Two MPs claim the same credit

United Democratic Front MPs N.K. Premachandran and Kodikunnil Suresh have clashed publicly over who secured a Vistadome coach for the Madurai-Guruvayur Express, each claiming credit on social media.

Premachandran's years of lobbying

N.K. Premachandran told media his relentless efforts over several years as a Lok Sabha member led to the achievement. He said he had been lobbying for the Vistadome coach since becoming a member.

Premachandran highlighted tourism potential

Premachandran said he secured initial assurances from Central railway authorities by highlighting the tourism potential of the Kollam region to justify the specialised tourist-friendly railway coach.

Suresh cites his earlier train service

Kodikunnil Suresh rejected Premachandran's claims, asserting he had laid the groundwork by introducing the Punalur-Guruvayur train in two thousand thirteen as a former Union Minister.

Suresh defends his role

Suresh argued the Vistadome coach was a natural follow-up to the train service he had secured. He said he worked solely for public needs and nobody had reason to feel jealous of his achievements.

“he worked solely for the needs of the public and that nobody had any reason to feel jealous or find fault with his achievements”

Staff member attacks Premachandran

Abdullah Azad, a member of Suresh's personal staff, posted veiled criticism saying merely submitting formal representations was insufficient without consistent follow-ups and persistent tracking of proposals.

“merely submitting formal representations to the authorities was insufficient without consistent follow-ups”