IRCTC recalls 'Main bhi Chowkidar' written teacups, imposes fine on contractor

The Railways has withdrawn the paper tea cups that had 'Main bhi Chowkidar' written on it from circulation after news reports said that tea was being served in these cups in a train, the IRCTC said Friday.

The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) on Friday said that the contractor had not sought tea prior permission for serving tea in cups that promote BJP's poll slogan. IRCTC said a fine of Rs 1 lakh has been imposed on the service provider.

"News reports that tea has been served in cups labelled as 'Main bhi Chowkidar' have been investigated. This was without any prior approval of IRCTC. The cups have been withdrawn with immediate effect," the IRCTC said Friday.

The IRCTC stated it had sought an explanation from supervisors and pantry in-charges. It also said that only a few such cups were in circulation in Kathgodam Shatabdi.

"It may be noted that only a few of these cups were in circulation. An explanation has been called from Supervisors/Pantry In-charges. 1 lakh fine has been imposed on the service provider," It said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party is carrying out the 'Main bhi Chowkidar hu' (I too am a guard) campaign during this election season in a response to the Opposition's 'Chowkidar chor hai' (the guard is a thief), a jibe aimed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.