Sun, style and strategy: Sartorial choices of Lok Sabha candidates in Kerala on fleek

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the mercury climbs, so does the style quotient on the campaign trail. From seasoned veterans to fresh faces, candidates are shaking up their wardrobe and hair care routines to beat the blazing sun and win over voters. Some candidates stick to their signature style no matter the weather. Take the Vadakara LDF candidate K K Shailaja, whose crisp cotton sarees and infectious smile can cool down the hottest of days. When you imagine a politician in Kerala, the first image that comes to mind would be someone wearing a stiff white cotton shirt and the evergreen mundu. Though times have changed, some remain the same when it comes to the campaign trail. The majority of them are UDF candidates. They include UDF Kasaragod candidate Rajmohan Unnithan, Kannur candidate K Sudhakaran, Kozhikode candidate M K Raghavan, Thrissur candidate K Muraleedharan, Alappuzha candidate K C Venugopal and Mavelikkara candidate Kodikkunnil Suresh. LDF's Panniyan Raveendran is not to be ignored in his all time simple attire and long hair. To an extent, this saves them the trouble of choosing what to wear. Whether it is an election or not, white cotton shirts are what I choose any day, said K C Venugopal. 'No one wants to stay here anymore': The unflattering Kerala story Bonacaud Junction has to tell Another group of candidates are the kurtawalas. Elections have made them choose cotton kurtas over anything else. Thiruvananthapuram UDF candidate Shashi Tharoor, NDA candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Pathanamthitta LDF candidate Thomas Isaac come under this category. Kollam NDA candidate K Krishnakumar wears cotton kurtas all day for campaigns. I wear cotton kurtas from Fabindia and try to have a change twice a day but it doesn't usually happen. Also in politics, changing more times can sometimes do more bad than good. However, if I get to change also, I immediately sweat. It's the heat of the campaign, that's fine, he said. Shafi Parambil, the Vadakara UDF candidate, can be seen in all kinds of clothes. One day he pulls off the chic young candidate in shirts and jeans, the next day he will be in white cotton shirts and mundu. Never does he miss wearing snazzy printed shirts and jeans and spreading his vibrancy into youth groups. From plain to printed, Alappuzha LDF candidate A M Arif is spiffy in linen shirts for campaigns. To escape the heat, the best is wearing linen shirts and mundu. I wear only linen for campaigns, said Arif. This candidate in the high-profile Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha seat has no house and lives in the party office NDA candidates Niveditha Subramaniam of Ponnani and Sobha Surendran of Alappuzha are saree folks. Cotton saree is a saviour in this weather, I avoid all other materials and try to change twice a day usually it doesn't happen but when I do, it's truly a refreshment and gives energy for the second half of the day, said Niveditha Subramaniam. Ernakulam LDF candidate K J Shine is usually seen in cotton sarees or set mundu but prefers salwar kameez for campaigns. During the first phase, I used to try and wear saree or set mundu but gradually I prefer salwar kameez to other clothing, said Shine. Battling hair loss amid the grueling campaign schedule, candidates like Krishnakumar and Niveditha Subramaniam prioritize haircare, finding time for weekly oiling sessions. Heavy hair loss is a factor while campaigning in this weather, you look haggard after campaigning but I try to oil my hair weekly, said Niveditha Subramaniam. Anna Linda keeps it real, admitting that election season leaves little time for hair and skincare routines. There is no time to take care of the hair and skin during election time, so he leaves it that way, she said about Hibi Eden's routine. The sartorial choices of candidates in this weather have been on fleek. From cotton classics to chic prints, they have made every effort to shine bright under the scorching sun.

All arrangements completed for Lok Sabha polls in Kerala on Friday

Thiruvananthapuram : All preparations have been made for the smooth conduct of the polls in Kerala on Friday.Voting for all the 20 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections will begin today at 7 am. Polling will continue till 6 pm. There are 2,77,49,159 voters in the state this time. Of these, 1,43,33,499 are women.Of the total voters, 5,34,394 are first-time voters in the age group of 18-19 years. There are also 2,64,232 differently-abled voters and 367 transgender voters in the state. The Chief Electoral Officer appealed to all voters, irrespective of age and gender, to exercise their right to vote and participate in the festival of democracy.A total of 194 candidates are in the fray in 20 constituencies in the state. All arrangements have been made to ensure smooth polling at the polling booths and to ensure that the voting machines are safely transported to strong rooms after the polling. A total of 1,01,176 polling personnel have been deployed for the polling process at 25,231 booths set up at 13,272 centres in the state. The polling process will be controlled by four officials, including the presiding officer, at a booth. There are 437 booths controlled only by women, 31 booths controlled by youth below 30 years of age and six booths controlled by differently-abled employees in the state. There are also 316 ethnic polling booths and 131 theme-based booths. Ramps and wheelchairs have been set up at the booths for differently-abled voters. Voting machines in Braille script have also been provided for the visually impaired.There will be a special queue facility at the booths for differently-abled voters and senior citizens. In addition, a sign language facility and travel facility for differently-abled voters have also been arranged. A total of 30,238 electronic voting machines (EVMs) are being used in the state in the Lok Sabha elections this year. In case of operational failure of any machines, the reserve machines will be delivered through the respective sector officers instead. The voting machines have been brought to the polling booths after completing the preliminary testing, three phases of randomization and mock polling. The polling will begin at 6 am on Friday after a mock poll is conducted again in the presence of representatives of political parties at the polling booths to ensure the safety of the machines. As many as 66,303 security personnel have been deployed at polling booths, distribution centres and strong rooms to ensure a smooth voting process. The Rapid Action Force has also been deployed at all police stations for security. Special security measures have also been taken in Maoist-affected areas involving central forces to ensure that voters cast their votes fearlessly. To ensure free and transparent polling, the Chief Electoral Officer said that a webcasting system has been put in place for real-time monitoring in all booths in eight districts of the state and 75 percent of booths in the remaining six districts. The real-time monitoring system has been implemented in all booths in Kasargod, Kannur, Wayanad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Palakkad, Thrissur and Thiruvananthapuram districts. Cameras have also been installed outside the booths to control crowding at polling stations with multiple booths. According to the Chief Electoral Officer, the webcasting facility has been introduced to ensure a transparent election by preventing booth capturing, money distribution and bogus voting. Webcasting has also been arranged in the affected booths. In the office of the Chief Electoral Officer and the control rooms set up under the ROs of 20 Lok Sabha constituencies, A similar monitoring system has been set up in strong rooms and counting centres.

Kannur Lok Sabha Election 2024: Check polling date, candidates list, past election results

The counting and announcement of results for the Kannur Lok Sabha Constituency Election 2024 will take place on June 4.

Crucial electoral battle for Kerala Opposition leader VD Satheesan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For Opposition Leader VD Satheesan it's the first crucial Lok Sabha election ever since he became the Congress Legislative Party Leader in 2021. After Oommen Chandy - Ramesh Chennithalas tenure, now the onus is on Satheesan to prove his mettle in the Lok Sabha election where his aim is for a clean sweep in all the 20 seats. If so, it will keep Satheesan in good stead over others in the rat race towards the Chief Minister's seat during the 2026 Assembly election. When Congress state president K Sudhakaran was forced to defend his Lok Sabha seat in Kannur, it gave added responsibility to Satheesan. UDF convener M M Hassan who holds charge of the Congress state president has been currently holding dual roles. But unfortunately the organizational weakness has always been a bane for the party where even now the situation has been the same. The delay in appointing the mandalam presidents has been a detrimental factor for the Congress. But a former Congress state president on condition of anonymity told TNIE that Satheesan should be thankful to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as the anti-incumbency has only sidelined the organizational lapses. Satheesan led the party during the two by-elections in Thrikkakara and in Puthupally. The entire party machinery could be brought in there which clinched the victories. But now the onus is on Satheesan to ensure that he betters the 19 seats won by the UDF in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. I would say that Satheesan is lucky as the anti-incumbency has become a crucial factor in favour of him, said a former Congress state president. But there are certain leaders who do not wish to give Satheesan due credit where they claim that its All-India Congress Committee general secretary (organization) K C Venugopal who is the mastermind behind the 2024 Lok Sabha election. It only shows that the road ahead is not going to be smooth for Satheesan in pursuit of the 2026 Assembly election. A veteran Congress leader told TNIE that its Venugopal who is a formidable force right from deciding the candidature, releasing funds and setting the agenda towards campaigning. Its Venus dream to achieve 20/20 seats in this general election. Also, its a matter of pride for him to stand tall among those former senior Congress leaders who had quit the party over the last few years as they had been blaming him for the rout. If theres a clean sweep, the credit would go in favour of Venu and if not, the barometer will turn against Satheesan, said a veteran Congress leader. There are chances of organizational revamping at the top level post the Lok Sabha election. But again that depends on the poll outcome.

194 contestants vie for votes as Kerala gears up for polls with over 2.75 cr voters

Thiruvananthapuram: A total of 194 contestants in 20 Lok Sabha seats are seeking the blessings of the people as Kerala goes to the polls on Friday, after over a month-long fierce campaign by the CPI(M)-led LDF, Congress-headed UDF, and the BJP-led NDA. The Election Commission said there are over 2.75 crore voters in Kerala where polling will commence at 7 am on Friday. Chief Electoral Officer Sanjay Kaul said 63,100 bottles of ink are used to prevent fraudulent voting and ensure flawless and transparent elections. This time there are 2,77,49,159 voters in the state out of which more than five lakh are first-time voters. Kottayam constituency boasts the highest number of candidates at 14, while Alathur has the fewest at five. Other notable figures are: 13 candidates in Kozhikode and 12 each in Kollam and Kannur. Of the total 194 candidates, 169 are men and 25 are women. The Vadakara constituency stands out with the highest number of female candidates, at four. The Election Commission said steps have been taken to ensure safe and peaceful polling by deploying 66,303 security personnel. Kerala Police and Central forces are providing tight security for the polling in a total of 25,231 booths arranged at 13,272 places. Police deployment has been made throughout the state as per the instructions of the Central Election Commission. When the polling for 20 constituencies in the state begins at 7 am on Friday, more than five lakh first-time voters will go to the polling booth. As the curtains fell on Wednesday evening, marking the conclusion of the over-month-long, high-octane public campaigning for the April 26 polls, Kerala on Thursday witnessed a silent campaign before the state votes. Two union ministers, a state minister, three actors and a few MLAs are among the total candidates who try their political luck this time. BJP-led NDA is fielding the most number of women candidates - five. Unlike the previous general elections, Kerala has seen a highly active and aggressive campaign. Diverse issues ranging from the implementation of the CAA, the alleged existence of 'love jihad', controversies surrounding 'The Kerala Story' movie, the Manipur violence, Rahul Gandhi's candidature in Wayanad, as well as alleged appeasement of minorities by various political parties, dominated the high-decibel public campaigns. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the UDF won 19 of the 20 seats, while the LDF had to settle for just a single seat.

Kerala: EP Jayarajan praise makes it to M T Ramesh poll flyers, sparks storm

KOZHIKODE : In a surprising turn of events, the Kozhikode constituency witnessed a political storm as the name of LDF convener E P Jayarajan found place in the election campaign notice of NDA candidate M T Ramesh. The notice, distributed among the voters, cited Jayarajans endorsement of Ramesh as a superior choice in the upcoming elections. The notice, circulated a month ahead of the elections, has sparked heated discussions throughout the constituency, as the campaign reached a crescendo. The notice cites Jayarajans purported acknowledgment of Rameshs leadership qualities, stating that even he believes the NDA candidate to be the most-suitable choice. The whole issue started with Jayarajan making a statement during a media interaction in Kannur approximately a month ago. During the interaction, Jayarajan mentioned the emergence of formidable leaders within the NDA fold in this years elections, specifically citing Rameshs presence in Kozhikode constituency. M T Ramesh However, the inclusion of Jayarajans name in the BJP candidates campaign material has given a new dimension to the electoral landscape, raising questions about political affiliations and alliances. While some view it as a strategic move to sway undecided voters, others perceive it as a breach of political decency, exploiting Jayarajans remarks for partisan gains. As the fervour intensifies and the countdown to polling day dwindles, the controversy surrounding Jayarajans inadvertent involvement in Rameshs campaign adds an intriguing twist to the already charged electoral atmosphere in Kozhikode.

Will Kerala buck national trend of low voter turnout?

With seven constituencies witnessing three-cornered fights and Vadakara and Kannur witnessing intense two-cornered fights, experts say it is unlikely that the voting percentage will fall in the State

Manjummel Boys Actor Ties the Knot

Malayalam actor Aparna Das and Manjummel Boys actor Deepak Parambol exchanged vows in a private wedding ceremony on April 24th. The serene Guruvayur temple in Kerala served as the auspicious venue for their union, witnessed by close family members and friends. Photos and videos capturing the beautiful moments of their wedding have been circulating widely on social media platforms. Aparna Das, known for her remarkable performances in films like Thalapathy Vijay's Beast and Kavin's 2023 hit Dada, joined hands in matrimony with Malayalam actor Deepak Parambol, who gained recognition for his role in the blockbuster Manjummel Boys. Their love story culminated in an intimate ceremony, sealing their commitment to each other on April 24th. According to reports, the couple's wedding ceremony unfolded in the sacred precincts of the Guruvayur temple, resonating with traditional customs and rituals. The joyous occasion witnessed the presence of Aparna and Deepak's loved ones, adding warmth and blessings to their new journey together. Renowned trade analyst Sreedhar Pillai shared a heartwarming picture of the newlyweds on April 24th, capturing their radiant smiles and shared happiness. Deepak exuded grace in his silk dhoti, while Aparna's timeless elegance shone through her choice of attire, embellishing her in a traditional saree paired with a intricately embroidered green blouse. Aparna Das and Deepak Parambol, who shared a blossoming relationship for several years, embarked on this lifelong journey of togetherness. Aparna marked her debut in the industry with Fahadh Faasil's Njan Prakashan and gained acclaim for her role in the 2019 film Manoharam, which also featured Deepak. Meanwhile, Deepak Parambol made his entry into Malayalam cinema with Vineeth Sreenivasan's Malarvaadi Arts Club and garnered attention with his role in the highly acclaimed Manjummel Boys. With an impressive filmography including hits like Thattathin Marayathu, Kannur Squad, and D Company, Deepak continues to captivate audiences with his versatile performances, promising a bright future ahead for the newlyweds.

