MP Hibi Eden at the protest march by Ernakulam DCC on Monday
Kochi : Terming the Centre’s decision to bifurcate Palakkad division as a fresh blow to the state’s railway development, Congress leader Hibi Eden alleged that the move is part of the ‘political conspiracy’ by the ruling BJP . He was speaking while inaugurating a protest march organised by the Ernakulam District Congress Committee.
“It’s yet another instance of the Central govt’s policy towards the state,” he said. Shifting Mangaluru Junction out of Palakkad Division harms Keralam’s long-term infrastructure interests, according to Eden. The Ernakulam MP cited the ‘suspicious’ timing of the announcement, alleging it came immediately after a month-long Parliament session ended, avoiding legislative debate. He accused the BJP of taking the step with an eye on the upcoming Karnataka assembly elections , attempting to gain local political advantage at Keralam’s expense. He further called on Union minister Suresh Gopi to clarify his position on the matter. Eden renewed the demand for a dedicated railway zone for Keralam and promised that Congress would continue its agitations both inside and outside Parliament. Presiding over the rally, DCC president Mohammed Shiyas condemned the decision, describing it as an act of hostility toward the state. He argued that the transfer was executed without any prior study or assessment, which will significantly set back regional rail development. The protest march ended at the Ernakulam South railway station, drawing prominent local political figures and elected representatives. The organizers reiterated their commitment to launching wider agitations across the state to pressure the ministry of railways into reconsidering the transfer.