Kasargod: As part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration of nine more Vande Bharat Express trains, Kerala’s Kasargod station witnessed Hindu priests holding Pooja before the departure of the train as though it was part of a Hindu religious function.
At a time when public prayer functions of minority communities are often mired in controversy and face attacks from right-wing groups, the Hindu religious rituals at a government function have drawn criticism from secular groups.
In a viral video on social media, Hindu priests conducted the Pooja ceremony on the railway tracks, invoking blessings for the safe and prosperous journey of the newly launched Vande Bharat train, adorned with a distinctive saffron avatar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation through a video conference during the inauguration, emphasizing the significance of these high-speed indigenous trains in connecting various parts of the country. He noted that 25 Vande Bharat trains are already in operation, and the addition of nine more marks a step toward realizing his vision.
"The popularity of Vande Bharat trains is constantly rising. Over 1,11,00,000 passengers have already travelled on them," PM Modi announced, highlighting the trains' growing popularity among the masses.
PM Modi commended the advanced technology and speed of these indigenous trains, aligning with the aspirations of 140 crore Indians. He expressed joy in dedicating these high-end trains to the states where they will be stationed for travel.
"Today, people of Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Gujarat will get the facility of Vande Bharat Express trains. These new Vande Bharat Express trains depict the new energy of the country," the Prime Minister declared.