New Delhi:
Arch political rivals in West Bengal on Tuesday clashed in the Rajya Sabha, with CPM blaming the Railways headed by Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee for "inhuman" treatment to physically challenged passengers.
An angry Banerjee retorted saying Brinda Karat was doing "drama" and advised her not to politicise the issue.
The physically challenged had hired a special train from Kolkata to Delhi for participating in a rally seeking reservation and an appointment with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Raising the issue, Karat said after paying Rs 17 lakh for the train, the disadvantaged people had no water en route. She described it an "inhuman" act of the Railways.
But, Banerjee hit back saying "You are misleading. This is political. Don't do this drama."
Her party colleagues - Ministers of State Saugata Roy and Dinesh Trivedi - joined her on the issue along with Congress member Mabel Rebello.
Later, replying to the debate on the Appropriation Bill for the Railways, Banerjee referred to the charges of Karat and said trains have their system of operation and time.
"If one train is running late whether it is Rajdhani, Duranto or local, there are so many technical and other issues involved. We can't compromise with passengers' safety. As far as booking of train is concerned, in a democracy anybody can book a train," Banerjee said.
She said water was provided at Mughal Sarai and Lucknow. "One should not politicise the issue," she added.