New Delhi, October 3 (IANS) is a surprising yet in a balanced gesture, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) senior leader Saurabh Bhardwaj has publicly praised Indian Railways for his better cleanliness standards, especially at New Delhi railway station.
Sharing a video message on X (East Twitter) on Thursday, Bhardwaj appreciated Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav and Ministry for maintaining high standards of cleanliness at the station.
Bhardwaj, who has been an outspoken critic of Indian Railways in the past, especially on security concerns and frequent accidents, admitted that positive development should be recognized and appreciated.
In his video, Bhardwaj said: “Today I am at New Delhi railway station. I have often criticized the railway department and especially its minister Ashwini Vaishnav for frequent train accidents, and this criticism is true. But today, I came to platform number 1 and visited the sleeper class waiting room. I used the toilet and it was better and clean.”
He said that the toilet was not only clean, but was also a dedicated staff member who maintains cleanliness.
“A person was assigned to cleanliness, and the area was quite clear. I believe that when something is done good, we should accept it and appreciate it. I think there has been a significant improvement in this regard,” Bhardwaj said.
Bhardwaj’s post on X echoed a similar spirit.
He said, “Okay, the Railway Department has set a record in railway accidents. But today, seeing something good, I felt that I should praise the department on the matter,” he posted.
Responding to a user’s comment about waiting room allegations, Bhardwaj replied comedyly, “No one asked, I did not pay, so I don’t know brother. Is it expensive?”
Earlier this year, Bhardwaj had criticized the Railway Ministry to fail to modernize the 90-year-old Pathankot-Joginder Nagar railway line, indicating that several proposals were uncontrolled to convert it from narrow gauge to broader gauge.
While his previous criticisms focused on security reforms and immediate need for modernization, the recent appreciation reflects a creative approach, when visible accepted progress.
This statement of a prominent opposition leader is being seen as a rare example of bipartite praise.
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Rupee/