Vote or Suresh Prabhu's function, railway staff confused

KOZHIKODE: Nearly 150 employees working under Palakkad Railway division have got a direction to attend a private function in Mangalore on Monday, where Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu is the chief guest. As the election day falls on Monday, these employees belonging to various political parties, are in a dilemma, whether to attend the minister's function or to cast their votes.

“We are confused, whether to cast votes or to attend the Union Minister's function in Mangalore. As we are directed to attend the function, many are scared not to obey it," said one of the employees who did not wish to be identified.

However, Palakkad Division Railway Manager Naresh Lalwani said that since the minister's function was a private one, the employees were not compelled to attend it. “It is up to the employee whether to attend the function or to discard it. We are not forcing anybody to attend,” Mr Lalwani said.

The minister is a chief guest for the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry platinum jubilee celebrations scheduled to be held at T.M.A Pai international convention centre, M.G. Road, Mangalore.