Over the last two years, Mr Samaria had received numerous notices from the divisional railway office. And despite repeated petitions to the party brass, he has received no help. (Representational Image)
Highlights
- BJP leader threatens suicide if train dues for PM's 2014 rally not paid
- Vinod Samaria had booked train to ferry supporters to PM's Lucknow rally
- Railways say Mr Samaria owes over Rs 12 lakh in dues, he wants BJP to pay
A resounding victory in elections doesn't necessarily mean
"achhe din" for workers of the triumphant party. The case in point is Vinod Samaria, who today says he is ready to commit suicide. For his role in helping the party, he owes lakhs to the railway ministry.
Two years ago, Mr Samaria - BJP's district-level in-charge in the Fatehpur Sikri, 50 km off Agra - was handpicked to organise a train from Fatehpur to Lucknow for a rally of the party's Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi.
Delighted to be given the responsibility, he had managed the task -- booking a 19-coach train. On March 1, 2014, the train left for Lucknow. Two days later, it returned after a very successful rally.
On March 11, Mr Samaria received a rude shock. A notice for non-payment reached his home, since the booking was done in his name. As per Railways' records, he owes it over Rs 12 lakh.
"I have spoken to everyone in the state unit and they tell me not to worry. But it's me versus the mighty Railways. Farmers facing debt are committing suicide. What do I do?" Mr Samaria told NDTV.
Over the last two years, Mr Samaria had received numerous notices from the divisional railway office. And despite repeated petitions to the party brass, he has received no help.
The railways contends that the BJP had paid Rs 12 lakh for booking the train and around Rs 6 lakh as security deposit. For halting at four stations each on each side of the journey, Mr Samaria needs to pay another 12 lakh, says the railways.
BJP Uttar Pradesh President Laxmikant Vajpayee said, "Right after the event, there was a dispute with the railways, but the BJP is committed to paying all dues once the correct amount is agreed between the two parties".