Migrant workers won’t fall for BJP’s subsidy ploy, says Chidambaram

Describing as condemnable the decision of the railway management to squeeze and collect train fare from returning migrant workers, Chidambaram said people would not buy the diversionary tactics of the BJP to use the usual ticket subsidy.

Taking to twitter to demolish the theory of the ruling BJP that the trains were being operated at 85 per cent subsidy and states were only asked to bear 15 per cent cost, Chidambaram said, “It is clear in para 11 of the May 2 order of the Railway Board. Para 11(C) should be read. The justification of the BJP men will fall flat.” “Bringing the usual subsidy (given for train travel) during normal circumstances into the current debate is a diversionary tactic. It will not succeed,” the Congress senior leader tweeted early on Tuesday.

“Migrant workers, who travelled by a special train from Surat to Patna yesterday (Monday), have paid Rs 725 each. The train fare has neither been borne by the railway management nor the ruling BJP there. This is the reality. What justification will the BJP give for this?” the former union finance minister argued while rejecting BJP claims of no charge being collected.