Rlys order of running special trains for migrant labourers created chaos at Bandra station: Ashok Chavan

Former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan demanded a thorough probe into the gathering of migrants at Mumbai's Bandra railway station. He said that an order issued by the South Central Railways, stating the operation of Special trains for stranded migrant workers, led to the gathering of thousands of migrant workers at Bandra on Tuesday.

New Delhi: A day after thousands of migrant labours gathered at Bandra Railways station, hoping to get back home in the wake of the extension of nationwide lockdown, Maharashtra Congress leader Ashok Chavan alleged that an order of South Central Railways, stating the operation of Special trains for stranded migrant workers, had "created a chaos" among the people.

While addressing a Press Conference, Ashok Chavan said: "A piece of information has come to our notice in Bandra station case. An order by Deputy Chief Commercial Manager of South Central Railway was issued on April 13, mentioned that 'Jan Sadharan Special Trains' will run for stranded migrant labours in the state."

"Due to this letter, there was chaos among people and section 144 was violated. Such an incident by Central Government Railway Department is a serious matter," he alleged.

However, South Central Railways had also clarified, earlier today, over the matter saying: "A communication related to internal planning of SCR to assess demand for train services is being misinterpreted in some sections as the decision to run special trains for migrant labours. There is no such proposal and all passenger trains stands cancelled till May 3rd."

He said he smelt a political conspiracy behind the campaigns being run on social media to impose President's Rule in Maharashtra.

"There are some who want to disturb the communal harmony in Maharashtra and negate the state's efforts to fight coronavirus," he said.

He informed that the matter of migrant labours coming out in large numbers is being probed. "Police probe into the matter has already been launched and the guilty will be brought to book soon," he added.

Replying to the allegations by BJP and former CM Devendra Fadnavis, Chavan said: "Who is patronising the social media campaigns to impose President's rule in Maharashtra? It smells of a political conspiracy. This is not the time to play politics but who is running such social media campaigns need to be found out."