherous
game Congress is playing to teach Mamata a lesson by dividing her
party. This is not going to succeed. No one is against a price
increase in the national interest but the timing,means & mode of
achieving this at this hour for political gain & to pull down a
trusted ally who is known for her genuine concern for poor and leads
by example and had fought a bitter battle in her own ground to provide
a refreshing change in Bengal is really baffling.
Ms Banerjee appears to not have the faintest idea of either economics or administration. The decline in quality in the railways in both cleanliness and overall maintenance over the past decade is there for all to see. It is time for the Congress to make peace and learn to deal with both the SP and BSP and dump this unwanted ally into the Bay of Bengal. Hope this is what the people of Bengal will do in four years. So much for paribartan !
This type of dirty politics are eating up the country.Increasing the
railway fair is just justified and reasonable. Politician like Mamta is
behaving like autocrat and mistake by West Bengal people who have
expected more matured behavior than CPI..
TMC has survived/thrived all its life opposing Left's Policies so much
so that it has become its nature and they have forgotten the need of a
rationale..TMC graduated from opposing Opposition Parties to Allies
Policies (Congress) .. now the matters have reached to a level where
they are opposing there own party leader's policies ...
A day is not far when Mamta proposes something and the next day Opposes
the same...
Mamta should realize that the hike is very marginal, and acceptable as the fuel prices have also increased. Road Transport fares have already increased, hence a marginal increase in Train fares is welcome for Public.
Its time for her to step out form her petty Vote Bank tactics.
Respect, is what i have for you, Mr Trivedi. ever since Smt. Mamata had taken the reigns the profit making public sector went to loss. she was never concerned about the duty that was entrusted but rather about her image back in west Bengal. i appreciate this wise move. we indians have grown up sir to respect leaders like you. we need more MEN like you sir.
Roll back of fare hike by Mamta is a welcome step,but madam the current shabby condition is because of you only.Why you could not control corruption in Railways when bacha bacha of india know how to get berth in a running train by just bribing the TT.Why not bring automation to a state where there is no scope for corruption by babus in railways.Why your minister today announced of recruiting more one lakh staff when you must save money by more computerization and privatization.More staff will breed corruption.Take the help of great management MBA's of IIM or Consultancy services to bring new managerial innovations.Think not only of cheap trains but bullet trains of Japan and China.For those who desire cheap travel run Janta express whole train of 15-20 coaches with general dibas only,let these be very very cheap but let them get late as for such people time is not constraint.Let those with costly time and luxury run more Durontos.
The Govt should understand that Railways is as important a ministry as
home and finance and thus should not be ceded to allied parties which
they use it for their political motive. TMC aka Mamta Banerjee has long
played their political gimmick. The recent hike is an urgent need of the
hour and should not be rolled back. Also, If Ms. Banerjee is so adamant
on slashing the price hike, could she elaborate on the fund raising for
modernisation of railways, security etc ??
For our country Indian Railways is the lifeline for millions of us. If
the Railways has to survive it needs resources. For cheap politics of
Mamata and others like her, it may die a painful death. How will we all
travel with out the trains in our country?
People who travel in trains are the people who are shedding their blood, sweat and tears. Those who are making the decisions on their lives or those who are looting the national treasure do not travel in trains. The price hike do not effect them.
Dr. Singh has asserted that there is no threat to the Government and it has the numbers.This confidence should be reflected in the following actions.1.Snapping the ties with Trinamool Congress.2. Bringing a bill for privatising the railways.Will he do this as a true economic reformer?
Where do these people learn their lessons? People like Mamata and Laloo think salaries of railway officials can keep going up, cost of materials can go up, but fares cannot be increased? We see the effects in terms of railways accidents since not enough money is available for expansion and maintenance.
I think the solution is for charging the Railway Minister with murder next time people die in a rail accident. Only then will they learn the lesson of normal management.
A cheap political stunt from TMC which I guess, not many people might
have expected. A price hike was long due and there should have been a
slab-wise increase in fares at least for passengers travelling in
general second class. Media should have projected it as a "marginal"
fare hike. This simple word should have come as a respite to general
public. Looks like everyone is playing their game for 2014! Let's hope
public will emerge victorious at the end.
It is not money but management that drives an enterprise to its desired goal. Money is needed to run it, but only good management can use the money wisely and effectively to achieve the goal of the enterprise. If a well-known international management consultancy firm is employed to study how the government-owned giant of an enterprise is managed,its report may not carry good news to the government.
let trinanmul congress quit upa and the cabinet before revolting against
the decision of its minister in the cabinet
I think it is absolutely OK to increase the train fare. Look how much
the diesel/electricity prices have gone up. Even the eatable became
dearer by two (if not three) times. Railway need to increase the fare to
provide better service and new trains !