Ahead of Lok Sabha polls in Kerala, nine crude bombs recovered from a field in Kannur

Mattanur police and a bomb squad from Kannur neutralise the explosives

Lulu Group's sky-high aspirations: Twin towers to bolster Kerala's IT hub status

KOCHI: The development of IT infrastructure in Kerala has got a shot in the arm with both state and private sector lugging it in unison to new heights. Recently, in a social media post, Industries Minister P Rajeeve highlighted the mega IT project taking shape on the 246-acre Smart City (SCK) campus in Kochi. Lulu Group is building the tallest IT industry complex here. When operational, it will accommodate about 30,000 IT professionals. Once the towers become functional, all the multinational companies that have been wanting to come to Kerala will get to avail all the necessary facilities to set up their branches under one roof, the minister writes. Citing the recent pace with which the state is galloping towards the fourth industrial revolution, Rajeeve further adds, In two years, Kerala is expected to become the IT hub of the country. Lulus 29-storey twin tower, set up with an estimated cost of `1,200 crore, will be ready to be leased out in the third quarter of 2024. Things began perking up at SCK after a brief lull once the Prestige Group got approval for the non-SEZ status for its Cyber Green project. The commerce ministrys board of approval (BoA) was via the recently inserted 11B clause of SEZ (special economic zone) rules. Under this clause, there can be non-processing areas for IT/ITeS SEZ. It permits the co-existence of SEZ units and non-SEZ IT/ITeS businesses on the same SEZ premises. Cyber Green I, which occupies 4.61 acres at SCK, has a total built-up area of 8.78 lakh sqft and a leasable area of 5.4 lakh sqft across two towers. Speaking to TNIE, sources with the Lulu IT Infrabuild Private Limited say, Hopefully, the space in the twin tower will become available for leasing by the first week of July. We plan to open the buildings by the first of November. As to whether the Lulu towers will also follow the Prestige Groups suit and apply for the denotification as a special economic zone, the Lulu official says, Not in the immediate future. He highlights some main reasons. Even though we are classified in the SEZ category, the enquiry for space has been tremendous. As of now, we have got six companies seeking space in our buildings. Besides, the entire non-SEZ denotification procedure is humungous. We will also have to return all the tax benefits that we received as a SEZ, and maintenance contracts will start to attract GST. So for now, we are not thinking of changing the status, the official says. There is a lot of buzz on the government side as well. Recently, the Kerala State IT Infrastructure Ltd invited expressions of interest (EOI) from reputed investors, developers and technology firms to invest and develop IT Infrastructure in the proposed IT corridors under a PPP model. During the 2022-23 budget speech, Finance Minister K N Balagopal announced the setting up of a new IT park in Kannur, the establishment of four IT corridors and 20 satellite IT hubs through funding support from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board. An amount of `1,000 crore had been earmarked for this purpose in the budget. The proposed four IT corridors will be coming up parallel to the NH 66 which is being developed as a four-lane highway. As per the EOI document, these four corridors will begin from the existing IT centres in the state. The proposed corridors are Technopark Phase-III to Kollam, Cherthala to Ernakulam, Ernakulam to Koratty and Kozhikode to Kannur, says sources with KSITIL. Satellite IT parks Corridor 1 Technopark Phase III to Kollam Total area 200 acre Corridor 2 Cherthala to Ernakulam Total area 230 acre Corridor 3 Ernakulam to Koratty Total area 568 acre Corridor 4 Kozhikode to Kannur Total area 701 acre

Buses, trains full, its rush hour for Keralites in Bengaluru

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Be it bus, car or train, Keralites in Bengaluru are all set to use any mode of transport to reach their home on the voting day on April 26. Sensing the demand Kerala Road Transport Corporation and Karnataka Road Transport Corporation have started 10 additional bus services to major towns including Kannur, Kozhikode, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram and Malappuram. They are offering flexi rates with discounts for booking the return trip. According to the officers of state-run RTCs, most of the seats have already been booked. The fare for a seat in a private bus from Mysuru/Bengaluru to Ernakulam reached `3,250 on Monday. The private bus operators also plan to increase the number of services on April 25, which is when they see the demand peak. The fares are going to be dynamic, said a representative of Interstate Bus Operators Association of Karnataka, Rijas A J. There are informal car pooling arrangements for people who find it comfortable to travel to Kerala during peak season. It is impossible to get a train ticket at this time and the bus fares are very costly. Car pooling suits us because it is comfortable and we could return on time after voting on Friday, said Shine Mathew and Arun Kumar, executives staying in Whitefield. S Prasanthan, the general secretary of the Contract Carriage Operators Association, said the practice of providing chartered bus services by political parties has stopped. There used to be chartered bus services from Chennai during elections. Now there may be car services arranged by the political parties, he said. However, there are people who think that the rush is more to do with the long weekend. There are people who take leave in advance because it is a public holiday in here on April 26. But Malayalis leaving Bengaluru in large numbers now gives a bad impression. Many of them are permanent residents here. It reinforces the local politicians understanding that we are of no concern for them because our votes are in another state, said Vishnu S of Thiruvananthapuram, who is now a voter in the Bengaluru South LS constituency.

Kerala MLAs DNA jibe at Rahul irks Congress, CMs backing fuels ire

KOZHIKODE/MALAPPURAM/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM MLA P V Anvars remarks that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi should undergo a DNA test to verify whether he really belongs to the Nehru-Gandhi family snowballed into a controversy on Tuesday, three days before Kerala goes to the polls. With Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan backing the Nilambur legislator, a livid Congress reacted sharply to the remark and approached the Election Commission (EC) demanding action. During an LDF poll campaign in Palakkad on Monday, Anvar had called Rahul a fourth-rate citizen who does not deserve to keep the Gandhi surname. This is not just my opinion. People in India are saying it. Will a person in the Nehru family talk like this? I doubt it. I am of the opinion that the DNA of Rahul Gandhi should be tested, Anvar had said, in the backdrop of Rahuls question as to why Pinarayi had not been arrested by central agencies. Rahul Gandhi has become a fourth-rate citizen who doesnt deserve to keep the surname Gandhi, he had said. The video of the MLAs remarks went viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism from Congress leaders and workers. However, Anvar refused to withdraw his remarks on Tuesday. Rahul Gandhi said what a member from the Nehru family would not say. He doesnt deserve to be considered a member of the Nehru family, he said. When sought his response, the CM defended Anvar and said Rahul should have spoken carefully. He (Rahul) should be aware that if he says something, he will receive it back in kind, the CM said during a press conference in Kannur. He also said Rahul was not someone above criticism. Anvar latest incarnation of Godse, says Hassan The CMs reaction drew sharp rebuke from Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan, who alleged that Pinarayi made Anvar speak against Rahul throughout the LDFs LS campaign as part of a deal with the BJP. It is Pinarayi who started the war of words against the Congress and its former president. Hence, the protests should also be against him, Satheesan told reporters in Kollam, adding that Anvar had insulted Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi with his remark. Meanwhile, within hours of the controversy, KPCC acting president M M Hassan approached the EC and demanded urgent intervention by the police. Anvar is the latest incarnation of Godse who killed Gandhiji. In fact, Anvars words are deadlier than Godses thoughts. He said things that should not have come out of a politicians mouth, Hassan said. AICC general secretary K C Venugopal termed Anvars statement as shocking. It is a matter of great concern that such statements are coming from a legislator of the Kerala assembly. Such abusive remarks will not be tolerated. Action will be taken against Anvar. He has not just insulted Rahul Gandhi, but also Rajiv Gandhi. Pinarayi Vijayan gave Anvar the licence to criticise Rahul Gandhi and the Nehru family, alleged Venugopal, the UDF candidate in Alappuzha.

Sobha Surendran refutes charges of financial irregularities raised by dallal Nandakumar

ALAPPUZHA: Sobha Surendran, the NDA candidate in Alappuzha constituency, found herself in the eye of a storm as T G Nandakumar aka Dallal Nandakumar raised allegations of financial irregularities against her on Tuesday. Nandakumar alleged that he had given Rs 10 lakh to Sobha but she did not return the amount. Sobha told reporters in Alappuzha that she had indeed received Rs 10 lakh from Nandakumar, but that was an advance for selling a plot of land in her possession. Though Nandakumar agreed to buy the land and gave Rs 10 lakh as advance amount, he went back on the deal. Nandakumar was not ready to register the land. Hence I refused to return the money to him, she said. I am ready to register the land in Nandakumars name. When I needed money for the treatment of my family member, I decided to sell a property. Nandakumar agreed and gave me Rs 10 lakh as advance, but he was not ready to register the land. I am always ready to register the land if he pays the balance amount. When we discussed the land sale, he tried to hand over the cash, but I was not ready to accept the money and asked him to pay it through my bank account as evidence, she said while speaking to reporters in Kayamkulam on Tuesday. Shobha also raised an allegation against Nandakumar that he had approached her to bring a prominent leader of CPM from Kannur to the BJP and demanded a bribe for doing so. Nandakumar met me at the national committee office of the BJP in Delhi for that purpose. He approached me after knowing that I was in charge of inducting new members to the party in south India. I met the CPM leader who wished to join the party in the house of Nandakumar, but the person was not ready to speak directly to me. Nandakumar demanded a huge amount as bribe for bringing leaders from other parties to BJP fold. Now, Nandakumar should reveal which leader wished to join BJP from CPM? Shobha said. When the yatra led by CPM state secretary M V Govindan reached Thrissur, a senior leader of CPM met me at Ramanilayam. Nandakumar should clarify who that was. Later that leader reached Delhi, but the Kannur lobby in the CPM threatened him and Nandakumar dropped the plan, Shobha said.

Pinarayi's resilience and autocracy: A double-edged sword in Kerala's electoral battle

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: On the eve of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, nearly all surveys predicted a total washout for the LDF. With the turbulent Sabarimala factor combined with the prime-minister-in-making Rahul Gandhis candidature from Wayanad, the UDF leadership was evidently upbeat while none of the Left leaders dared to effectively counter the charges, except for Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan who dismissed the surveys as mere bluffs untouched by reality. Following a 19-1 LS setback, the entire CPM leadership went on to concede the party had taken an incorrect stance on Sabarimala. But Pinarayi refused to bite the bullet. His climb up the party ladder has not been without hurdles. If the VS-Pinarayi bloodsport had kept the party on tenterhooks for long, the same also served to bolster solid resistance against the UDF and the BJP in Kerala. Since 2019, after VS suffered a minor stroke, it was Pinarayi, ably supported by his close confidante the late Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, who consistently led a one-man battle against the UDF in the state and the BJP-led Union government at the Centre. Slog-over aggression is smart gamesmanship by Pinarayi & Rahul Not that such battles made him a man of the masses overnight. In fact, there has never been a dearth of critics, either in media or in social circles, of his purportedly autocratic way of functioning. Pinarayi himself has stated, rather boasted, more than once, that he was never a creation of the media. To be more precise, he took great pride in carving out his very own unique political niche, by warding off not just his political opponents, but also a watchful and often hostile media. Political Kerala hence had no choice but to pay rapt attention to a leader who didnt, for a change, make any excuses for his flaws. A slew of back-to-back calamities since 2017 Ockhi, Nipah, two floods and finally an extended Covid pandemic cemented him as the unwavering leader to turn to in times of crises. The historic win in 2021, despite a slew of allegations against him personally and the state government, only went on to further establish him as an iconic leader in the state. Throughout his chief ministerial tenure, Pinarayi was successful in both creating and projecting an impression of him being the sole contender to thwart Narendra Modis divisive rhetoric and the saffron threat looming over the entire nation. That he is often, ironically, likened to PM Modi for his autocratic style of functioning is an open secret that has however failed to eat into his popularity among the secular lot. In Kerala's Kannur, where Lok Sabha voters, eat, drink and breathe politics In many ways, it was once again Pinarayi who set the ball rolling for the latest election campaign in the state, well before the poll bugle had sounded. With his firm backing, the Keraleeyam Initiative last November was planned to cleverly coincide with the Kerala formation day, in a bid to subtly explore the scope of identity politics, a brand of politicking that has successfully paid electoral dividends in neighbouring Tamil Nadu many a time. The five-week long Nava Kerala Sadas, a first of its kind political gimmick, too saw the entire cabinet on the move. And Pinarayi made sure the crowds got to relentlessly hear of the reported anti-Kerala stance of the BJP-led Union government as well as the UDFs powerlessness in taking on the Centre. Pinarayi set the tone again with an unprecedentedly scathing attack, and subsequent counterattacks, on the Congress, especially Rahul Gandhi. What followed was an ugly spat between two senior leaders of the anti-BJP bloc, that had even Modi commenting on the infighting within the INDIA bloc. Curiously, this is where the so-called Pinarayi factor has had to endure a tectonic shift. Once hailed and adored as the Captain, he has had to suffer collateral damage because of his almost dictatorial approach and rigid personality traits. The LS poll campaigning has hence been witnessing palpable anti-incumbency factors against both the Centre and the state government. Contrary to the usual scenario, it is not just against the state government but against Pinarayi too. While theres an evident anti-Modi factor stemming from the LDF-UDF campaign, theres an equally strong anti-Pinarayi factor too bubbling in the minds of the voters, especially after the CMs visible reluctance to distance himself from the political violence that is blatantly indulged in by Left-leaning student outfits, especially the SFI, and his glaring failure to rein them in. Its true that his personality traits and authoritarian approach have invited criticism from many corners. But we should not limit this sentiment to Pinarayi per se. Its also a sentiment against the Left government as a whole, and its failure on many fronts like the current financial crisis, poor performance by ministers, violence by SFI and a slew of other factors. Of course, as the leader, he will be held primarily responsible, said political observer Dr G Gopakumar. Left leaders, while admitting secretly theres an anti-Pinarayi sentiment, especially among the Left-minded liberals, they sincerely hope it would not reflect in the LS polls. With just two days remaining for the polls, its certain that this election too will witness a Pinarayi factor. Whether it would favour the Left or act against it, only the verdict will tell. On the front foot The Kannur strongman learnt to weave his political rhetoric at Brennen College in Thalassery as student leader Beginning as a humble party worker, around the same time as Oommen Chandy, Pinarayi could be termed a self-made leader He took up the role of CPM secretary in 1998 and continued in the post for 16 years. Within months of stepping down, he assumed the role of the CM For the past 26 years, since he unexpectedly put on the mantle of CPM state secy, he has stood tall in Kerala politics A slew of back-to-back calamities since 2017 Ockhi, Nipah, 2 floods and the Covid pandemic cemented him as the unwavering leader to turn to in times of crises Throughout his tenure, he was successful in creating an impression of him being the sole contender to thwart Narendra Modis divisive rhetoric and the saffron threat looming over the country. INTERVIEW | Anti-incumbency not a factor in Kerala parliamentary elections: Yechury

INDIA bloc a platform against BJP: Vijayan

KANNUR (KERALA), April 23: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said the INDIA bloc was not a front, but a system of opposition political parties that has come up as a platform against the ruling BJP at the Centre. The statement by Vijayan comes amidst an intense fight between the CPI(M)-led LDF and the []

INDIA leader will be decided after ....: Vijayan

He said, during a press meet in Kannur, that during the LS polls, alliances were being formed in various states as part of the platform and its result was that the Bharatiya Janata Party was being largely isolated.

