CPM-led Kochi corporation proposes renaming Ernakulam junction after erstwhile King

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPM-governed Kochi corporation has come under scrutiny for proposing to name Ernakulam South Railway Station (Ernakulam Junction) after the former king of Kochi, Rajshri Rama Varma.

The resolution was proposed by the ruling CPM-led LDF the other day, praising the king's contributions, stating that Rama Varma was the main person behind the construction of the railway line between Shoranur and Ernakulam over a century ago.

The British had initially ridiculed his idea, deeming it unfeasible given the costs involved. However, the king remained determined to bring a train to the princely state and sold 14 out of the 15 thanga nettipattam (gold caparisons) kept at a temple in Thrippunithura to raise funds for the railway line. Finally, in July 1902, the first passenger train arrived in Kochi through the Shoranur-Kochi railway line, fulfilling Ravi Varma's dream.

The CPM-led corporation council wishes to pay tribute to the former king by renaming the Ernakulam junction after him, but the Congress-led UDF opposition has strongly condemned the proposal. A UDF leader stated that installations should not be named after royals in democratic societies, and accused the CPM of following the BJP's footsteps, who have similarly renamed cities and towns. The council will submit copies of the resolution to the central government, state government, and railways to formally request a name change.