United Democratic Front (UDF) MPs from Kerala have announced a day-long hunger strike on August 26 (Thiruvonam day) in front of the Palakkad divisional railway headquarters to protest the Railways’ move to bifurcate Mangaluru railway station from Palakkad division and merge it with Mysuru division of South Western Railway.
Congress MP warns of protest march in Delhi
“We cannot accept this decision. We have sent an email to the Railway authorities in Delhi asking to reverse the decision. The hunger strike will be the first stage of the protest. The Congress MP claimed that even the Union railway minister was unaware of the move.
Kasaragod MP Rajmohan Unnithan said people in his constituency would be the worst affected by the decision. If there is no result, we will stage a protest march in Delhi,” said Unnithan. “Who issued this order without the knowledge of the Railway Minister and the officials of the Southern Railway in Chennai ?” he asked.
Opposition Gathers Against Railway Initiative
Congress general secretary KC Venugopal recently met with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to express the collective opposition of the state to a proposed railway initiative. During the meeting, the minister requested a report on the matter. Additionally, Chief Minister VD Satheesan has formally written to the Union government to voice his objections to the plan.
