Why Did Yogi Adityanath Say What He Did?
A few days ago, while traveling by train, I bumped into a retired Deputy Railway Manager (DRM) who had retired in 2019. He shared with me his experiences and insights about railway operations, particularly the rampant corruption and inefficiencies. Despite his critical view of the current administration, this DRM expressed considerable enthusiasm about Yogi Adityanath.
An Independent Evaluation
It is understandable to question why a government critic would have positive words about Yogi Adityanath. However, it is crucial to consider the context and the personal experiences of the speaker. Ritesh Deshmukh, the DRM, is not a mere fanboy but a seasoned professional in the railways. His surname indicates his Marathi background, which does not align with his apparent positive view of Yogi Adityanath's actions.
The Reality on the Ground
In the early 2000s, the situation in Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Bihar was particularly challenging. At that time, it was common for college students and other youth to misuse reserved coaches. They would demand seats and stay until their destination without permission, often behaving like thugs. These incidents not only caused significant inconvenience to other passengers but also made it extremely difficult for railway officials to control the situation.
The retired DRM vividly recollected these incidents, stating that even the train conductors (TT) and senior officials were powerless to intervene. These youth would place their legs on the seats and demand seats, often threatening to complain if they were not accommodated. It was a prevailing culture of impunity where the railway authorities could not take any effective action.
Yogi Adityanath’s Intervention
According to the DRM, the situation changed dramatically when Yogi Adityanath took power. He instructed the UP Police to take proactive measures in railway stations. When these unruly individuals attempted to get into restricted areas, the police followed closely, forcibly removed, and severely punished them. This intervention brought an immediate improvement in the overall condition of the trains.
One notable observation was the presence of police officers in every coach, much like an air marshal, effectively deterring any further incidents. Within a short period, the number of such instances drastically reduced, indicating the effectiveness of Yogi Adityanath's approach.
Yogi Adityanath’s Approach to Governance
During a meeting, a railway official reportedly asked the Chief Secretary (CS) what to do if the culprits claimed they were BJP members and would defend their actions. Yogi Adityanath's response was firm: 'Hit them harder. Our party people should know better, and if they don't, they need harder beatings.' This demonstrates the strong stance Yogi Adityanath took towards enforcing discipline and accountability.
Ritesh Deshmukh, who holds a very high-level position in the railway sector, emphasized that Yogi Adityanath's methods are effective, not only for the railways but for the entire state of UP. He believes that Yogi's approach aligns with the 'fundamental first' philosophy, in contrast to the hype around new policies like the Vande Bharat express.
Conclusion: A Shift in Governance
The retired DRM's candid assessment reflects a significant change in managing the railways. While he acknowledges the systemic issues, his endorsement of Yogi Adityanath's interventions highlights a positive shift in governance. The DRM's viewpoint, though not universally shared, provides a unique perspective on the impact of Yogi Adityanath's policies on public services.
The critical question remains: can this model be successfully replicated in other regions, or is it specific to Uttar Pradesh? Only time will tell if the changes seen under Yogi Adityanath's leadership will lead to lasting improvements in the railway system and beyond.