The Supremo and his Saloon

During my term as the Divisional Railway Manager of Salem, I was once informed that Mr. Karunanidhi would be boarding a train from Salem. Then a team of his party functionaries visited me formally informing me of the coming visit of the ex-CM. He was to board his railway saloon attached to that particular train. He had a railway carriage to himself, owned by him.

 

“No problem, I said.” It would be an honour to see him.

 

The party men tried to explain, “Sir, Anna will go straight to his saloon.” Of course, I understood that and assured them that I would receive him at the station.

 

“Sir, you don’t understand. He is too old and feeble to walk all that distance.” No problem about that too, I told them. I would provide a golf cart and would personally escort him.

 

“Sir, but he will come by car.” Sure, he would, and I understood that as well, and that from his car to the saloon he would be personally escorted by me in a golf cart was the assurance I gave them.

 

“No Sir, he will come by car right up to the saloon.” Such a movement was indeed possible by making the car climb up the ramp at the end of the platform. But I said, “I can’t permit that. There is a crowd on the platform and an ambassador car moving on the platform will be a hazard.”

 

Now, it was the turn of my officers to get flabbergasted. How could I, a mere DRM, refuse to let Mr. Karunanidhi’s car drive up to his saloon? It was clear that, In their eyes, I was an ignorant North Indian, who didn’t understand the adulation locals had for their leaders. It was not a DMK government. But given the regular flip-flops of the state politics, Anna would surely come back to power the next time. In any case I did underestimate the deep respect and awe that he was held in and that was my misreading of the situation.

 

My officers told me, “Sir, we can’t refuse this request.” But having taken an official stand I refused to budge. So, my officers advised, “Sir, will you please close your eyes? We will manage the affair.” 

 

I was slightly offended at this counsel. “How will you manage?” I asked.

 

“Sir, as I said, you are not aware of any such request from anyone, and you can rest easy. Necessary arrangements will be made,” pat came the reply.

 

So, I didn’t ask any further at that time or later. I don’t know what happened since my eyes were closed!

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