Congress, BJP scramble for credit as Intercity Express gets stop at Ottapalam
Congress and BJP workers engaged in a public dispute at the Ottapalam railway station to claim credit for a new stop for the Intercity Express. Both parties attempted to outdo each other by welcoming the train crew with gifts and slogans.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the intense political competition and performative nature of local governance in India, where parties vie for public approval through infrastructure milestones.
Congress, BJP scramble for credit as Intercity Express gets stop at Ottapalam left V.K. Sreekandan, MP, entering loco cabin of the Intercity Express to felicitate the loco pilot as the train arrived at Ottapalam station on Thursday. SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT https://th-i.thgim.com/public/news/national/kerala/om0oa4/article71589100.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Sree.jpg For the passengers, the new stop may mean a more convenient journey. PALAKKAD The Intercity Express had barely pulled into Ottapalam Railway Station on Thursday when the welcome party turned into a contest over who deserved the credit for its new halt. The Congress arrived with drumbeats and placards. The BJP was already waiting. Both had the same train to welcome, but each wanted to make sure its role in securing the stop was seen and heard. Led by V.K. Sreekandan, MP, Congress workers marched to the station from near the bus-stand. BJP workers, led by party west district president P. Venugopalan, had reached the station earlier.
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