Kejriwal Slams NHRC Over Punjab Pilgrimage Bus Probe; Commission Hits Back
Arvind Kejriwal accuses NHRC of bias in inspecting Punjab pilgrimage buses, while NHRC hits back with allegations of commissions and safety lapses.
A heated political battle has erupted between Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) over the safety inspections of buses used in Punjab's Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana. Kejriwal has accused the human rights body of selective targeting, while the NHRC has countered with sharp allegations regarding safety negligence and corruption.
Kejriwal Alleges Political Vendetta
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Arvind Kejriwal launched a scathing attack on the NHRC, questioning why the commission has suddenly decided to inspect the super deluxe buses deployed for elderly pilgrims in Punjab. He claimed that this is the first time in the history of the institution that such bus inspections have been conducted, and expressed bewilderment that only Punjab's fleet was singled out.
Kejriwal specifically questioned the nature of the "deficiencies" found, asking why the NHRC is concerned about the partition between the driver and the passengers. He further challenged the commission to explain why similar inspections have not been carried out on UP Roadways buses or transport fleets in any other state.
Directing his anger toward the Prime Minister, Kejriwal wrote, "Modi ji, why are you so bent on stopping the elderly's pilgrimages? Why do you take the elderly's sighs? It will bring a lot of sin. All Punjabis will curse you."
The NHRC's Safety Concerns
The controversy began after the NHRC took notice of serious allegations regarding the AC sleeper buses used under the Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana, a scheme designed for senior citizens and economically disadvantaged individuals. The commission raised several red flags, including:
- Unauthorised Modifications: Allegations of structural changes to the buses.
- Hazardous Partitions: The installation of doors and partitions separating the driver's cabin from the passenger area.
- Blocked Exits: Obstructions of emergency exits and windows.
- Fire Safety Lapses: Deficiencies in fire detection, suppression, and emergency evacuation systems.
NHRC Fires Back: 'Don't Be Afraid, Arvind'
NHRC Member Priyank Kanoongo responded to Kejriwal's claims with a biting retort on X, suggesting that the AAP leader is more concerned about commissions than safety. "Don't be afraid, Arvind! We haven't yet launched an investigation into the commissions you're getting from running these buses," Kanoongo wrote.
The Science of Safety
Defending the probe, Kanoongo cited guidelines from the Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT) Pune, the authority that sets national bus safety standards. He explained that partitions in sleeper buses are classified as hazardous because they prevent the driver from knowing if a fire has broken out in the passenger compartment.
Kanoongo recalled past tragedies where citizens lost their lives in sleeper coach fires, noting that in some instances, drivers remained unaware of the blaze due to these very partitions.
Nationwide Crackdown
The NHRC dismissed the claim of selective targeting, asserting that their actions are part of a broader national effort. Kanoongo revealed that over the past year, more than 1,000 non-standard buses have been removed from operation or restructured across various states in India.
Concluding his attack, Kanoongo warned the AAP leader against "playing with innocent lives" for the sake of greed and authoritarianism, stating, "Don't take commissions and ensure safe bus travel... If any citizen's life is endangered due to your chaos and authoritarianism, you'll end up back in jail."