Palakkad MP opposes move splitting railway division

Palakkad: Congress MP V K Sreekandan has strongly criticised the move to exclude Mangaluru from Palakkad railway division, alleging that the decision was taken without informing Kerala MPs or the state govt.Calling it a ‘midnight move’ aimed at appeasing BJP in Karnataka, Sreekandan said the decision amounted to a blatant violation of the assurance given by the railway minister that Palakkad division would not be split.“Neither the MPs from Kerala nor the state govt was informed about this decision. This midnight move is clearly aimed at appeasing the BJP in Karnataka,” Sreekandan said.He alleged that removing Mangaluru from Palakkad division would reduce its revenue and allocation of funds and eventually weaken the division.“Centre is trying to destroy Palakkad division by reducing its revenue and funds. This is an anti-people move,” he said.Sreekandan warned that strong protests would be organised against the railway authorities’ decision. “We will continue the fight against the anti-people decision and raise the issue strongly both inside and outside Parliament,” he said.