Viral Video On Mumbai Local Demands Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Resign
A video criticizing Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw over severe overcrowding on a Mumbai local train has gone viral on social media, sparking public debate over passenger safety and political accountability. The video, filmed inside a packed train compartment in Mumbai, features an Instagram user calling for the minister's resignation while highlighting the daily struggles of commuting taxpayers.
The video was uploaded to Instagram by user Shivan Sanatan alongside the caption, "Reel Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw must resign." In the post, Sanatan alleged that Indian Railways is currently undergoing one of its worst phases. He further claimed that the railway network remains far behind international standards, comparing its current state unfavourably to Switzerland's railway system from 1865.
In his caption, the creator argued that political leadership must take direct responsibility for the current state of the railways. He demanded Vaishnaw’s resignation and advocated for systemic reform, suggesting that government jobs should be awarded based on performance rather than permanent employment security.
The footage shows Sanatan travelling inside a densely packed Mumbai local train coach, recording commuters standing tightly together due to a complete lack of seating space. Directing his remarks at the railway minister, Sanatan stated, "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ki Jai. I am making this video for Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. People are travelling while hanging. This is the salary of the Railway Ministry - ₹34 lakh per year. Look at the condition of taxpayers."
During the recording, Sanatan drew attention to an elderly female passenger standing in the crowded coach. He noted that the woman was around his mother's age and had been struggling to remain standing for a long time despite having paid taxes throughout her life. He questioned when Indian Railways would resolve overcrowding to ensure passengers can travel with dignity.
Sanatan also raised questions regarding political accountability, criticizing a system where citizens elect leaders but cannot remove them from office when public services fail. He questioned whether the railway minister would take responsibility if a passenger were to lose their life due to overcrowding or related circumstances.
Neither Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw nor the Ministry of Railways has issued an official response regarding the viral video or the demands raised in the post.
