Narendra Modi says people mocking Vande Bharat Express should be punished 

Narendra Modi flagging off Vande Bharat Express in Varanasi, on February 14.

As a response to questions raised by opposition leaders accusing the government of rushing the country’s first engineless train’s launch, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that people who are “mocking” the Vande Bharat Express should be “punished” for “insulting” India's engineers and technicians. The train broke down following technical glitches during its maiden return journey some 200 kilometres from New Delhi.

Media reported that the prime minister, while speaking at a rally, said, “Some people targeted and mocked the semi-high-speed train. This is unfortunate. This is an insult to engineers and technicians involved in the project. People should remain alert against such people who are insulting engineers and technicians and mocking the country,” adding, “Is it right to insult engineers and technicians? Is mocking them right? Can they be pardoned? Should they not be given right punishment at the right time.”

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav had questioned the government over the “failure” of Vande Bharat Express’s inaugural run, which suffered technical problems.

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