Kerala CM Criticizes PM's Divisive Speech, Urges Election Commission to Take Action

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan spoke up about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comments on the Muslim community during an election rally in Rajasthan's Banswara. Pinarayi Vijayan said these remarks were harmful and aimed at dividing people. During a press conference in Kannur, Pinarayi Vijayan stated, The derogatory reference to intruders and 'hoarders' is untrue and part of their ideological code. He added, The fact that the Prime Minister himself has come forward to take political advantage by saying communalism during the elections is an illustration of the challenges facing democratic and secular values in the country. Pinarayi Vijayan urged the Election Commission to take notice of the Prime Minister's speech. He said, The Muslim community was also accused of stealing the country's wealth. The Election Commission should take strong action against these defamatory and communal remarks. Pinarayi Vijayan also criticized the BJP for undermining the country's constitutional institutions. He said, The formation of the selection committee for the Election Commission, excluding the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, is particularly concerning. He added, Numerous legal violations by high-ranking officials in the central government, including the Prime Minister, have been alleged, yet the Election Commission has remained silent, failing to assert its neutrality. He further stated, Furthermore, the Commission's lack of intervention in the Prime minister's statement of communal propaganda during elections, aimed at inciting religious sentiments, raises serious doubts about its impartiality. It is imperative that the Election Commission takes immediate action to reassure the public of its neutrality.

Rahul must talk politics, cant dodge CAA to please BJP: CM Vijayan

Kannur, April 23 (UNI) Kerala Chief Minister and CPI(M) politburo member Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday came down heavily on his INDI alliance partner and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi whom he appeared to be unhappy with for not being vocal about the Citizenship Amendment Act, and he also slammed the Election Commission for their biased approach... The post Rahul must talk politics, cant dodge CAA to please BJP: CM Vijayan first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

People's experience is that Rahul is not a serious politician: Kerala CM Vijayan

People's experience is that Rahul is not a serious politician: Kerala CM Vijayan As the voting day in Kerala for the 2024 election nears, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday continued his attack against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, calling him a non-serious and immature politician. Many times when serious political developments happened in the Country, Rahul Gandhi was not here. It is the experience of the people in the country that he is not a serious politician. We refrained from commenting on it because he is from another party and it is their internal issue. But during the time of the general election, coming here and making comments in support of central investigation agencies is highly immature, Vijayan said during a press conference here. Earlier during his campaign speech in Kerala, Rahul Gandhi had asked why CM Vijayan was being scot-free by the Central investigation agencies for the various scandals against his government though other Opposition leaders are being hounded by them. Vijayan also refused to criticise the remarks of LDF MLA PV Anvar who asked to examine Rahul Gandhi's DNA to determine whether he was a scion of the Nehru-Gandhi family. The Chief Minister said that one gets strong hitbacks for what one says and acts. Earlier In a scathing attack, Anvar said that Rahul Gandhi has stooped to such a low level that he lost the right to use the surname of Gandhi. He said that a person who was born into the Nehru-Gandhi family can not act like Rahul. Meanwhile, CM Vijayan also said that the remarks made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the Muslim community during the election campaign in Rajasthan's Banswara are defamatory and aimed at communal polarization. The derogatory reference to intruders and 'hoarders' is untrue and part of their ideological code. The fact that the Prime Minister himself has come forward to take political advantage by saying communalism during the elections is an illustration of the challenges facing democratic and secular values in the country, he said during a press conference in Kannur. In an election rally in Rajasthan's Banswara Prime Minister Narendra Modi had claimed that the Congress manifesto talks about redistributing wealth to Muslims. (ANI)

Kannur Lok Sabha election 2024: Date of voting, result, candidates, main parties, schedule

PM Modi's remarks on Muslims aimed at communal polarization: Pinarayi

Kannur: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that that the Lok Sabha elections is crucial to protect the Constitution and its core values like secularism, democracy, freedom, and national unity. He expressed concerns that these values are under threat from the NDA government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Vijayan, while addressing a press conference in Kannur, emphasized the importance of citizens voting wisely to prevent potential risks to the country's future if the BJP secures another term at the Centre. He mentioned that there is growing opposition to the BJP, which is resorting to divisive tactics like communalism during the election campaigns. The Chief Minister also urged the Central Election Commission to take action against the Prime Minister over his hate speech. The remarks made by Prime Minister about the Muslim community during the election campaign in Rajasthan's Banswara are defamatory and aimed at communal polarization. The derogatory reference to intruders and 'hoarders' is untrue and part of their ideological code. The fact that the Prime Minister himself has come forward to take political advantage by saying communalism during the elections is an illustration of the challenges facing democratic and secular values in the country, Pinarayi said.

Referred to Gandhis old name due to his recent statements helping BJP: Vijayan

Kannur: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday defended his recent recollection of Rahul Gandhis old name, stating that it was in response to certain statements made by the Congress leader during campaigning in the state, which according to the left leader, helped the BJP and agencies under its control. Vijayan said that such a Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

EC not acting in non-partisan manner: Pinarayi Vijayan on PM remarks regarding Muslims

KANNUR: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that it was unfortunate that the Election Commission (EC) was not acting in a non-partisan manner by taking immediate action in connection with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent alleged remarks against Muslims. Vijayan contended it was a situation where the EC ought to have acted immediately, but till now it has been silent on the issue. It is unfortunate. The EC should have shown it was non-partisan. It should have acted immediately, the Marxist veteran said at a press meet here. Vijayan said that this is an issue which would have to be raised before the Supreme Court. At the same time, he claimed that because of such statements by the PM, the anti-BJP sentiment in the nation is strengthening and the saffron party will be isolated even further. PM Modi's redistribution of wealth remarks: What does Congress manifesto actually say? Modi, during a poll rally in Rajasthan's Banswara on Sunday, said that if the Congress comes to power, it would redistribute people's wealth to Muslims. He also alleged that the Congress plans to give people's hard-earned money and valuables to infiltrators and hose who have more children. Criticising the statement, Vijayan had a day ago accused the prime minister of carrying out a communal campaign by fabricating imaginary stories to create anti-Muslim hatred among people.

Kerala CM criticises EC over PM Modis remarks against Muslims

Kannur: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that it was unfortunate that the Election Commission (EC) was not acting in a non-partisan manner by taking immediate action in connection with Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent alleged remarks against Muslims. Vijayan contended it was a situation where the EC ought to have acted immediately, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

'PM's speech anti-national, instills Islamophobia,' says Kerala CM

KANNUR: Terming Prime Minister Narendra Modis controversial redistribution of wealth speech in Rajasthan as anti-national, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said the PM is instilling Islamophobia among the public by fabricating stories. Speaking at an election campaign in Kannur on Monday, the CM urged the Election Commission to take legal action against the PMs hate speech. Pinarayi asserted that the BJP fears the growing realisation among the public that the party must be ousted from power at the Centre to safeguard the Constitution. The BJP has decided to play the communal card to overcome this fear, he said. During an election rally in Rajasthans Banswara, the prime minister had claimed that the Congress manifesto promised redistribution of wealth after conducting a survey. Modi cited former PM Manmohan Singh as saying in 2006 that Muslims have the first claim on the countrys resources. Modi alleged that the Congress was set to hand over the wealth of others to intruders and those who have more children. RSS is always against secularism: Pinarayi Pinarayi cited Modis speech as a glaring example of the BJP adopting communal tactics in the ongoing election. The PM is calling the Muslim community infiltrators. The Election Commission should take action against the Prime Ministers hate speech. But the PM is so confident that no action will be taken against him, said Pinarayi. I cant even imagine that a countrys prime minister could speak like this. His responsibility is to ensure the unity of the country and its people. But on Sunday, we saw the prime minister stooping to the level of an RSS worker to make absurd communal remarks. Thats why the international media is terming this election as the biggest opportunity for India to avoid a grave danger. We all know about RSS stand on minorities. They consider Muslims, Christians and Communists as the enemies, said Pinarayi. Pinarayi alleged the Sangh parivar has had created many communal riots in the country to eliminate the minorities. In Gujarat, it was genocide against the Muslim community. What happened to Christians in Manipur is also genocide. For RSS, minorities do not deserve to live in this country. Now, a prime minister has made their stand clear, said Pinarayi. The CM reminded the contributions made by the Muslim community to the country. Every community has participated in our freedom struggle. Thats how we built the unity in diversity concept. The Muslim community was also part of this fight against the British. Did the RSS have any involvement in the freedom struggle? They declared solidarity with the Britishers, he said, adding that the RSS is always against secularism. Pinarayi also asked the Election Commission to act against the communal propaganda of RSS. Slog-over aggression is smart gamesmanship by Pinarayi & Rahul

Kerala CM urges EC to take action against PM Modi over his remarks against Muslims

Kannur: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday termed Prime Minister Narendra Modis alleged remarks against Muslims as anti-national and urged the Election Commission to take action against him. Addressing an election meeting in this northern district, the Marxist veteran said the prime minister had insulted the Muslim community by specifically naming them. Also ReadCongress, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

No civilised nation decides citizenship on basis of religion, says Kerala CM

Kannur: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Monday that no civilised nation in the world has made religion the basis of citizenship, and the BJP-led union governments contentious Citizenship Amendment Law is against the secular values of the country. When everyone came forward protesting against the CAA and to safeguard secularism, the Congress did Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Kerala train commuters decry overcrowding as Railways prioritize premium services

KOCHI: There seems to be no end in sight to the woes of train travellers in the state. People who depend upon trains, not only their daily commute but also long-distance travel, are venting their anger at the railways strategy of introducing more and more premium trains like the Vande Bharat as a money-spinning measure. Reducing the number of general compartments to facilitate more AC and sleeper coaches has left many high and dry. Describing his experience during a recent journey on the Kochuveli-Mysuru Express, Liyons J, secretary of Friends On Rails, which describes itself as a WhatsApp network that aids train commuters, said, The sleeper compartment resembled a refugee camp. Even the aisles were taken over by passengers with general tickets. This is happening because of the cut in the number of general compartments on long-distance trains, he adds. Train travel has become a dangerous affair, points out Dr Meera, a Kozhikode resident who depends on trains for her frequent travels to her hometown in Kollam. People are even forced to travel hanging from doors. There have been many cases of passengers getting seriously injured or losing their lives after falling from running trains. But all this goes unreported, she says. According to Dr Meera, there have been times when she has cancelled trips after arriving at the station to find general compartments jam-packed. I have to ensure the safety of my child, who is part of most of my travels, she stresses. Of course, none of the passengers are against the rail transporters need to increase revenue, says Srijith T J, an officer with Kerala Agro Industries Corp Ltd. But that should not be at the cost of passengers, who are the ones filling its coffers. Srijith points out that when the railways changed old coaches for new LHB ones, it reduced the number of general compartments from two to one and four to two on many express trains. However, they increased the number of AC coaches from three or four to eight while reducing the sleeper coaches from 12 to 8. Now, the situation is such that it is tough to get a reservation even in sleeper coaches, he adds. Passengers also point to another of the railways money-making strategies. Tickets for sleeper coaches are sold right up to the arrival of trains. It should be noted that these tickets do not ensure seats as charts have already been prepared. But once these passengers get on the train they encroach on seats of those who had made reservations months back, says Ramesh Mathew, a frequent traveller. The removal of de-reserved facility has also hit daily commuters hard. According to Ramesh, the most congested long-distance trains are the ones plying the northeastern routes. Regular users have now ditched them. Migrant labourers dont bother with the reserved status of coaches. For them, it is fine to travel in any compartment, he says, adding that there is a dire need for operating more Antyodaya Express trains on the eastern region via Chennai or through Vizag, Berhampur and Howrah. Ease and low cost attracted many passenger to train travel. However, there has been no concurrent increase in the number of trains or coaches. If more MEMU trains are introduced from Ernakulam to Kollam via Kottayam or Alappuzha, KSRTC will fold up in no time, says Ramesh. Ernakulam-Thrissur is the busiest sector in Kerala. But there are not many passenger trains on the route. Malabar passengers complain about the lack of trains between Shoranur and Kannur in the afternoons. Their complaints are genuine. There are fewer afternoons trains for daily and short-distance passengers, he added. However, railway officials say that there is an adequate number of trains for passengers, with special services introduced, whenever necessary. Three new special trains have started service towards the northern parts of the country, an official added. Summer specials Southern Railway will operate 239 trips of special trains on 19 routes to clear the extra rush this summer. These trains will link Tamil Nadu and Kerala to state like Karnataka, Rajasthan, Bihar, New Delhi, West Bengal, Gujarat, etc. The trains are: 06083 & 06084 Kochuveli-SMVT Bengaluru 06043 & 06044 Dr MGR Chennai Central-Kochuveli 06081 & 06082 Kochuveli-Shalimar 06071 & 06072 Kochuveli-Nizamuddin 06085 & 06086 Ernakulam-Patna

Kerala's voter turnout patterns: Past elections shed light on potential outcomes

KOCHI: With just four days to go for the general polls in Kerala, all three political fronts will be focusing on a critical factor: voter turnout. Although each front claims that a high turnout would favour them, an analysis of Lok Sabha elections in the state shows that high polling percentages hovering around 80 per cent have usually benefited the UDF. In 2019, the state registered a voter turnout of 77.67 per cent, and the Congress-led UDF won 19 of the 20 seats. Kerala saw such high turnouts in the post-Emergency elections of 1977 (79.2 per cent) and 1989 (79.03 per cent), both of which favoured the Congress. In the 1984 elections, held shortly after the assassination of former prime minister Indira Gandhi, the state recorded a voter turnout of 77.13 per cent. The Congress won 17 seats. Interestingly, in 1977, Congress was in alliance with CPI, Kerala Congress, and the Muslim League. The Congress-led front secured 17 seats in the state even as the rest of India punished the party for imposing Emergency. In 2004 Lok Sabha elections, the voter turnout in Kerala was just 71.43 per cent. The CPM-led LDF won 18 seats, leaving the UDF and NDA with one seat each. In 1996, the voter turnout was 71.13 per cent. The LDF won 10 seats, a relatively strong performance. In 1999, the Left won 9 seats with only 70.19 percent turnout. According to political observers, voter turnout goes up when there is heavy anti-incumbency sentiment. Some of them highlighted that a spike in voter tunout was earlier considered beneficial to the UDF because its vote base was fluid, unlike the LDFs rigid cadre-based sure votes. It was assumed that a rise in polling percentage meant a rise in non-Left votes. Thats not always the case, argued P P Dhanuraj, founder-chairman of the Kochi-based think tank Centre for Public Policy Research. This general theory has been disproved in several assembly elections, he said. The 2019 Lok Sabha polls turnout to what was recorded during the 2016 assembly election (77.5 per cent), which the LDF had won in a convincing manner. Nevertheless, there is a possibility that anti-incumbency drives turnout up. According to political observers, the Sabarimala issue and the candidacy of then Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad boosted the high turnout of voters in 2019, up by nearly 4 per cent from the 73.6% in 2014. It was the second highest polling rate in three decades, after 79.03% in 1989. Interestingly, north Kerala districts registered higher turnouts than central and southern regions of the state. The highest polling was recorded in Kannur (83.21%) where Congress leader K Sudhakaran contested against CPM sitting MP P K Sreemathi and won by a margin of 94,559 votes. Wayanad, which was in the spotlight after Rahuls candidature, saw its highest polling ever at 80.31 per cent since the constituency was formed in 2009. Notably, eight of Keralas 20 Lok Sabha constituencies recorded more than 80 per cent polling for the first time in history. The lowest polling in 2019 was recorded in Thiruvananthapuram (73.66 per cent), followed by Pathanamthitta (74.24 per cent), Attingal (74.4 per cent), and Kollam (74.66 per cent). In 2019, there was a feeling that the Congress would return to power at the Centre. Hence, the majority of Muslim votes went to the UDF, said political observer N M Pearson. However, the current political landscape is different. The perceived anti-incumbency sentiment against the state government might not largely affect the Left. Rather, the anti-incumbency votes against the Centre could shift to the CPM. Thus, there might not be an-LDF wave this time. Pearson also noted that Kerala rarely saw intense competitions during Lok Sabha elections. This time, too, one cant say there is a heated contest, he said. Therefore, there is a possibility of a drop in voter turnout when compared with 2019. Only a few constituencies such as Thrissur, Vadakara, and Thiruvananthapuram are witnessing fierce contests.

