Palakkad, August 26: On a day of great significance for Malayalis, when families across Kerala celebrate the traditional Onam feast, Congress MPs from Northern Kerala have chosen to go on a hunger strike. They are protesting the proposed reorganization of the Palakkad Railway Division, opting for a demonstration over the usual Thiruvonam Sadhya, which features a variety of 26 dishes.
The United Democratic Front (UDF) has strongly opposed the Railway Board’s decision to transfer several areas, including Mangalore station, from the Palakkad Division to the South Western Railway’s Mysuru Division.
The MPs commenced their hunger strike on Wednesday, alleging that the decision by the BJP-led central government was influenced by the upcoming elections in Karnataka.
This protest is particularly significant as it coincides with Thiruvonam, Kerala’s largest festival, where the traditional Sadhya is a central part of family celebrations.
The decision by the MPs to forgo this grand feast is seen as a symbolic gesture against what the UDF considers a major setback for Kerala’s railway interests.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging a reconsideration of the Railway Board’s decision. He highlighted that such a crucial decision was made without consulting the Kerala government, despite its potential impact on the state’s railway infrastructure and future development.
The core issue of this dispute revolves around economic implications. It is believed that the reorganization could yield an additional annual revenue of ₹500-600 crores for the Mysuru Division, while the Palakkad Division could face a loss of approximately ₹1,100 crores due to the transfer of key areas like Panambur.
The Palakkad Division primarily relies on freight traffic, accounting for nearly 90% of its revenue. Losing Mangalore Central and Mangalore Junction will also affect its passenger income.
The UDF argues that while the overall railway revenue might not decline, as the income will merely shift from one division to another, Kerala will suffer a loss in both revenue and strategic control over its vital railway network.
There are also significant concerns regarding the future of the Palakkad Division. With a substantial portion of its revenue-generating area being transferred, the UDF fears that its financial stability could weaken, ultimately jeopardizing its existence.
Thus, for the Congress MPs, this Thiruvonam is not merely about the traditional Sadhya; it is about sending a political message, even if it means sacrificing a feast that symbolizes unity in Kerala.
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