Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said on Wednesday that he took “full moral responsibility” for recent rail accidents and has offered to resign from his post, according to media reports. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked him to wait.
Prabhu tweeted, “I met the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking full moral responsibility. Hon’ble PM has asked me to wait.”
On Saturday, at least 20 people were killed in an accident in Khatauli in Uttar Pradesh, when 14 coaches of the Utkal Express derailed. Early on Wednesday morning, another accident took place in Auraiya district of Uttar Pradesh, in which at least 20 people were injured. There have since been demands from the opposition for the minister’s resignation.
Meanwhile, ANI quoted Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley as saying, “Accountability is a good system in government. Prime Minister will take a decision on whatever request the railway minister has made.”