What then is the difference between CPI and TMC ? While the
cost of everything has gone up immensely in 8 years how can
the railways run on the fares of old days? Ms.Banerjee first
converted Indian Railways to West Bengal Railways and now she
wants to control the Railways from the Writers building.The
Railways are not her private property and it is high time it is
improved and made a profitable organization. Ms. Banerjee has
no idea of economics and does things illogically.Luckily she
went away to W Bengal or else she would have totally ruined the
railways. She is basically a street fighter and knows nothing else
but fighting.
It is about time that the railway portfolio is given to another
political party and the TMC given a low priority ministry. Give
them the portfolio of 'fruits and vegetables' so that price rise is
checked.
I am with railway minister. I hope we have that kind of MP's and Ministers. Ms. Mamata can ask, money equivalent to fair hike as a package to West Bengal development from Mr. Pranab to day so that he takes care in his budget day after.
It's time to think positively. We need to have a Safety and cleanness in
Train and Station. This requires additional money, without raising a
price how the money will flow into these development projects. Please
allow new ideas to take into action and support them.Safety and cleanse
are basic need for common man, this needs to understand well by
politician.
Mamta is becomming cheap day by day. Rly fare hike is inevitable due to
the increase of fuel and other materials.She wants huge funds for Benga.
where from the center can give? A thoughtless lady a bane to Bengal and
the Nation.Unfortunately she is the CM of a state.
This Callous and higly irresponsible attitude of Didi is Condemnable. Mr.Dinesh Trivedi has proposed a proper budget. I think Indians should not get fooled by Didi's stunts..Nowadays I am feeling that WB removed Communists and brought another communists in power who knows nothing but opposition
I fully support didi'd policies.. she's a greatleader and economically sane tooo
its not alarming... This Price increase seems to be affordable and its inevitable because the inflation is so high and the price hike was there in every field/commodity.
The common man is still protected, because the price increase in ordinary and Second Class tickets is quite affordable. Upper classes has more, and rich can easily afford it.
The Indian railways is the largest employer in the world and one of the cheapest means of transport systems.two paise hike per Km is totally justifiable,going by the steep hike in the prices of petrol products.Mrs. Mamata's stand against the small fare hike is untenable out and out.It will only tarnish her image and expose the cracks among the UPA partners.
Indian Railway needs a fare hike. She may claim that; remove the fare hike of general and passenger trains, but rolling back everything is not justifiable to Indian Railway. She is just trying to attract media attention and she is very successful in doing that.
If it is not a publicity stunt then kudos for the Railway Minister. Seems atleast someone has a vision to generate money and take railway to the next level from where it is.
Ms Banerjee is not ready for a price hike of ticket fares (for the benefit of the common man) but seems to want a re-election in the country which will end up heavier on our pockets.
I think this just a cheap gimmink being pulled by the political parties... I failed understand how people always want their salaries to increase, but raise hue and cries and prices increase.
This is not a significant raise at all, it's increase a price of ticket by 30Rs. of 1000km journey !
This common man impractical theory of left was the primary reason for their ouster from west-bengal...people were expecting change...Trinamool is doing the same old thing...Mamta should justify "non-increment" of fares first and then pass comments for revoking the plan..
I look at this in a different way. Knowing the crooked ways of thinkings of the
Congress leaders, I smell a rat.This could be a secret agreement between Congress
and Trivedi, whereby Congress gets a chance to snub Mamata and Trivedi either gets
some handsome reward or may be inducted into Congress.This will pave way for
Trivedi's supporters to come in the Congress fold and thereby weaken mamata.With
the Samajwadi Party backing presently and DMK's helpnessness to continue in the
alliance because of safety to Kanimozhi, Congress can afford to play such games.
Time alone can answer.
This fare hike is absolutely necessary. The challenge now would be to use this in developing infrastructure. Thanks and regards for Mr. Trivedi for a very sensible move.
Didi you are not Railway Minister anymore, and ex RM has no role to
play. There's nothing wrong in this partial increase in price.
Mamata Banerjee is adopting the style of the CPIs. In earlier days, they were part of UPA, and attend meeting everything before rise in prices., after the announcement of hike, they say "roll back the hike"...
