JD(U) leader takes a dig at BJP, says NTPC plant wouldn't have exploded had it been saffron

New Delhi: Rajya Sabha MP and suspended Janata Dal (United) leader Ali Anwar stoked a controversy with his latest remark on the NTPC power plant blast. 

On Thursday, in an apparent dig at the BJP government, Anwar said, "They have saffronised everything in the state. Had the NTPC power plant saffron in colour, the mishap would not have happened at all." 

Ansari is not new to controversy. In August this year, the former JD(U) leader, who was critical of the party's alliance with the BJP, was suspended from its parliamentary party, after he chose to attend a meeting of opposition parties convened by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. 

At least 26 people have died and over 100 have been injured in the boiler explosion at NTPC’s Unchahar Plant on Wednesday. 

Rescue operations are underway as many are still feared trapped inside. Ambulances are on the spot as more injured employees are being rescued from the plant in Raebareli. As per reports, carbon blockage in the ash pipe of the NTPC plant led to the blast. 

Reports also say there was a pile of coal close to the plant. According to the employees, they had raised the concern with the higher authorities but no action was taken.

A magisterial inquiry has been initiated into the boiler explosion.