The NCP has demanded action against the ONGC officials who did not act swiftly to evacuate personnel from a barge that went adrift in cyclone Tauktae before sinking in the Arabian sea off Mumbai's coast. At least 37 men have died and 38 are still missing, while 186 have been rescued.
Maharashtra Minister and NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry, too, must be held answerable for the tragic episode.
In series of tweets, the minister asked questioned the ONGC for failing to evacuate its workers even after cyclone warning was sounded.
The minister said due to the ONGC's failure, lives of innocent workers were put in danger.
Three barges and an oil rig with 695 personnel on board went adrift on Monday.