Kannur's Aralam tribes face peril amidst political chessboard

Her curious eyes and shy smile fail to hide the anxiety within. Leaning against the wall, she has a desolate expression writ large across her face. Hardly a year ago, Rahana K K lost her father when he went to collect firewood. Raghu was trampled by an elephant that emerged from the thick vegetation in their settlement. She had lost her mother long back. The 15-year-old seems reluctant to talk about the loss, a memory etched deep in her mind. She is among the thousands driven to the edge in the tribal settlement next to the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary. The settlement has around 12 tribes including Paniyar, Karimpala, Kurichyar, Kattunaikar, Kani and Mavilans. To enter Aralam is to step into a different world, where lives are lost on a regular basis, tribals live in penury and workers agitations remain a routine affair. Sixteen persons have died in wild animal attacks here since 2018. While a lucky few get compensation, the majority still await their dues. Its a painful saga for the tribals, says Iritty block panchayat president K Velayudhan, who served as the Aralam panchayat president back in 2003. Two decades ago, when A K Antony was the chief minister, about 7,500 acres were bought for `42 crore. While 4,000 acres were earmarked for the farm, 3,500 acres were distributed among 3,335 tribal families. Now, only 1,717 families remain, the others having moved out seeking better living conditions. Aralam falls under Peravoor, one of the seven assembly segments in the Kannur Lok Sabha constituency. LDF holds five of the seats while the other two are with the UDF. But things tend to take a different turn in the parliamentary polls. While Dharmadam and Mattannur remain CPM strongholds, Irikkoor and Peravoor favour the Congress. Taliparamba where the Left usually enjoys a political edge chose to stand with the Congress last time, with the UDF candidate winning by a mere 725 votes. Structurally, Kannur offers a rare combination of assembly segments, as some of the heavyweights in state politics including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, CPM state secretary M V Govindan, minister Kadanappally Ramachandran and popular CPM leader K K Shailaja come from the constituency. No wonder, voters here seem to eat, drink and breathe politics. While sitting MP and Congress state chief K Sudhakaran is seeking a second term, the CPM has fielded its district chief M V Jayarajan. The saffron party has chosen C Reghunath, who had contested as a UDF candidate against Pinarayi in the 2021 assembly election and later defected to the BJP. While the fronts have seemingly chosen their available best, certain sections within all three secretly admit that better candidate-selection would have made things far easier. With Shailaja contesting from neighbouring Vadakara, issues there will have resonance in Kannur too. The real feel of the battle comes through in Taliparamba as both fronts work overtime to consolidate/regain majority. Electoral tension is palpable. A few posters and banners of the Congress party were destroyed recently, setting off a tirade of allegations and counter-allegations. The town has a substantial Muslim population that sides with the UDF, while the CPM enjoys solid support in other pockets. The party has even won unopposed in such areas, in the local body polls. The Trichambaram temple festival has just ended. Scrap dealers Balakrishnan, 55, of Pallikkara and Jayaram, 60, of Kumbala are busy chatting before their customary afternoon nap under a huge banyan tree. Business is dull nowadays. A kilogram of scrap fetches a meagre Rs 13, now that migrants too have entered the field, quips Balakrishnan. At the UDF campaign committee office, KPCC member Mohammed Blathur is busy strategising. He talks about Andoor municipality, where the CPM has a firm support base. Keeping bogus voters away will be the biggest task. Complaints have been filed with the ECI. There are a few CPM-controlled party villages where the Congress is a bit weak. We hope to win a good vote-share there, says a confident Mohammed, constantly on the phone coordinating with NRKs who have come for campaigning. The LDF campaign focuses on the lack of performance by the incumbent. Other than setting up a high-mast lamp, the MP hasnt done anything for Kannur, be it concerning national highway development, Koyyam road issue, Bakkalam underpass or other infrastructure projects. Jayarajettan, however, enjoys widespread acceptance among the common people, says party area secretary Santhosh Kanod. The two fronts also seem to be aware of their weak areas. Certain remarks by Sudhakaran about shifting to the BJP are being widely used against him. There is also a lack of enthusiasm among the Muslim League cadre, evident from their glaring absence at campaign meets. Pass through Kannur and not meet Parassinikkadavu Muthappan? A rare conglomeration of faith and revolution, Muthappan, curiously, seems to attract more communists than believers. At Mattannur, yet another land acquisition is in progress for the expansion of Kannur airport, with five houses on demolition queue in this phase at Vazhamthode. Getting down to the seashore, the night seems still young at the Payyambalam beach. Both local residents and tourists flock to the vibrant destination amid an array of memorials, monuments and plaques, those of BJPs KG Marar, CPMs E K Nayanar and Congress young turk Satheesan Pacheni among them. One name however triggers a lingering emotion Kannurs very own Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.

Kerala cops take sheen off Thrissur Pooram, draw flak from fans

THRISSUR: Disappointing a large crowd of people who thronged the Swaraj Round to witness the fireworks display of Thrissur Pooram, one of the largest pyrotechnic shows, Thiruvambady devaswom stopped the pooram festivities abruptly for a couple of hours in protest against the unwanted restrictions imposed by the police for the first time in the history of the festival. The fireworks display which was scheduled to be held at 3 am on Saturday could begin only at 6.45 am. The discontent over the police restrictions was already there from the beginning but it escalated as police used lathi against spectators and even Thiruvambady devaswoms volunteers. The devaswom members also alleged that the police personnel deployed to ensure security misbehaved with the committee members during Madathil Varavu ceremony. While hundreds of volunteers worked day and night to organise the pooram, they were denied permission to enter the Thekkinkad Maidan and Swaraj Round. How can we justify such restrictions? Moreover, the police put up barricades wherever possible and restricted smooth movement of the people, dampening the spirit of Thrissur Pooram, said Sundar Menon, Thiruvambady devaswom president. He alleged that the police were supposed to help devaswom in organising the pooram. But they took everything into their hands, putting the public in trouble. When the lathicharge took place, Thiruvambady devaswom authorities tried to contact Revenue Minister K Rajan. As he was not available, the devaswom authorities decided not to go ahead with the festivities. Madathil Varavu at night was stopped abruptly. Only one elephant was used for the procession and that too without the customary panchavadyam. The devaswom authorities also switched off the illumination lights on the pandal put up at the venue in protest. The Pakal Pooram of Paramekkavu. Meanwhile, BJP candidate Suresh Gopi and LDF candidate V S Sunilkumar rushed to Thiruvambady devaswoms office and held discussions with the committee members. Later, Revenue Minister K Rajan and District Collector V R Krishna Teja intervened and urged the devaswom to complete the ceremonies, especially the fireworks display. After a delay of about 3.5 hours, fireworks display was held around 6.45 am after sunrise. What is the purpose of conducting fireworks display in daylight. It was disappointing to wait for such long hours. We reached Thrissur last night to witness the pyrotechnic show. But what turned out was really disappointing, said a group of four men who came all the way from Kannur to watch the famed fireworks. LDF seeks probe into police commissioners intervention LDF district committee on Saturday urged the state government and Election Commission to initiate a probe into the interventions of the Thrissur city police commissioner which led to the disruption of pooram rituals. In an official statement issued on Saturday, the LDF alleged that RSS-BJP leaders Valsan Thillankery, B Gopalakrishnan and K K Aneeshkumar tried to take political advantage during the crisis. There was a conspiracy behind the entire incident, the LDF statement said.

Intense battle in Kannur as Congress, CPI(M), and BJP vie for dominance

Intense battle in Kannur as Congress, CPI(M), and BJP vie for dominance The Northern Kerala constituency of Kannur is witnessing an intense battle between the Congress and the CPI(M), while the BJP is focusing on the newly registered young voters to make an impact in the seat. With 39 percent minorities, including Muslims and Christians, the voters often support the CPI(M)-LDF in most of the assembly seats falling under this Parliament constituency in the polls to the legislature, but the Lok Sabha constituency has often swayed towards the Congress-led UDF, hoping to replace the BJP at the Centre. The strong minority vote base is what helped the UDF win the seat as the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is its major partner. The rubber farmers in areas like Irikkur and Peravoor, predominantly Christians, have also been a strong vote bank for the Congress. Hoping to retain the seat this time as well, the Congress has fielded Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee chief K Sudhakaran here. Considering his candidature in the seat, Sudhakaran had recently temporarily handed over his organizational responsibility to his party colleague M M Hassan. Sudhakaran did not want to contest the elections this time, but he entered the fray as the party leadership felt that there was nobody who could ensure a win in Kannur for Congress other than him, the party's local strongman. ''I am confident about the win and am only bothered about bettering my majority,'' Sudhakaran, the sitting MP, told PTI during his campaign at Kandakassery near Payyavoor. Sudhakaran, who has landed in controversies several times by his remarks supporting the BJP during the fight between the saffron party and the CPI(M) in the district, reiterated that the main enemy of Congress in Kerala is the Left party. ''They are the enemy number 1 in Kerala, and the BJP comes only second. The BJP has no strength in Kerala, and our main fight is against the LDF, against their politics of violence,'' Sudhakaran said. The Congress, in their campaigns in Kerala, mainly focuses on criticizing the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government because of this, he added. The 75-year-old Sudhakaran is the topmost leader who helped Congress sustain its presence in the CPI(M)-dominated Kannur politics and hopes that people will support him once again to get to the Parliament. CPI(M), however, is not ready to let history bother them and has fielded M V Jayarajan, the Kannur district secretary of the party. Campaigning at Aichery in Irikkur, Jayarajan was received by enthusiastic party workers with drum beatings and paper flower spray. Without much of an introduction, he addressed the gathering, telling them to be aware of ''the danger the country is in.'' ''The Congress has no politics to speak about and is now engaged in a defamation campaign against the LDF candidates,'' Jayarajan told the gathering, referring to allegations of cyberbullying against the party's candidate in the Vadakara Lok Sabha seat, K K Shailaja, allegedly by the workers of the Congress-led UDF. ''The LDF is going to win back Kannur this time. Congress has been taking a stand to support the BJP. They do not want to speak about the key issues and are only involved in a defamation campaign against LDF candidates due to a fear of losing,'' Jayarajan alleged, while talking to PTI. He said the Congress has been trying to destabilise even the INDIA bloc, and their leaders have been marching to the BJP. When the CPI(M) and the Congress see a little chance of the BJP even registering a fight at Kannur, the NDA camp is confident, not only of improving their vote share, but even winning the seat. NDA candidate C Raghunath, who had joined the BJP from Congress, said, ''We have about 35 per cent newly enrolled voters, and our focus is on those votes.'' He alleged that the CPI(M) and the Congress have been ''spreading lies'' about the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). ''Many of the Muslim brethren have come to me and have extended their support to me,'' Raghunath claimed. He said that he is confident that this time NDA is going to win from Kannur. ''Until recently, everyone spoke about improving the vote share for NDA, but this time we speak about winning seats,'' Raghunath told PTI.

Hot and humid weather to prevail in Kerala as summer rain continues to elude

Malappuram is the largest rain deficit district in Kerala with a 97% shortfall in rains, followed by Kozhikode with 95%, Kannur, and Kasaragod with a 94% deficit in each district

Alleged voter impersonation: Polling officers suspended in Keralas Kannur

Polling officer and booth level officer involved have been suspended pending investigation

Congress in Kerala is pro-BJP: I.N.D.I. Alliance member CPMs leader MV Jayarajan

The CPM candidate from Kannur Lok Sabha seat, MV Jayarajan, alleged that the Congress in Kerala is pro-BJP and claimed that the Kerala Congress chief is willing to join the BJP.

Congress in Kerala is pro-BJP: CPM leader MV Jayarajan

Congress in Kerala is pro-BJP: CPM leader MV Jayarajan The CPM candidate from Kannur Lok Sabha seat, MV Jayarajan, alleged that the Congress in Kerala is pro-BJP and claimed that the Kerala Congress chief is willing to join the BJP. He also said that 39 leaders in Kerala have left the Congress and joined the BJP. The main enemy is BJP. We are attacking BJP but Congress leaders are joining BJP, which is the main issue here. 39 leaders in Kerala have already left Congress and joined BJP. The real situation here in Kerala is that the political line of the Congress is also pro-BJP. The CM is attacking the political attitude of Congress. The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president himself is ready to join the BJP, which is why the CM is attacking that policy of Congress, Jayarajan told ANI on Friday. Earlier, on Thursday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan questioned the secular credentials of the Congress, adding that the party is degenerating into the BJP's B team. Although the Left parties and the Congress are part of a larger INDIA bloc, they are opposed to each other in Kerala, where the Congress is currently in opposition as part of the UDF alliance. While voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 began on Friday across 102 parliamentary constituencies spread over 21 states and Union Territories, all 20 constituencies in Kerala will go to the polls on April 26 in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, while the Congress party had won 15 seats, its allies, the Indian Union Muslim League, won two seats, the Revolutionary Socialist Party won one, and the Kerala Congress (M) won one seat. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) won one seat in Alappuzha. (ANI)

Kerala CPM leader booked over interference during voting

KANNUR: Police have registered a case against a local CPM leader for illegally interfering when an elderly woman was casting her vote during a vote-at-home procedure at Kalliasseri in the Kasaragod Lok Sabha constituency on Thursday. Kannapuram police also booked five officials in connection with the incident. Earlier, the Kannur district collector had suspended the officials for allegedly failing to prevent outside interference in the voting process. The incident occurred when Devi, 92, was casting her vote at her residence. A CCTV visual showed E K Ganeshan, former CPM Kapothkavu branch secretary and booth agent, illegally interfering when she was casting her vote. Following a complaint lodged by BJP leaders, District Collector Arun K Vijayan suspended special polling officer Pournami V V, polling assistant Prajin T K, micro observer Sheela A, civil police officer Legeesh P and videographer Riju Amaljit P P who were present at the site. The collector said Devis vote will be annulled. EC warns of action The Election Commission has warned that strict action will be taken against officials committing lapses while conducting voting at home for senior citizens above the age of 85 years and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Poll panel warns strict action against erring officials The district collector has also recommended an inquiry and departmental action against the polling officials. Kalliasseri deputy governing officer lodged a complaint with Kannapuram police to take criminal action against Ganeshan and the polling officials for acting against the law and violating the election process. According to the Kannapuram police, Ganeshan is the primary accused while the polling officials are accused no. 2 to 6. The primary investigation by the district authorities revealed that external interference compromised the secrecy of the vote during the home voting procedure at Devis house. The collectors report has identified Ganeshans involvement in violating Section 128(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, as well as Section 171(c) of the IPC. Meanwhile, the Election Commission has warned that strict action will be taken against officials committing lapses while conducting voting at home for senior citizens above the age of 85 years and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). We received a complaint related to the bogus voting in Kalliasseri on Thursday night. I immediately instructed the Kannur district collector to take further action. The officers concerned were suspended around 1.30am on Friday, said Chief Electoral Officer (Kerala) Sanjay Kaul. Directions were also issue to register cases against the person who interfered in the process. The CEO urged polling officials to maintain the dignity and essence of the electoral process while conducting voting at home for senior citizens and PwDs. Meanwhile, Kannur DCC president Martin George has filed a complaint with the Chief Election Commission to ensure free and fair polling in Kannur, Kasaragod, and Vadakara constituencies. The UDF alleged that the Kalliasseri incident is proof of fraudulent voting by pro-CPM officials in Kannur district under the guise of vote from home. We had raised doubts that the CPM leadership was interfering in the process of voting at homes of senior citizens. The incident that took place in booth 164 in Kalliasseri panchayat confirms it, said a UDF leader in Kannur. Foreseeing a defeat in the elections, the CPM is planning to subvert the democratic process itself. The Election Commission should take a serious view of the CPMs move to subvert the smooth election process by resorting to widespread violence and bogus voting in Kannur, Kasaragod, and Vadakara Lok Sabha constituencies, said UDF leaders.

