Malappuram: The extension of the Ernakulam–Shoranur MEMU train service to Nilambur has sparked a political tug-of-war over claims of credit. BJP leaders George Kurian and State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar were quick to attribute the decision to the efforts of Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, with the latter claiming that he was instrumental in securing the extension. 

Both leaders took to social media to share the news, with Chandrasekhar posting a letter he had sent requesting the extension, along with a communication from the Railway Minister's office confirming the decision. He thanked the minister and asserted the commitment of the central government in expanding rail connectivity in Kerala.

Soon after, Muslim League MP P V Abdul Wahab took to social media, asserting that his efforts had been behind the approval. He said that the demand to extend the MEMU to Nilambur had been pending for years and that he had repeatedly taken up the issue with the Railway Minister. 

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi also entered the fray, with her office stating that the matter had been one of the key demands she raised during a meeting with Palakkad Railway Division officials at Wandoor on May 5. 

Another Muslim League MP, E T Mohammed Basheer, also claimed the credit by posting a photograph with the Railway Minister on Facebook, declaring that the persistent efforts of public representatives had finally borne fruit.

Finally, Congress leader Aryadan Shoukath, who was elected as Nilambur MLA just two months ago, also spoke about his role in the matter. Calling the extension a festive gift for the people of Nilambur, he said he was delighted with the decision, which was reached following discussions between MLAs, MPs, and railway authorities.