NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday acknowledged the bravery of porters at New Delhi Railway Station, who risked their lives to assist passengers during last month’s stampede. He pointed out that their voices remain unheard despite their financial struggles and vowed to fight for their rights.
In a Hindi post on X, Former Congress president highlighted their dire financial situation, quoting a porter who said, “Some days, we don’t even have money for food. We either send money home or eat ourselves.”
“These porters risked their lives to help people during the stampede, yet their voices are not being heard,” Gandhi remarked, pledging to bring their demands before the government.
He added: “I will present their demands to the government and fight with all my strength for their rights!”
In the video, Former Congress president is seen engaging with the porters, beginning with a message of gratitude: “I have come here to thank you.” During their conversation, the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha and the porters discussed the February 15 stampede.
One of the porters, sitting beside Gandhi, recalled the chaos, saying, “We have never seen such a large crowd before.” He also added, “We also provided help to people, just as the administration did, as we are all familiar with the station’s routes and pathways.”
Detailing their efforts, Gandhi said, “Whether it was pulling people from the crowd, ensuring the injured reached ambulances, or retrieving the bodies of the deceased—using their physical strength, handcarts, or even their own money—the porters assisted passengers in every possible way.”
He commended them for their heroism and their role in relief efforts during the tragic incident, which claimed at least 18 lives as crowds surged at the station ahead of departures to Prayagraj.
Expressing concern for their hardships, Congress leader said, “I am deeply moved by the compassion of these brothers who earn their livelihood through daily wages. Despite their financial struggles, they remain full of goodwill and dedication. They need support, and I will make every possible effort to help them.”
New Delhi Railway Station, one of the busiest in the country, witnessed a tragic stampede on February 15 due to the heavy rush caused by the Maha Kumbh. The incident claimed at least 18 lives, mostly women and children.
The stampede was triggered by a sudden surge of passengers waiting to board trains to Prayagraj, where the Maha Kumbh is underway. Within 15–20 minutes, the situation spiralled into chaos on platforms 14 and 15.
LoP in Lok Sabha also recounted their experiences in his post: “A few days ago, I visited New Delhi Railway Station and met the porter brothers once again. They shared how everyone worked together to save lives during the stampede.”
During the conversation, the porters shared their primary demand: securing Group D employment, a request Gandhi promised to advocate for on their behalf.