Kerala: UDF accuses CPI(M) of bogus voting in Kannur, alleges cooperation of officials

The News Mill

Kerala: Polling officials suspended for failing to maintain secrecy during home voting in Kannur

The News Mill

Royal Challengers Bengaluru restores three lakes as part of 'Go Green' Initiative

Royal Challengers Bengaluru restores three lakes as part of 'Go Green' Initiative As per the India Cares Foundation's latest report, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has completed the restoration work of two major lakes in Bengaluru, upscaling the water holding capacity of these lakes and adding civic amenities in a third lake, while improving the biodiversity around these water bodies as part of RCB 'Go Green' Initiative. RCB launched the Lake Improvement Works Project as part of their ESG commitment in October 2023 with a focus on desilting and developing the Ittgalpura Lake and Sadenahalli Lake. These lakes were selected for being highly water-stressed areas, with borewell depths ranging from 1000 to 1500 feet. The areas also lack access to Kaveri River water and are totally dependent on groundwater and surface water, as per a press release from RCB. According to the report, over 1.20 lakh tonnes of silt and sand have been removed at the Ittgalpura Lake and Sadenahalli Lake, which has been used to create bunds and pathways across the lakes and 52 farmers have taken the soil to use as topsoil for their fields as well. A total of nine acres of lake land have been recovered, resulting in the creation of stabilisation ponds and wetlands. These features will benefit the birds and animals inhabiting the lakes. The water holding capacity of the lakes has also increased by up to 17 acres. The lakes will not only facilitate groundwater recharge but also serve as vital sources of drinking water and support agricultural activities in the surrounding area. It will provide additional livelihood opportunities for the fishermen and farmers of the two lakes, who can now harvest three times as much as before. Currently reliant on borewells for agriculture, farmers can now utilise these rejuvenated lakes for farming and other purposes, thereby enhancing productivity and sustainability. Meanwhile, at Kannur Lake, the objective has been to improve community ownership through the creation of civic amenities as lake assets. Ethno-Medicinal Plants Parks, Bamboo Parks, and Butterfly Parks are also being created at all three lakes as the initiative aims to improve and sustain the biodiversity of the lakes while also serving as educational hubs for children to understand the ecosystem. It must be noted that the National Compilation on Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India 2022 report by the Central Groundwater Board of India estimates that over 12 percent of groundwater blocks in India have been over-exploited, 12 percent are in the semi-critical stage and 3 percent are in the critical stage. Fans are at the heart of everything we do at RCB. Their unwavering support has propelled us to become one of the world's first carbon-neutral franchises. Our fans have been actively engaged in our green initiatives since 2013, playing a pivotal role in spreading awareness about sustainability within our community. Building on this momentum, we naturally expanded our focus to support our local community by spearheading the restoration of key lakes in Bengaluru. These lakes not only serve as critical groundwater sources for neighbouring villages but also form the backbone of local livelihoods. Through collaborative efforts with both local authorities and communities, we have managed to take a small step in the bigger purpose of restoring the old pride of Bengaluru, the lake city. Rajesh Menon, VP and Head of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Such initiatives would be key to raising awareness about the ground-level water situation in and around Bengaluru. The process of lake rejuvenation adheres strictly to established procedures and standards drawn from civil engineering, environmental engineering, and related fields under the guidance of Friends of Lakes. These standards, meticulously outlined in textbooks, serve as guiding principles throughout the rejuvenation process. The successful revitalization of these lakes stands as a testament to the effectiveness of engineering and environmental standards, showcasing a proven approach to lake restoration. The Green Game was conceived in 2011 and since then, through multiple initiatives, RCB is now the world's first carbon-neutral cricket team and the foremost cricket franchise in the world, rallying behind a people's movement for a greener planet. RCB will be donning the green jersey in their next Indian Premier League (IPL) game against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Sunday. RCB is at the bottom of the points table, with a win and six losses in seven games. (ANI)

Five poll officials suspended in Kerala for allowing CPI-M leader help elderly woman cast her vote

Thiruvananthapuram: Kannur District Election Officer (DEO) Friday suspended five poll officials for dereliction of duty after it was found that a CPI-M polling agent helped a 92-year-old woman cast her vote from home. According to the election rules, voters above the age of 85 can vote from their homes. The incident took place Thursday at []

Four polling officials suspended over outside interference in voting at 92-year-old womans house in Keralas Kannur

District Collector recommends probe against a person for allegedly interfering in voting of 92-year-old at polling booth set up at her residence

How does getting inked for the first time feel like?

S Devasankar, 21, student, Kochi Our social science teacher taught us that voting is not only our right, it is our responsibility. Though I didnt understand the gravity of this then, now I am more aware. I like to look at elections with an optimistic eye and believe that they can bring about changes to our society. I know that this is a highly romanticised point of view. I am thrilled to vote for the first time because I get to play my part in the functioning of Indian democracy. So, it is a dream coming true. I believe that this election is a crucial point in history and we are going through a transitional period. I have decided to vote for the party, which is better in comparison. My policy is to choose what is lesser evil among the limited options we have. Jeeba Surgi, 22, student, Thiruvananthapuram This year will be my first vote. I couldnt cast my vote during the assembly polls. I dont want to waste my franchise. It is my right. I have been keeping up with the current political climate and the elections main talking points. What I want is to live in a secular country, and I want to contribute to building a nation like that. Since Im not satisfied with the candidates, I will most probably vote for NOTA. Its my way of expressing my disagreement with the political parties. Bahira K, 20, student, Kannur I think our country is witnessing a decline in democratic and secular sentiments. Politics have turned more ruthless with some in power using everything in their arsenal, including government institutions, to mute the opposition. I neither see any eligible leaders in the major opposing parties nor in the ruling one. Im guided by what the MPs have done previously. I dont want to contribute to the politics of hate. Im thinking deeply about whom to cast my vote on the D-day. Kesav Siju, 18, student, TPuram Many youngsters are clued in to whats happening in the country. Some keep away from the political issues because politicians and their policies are not catering to their needs. That said, all of us are very political. While it is true that Thiruvananthapuram is a Tharoor bastion, I think change is on the horizon. Ive learnt about the work that BJP candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar has done. Also, the Narendra Modi factor cannot be discounted. We are in for a big election and Im excited to cast my vote. Sreya R Nair, 19, student, Palakkad I feel indifferent about the upcoming elections as Im not into politics. Since Im living in Ernakulam and casting my vote in Palakkad, I only have a rough idea about the candidates. I think it is better to vote based on the ideology of parties rather than individual candidates. I find the Left more appealing. Abhinand S S, 20, student, Thiruvananthapuram Ram Mandir is a big topic this election season. But I dont think the temple should be used as a political tool. For the past 15 years, the same candidate has been winning in my constituency. I wouldnt mind a new MP. I will vote for the candidate that I agree the most with. I wont waste my vote on NOTA. Sharat Nair, 24, IT professional, Thiruvananthapuram I never wanted to vote because I was under the impression that one vote cannot make any significant change. This time, I will vote because Im satisfied with the ruling government and I want the same to continue. In Kerala, it is tough for the party to win. So if my vote could buoy them, then why not? Ill be travelling from my workplace in Bengaluru to Kerala for the purpose. Saarika T S, 23, student, Perumbavoor The main issue I am facing is unemployment. Most of the youngsters, including my friends, are going abroad. I hope this election will bring about a positive change. Though I have a personal political leaning, this time I will be casting my vote for NOTA. Merin Rose Bijoy, 20, student, Kochi I find it hard to be interested in the voting process when all I hear about is corruption and self-serving parties. None of them seem to work for the peoples benefit. The lack of genuine options concerns me. I consider voting for NOTA. Nima B M, 18, student, Thiruvananthapuram I have already decided whom to vote for. I dont like discrimination based on religion or any attacks based on it. My vote will reflect that. I dont think any religion is superior. Having thoroughly reviewed all the manifestos, I have made my decision. My vote is not for NOTA. Doing so would be a big loss. Ananthakrishnan C A, 19, student, TPuram Im thrilled about the upcoming election because I will be participating in the worlds largest democratic exercise. Since childhood, I have watched family members going to the polls. This time, I will have the chance to experience it myself. I have not yet decided on whom to cast my first vote, or if it should be for NOTA. Im learning the current political scenario through various media. I have also closely observed the candidates. I will make a decision soon. Dona Maria Sebastian, 21, student, Peermade I dont even know the names of the candidates contesting from my constituency. So my vote will go for the party that closely aligns with my needs. I feel like the issues that should be at the forefront are unemployment, corruption, and price hikes. I dont know whether the election result will solve any of these. However, I do believe that my vote is important, and I wont give it away. Im also very certain of which party will not win in my constituency. Aravind R Nair, 21, student, Ernakulam I dont follow politics. It is not a big conversation among my friends. But parties have started campaigning on social media too these days. Thanks to this, Im aware about the candidates. I want to see politicians who keep their promises. Ensuring womens safety and tackling the drug menace are two issues I want the soon-to-be MP to prioritise. While Narendra Modis influence cant be discounted, punching in equal weight are also Shashi Tharoor, Rahul Gandhi and K K Shailaja. Annarose Jaison, 18, student, Thrissur Participating in democracy for the first time feels empowering. Im eager to take part in deciding which party will form the government. However, recent news about EVM malpractices has me questioning the integrity of my vote. While I may not know much about the candidates yet, Im looking forward to learning more. Sam Jones, 26, IT professional, Pathanamthitta I was not in Kerala for a while and couldnt vote till now. This time, I can exercise my franchise. Im concerned about the lack of separation between state and religion. The latter should never have any place in the matters of government. As far as the constituency I belong to is concerned, it has the potential for development. I was not content with the activities of the previous MP. Now, I have done a detailed analysis of the candidates to help my decision. Neha Valsaraj, 20, student, Kannur As a first-time voter, Im curious about the whole process. I checked the Election Commission website to understand everything. More than a right, I think voting is a citizens responsibility. Im interested in politics and I did a detailed study on the candidates contesting in my constituency and others. What Ive understood is that most of them have vested interests. Only some are genuinely interested in being the peoples representative. My major issue with our country is gender discrimination. Though the Constitution grants equal rights, it feels like the country has a long way to go. Vaidyanathan S, 20, student, Kozhikode I think I have figured out the candidate who can best help our people. I have heard many stories of how helpful that candidate has been to all. My personal view is that whoever wins should strive to ensure that they do everything possible for the welfare of the people. Political and other biases should not impair their work. Ongoing issues regarding inefficient governance are certain to dictate the polls. More than the candidates mass appeal, I think it is their political goodwill that counts. I believe in this democratic exercise and Im certain my vote will help usher in a positive change. Compiled by: Mahima Anna Jacob, Ronnie Kuriakose, Parvana K B, Niranjana K P, Swathy Lekshmi Vikram, Aparna Mary Bilna

It's Rahul vs Pinarayi in Kerala as Lok Sabha poll campaign heats up in state

KANNUR/MALAPPURAM/PALAKKAD : With just a week left for the Lok Sabha election in the state, the UDF and the Left front have intensified their campaigns which saw Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan taking on each other. While Rahul launched a scathing attack against Pinarayi for not speaking against BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and only targeting him during his campaigns, the chief minister shot back saying the LDF does not need a certificate from the Congress to fight the RSS and the anti-people policies of Modi. Pinarayi said through the CAA, the BJP is implementing the RSS agenda, and the Congress at the national level failed to act against the RSS agenda. He said Rahul should answer whether the Congress national leadership told its Kerala unit to stay away from anti-CAA protests. Speaking at UDFs campaign programmes in Kannur and Palakkad, Rahul wondered why Pinarayi has not been investigated by the central agencies yet. Two chief ministers in this country are already in jail for standing against the BJP government. If Pinarayi is against the BJP, I wonder why he has not faced any legal consequences yet. Why didnt he go to jail? The CM is attacking me 24 hours a day. His approach is very surprising, said Rahul. I find it interesting that your chief minister is not being attacked in any way by the BJP. Nobody has taken away his house, nobody has taken away his membership to the Vidhan Sabha and he has not been called for interrogation (by the central agencies) for even one minute. So its a bit surprising that if he (Pinarayi) is fighting the BJP, then why are they (BJP) so pleased with him? Rahul wondered. If anyone attacks the BJP, the investigation agencies in this country will definitely go after them. Pinarayi says that he is waging an ideological battle against the BJP. Then Im surprised why ED is not doing anything against Pinarayi in Kerala, Rahul said. Addressing a UDF campaign rally in Palakkad, Rahul said while he attacks BJP in every state he goes, the Kerala CM spends the whole time attacking him. He does not say a single word against the BJP. So, I just wanted to leave that with you to think about, said Rahul at the rally. LDF doesnt need a certificate from Congress to combat RSS: Pinarayi Pinarayi strongly criticised the UDF and Congress leaders, including Rahul, citing their lack of initiatives to combat the BJP-led NDA. Addressing mediapersons in Malappuram on Thursday, Pinarayi said: Those questioning why the CM is not speaking against Modi and the BJP are the ones leading the same party that sponsored LS five candidates for the NDA in Kerala. To combat the RSS and the anti-people policies of Modi, the LDF does not need a certificate from the Congress. Those who lit lamps in front of Golwalkars photo and garnered votes by supplicating to the RSS should not lecture us. Speaking at the campaign of LDF candidate K S Hamsa in Ponnani, Pinarayi said through the CAA, the BJP is implementing the RSS agenda, and the Congress failed to act against it. During protests against the CAA in 2019, CPI general secretary D Raja and CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury, Prakash Karat, and Brinda Karat were arrested. Have you seen any Congress leaders in that list of arrested? Rahul Gandhi says the Congress is being criticised in Kerala. But the Congress should answer my question. Has anyone seen any Congress leaders during the CAA protests at that stage? Why did Congress leaders stay away from protests? he said. The Congress has not conducted any protest against the CAA outside Kerala. So, the national leadership of the Congress must have asked the Kerala leadership to stay away from the protest. Rahul Gandhi is conducting campaigns in Kerala. He should answer whether the national leadership of the Congress told the Congress in Kerala to stay away from anti-CAA protests, Pinarayi said. Pinarayi said the flow of members from the Congress to the BJP has begun in Kerala, with many more UDF leaders waiting in the state to join the BJP. He said in this Lok Sabha election, people will cast their votes against the opportunistic Congress, which does not take a stand on matters affecting the people. The Congress failed to take a strong stand against the CAA and the financial policies of the Union government. The fight in Kerala is between the LDF, which has taken a strong stand on certain issues, and the UDF, which is reluctant to take strong stands on matters affecting the people in Kerala, he said. Pinarayi added that the NDA, which is in the third position in the state, will become irrelevant after this election.

