Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi on Wednesday faced criticism over his maiden Rail Budget from the most unlikely quarter – his own party, the Trinamool Congress.
Posting on Twitter, TMC MP Derek O’Brien opposed across the board hike in passenger fares.
“Railway Budget…what was all that about increasing fares across the board? Upper class…maybe ok…but all? Sorry,cannot agree (sic),” Derek wrote.
“You… asked me if I disagree with the Union Minister. Yes, our party has issues on content,” he added.
Trinamool’s Sudip Bandhopadhay demanded withdrawal of rail fare hike. He added that the party was not consulted on the rail fare hike.
Responding to the criticism from his party, Trivedi told a press conference that he took the decision that was best for the Indian Railways.
“It was a very conscious decision… to be honest at the party or leadership level they were not aware of it,” the minister stated.
TMC’s refusal to endorse its own minister’s Rail Budget has brought to the fore the fact that not all is well within UPA’s main ally.
There had been reports earlier that there were differences between Trivedi and his party.