Delhi Chalo: Railway cancels train CPI booked; party alleges sabotage

New Delhi: The Railways has cancelled a special train booked by the Communist Party of India (CPI) to ferry more than 1,400 leaders, workers, volunteers and representatives of farmers’ and workers’ organisations from Kerala to its September 1 protest at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan. The party had paid ₹10 lakh in advance, which was later refunded.

The 22-coach train was scheduled to leave Kochuveli on August 29 and reach Delhi on August 31, with the return journey planned for September 2, arriving in Thiruvananthapuram on September 4. It comprised 18 third-class AC coaches and two non-AC coaches. CPI had also booked two other trains to bring participants from Tamil Nadu, which are reportedly being cancelled as well.

The party had opted to hire a full train after travel arrangements became difficult due to heavy demand. CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam alleged that the cancellations were aimed at sabotaging the planned protest against the Centre’s policies. He said the ₹10 lakh advance was credited back to the party’s account and that the cancellation notice was received only on Wednesday.

The CPI has vowed to proceed with the Delhi protest through alternative arrangements. The agitation will focus on eight demands, including ending price rise, ensuring jobs for youth, universal healthcare and education, immediate implementation of women’s reservation, legal guarantee for minimum support prices, protection of workers’ rights, restoration of ballot papers, protection of democracy, justice for Dalits and tribal communities, and an end to violence and displacement.