Received zero support from State govt. for Kannurs development, says K. Sudhakaran

The incumbent MP of Kannur K. Sudhakaran, who is also the KPCC president, feels that he has done justice to his primary role as a peoples representative. In an interview with The Hindu, the prominent UDF candidate explains his achievements countering the claims of his political opponents in the fray and the factors that slowed down his previously declared development plans for the constituency

Rahul Gandhi attacks Kerala CM Vijayan

Kannur, April 18 (UNI) Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday wondered why the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has not grilled Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan so far whereas central agencies have been after all leaders who attack the BJP. Anyone who attacks the BJP, BJP will be after them by sending central investigation agencies like... The post Rahul Gandhi attacks Kerala CM Vijayan first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Rahul, CPM Spar Over Their Approach Towards BJP-RSS

Thiruvananthapuram: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday unleashed an attack on Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan questioning his alleged soft approach towards Narendra Modi and BJP and the latters reciprocation in the same manner. Rahul spent the entire day in Kerala addressing public meetings in Kannur, Palakkad and Kottayam districts to seek votes for the UDF candidates. The Congress leader sought to make a distinction between the BJPs approach towards him and the CPM-led LDF chief minister. Rahul said he disagreed with the BJP ideologically and what they are doing to the country. I get up in the morning thinking how I am going to fight the BJP today. Similarly, Narendra Modi and hundreds of BJP leaders get up in the morning thinking how are they going to take on Rahul Gandhi, he said. You are aware that anyone who fights the BJP has to pay a price because they are fascists. They took away my Lok Sabha membership, my official residence, I was interrogated by the Enforcement Directorate for 55 hours, five days in a row, 12 hours - 13 hours a day. So my question is why is it that the BJP does not attack the chief minister of Kerala? They have not taken his assembly membership, his house or interrogated him even for one minute, he said. The Congress leader said two chief ministers are in jail for opposing the BJP. But there is no such attack on the Kerala chief minister even though there are allegations of corruption here as well. Rahul said when he came to Kerala or visited any other state, he always attacked the BJP-RSS. But the Kerala CM is spending 24 hours attacking me. For some reason, he is not attacking the BJP. I leave it to you, think about it, he said. Yechury reacts to Rahuls criticism CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury who is campaigning extensively in Kerala, while reacting to Rahul Gandhis accusations, said the chief ministers criticism need not be seen as a personal attack. The criticism is against the policies of the Congress viz a viz the BJP governments various actions. Congress has still not made its stand clear on the issue of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has chosen not to make any personal comments about Rahul Gandhi. Instead, he has criticized the Congress party's soft stance towards the policies of the BJP government. However, Rahul Gandhi appears to be trying to turn the criticism into a personal attack to connect with voters. In every election meeting, the chief minister has questioned the stand taken by the Congress on issues like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Similarly, he severely criticised the Congress MPs from Kerala for their failure to intervene effectively in Parliament on major issues like the abrogation of Article 370, and the Centres decisions to smother Kerala financially. Pinarayi had also unleashed a scathing attack on the Congress leadership for failing to prevent the mass exodus of party leaders to the BJP. With just a week left for the Lok Sabha polls in Kerala, both the Congress and the CPM have scaled up their attack on each other over the respective stand towards the BJP RSS

IMD warns of isolated heavy rain in three districts on Friday

Maximum temperatures are likely to be 2 C to 4 C above normal inKollam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, and Kannur till April 22

Kannur SVEEP team comes up with voter awareness video in sign language

Certain media houses abuse me for attacking BJP: Rahul Gandhi

Kannur: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday alleged certain media houses regularly abuse him for criticising the policies and ideologies of the BJP and the ruling dispensation at the Centre and were distorting his image nationwide. Addressing a massive election rally here, he attacked the BJP, saying it was creating disharmony in the nation and, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

BJP creating disharmony in nation, says Rahul Gandhi

Kannur: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday attacked the BJP saying it was creating disharmony in the nation and, in turn, harming millions of people in the country. Addressing a massive election rally in Kannur, Gandhi said the BJP was attempting to change the diversity of the country, whereas the Congress accepts the differences. He Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Impersonation, open voting: What some parts of Kerala see during polls?

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : You are just a presiding officer. You need to act accordingly. Otherwise, we will chop off your hands and legs! This was the threat an election official allegedly faced in a CPM stronghold for trying to prevent bogus voting during the last local body polls in December 2020. The officer, K M Sreekumar, was the leader of a Left-leaning service organisation. And the threat came from none other than the then local MLA K Kunhiraman. Sreekumar, who was deployed as presiding officer at GLPS Kizhakkumbhagam ward in Kasaragods Uduma constituency, did not yield to the intimidation. Consequently, the polling percentage in the constituency dropped from 94% in the previous election to 83% that year. The incident came to light as Sreekumar shared his harrowing experience on social media. Though he had initiated legal action, the issue was later put to rest abruptly. This was not an isolated case. There have been numerous accounts by polling officials who have faced such harassment while on duty. Polling agents of rival fronts also end up helpless in bastions of different parties. The agents are intimidated. They are forced to sit through the whole process as mute witnesses, said a former presiding officer. If they raise any issue, they will face unpleasant consequences. They know they will be hounded, attacked. Bogus voting begins as soon as polling starts in the morning. Through blatant impersonation, party cadres cast votes of those who support the rival party within the booth limits. Generally, they choose the elderly and strong supporters of the rival party. They reach the polling booths with old, faded voter ID cards. None of the polling agents of the rival party would oppose due to fear. Lets say there is an 83-year-old Divakara Panicker who votes for X party. The rival party cadres would send another elderly individual to cast Panickers vote at 7am itself, an official explained. The rival partys agent would be aware that its not Panicker, but would remain silent due to fear. Later, when Panicker comes to cast his vote, he will be told that his vote was already cast. If he insists, he may cast a tendered vote. Some do, while others play safe and leave. Another legitimate way of fraud is open voting, where people with disabilities like visual impairment are assisted by someone to cast their votes. Its said to be the most convenient way of bogus voting, and is common in so-called party villages. Party cadres arrive at the booths along with elderly individuals, and claim that the voter is visually impaired. The presiding officers usually allow the assisting individual to cast the vote. At times, just for the sake of it, the officer might ask the actual voter to identify a particular colour. The voter will obviously fail the test, and the accompanying partymen are allowed to assist. If the presiding officer takes a firm stance, the cadres are alerted. Intimidation begins. Booth agents of the dominant party will create a ruckus, arguing that the visually impaired person could end up pressing the wrong button. If the poll official remains adamant, another round of threats begins. This would go on for the entire day. Polling agents are threatened. Often, more than 5 per cent of open votes are cast this way. Polling officials, too, are intimidated to avoid presenting the actual number of open votes when they submit data to the Election Commission (EC), said Mohammed Blathur, a KPCC member from Kannur. Mohammed expressed hope that such incidents will not be rampant in the upcoming polls. This time, thanks to live webcasting by the EC, bogus voting is likely to come down. Kannur CPM leader TV Rajesh maintained that allegations of bogus voting were baseless. We, too, can raise such allegations against the UDF. If they have evidence, let them approach the EC, he said. Political observers, however, would not brush aside the issue. The most crucial phase is said to be between 3.30pm and 4pm. With just about an hour for polling to end, the ghosts and NRIs arrive to vote. Party workers, with the help of polling agents, gather information about people yet to cast their votes those who are deceased but whose names still remain on the voters list; those who are abroad; and others who have not been able to make it to the polling booth. Its alleged that, in some party villages of north Kerala, people are recruited to replace the missing voters. They would be allowed to vote, as officials work in an atmosphere of fear. The moment a polling official enters a booth, party workers do a background check. Depending on the officials political affiliation, they choose the strategy. Threatening calls by prominent leaders and raising a ruckus at the booth are common tactics. There are instances when some people vote six or seven times. They would change their attire each time, said an official. Once they gain confidence, they would come in the same attire. Polling officials will be frightened, and desperate to leave the place. So a spike in polling percentage might not always indicate a healthy democracy, officials noted. Especially in the case of party villages.Will the ECs measures, such as live web streaming, help curb malpractices? We will get to know that on April 26.

Woman killed in road accident in Kannur

Keralites clinch top ranks in civil services examination

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : Candidates from Kerala shone in the civil services examination 2023, the results of which were declared on Tuesday. According to a list released by the Kerala State Civil Services Academy, as many as 11 Keralites figure among the top 200 ranks, including P K Sidharth Ramkumar, who secured the all-India fourth position in his fifth attempt. Ernakulam native Sidharth, who joined the Indian Police Service (IPS), is now undergoing training at National Police Academy, Hyderabad. A graduate of Architecture from the College of Architecture, Thiruvananthapuram, he cracked the Civil Services exam in his first attempt in 2020 but made three other attempts to improve his rank. Other Keralites in the top 100 ranks were: Vishnu Sasikumar (Rank 31) who is settled in Gujarat, Archana P P based in Bengaluru (40), Benjo P Jose from Adoor (59) Kasturi Sha from Thiruvananthapuram (68), Fabi Rasheed, also from Thiruvananthapuram (71) and Annie George from Kannur (93). While Febin Jose Thomas from Kollam and Vineeth Lohidakshan from Ernakulam secured all India ranks 133 and 169 respectively, Amrutha S Kumar from Ernakulam and Manjusha B George from Kottayam clinched ranks 179 and 195 respectively. As per the list released by the academy, 54 Keralites figure in the list of candidates selected for various Civil Services. A total of 1,016 candidates across the country had cleared the examination and have been recommended for different central government services, the UPSC said.

The vanishing left

NEW DELHI : When we review our work on building the independent strength of the party in the last four years, we cannot say we have made adequate political, ideological and organisational efforts for the same, read the Political-Organisational Report introduced during the CPM Party Congress in Kannur in April 2022. The four-year reference was in the context of the partys dismal show in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Staring at an existential crisis, the two main Left parties CPM and CPI have been reduced to single digits in Parliament. The CPM could only secure three seats and its vote share dipped to 1.75 per cent in the last parliamentary polls. Not just the CPM, the performance of all Left parties was at the lowest ebb in their electoral history since Independence. The CPI won just two seats while its vote share plummeted to 0.58 per cent. The other Left Front constituent the RSP bagged one seat with just 0.12 per cent vote share. In 2019, the CPM won one seat (Alappuzha) in Kerala and two (Coimbatore and Madurai) in Tamil Nadu. The CPI won two seats Tiruppur and Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu. The Left parties couldnt open their account in West Bengal. Kerala, Tripura and West Bengal were considered traditional Left bastions. The Left Front governed West Bengal for 34 years from 1977 to 2011 and Tripura for 25 years from 1993 to 2018. The Left has also led governments in Kerala since 1957. Besides running governments in three states, the Left had also played a key role in the Third Front from 1996-98 and in the Congress-led UPA in 2004. Fighting for its pride The CPM has so far announced candidates for 44 Lok Sabha seats, including 17 in West Bengal. It is contesting one seat each in Andaman and Nicobar, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana and Tripura. In Tamil Nadu, the party has got two seats Madurai and Dindigul as part of the INDIA bloc alliance. As part of the INDIA bloc alliance in Bihar, the CPI(M-L) has been allocated three seats and the CPI and CPM have got one seat each. After seat-sharing talks failed in Jharkhand, the CPI decided to go it alone in eight seats in the state. As part of the Left Democratic Front in Kerala, the CPI got four seats. Experts and political commentators term the steep decline in electoral performance of the Left not a good sign in the current political scenario. They say the Left has always helped in shaping public policies aimed at peoples welfare. They, however, add that the Left should be held responsible for their diminishing clout. Ajay Gudavarthy, who teaches at Centre for Political Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), cited a series of misadventures and decisions for the fall of the Left. After pulling out two-to-three nuclear deals, and prior to that, the refusal to make Jyoti Basu the prime ministerial candidate during the coalition era, coupled with a series of misadventures and decisions, did not augur well in the public imagination of the Left. After the rise of Hindutva politics, the Left suddenly became an alien force. People are finding it difficult to identify with their language, Gudavarthy said. Another reason, he said is that the Left takes decades to bring about changes. The lethargic and organisational disciplinary structure is not working in their favour in the current context. They take eons to change, and are bad in catching up. They are not able to cope up with the cultural agenda of the right. There are economic reasons too. Liberalism growing into informalisation (the increase in proportion of workforce in informal sector) has made mobilisation around class politics a very difficult agenda to set. The Left can mobilise trade unions, but when it comes to informal labour, which is migrant and moves from one place to another, the Left is at a loss. They have not developed a strategy or alternative methods to address this. Their failure in mobilising the informal sectors caused the decline in their electoral presence, said Gudavarthy. Rise & fall of the Left The span of about 40 years starting from the fourth Lok Sabha elections in 1967 to the fall of the NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2004 could arguably be the golden age of Left dominance in India. On an average, they had jointly been capturing 50 seats in every election. For the CPM, its best performance came in 2004, when it had won 43 seats, a record since its formation in 1964 after breaking away from the CPI. The CPIs peak was recorded in the third Lok Sabha in 1962. Following the split, in the ensuing election in 1967, the CPM had won 19 and CPI 29. In an interview with this newspaper earlier, CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury said that the dwindling strength of the party in Parliament was the result of ganging up of forces from right to leftagainst the party. However, he had admitted that there were also some lapses on its part. Our electoral support has significantly declined. But at the same time, our ability to set an agenda before the country has actually strengthened... The only issue on which PM Narendra Modi had to back off was the farm stir against the three farm bills, he had said. At its peak, CPMs vote share had crossed the 6 per cent mark and the CPIs above 5 per cent. All India Forward Bloc (AIBC) and the RSP largely retained their numbers as they continued registering victory on two-five seats individually. Professor Biswajit Das of Centre for Culture Media, Jamia Millia Islamia, said that the conventional idea of Left politics in the country has completely declined, in a sense that the kind of ideological baggage the Left had has been appropriated by mainstream parties. The Left has literally exhausted its alternatives. In order to survive, they have to create an alternative space, and also in terms of the jargons or even the language they will use. In fact, their language has been appropriated by the mainstream. There is nothing new they have to offer, he said. He feared that they would gradually diminish because of the ways the larger counter movements are taking place in this country. The Left was not able to accommodate, or adjust itself to, the culture-specific scenarios, Das added. Significance of Left On the importance of Left, Gudavarthy said that they are the only parties in mainstream politics that offer a critique of neoliberal agenda. Much of the Left policies are also by default moving within the neoliberal paradigm, but at least they are offering an ideological critique. They keep the welfare agenda first. If you look at 2004-2014 during UPA, the party played a very important role. The CPM pulled off a wide-range of welfare policies that Congress implemented, he added. CPI general secretary Bhalchandra Kango agrees. After Independence, all movements cultural, students, farmers and workers were dominated by the Left for long. In 2004, 60 MPs of the Left influenced the UPA-I and compelled them to have Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and Right to Information Act. And measures like loan waiver scheme and land to tribals were achievements of the Left, said Kango. Gudavarthy said that a lot of intellectual public presence emerges from the Left parties. The golden era The span of about 40 years from the 4th LS polls in 1967 to the fall of NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2004 could arguably be the golden age of Left dominance in India. On an average, they had jointly been capturing 50 seats in every election. CPMs best performance came in 2004, when it had won 43 seats. *Forward Bloc (Marxist) Communist parties in India CPI is the oldest. It is a state party with presence mainly in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Manipur Founded in 1964, CPM is the largest communist party in terms of electoral performance Founded in 1974, CPI(M-L) Liberation is the third largest party with state party status in Bihar RSP has state party status in Kerala

