DYFI protests in DRM office over Palakkad railway division split
Follow TNM's WhatsApp channel for news updates and story links.The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the youth wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], launched a protest on Monday, August 24, against the Indian Railways Board's decision to split the Palakkad Railway Division. DYFI blocked the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) office in Palakkad as part of the protest.The Railway Board decided to detach the Mangaluru region from the Palakkad Railway Division and merge it with Mysuru. The decision will take effect from October 1. The move is expected to significantly undermine the operational and financial importance of Palakkad Division.DYFI protesters raised slogans against the Union government and the Railway Board, calling the bifurcation an anti-people move that harms Kerala. DYFI began their protest at 7.30 am, and police tried to stop them from entering the officers' building. “We will continue our protest. We have decided to continue the protest by detaining the officials here. No matter how large a police force is deployed, we have the strength to overcome it,” a DYFI leader told the media.The Railway Board’s decision has sparked opposition in Kerala, with many political leaders, including Chief Minister VD Satheesan, openly criticising the move. Chief Minister Satheesan said the Railway Board's unilateral decision is unacceptable.CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas urged the Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to completely withdraw the planned transfer.Meanwhile, speaking with the media on Sunday, August 23, Kasaragod MP Rajmohan Unnithan said that Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Kerala MPs that he was unaware of the Railway Board decision. “The Minister told us he came to know about the issue only after the Kerala government informed them of their protest over the decision. He also said he will recheck the decision. But we will not believe what he said, as a decision like this won't come without informing the Minister. Railway cannot take this decision alone,” he added.
Follow TNM's WhatsApp channel for news updates and story links.
THE Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the youth wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], launched a protest on Monday, August 24, against the Indian Railways Board's decision to split the Palakkad Railway Division. DYFI blocked the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) office in Palakkad as part of the protest.
The Railway Board decided to detach the Mangaluru region from the Palakkad Railway Division and merge it with Mysuru. The decision will take effect from October 1. The move is expected to significantly undermine the operational and financial importance of Palakkad Division.
DYFI protesters raised slogans against the Union government and the Railway Board, calling the bifurcation an anti-people move that harms Kerala. DYFI began their protest at 7.30 am, and police tried to stop them from entering the officers' building.
“We will continue our protest. We have decided to continue the protest by detaining the officials here. No matter how large a police force is deployed, we have the strength to overcome it,” a DYFI leader told the media.
The Railway Board’s decision has sparked opposition in Kerala, with many political leaders, including Chief Minister VD Satheesan, openly criticising the move. Chief Minister Satheesan said the Railway Board's unilateral decision is unacceptable.
CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas urged the Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to completely withdraw the planned transfer.
Meanwhile, speaking with the media on Sunday, August 23, Kasaragod MP Rajmohan Unnithan said that Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Kerala MPs that he was unaware of the Railway Board decision.
“The minister told us he came to know about the issue only after the Kerala government informed them of their protest over the decision. He also said he will recheck the decision. But we will not believe what he said, as a decision like this won't come without informing the minister. Railway cannot take this decision alone,” he added.
