Fri Jan 02 14:01:02 UTC 2026: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a news article written based on it:

Summary:

The Yercaud Express, a train running between Erode and Chennai Central, had its departure time revised to reach Chennai later. This change prompted a clash of political grandstanding at the Erode Railway Junction. Members of the DMK and BJP gathered, each claiming credit for the schedule change and hailing their respective leaders. DMK MP K.E. Prakash and BJP MLA C. Saraswathi traded accusations over who had been more effective in advocating for the change, while Congress members distributed sweets to passengers.
News Article:

Political Clash Erupts Over Train Schedule Change in Erode

ERODE, January 2, 2026 – Tensions ran high at the Erode Railway Junction on Thursday night as cadres from the DMK and BJP clashed over who deserved credit for the revised schedule of the Yercaud Express (Train No. 22650) to Chennai Central. The train, which previously departed Erode at 9:00 PM, now leaves at 9:45 PM, arriving in Chennai at 4:25 AM instead of 3:40 AM.

The schedule change, effective January 1st, was implemented after numerous requests to allow passengers to arrive in Chennai later in the morning. However, the implementation sparked a political showdown, with both DMK and BJP members present at the station, each side claiming victory.

DMK MP K.E. Prakash and MLA V.C. Chandhirakumar, along with their supporters, chanted slogans praising Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. Simultaneously, BJP MLA C. Saraswathi and her cadre hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The rival groups gathered near the train’s engine, raising slogans and causing some concern among passengers.

Mr. Prakash, who flagged off the train, stated that he had repeatedly raised the issue in Parliament and with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. He questioned why the BJP, which has held power at the center for 12 years, and Ms. Saraswathi, as a sitting MLA, had not addressed the issue sooner.

Ms. Saraswathi countered that she had previously discussed the schedule change with the Union Railway Minister, who assured her the demand would be met. She asserted the revision was a direct result of the BJP’s efforts with the Railway Ministry.

Adding another layer to the political drama, members of the Erode Urban District Congress Committee distributed sweets to passengers, hoping to gain goodwill.

The incident highlights the increasingly politicized environment surrounding even minor infrastructural changes, with parties eager to claim credit and demonstrate their influence. The Hindu will continue to report on the political impacts of infrastructure development in the region.

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