Kerala Catholic priest contacted by TRAI investigator loses Rs 5L

KOCHI : A Catholic priest in the city ended up losing Rs 5 lakh to a cyber fraudster who claimed to be an investigation official of the TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India). This is the sixth case being reported in Kochi, in which scammers duped people by posing as CBI, ED or police officials, in one month. As per the case registered at the Palarivattom police station, the priest, who is working with a publication of the Church in Padivattom, received a call from an unknown number last month. The caller claimed he was a probe officer with the TRAI. He said a probe into a case registered at the Ghatkopar police station in Mumbai revealed that a SIM card taken using the ID card of the priest was used to send abusive messages. The caller said the CBI is probing the case at present and as part of the investigation, the priests bank account will be frozen soon, said a police officer. The caller asked the victim to verify his bank account by transferring money from it to the one given by the former, said the official. The unsuspecting victim transferred a total of Rs 5 lakh in two transactions to an account in Surat. Soon after the second transaction, the caller went incommunicado. The money was also not returned. Following this, the priest lodged a complaint with the police, said an officer. Last month, an Ernakulam native lost Rs 1.2 crore to fraudsters who posed as CBI officials. A retired government employee lost Rs 29.91 lakh after he was threatened by a caller saying he had been arraigned in a case related to Jet Airways being probed by the Mumbai police. A Kannur native staying in Kochi lost Rs 19.9 lakh, while a Ravipuram native lost Rs 4.04 lakh to similar frauds this past month. In some cases, fraudsters posed as police officers and extorted money from people claiming that drugs were recovered from a parcel in their name. Amid the rise in such scams, the Kerala Police recently sounded an alert, urging people to be vigilant of such fraudsters. Law enforcement agencies can freeze ones properties and bank accounts as part of an investigation. The account and property holders are not required to verify their accounts during such procedures. No agency will ask an accused to transfer money to their bank account as part of an investigation, said an officer with the Kerala Polices Cyberdome. Any person receiving a call from someone claiming to be from a law enforcement agency and asking to transfer money, should immediately alert the police, said the officer. If possible, avoid unknown numbers. If any bogus calls are received, it can be reported to the police by calling 1930 (helpline). If money was sent, the police should be alerted immediately to help retrieve the sum, said an officer.

LDF, UDF & NDA: Gujaratis in Kerala disenchanted with all

KOLLAM : As the Lok Sabha elections approach, excitement brews within the Gujarati community of Kerala. Though most Malayali Gujaratis have traditionally leaned towards the BJP-led NDA in the LS polls, this time, there exists a certain distrust towards all three major fronts.And while the communitys wish for a strong Union government remains steadfast, dissatisfaction with the BJP and Congress is palpable. We have traditionally stayed aloof from politics; what we seek is a robust government for the country. While a significant portion of our community supports Narendra Modi and the BJP, theres a shift especially among the youth, who prioritise development, employment opportunities, and a more conducive business environment, something lacking in our state, says Shrenik Shah, a Gujarati community member in Kerala. The community is primarily concentrated in Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Kannur, Kollam, and Malappuram districts. As per the Gujarati Community Association, there are 15,500 members in Kerala, with Ernakulam having the most Gujarati families at 540. Kollam and Malappuram have 10 and 5 families, respectively, the lowest. Our community wielded significant influence in Kerala, but we now feel marginalised. The state government promised to renovate our Gujarati school, temples, and other heritage sites, but it seems they may take control of our heritage. Our numbers have dwindled, with our youngsters leaving and many planning to leave. We no longer hold the importance we did, laments Dhruv Kumar Pandya, secretary of the Alleppey Gujarati Samaj, Alappuzha. The Gujarati community, renowned for its business acumen, laments the neglect in industrial revival, particularly of spices and textiles sectors that have been hit due to Keralas business-unfriendly environment. As per the Gujarati Association in Kerala, 47 community-owned industries in Kerala downed shutters in the last five years. The LS candidates have largely overlooked these issues, the members allege. Says Kishorsbhi Shamji, a spice trader, For five years, my company struggled to export our products. We advocated for the revival of coir, spices, copra, and tourism, but faced hurdles due to trade union militancy, alleges Shamji. We anticipated industrial revival under BJPs Union government, but to no avail. Union Minister V Muraleedharan dismissed our concerns, citing indifference from the commerce minister. Now, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal deems subsidies unnecessary for businesses. We hoped for reforms under the LDF government, but harassment by trade unions persists. Our UDF MPs remained silent. Who can we trust? Were left to just observe this election, says Shamji, who

With strong candidates and tough competition, Vadakara remain calm before election storm

More than a hundred men and a few women make a mad rush for attention in a manner that could put to shame even the most boisterous of crowds in front of beverage outlets. Visibly excited, eyes glittering and gesturing feverishly, they choose, call out to salesmen and point to their favourites. Sparklers, fire-pots, rockets and fountains are the most sought-after. The past three days have seen an incessant flow of customers to the 10-day-old outlet Consumer Fire Works at Keezhariyoor, near Meppayur, en route to Perambra. On the eve of Vishu, people have come from as far as Kozhikode, Mananthavady and Kannur, even as a thick smell of gunpowder envelops the immediate surrounding. Some outlets in the area register cracker sales to the tune of `7-8 lakh per day. Last time, we got close to 15,000 requests online asking for an outlet here. Now at least 5,000 people come here daily. In fact, we havent been able to close the shop at night for the past three days, says proprietor Jithesh K T, gesturing towards the scores hovering around the stall. Ironically, the cracker frenzy seems like the proverbial calm before the storm, waiting to implode and thereby expose the volatile electoral underbelly. What better day to assess the electoral pulse of Vadakara than during this cracker-filled Vishu! In an election where the politics of violence has gained unexpected traction, especially after the country bomb blast at Panur, cracker markets seem to embody the stark contrasts of the voter psyche. The notorious killing fields of Kannur often come alive in the pockets of Nadapuram and Panur in the Vadakara parliamentary constituency. Show me one person whos not involved directly or indirectly in bomb-making. Its almost like a cottage industry there. Its wrong to point fingers at just one party. All of them engage in bomb-making. Just that only a few are exposed, avers Vijayan of Pattanippara near Perambra. Well, he is talking about a country bomb used at Panur to set a trap for wild boars. It is a primitive contraption that often causes more damage to the manufacturers/perpetrators than to the intended targets, in a way symbolising the primitive politics that is being played out in the region. While political vendetta can come in its most basic form here, the recent blast has brought back memories of the once grave political violence scene especially the T P Chandrasekharan murder. And that could benefit anti-Left political formations in Vadakara, the only constituency that guarantees a bypoll to the state assembly. The CPM is banking on the popularity of former health minister K K Shailaja even as Congress Shafi Parambil enjoys ample support from the Muslim League and the RMP. An upcoming youth icon, Praful Krishna is the NDA candidate in a constituency with around 1.36 lakh new voters. While the LS seat has traditionally been Left-leaning, the fight this time remains highly unpredictable. Vadakara where K P Unnikrishnan won as both an LDF and a UDF candidate at different points has always nurtured its own peculiar brand of socio-political vibes. Historically, Vadakara has played a crucial role in trade and cultural evolution, says local historian K M Bharathan, of Malayalam University. Local residents discuss politics at a market in Kallachi near Nadapuram This is also where Kunjali Marakkar led prolonged battles against the Portuguese invasion and many a glorious chapter of the national freedom movement and the Renaissance movement unfolded, he says. Vadakara has had its own share of uprisings through the Beedi workers agitations. The 1948 Onchiyam firing still lingers on in the political consciousness of the voters. Geographically, the constituency comprises the coastal regions from Koyilandi to Thalassery, high range at Kuttiady and the midlands to its eastern frontier. In more ways than one, the three regions consist of three distinct populations, social formations and culture, even as they share peripheral similarity. Crossing over to Vadakara from the neighbouring Kozhikode via the Korappuzha bridge, there are viable signs of development. The NH work, envisioned to give a major facelift to northern Malabar, is almost in the final stages. At Kadiyangad junction, a group of old-timers are engaged in animated discussion. Its an election that will decide the very essence of our secular identity. Havent you seen the surveys? Across the state, theres just one leader people approve of its Pinarayi Vijayan, declares 73-year-old Kunju Moideen in all simplicity. Hoardings of LDF and UDF candidates vie for attention beside posters of the late T P Chandrasekharan Oh, have you got your pension? mocks Jayan, a shop owner supporting the saffron front, amidst guffaws. Kelappan, 82, of Arikkulam panchayat, has little doubt of the Left fronts chances: Our teacher (Shailaja) will win. On the other hand, V K Chandran of Nachad Vanitha Hotel vouches for Shafi. Look at the kind of ripples hes making among the voters, he points out. At Karandod, shop owner Ammu is busy with the final preparations for Vishu. Though she has clear political leanings, shes acutely aware of the undercurrents possible. Further down, at Kallachi, four friends Azeez, Hameed, Majeed and Abdulla are keenly observing the market. They opine that national and international politics are the discussion points this election. Issues in the constituency? Politics first, politics second and politics last, the friends say, almost in a chorus. At Nadapuram, local residents Sanjeevan and Vinod lament: Whoever makes bombs, the fact is we end up losing precious lives. And the pulse at Onchiyam, once an acclaimed red fort but now a painful reminder of the slain leader TP? We dont talk politics here. Not that we have consciously kept away from it. In Onchiyam, there is absolutely no need to educate anyone about political violence. Even our kids are aware! Pavithrans weary eyes say it all.

Rahul to attend election rallies, meetings in Kerala

Rahul to attend election rallies, meetings in Kerala Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will campaign for party candidates and address rallies of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala in the weeks to come. Gandhi, who is seeking his electoral luck for the second consecutive term from Wayanad constituency, will arrive in the southern state on April 15. He would address a UDF rally in northern Kozhikode district on Monday evening. Gandhi would take part in several programmes in Wayanad constituency on April 15 and 16, Joseph Vazhackan, the coordinator of the programmes, said here in a statement on Sunday. On April 18, the leader would take part in meetings in Kannur, Palakkad and Kottayam constituencies. Gandhi is also scheduled to address rallies in Thrissur, Thiruvananthapuram and Alappuzha districts on April 22, Vazhackan added. The Congress leader kicked off the poll campaign in his constituency Wayanad early this month by filing his nomination papers and holding a massive roadshow. Gandhi had won Wayanad with a record margin of 4, 31,770 votes during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. According to Congress sources, besides Gandhi, several other prominent national leaders would also campaign in support of the party candidates in the state. Senior party leader and deputy chief minister of Karnataka D K Shivakumar would have a whirlwind tour in the southern state on April 16 as he would take out roadshows and address party workers in Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Malappuram constituencies, they added. Polling in Kerala's 20 Lok Sabha seats will be held on April 26.

Local travel group in Kerala launches India's first solar-powered air-conditioned bus

KANNUR: Indias first solar-powered air-conditioned local bus service has been launched in Kannur, offering passengers a comfortable travel experience amid the prevalent hot weather in the region. Sangeet Travels operates the bus along the Kannur-Kandyparam route, providing relief to those travelling between Kannur town and the District Hospital with five daily trips. Satheesh Chemmarathil, the owner of Sangeet Travels, told TNIE that the idea to install solar-powered air conditioning in his bus had been on his mind for a long time. As a dealer for a Make In India startup AC company that uses BLDC technology to reduce energy consumption by 70 per cent, I wanted to implement this in my bus. From January 2024, one of our newly launched buses has an air conditioner powered by three solar panels mounted on the roof, said Satheesh. Satheesh obtained special permission from the Kannur RTO to make modifications to the bus, enabling the installation of air conditioning equipment. Since the AC operates on solar power, theres no connection to the engine, eliminating additional fuel usage or pollution. Moreover, we are not charging passengers extra for this service, he added. Since this was the first time that the technology was used in a local bus, there were some mistakes. We have corrected all the minute mistakes we found and now the technology is 90 per cent complete. I am getting great responses from the passengers. Since it is a local service, the majority of the passengers are commoners. We are experiencing extremely hot weather conditions. So I thought this would be the best thing I could do for the people. Many other bus operators have also been contacting me seeking help in installing the system in their buses as well, he added. The initial investment for the solar system and air conditioning in the bus was `5 lakh. In addition, Satheesh had previously introduced a GPS-based bus stop announcement system in his buses.

