Controversial Bus Service Flag-Off Sparks Protests in Kerala

Protests erupted at the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus station in Palakkad after CPI(M)-affiliated groups opposed MLA Rahul Mamkootathil's appearance at a recent event. Activists from the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and Kerala State Road Transport Employees Association (KSRTEA) expressed their displeasure on Monday over Mamkootathil's role in inaugurating a new KSRTC bus service.

Mamkootathil, who is currently facing a sexual misconduct probe, made his first public appearance since the allegations by flagging off the KSRTC AC bus service from Palakkad to Bengaluru. The event, which took place late Sunday night, was attended by a limited group of KSRTC employees and Congress leaders. However, tensions rose as DYFI and KSRTEA accused the event organizers of conducting the ceremony in secrecy.

Unions alleged that the event details were withheld from them and the media, sparking a sit-in protest at the District Transport Officer's office. KC Riyasuddeen, DYFI district secretary, criticized the lack of transparency, claiming that the event was orchestrated without consulting key stakeholders. Further controversy arose when an audio clip featuring a Congress councillor circulated online, suggesting local Congress members were also kept in the dark.

(With inputs from agencies.)