Everybody wants to come to the limelight no matter how. This act of Fare
Hike Rollover is a cheap gimmick to attract the media. If the Fare is
not increased now Indian Railways will become another Kingfisher
Airlines and common man have to look for alternate mode of
transportation. So please stop this intense care of common man Didi.
With due respect.
Criticism form the side of Mamta Banerjee of rail fares hike is just for
the sake of criticism only. whatever government proposes, she is ready
to deny it even before looking into the merits.
I don't know what TMC thinking about public ..
Are we not brilliant enough to understand this gimmicks .
A increase of 5 to 10paise per kilometer is a welcome step by the govt,this rise is not going to affect any common man.It is better to increase gradually rather than to increase at a stretch after few years.
This is a very cheap publicity stunt by TMC. This much hike in train fare is justified considering the increase in Petrol/Diesel prices and poor account balance of railways. We cannot expect zero hike in fare for decades!
Mamataji should have continued as Railways Minister as a part time job
apart from being CM of Pashimbanga and keep distributing goodies on tax
payers cost!
Can't laugh. What a politics!!! This is nothing but a ploy to prevent CPM to take any advantage over the subjects. This is relevent in all subjects they reacted, whether it is Water sharing with Bangladesh, FDI in retail or the latest bill to prevent terrorism etc.
They simply want to play the game in both ruling as well as opposition side. How long this will go, we will have to wait and see. Being it 'Indian Politics', anything can happen
First of all we welcome this small hike in fares which will not affect the common man (being too less increase in fares) and it will boost the railway budget.Secondly i would like to clap for the drama that TMC is showing. Is it possible that Dinesh Trivedi has presented the railway budget without discussing with their supremo Mamata. then why they are just protraying that it was not known to them. This is simply a political move and nothing else.
Both Mr.Dinesh Trivedi & Didi belongs to same Trinamool party. Didi protesting for fare hike from budget made by her own partyman. Joke of the day !!
If Mamata keep interest of people and wont hike the fare for last 9 years just for political gain then this railways will be go in AIR INDIA way.By the way Mamata is no where and no one to discuss on this Rail budget.She was,but now she is not.in other way this is not the home company of TMC or Mamata.I feel happy to see this budget.We don't want to see Railways to be bankrupt or wont go any other way.Mamata is just playing political game.Trivedi you are awesome.Keeping Party beside you gave a good budget and shared in every part of India.
It is a high drama. The Railway Minister is from Trinamool Congress Party. Public should understand the political games with the PUBLIC. Stop all dramas. Playing with the needs of the public. Trinamool Congress will never roll back its demand but the Union Government will certainly implement the hiked rates .
How long these great politicians will play with the people.
Ramakrishna Ogirala
Ramakrishna Ogirala.
TMC will never improve!!!!!!!! Now only God will save Dinesh Trivedi.
We the People of India have become fed up of such political Drama..they
think of their profit first; which agenda can cash them more sympathy
from people. This is what Mamta learnt from Singur and now she often
applies same theorem to each and every political decision...irrespective
to its benefits to the nation...
Utter nonsense, ridiculous!!! In my opinion, what Trivedi has done is the need of the hour to stop the ailing Indian Raiways from further ailing. Maybe, a little moderation of the quantum of hike can be considered...but not the complete roll-back.
Mamata: For god's sake please put an end to your unrelistic demands and allow the union govt to function freely. This is too much of a torture! Don't be smug.
@Mamata Banerjee: why not reduce the prices and salaries of everybody in
west bengal to 1980's level. Avg Annual salary: 200 bucks, railway fare
from kolkata to delhi: 20 bucks.
didi has common mans interests at heart.. she has almost immediately demanded a roll back of the heinous fare hikes which hurt the common man immeasurably
Didi, we respect you. Do not tarnish your image yourself by such cheap stunts.
This over populist and left characteristic of west bengal parties has already sunken the mighty WB state and now they are planning to do the same with Indian Railways.
Indian railway needs fare hikes.
It is desirable to increase the rail fare at least now, if not now then when. I cannot see the what logic does Mamata Banerjee has to oppose such a rational step for indian railways. The kind of idea of social justice which Ms. Banerjee is following will take her nowhere beyond Bengal.
Trinamool's Most Stupid Statement. They dont roll back their deamnds.
Are they trying to fool the public with such words?? Didi will do
anything to just ensure that her statement is staying TRUE - including
slandering a lady who has been raped.
welcome to co-elation Politics to Congress. Now you know what it
means to have smaller parties along with you.
Its not a protest but a political stunt from Trinamool congress.
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