Thiruvonam, a festival that is usually associated with unity and prosperity in Kerala, acquired a very different meaning this year, as it was marked with protests against the decisions made by the Center regarding the Palakkad railway division and lack of jobs in the area. The hunger strike as well as ‘sand feast’ were some of the methods of expressing anger against the neglect of the Center towards the interests of the region.
Opposition to the proposal to split the Palakkad railway division has become one of the primary issues of controversy in the region. It is argued that not taking into consideration the issues of Kerala in the process of restructuring will cause harm to the railway infrastructure of the state and negatively impact its future development. In regard to a region that makes a significant contribution to the country’s economy, the demands for better communication facilities, jobs, and infrastructure become issues of justice rather than political conflict.
At the same time, the protest known as “sand feast” was a powerful symbol of public dissatisfaction with the employment issues. In times when young citizens of Kerala strive to receive better employment opportunities in the governmental sector, job-related protests against the denial of positions become an additional source of discontent with the Union government.
This approach by the Centre only serves to strengthen the impression that the issues of Kerala take a back seat. Instead of labeling these protest demonstrations as political agitation, it is important that the Union Government engages with representatives from the states, workers, and youth organizations and gives them an explanation about their decision.
In fact, the protests of Thiruvonam have a deeper significance: development can no longer be imposed from New Delhi without consultation with the state governments. The needs for infrastructural development, employment opportunities, and a share of national resources on behalf of Kerala should be addressed seriously. For the Centre, the challenge is not only to control the protests but to deal with their causes. Once the festival of prosperity turned into a protest event, it became obvious that the level of public discontent reached an alarming degree that the government could no longer ignore.
