MP with confirmed rail ticket given marching orders

Within minutes of settling down in his coupe, the MP was asked to get down by rail officials who told him that his name was being deleted. Despite insisting that he had confirmed reservation as shown in the printed rail chart, the MP8217;s plea went unheard.

Rail officials apparently wanted to accommodate a VIP who wanted the coupe, the only one available on that train, BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudi, who raised the issue, informed the House. This was clearly evident from the deletion of the MP8217;s name and instructions to accomodate the VIP on the reservation chart, he said.

Responding to members8217; concern Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pramod Mahajan said he would request the Railway Ministry to take stringent action against the erring officials.

Several members stood up to complain that they too had faced similar harassment from rail officials and demanded suspension of the officials concerned.

Deputy Speaker P M Sayeed then referred the issue to the Privileges Committee.