Maharashtra BJP, Shiv Sena MPs to meet Rail Minister Sadananda Gowda

MUMBAI: Apprehensive about an adverse fallout of the hike in train fares in the coming assembly polls, BJP and Shiv Sena MPs from Maharashtra will meet Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda in Delhi tomorrow to “convey strong sentiments of commuters”.

“We will convey to the minister the strong sentiments of the 65 lakh rail commuters (of Mumbai ),” leader of the opposition in the legislative council Vinod Tawde, who would also accompany the MPs, said here on Monday.

“A season pass which cost Rs 115 will now cost Rs 330,” Tawde said, adding commuters feel this hike was “unjust and huge.”

After political rivals , the Narendra Modi government has come under fire from Shiv Sena over the rail fare hike with its oldest ally terming the move as akin to the common man being run over by train.

“Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda has in the first instance brought a steep fare hike and has run the train over the common man,” an editorial in Shiv Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' said.

Meanwhile, Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut said Modi should “come in front of the public and explain the hike.” “People brought them to power with certain ideas. While we understand the government doesn't have a magic wand, the public was not prepared for this hike. It is too bitter a pill to swallow,” Raut said.