The 1,800-mile (2,900-kilometer) journey south from New Delhi to Kanyakumari is one of the longest train rides in India, passing through cities, villages, scrub forests, and deep ravines. The 22-car Thirukkural Express is a microcosm of India, carrying passengers from different castes and religions with wide-ranging ambitions and grievances.
Passengers on the Thirukkural Express are divided by their politics, a topic that is top of mind with a consequential election underway. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is likely to win and reappoint Prime Minister Narendra Modi for another five years. India’s economy has grown rapidly under Modi, but his Hindu-nationalist agenda has sharpened religious divisions in the country and raised fears of a slide from secular democracy toward religious autocracy.
THE GENERAL CLASS
Many passengers in the general class are domestic migrants seeking work in cities or villages. Some express dissatisfaction with the current government's efforts to alleviate poverty, preferring a focus on education and healthcare. While some support the ruling BJP, others favor the opposition Indian National Congress.
THE SLEEPER CLASS
Passengers in the sleeper class engage in political discussions as the train passes through various cities. Muslim passengers express concerns about government actions affecting their community, while Hindu passengers show support for Modi's policies and achievements.
THE AIR-CONDITIONED CLASS
Passengers in the air-conditioned class voice diverse opinions on the government's performance. Some praise Modi's initiatives, such as infrastructure spending and the revocation of Kashmir's autonomy, while others criticize rising divisions based on religion and ethnicity.
As the train nears its final destination, passengers reflect on the political landscape and the upcoming election results. The journey on the Thirukkural Express serves as a microcosm of the diverse perspectives and experiences of Indian voters.
