In a move that has raised both eyebrows and questions, former Union Minister Smriti Irani recently took a ride on the famed Mumbai local train. Known as the “lifeline” of Mumbai, these trains are synonymous with packed compartments, clinging commuters, and a constant buzz of movement. But Irani’s ride seemed to paint a very different picture—an almost eerily empty compartment with minimal rush, sparking discussions and accusations of a well-timed publicity stunt ahead of the Maharashtra elections.
Irani boarded a local train on the Western Line, specifically from Vasai to Bhayander, and a video of her journey was posted online by news agency ANI. In the video, Irani was seen casually interacting with a few passengers around her, seemingly enjoying the unusual spaciousness of the compartment. For Mumbaikars, who are more accustomed to trains packed to capacity with people crammed like sardines, the sight was bizarre, even surreal. Many began to wonder if Irani’s “Mumbai local experience” was staged for the camera.
The Great “Empty Mumbai Local” Mystery
The controversy erupted on social media as Mumbaikars reacted with both amusement and skepticism. Mumbai’s locals are rarely, if ever, empty, especially in densely populated suburban stretches like Vasai to Bhayander. The video of Irani’s calm and comfortable journey was met with humor and disbelief by netizens who couldn’t help but question if her experience was manipulated. Comments poured in, with one user on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) quipping, “…It looked very unlocal train…” This user and others were quick to question the authenticity of the scene, suggesting that either the train’s timing was deliberately chosen or special arrangements had been made to ensure she had a calm and composed travel experience.
Another user echoed the sentiment: “Mumbai local itna khali kaise hai? [How is the Mumbai local so empty?]” reflecting the incredulity of many regular commuters who can’t recall a time when Mumbai’s locals weren’t crowded. For anyone even vaguely familiar with Mumbai locals, the daily commute typically resembles a chaotic, high-stakes contest where everyone is jostling for space. Office-goers are used to scenes of intense rush and body-to-body crowding, with people hanging out of the doors due to lack of space inside.
One comment in particular poked fun at the apparent calm Irani was enjoying in her carriage, inviting her to “take a local on Monday morning,” referring to the notorious weekday rush. The comment went on to suggest that only then would she truly understand the experience of a “real” Mumbaikar. Another user, pointing out the suspicious timing, mentioned that political leaders tend to get in touch with the “common man” only when elections are around the corner, a sentiment shared by many online.
Publicity Stunt or Genuine Outreach?
As Maharashtra’s election day on November 20 looms closer, speculation over Irani’s motives has only intensified. Some skeptical voices have suggested that her Mumbai local journey is nothing more than a political move, crafted to appear as if she’s in touch with the ground realities of daily commuters. Critics argue that if this wasn’t election season, it’s unlikely that a leader of Irani’s stature would be seen on the Mumbai local, let alone on an almost-empty one.
This isn’t the first time a politician has been spotted on Mumbai’s locals during election time. Just a few months ago, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray took a similar journey after visiting Palghar. His timing, close to the Lok Sabha elections, did not go unnoticed by voters, and some now see Irani’s trip as part of the same “political playbook.”
Political analysts note that taking a train ride or appearing at a local café to meet with constituents is a classic campaign strategy. It allows leaders to create relatable moments with the public, making them appear more accessible and in touch with everyday concerns. But whether these experiences are staged or sincere is always a point of contention. In Irani’s case, the sight of an almost-empty train has led many to believe that her ride was too good to be true.
Supporters Defend Irani’s Gesture
Despite the backlash, some social media users and political supporters praised Irani for taking a Mumbai local. In a comment on the video, one user argued, “Smriti Irani’s decision to travel by Mumbai local from Vasai to Bhayander to attend the ‘Mahila Sammelan’ highlights her approach to connect with constituents in a relatable manner.” For this segment of the public, Irani’s journey symbolizes an effort to bridge the gap between leaders and everyday citizens.
According to ANI, Irani was traveling to attend the “Mahila Sammelan,” a women-centric event where she aimed to discuss issues pertinent to women in the region. Supporters claim that her decision to travel by train reflects her commitment to the people and an attempt to understand their everyday experiences.
Does the Empty Train Undermine Her Efforts?
However, the question remains: does the apparent emptiness of her train carriage undermine the authenticity of her gesture? For many, the disconnect between the usual state of Mumbai locals and the seemingly sanitized version in the video is hard to overlook. Had Irani experienced the true hustle and bustle of a crowded local, perhaps her journey would have resonated more with the everyday Mumbaikar.
Some critics argue that if politicians are going to use public transport as part of their image-building exercises, it would be more impactful if they experienced it in its real, unfiltered state. Mumbaikars are painfully familiar with the daily struggles of local train travel—the crowds, the sweat, and the constant jostling for space. Without these elements, Irani’s journey feels more like a photo op than a genuine attempt to relate to the masses.
Timing and Context Add to the Suspicion
The timing of Irani’s ride, just days before the Maharashtra elections, has not gone unnoticed. Critics have highlighted that politicians seem to appear on public transport only when there’s an election around the corner, raising questions about the sincerity of these gestures. Public trust in politicians has been eroded by decades of broken promises, and stunts like these—perceived or real—often fail to convince a skeptical public.
The “Empty Train” Trend in Political Campaigns
Irani’s “empty train” experience has added to an emerging trend in political campaigns. In a city as densely populated as Mumbai, the absence of crowd scenes when a political leader takes a local train tends to draw attention and not always in a positive light. Many wonder if this is becoming a standard strategy for politicians, where the logistics of their travel are carefully managed to create an ideal, less chaotic environment.
Smriti Irani’s ride on the Mumbai local has managed to stir a mix of reactions—from praise to skepticism. While her supporters view the trip as an attempt to connect with her constituents, others are wary of its timing and the conspicuous emptiness of her train compartment. In a city where local trains are notorious for their crowds, Irani’s calm, unhurried ride raises eyebrows, with many wondering if it’s just another political publicity stunt.
As election day nears, Mumbaikars will keep a watchful eye on similar “local train rides” and other gestures from politicians. For the people of Mumbai, authenticity matters, and only time will tell if such efforts genuinely resonate or simply end up as another footnote in the history of election-time theatrics.