Vaiko begins campaign against transfer of rail line
Staff Reporter
Centre urged not to notify decision in the Gazette
Take steps to retain the corridor in Madurai division
POLLACHI: Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Vaiko on Tuesday began his four-day village-to-village tour to campaign against the proposed move to transfer 79-km-long Palakkad-Pollachi- Kinathukadavu line to Palakkad railway division.
Launching his campaign at Pilchinnampalayam, Mr. Vaiko urged the Centre not to notify the decision taken at the meeting of Members of Parliament from Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the Gazette.
Betrayal
Mr. Vaiko said that the transfer of 79-km line was not acceptable as the region would suffer in terms of development and passenger amenities at the hands of Palakkad authorities. He said the Chief Minister, M. Karunanidhi, had betrayed the region by agreeing to the transfer proposal.
Mr. Vaiko asked the Chief Minister to take steps to retain the corridor with Madurai division, otherwise he would have to pay a big political price. Appealing to the people of this region to participate in the October 5 rally in Pollachi organised by his party against the proposed move, Mr. Vaiko said that it was neither a political campaign nor an appeal for votes.
Economic development
He insisted that the line be retained with Madurai division for industrial and economic development of the region. Speedy gauge conversion and introduction of new trains would take place if this corridor remained with the State.
Blockade
He campaigned in 10 villages, including Vettaikaranpudur and Kottur. He will continue his tour in Anamalai, Kinathukadavu and Pollachi areas till Friday. Mr. Vaiko led a rail blockade on September 19 at Pollachi Junction in protest against the transfer move.
Printer friendly
page Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
