Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the struggles of railway porters, pledging to fight for their demands with all his “might.” Sharing a video of his March 1 interaction with porters at New Delhi Railway Station, Rahul Gandhi highlighted their hardships, particularly after their heroic efforts during the February 15 stampede, which claimed 18 lives.
Gandhi acknowledged the porters’ bravery in saving passengers during the tragedy, yet lamented their continued neglect. “Some days we don’t even have money to eat. We either send money home or eat food,” he quoted the porters as saying, emphasizing their dire working conditions. He assured them that he would present their demands before the government and push for their rights.
Taking to X, Gandhi praised their humanity, stating, “Often it is in the darkest times that the light of humanity shines the brightest. During the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, the porter brothers set an example of humanity and saved many lives. I thank them on behalf of the country.”
During his 40-minute interaction, Gandhi listened to the grievances of the porters, who expressed hope that he would take concrete steps to improve their conditions. Porter Dipesh Meena, who was present at the meeting, said, “We are happy that Rahul Gandhi came to meet us. He listened to all our problems, and we hope that he will solve them.” Another porter echoed similar sentiments, saying he was pleased to see Gandhi take an interest in their struggles.
The February 15 stampede, which occurred amid an overwhelming rush of devotees heading to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh 2025 festival, exposed severe crowd management lapses at the railway station. With Rahul Gandhi now championing the porters’ cause, attention is on whether the government will take action to address their longstanding demands.