No flags will be used in Rahul Gandhi's poll campaign in Wayanad: M M Hassan

No flags will be used in Rahul Gandhi's poll campaign in Wayanad: M M Hassan No flags will be used for Rahul Gandhi's election campaign in the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, KPCC acting chief M M Hassan said here on Saturday. Hassan, who is also the UDF convener, said that a decision has been taken not to use any flags of the Congress or its allies during the poll campaign of Gandhi next week in the hill constituency. However, he refused to give any reason for taking the decision. Speaking to reporters at a press conference here, the UDF convener said that there is no need to communicate to the media the reasons behind the party's decision. ''Suffice to say that no flags will be used during his campaign in Wayanad. Only party symbols will be used,'' Hassan said in response to repeated queries by reporters regarding the reason for such a decision. Gandhi will participate in various party programmes in Wayanad on April 15 and 16 according to a statement issued by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). In the coming week, he will also be taking part in public meetings and rallies in various Lok Sabha constituencies including Kannur, Thrissur and Thiruvananthapuram, the statement said. The Congress party's decision not use its or ally IUML's flags during Rahul Gandhi's roadshow in Wayanad earlier this month gave space for the BJP and CPI(M) to take political potshots at the grand old party. While the CPI(M) had alleged that the flags were not used as the Congress was scared of the BJP, the saffron party had claimed it was because Gandhi was ashamed of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and asked him to reject its support. The Congress had hit back by saying that the CPI(M) and the BJP have become close friends and had asserted that it does not need any classes from anyone on how to carry out a poll campaign. Gandhi's roadshow in Wayanad on April 3 was visibly different from that in 2019 in the constituency when green flags of ally IUML outnumbered the Congress' in the crowd. This time, both the flags were conspicuous by their absence.

Kili Poyi to Jathikka soda

KOCHI: As summer heat grips Kerala, people are seeking relief from the sweltering weather in many ways. Though stepping out is a battle, theres a collective quest for respite in the form of refreshing summer coolers. In Kochi, several shops now offer an array of exclusive summer drinks, ranging from timeless classics like lime soda and Jigarthanda to trendy concoctions with quirky names like Pamb Soda, Kilipoyi and Tsunami soda. In this bustling beverage landscape, TNIE takes a refreshing sip and explores the diverse drinks that are served in everything from sleek glassware to rustic mud pots, showcasing the citys vibrant beverage culture. Thunder fruit for that extra punch Jomon, who was a chef by profession, now runs a makeshift shop serving refreshing drinks in Kakkanad, near the Seaport-Airport road. The list of summer coolers available here includes grape currant, sparkling orange buttermilk and thunder fruit. Just like its name, thunder fruit has a punchy effect. The drink is served in a mud pot and has grape pulp, cut fruits, chilli and soda. Another item that stands out is the apple dates drink. As you sip, the creamy juice has cut pieces of apple to munch on. The price of the drinks ranges between Rs 20 to Rs 50. Sweet but hot If theres a perfect way to refresh your senses in this sweltering summer, then, chilli lime soda is what you are looking for. Cupzo Cafe at Kaloor, near metro pillar no: 575, serves the drink. No, its not the usual lime soda with a dash of chilli. The ingredients consist of soda ginger, chilli, poppy seeds and sugar syrup. In the first sip, one can experience the hotness of chilli, which will soon be complemented by the sweetness of the sugar syrup. Mint leaves and ginger enhance its refreshing taste. In addition to this, Cupzo Cafe also offers a wide variety of mojitos, including their special Kannur cocktail. If you find yourself in Kaloor, indulge in their special drinks to stay hydrated. Grape haven In a purple colour van, Nizamuddin sells around 700 bottles of Munthiri soda every day. The makeshift shop parked on the Thammanam-Kathrikadavu road is often crowded with people gulping down the ripe thick grape juice mixed with fizzy soda. The tangy flavour of the grapes and the fizzy nature of the soda make it an exquisite experience, especially on a hot day. Another hitmaker here is Munthiri Paal Sarbath. Around 10 litres of milk is used daily for this drink. The unique blend of milk and grape juice creates a creamy texture. And it has a dedicated fan following, says Nizamuddin.

Not outliers: Kerala has had long history of outstation candidates

KOCHI : While opponents accuse Congress leader and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi of being a tourist in his own constituency, history show that outsiders have featured in elections in Kerala. Far from being a trend, both UDF and CPM-led LDF have experimented with candidates from outside the state. Leaders like Muhammad Ismail, from Tamil Nadu, G M Banatwala, from Maharashtra, and Ebrahim Sulaiman Sait, from Karnataka, have served as IUML MPs from Kerala multiple times. Besides, LDF fielded C M Ibrahim, a former Union minister and Janata Dal leader from Karnataka, in Kozhikode in the 1996 election. However, he lost to Congress K Muraleedharan by 38,703 votes. Veteran journalist B G Verghese, who had ancestral roots in Kerala, also contested as a Janata Party-backed independent candidate in Mavelikkara in 1977, the election after the Emergency. While BJP is targeting Rahul by portraying him as an outsider in Wayanad, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the NDA candidate in Thiruvananthapuram, born to a Malayali couple in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, with ancestral ties to Thrissur, is facing the same accusation. Muhammad Ismail, the former national president of the Muslim League, was the first outsider to win a seat here, says senior journalist Thomas Jacob. Ismail Sahib, Sulaiman Sait and Banatwala won multiple times. B G Verghese, C M Ibrahim and Rajeev are Malayalis who cannot be termed as outsiders, he added. In 1994, while serving as its national president, Sait severed ties with the IUML and formed the Indian National League. Sait won from Kozhikode in 1967 and 1971, from Manjeri from 1977 t0 1989 and from Ponnani in 1991. He was also a Rajya Sabha member from the state from 1960-66. A firebrand orator and intellectual, Banatwala, the former president of IUML, was a member of the Maharashtra legislative assembly in 1967. He later served seven terms in the Lok Sabha, from Ponnani in Kerala, between 19771989 and 19962004. He also served as the national president of the IUML from 1993 to 2008. He was a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. Interestingly, Banatwala never spoke Malayalam and addressed the people in English. Verghese, a noted journalist based in Delhi, was from Tiruvalla, while Ibrahim, whose political activities are based in Karnataka, hails from Koothuparamba, Kannur. The LDF candidate in Wayanad, Annie Raja, who is based in New Delhi, hails from Iritty, Kannur. The names of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, both from TN, kept doing the rounds as the BJP candidate from Thiruvananthapuram.

MLA Uma Sankara Ganesh Alleges Ayyanna Main Accused in CBNs Liquor Case

Visakhapatnam: YSRC MLA from Narsipatnam Petla Uma Sankara Ganesh, who has been re-nominated by the ruling party from the same constituency, accused former minister and TD politburo member Ch. Ayyanna Patrudu of being the main accused in the liquor case filed by the CID against former chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Addressing an election meeting in the first ward of Narsipatnam on Friday, Uma Shankar underlined that Chandrababu Naidu had relaxed rules to help Ayyanna Patrudu set up a liquor factory Visakha Distilleries at Kannurupalem near Anakapalli. The CID had last year filed a graft case against the former CM charging that he had granted permission to select people for starting distilleries, apart from offering certain privileges. The Narsipatnam MLA alleged that Ayyanna has also built resorts and multi-storied buildings in the region. He (the TD leader) had nothing when became MLA in 1983. He later purchased a jeep in 1994 collecting donations. Now his assets run into crores, the YSRC candidate remarked. On the day, Uma Shankar canvassed door to door, appealing to people to vote in his favour. Former municipal chairman and brother of Ayyanna Patrudu, Sanyasi Patrudu, apart from some municipal counsellors accompanied the YSRC candidate in his campaign.

Rain lashes Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram, yellow alert issued

Rain lashes Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram, yellow alert issued Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram is enduring heavy rainfall, and the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority on its official X handle posted that the Central Meteorological Department has announced yellow alert in four districts and advised to refrain from fishing on the coast of Kerala. Central Meteorological Department on its official website, issued the forecast for the next five days and the department has announced a yellow alert in various districts of Kerala. The districts include Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, and Alappuzha. The department has said that there are chances of heavy rain in the districts. Heavy rains mean rainfall of 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm in 24 hours. The Indian Meteorological Department on its official site predicted thunderstorms and lightning for districts like Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Mallapuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Idukki, and Kottyam. Meanwhile, the Central Meteorological Department also informed that from April 12 to April 16, Thrissur, and Palakkad districts can witness maximum temperature up to 39C. Kozhikode district can see maximum temperatures up to 38C, while Kannur district can witness temperatures upto 37C. Kollam Alappuzha, Kasaragod districts can endure maximum temperatures up to 36C (2- 4 above normal). Hot and unsettled weather is likely from April 12-16 in these districts, except in hilly areas, due to high temperatures and humid air. (ANI)

First inspection of expenditure registers of candidates in Kannur completed

NIA probe into Kannur blast necessary, says Congress in Kerala

NIA probe into Kannur blast necessary, says Congress in Kerala The Congress in Kerala on Friday alleged that the police investigation into the recent blast of a country-made bomb in Kannur district has not been satisfactory, and demanded an NIA probe into the case. On April 5, a country-made bomb exploded while it was being made at Panur in Kannur, killing one person and injuring three others. It has stirred the political waters in the state ahead of the Lok Sabha polls on April 26. At a press conference in Palakkad, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said it was the National Investigation Agency (NIA) that probes incidents related to blasts and bomb-making as it was created for that purpose, and therefore that agency should probe the Kannur blast as well. ''The recent blast in Panur in Kannur district should be probed by the NIA as the ongoing investigation by the Kerala Police is not satisfactory,'' he said. He claimed that only an NIA probe will be able to unearth the facts and reveal the actual culprits behind the incident. Chennithala said that another reason he was seeking an NIA probe into the case is that Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and CPI(M) State Secretary M V Govindan have allegedly made moves to save the accused. The Congress leader also claimed that the country-made bombs were going to be used against the UDF as the Left front feared defeat in the Lok Sabha elections. Earlier in the day, Youth Congress state President Rahul Mamkootathil demanded that a central agency probe the blast case. Speaking to reporters in Kannur, he said that a probe by a central agency is necessary to ensure that the police do not destroy evidence in the case. ''Bomb-making is a serious issue,'' he remarked. Similar views were aired by P K Firos, General Secretary of the Muslim Youth League's Kerala State Committee. Firos claimed that the police were hiding details about the case as well as the health condition of those injured in the blast. Therefore, there is an apprehension that the police might not carry out a proper probe, he alleged. The Kannur blast on April 5 led to the BJP and the Congress accusing the ruling CPI(M) in the state of encouraging bomb-making activities to disrupt the election process, an allegation stoutly denied by the Left party. Both the BJP and Congress also claimed that the targets of the bombs were their respective candidates contesting in the Lok Sabha polls or their party workers. Several arrests have been made by the police in the case. According to the police, many of the accused are CPI(M) workers or supporters, and one of them is also a DYFI leader. This has also been denied by the CPI(M), which said that those involved in bomb making had attacked party workers in the past and, therefore, were sidelined from the Left organisation.

Travel tips: You can choose these hill stations to visit in summer, you will get to see clean places.

The heat is increasing day by day and everyone is planning to travel in search of coolness. To escape the scorching heat we often look for a cool place. Whenever we plan to travel in summer, the first name that comes to our mind is the station. Although there are many beautiful hill stations in the country, in recent times, a lack of cleanliness has been seen at these places. Meanwhile, there are some hill stations in the country, where you will get to see very clean places along with less crowd. We are going to tell you about these hill stations where beauty and cleanliness attract everyone and you can freely reach here with your family, partner or friends. Let us know about these hill stations... Tawang Tawang Hill Station of Arunachal Pradesh is situated at an altitude of 3048 meters. Let us tell you that this is an offbeat place. Here you will find many beautiful monasteries. Where you can go for some time to find peace. It is here that the sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, was born. This hilly place is also known as Dawang. This hill station boasts of natural beauty and spirituality. Here you will see amazing cleanliness. Paura Paura village of Nainital is one of the tourist places of Uttarakhand. This village, full of natural beauty, is situated at an altitude of 6600 feet above sea level. Since it is an offbeat destination, the village continues to shine. Many people do not know but Paura village is called the fruit bowl of Uttarakhand. Plums, apples, and peaches are found in large quantities here. You can experience the beautiful and thrilling trek of this village. There is no market here, but you can buy herbal face packs, and spices from here at low prices. Connoor Coonoor, a city in the state of Tamil Nadu, is located at a distance of 18 km from Ooty and 71 km from Coimbatore. It is at an altitude of about 6000 feet above sea level. If you want to visit Coonoor, then definitely visit Dolphin Dodge. Its shape is like a dolphin and it is always covered with fog. It is situated at a very high altitude due to which it is very popular among tourists. Catherine Water Fall is also a center of attraction for tourists. People mostly come here for a picnic. This waterfall is surrounded by dense forests. Apart from this, there are many waterfalls in Coonoor which you can enjoy. Halflong Haflong in Assam is located 310 km from Guwahati. This hill station is known for its beautiful hills, clean and serene environment, and valleys. Haflong is quite popular among nature lovers. This hill station is situated at an altitude of 680 meters above sea level and is ideal for holidays. Here you can go boating on Haflong Lake and visit the ruins of Maibong. Here Orchid Garden, Borel Range or Jatinga are very famous tourist places. Idukki Idukki in Kerala is a very beautiful place among the naturally beautiful areas. This place is surrounded by tall trees on all sides. After coming here, it feels as if you are in the lap of nature. The 650 feet long 550 feet 550-foot-high high-arched dam on the mountain is known as Idukki Kurvan Kurti. From here The mixture of the dam and lush green nature will bring immense peace to your heart. Here you can visit animal sanctuaries, and tea gardens and go trekking in the mountains etc. Ddhat This hill station of Uttarakhand is much liked for its untouched beauty and peaceful environment. Very few people know about it, hence there is neither much crowd nor much filth here. Surrounded by dense forests, high mountain meadows, rivers, and glaciers, this hill station is no less than a paradise to visit on weekends. Here, apart from taking a tour of Ascot Century, you can also enjoy hiking and camping. Connor You can also go to Kannur for holidays. It is also among the most popular hill stations. This town is only 19 kilometers away from Ooty. Tourist places like tea gardens, monuments, ancient temples, and picnic spots can be seen here. Here you can enjoy the views of Nilgiri Hills and Catherine Waterfall. The weather here is always cold. Kausani Kausani is a beautiful hill station located in Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. The Himalayan peaks look very beautiful from here. This hill station surrounded by pine tree forests and beautiful valleys will mesmerize you. Kausani experiences snowfall in the winter months, which a large number of tourists come here to enjoy. The natural beauty and clean environment here will fascinate you. Ooty Ooty's name is included among the most special and beautiful hill stations of Tamil Nadu. This place is also known as Scotland of India. Let us tell you that this hill station is perfect during the summer months in South India. Apart from flower gardens, here you can see Nilgiri hills and an attractive chocolate museum, etc. Lohaghat If anyone can be called the real diamond of Uttarakhand, then it is Lohaghat. It is a very clean and beautiful place to visit the mountains in this season. This is the perfect destination for rafting and adventure sports lovers. The view of Lohaghat is worth seeing during the summer season. In this season this place is filled with Buran's flowers. Pancheshwar, Banasur Fort, and Mayawati Ashram near Lohaghat are good places to visit. (PC: Lifeberrys)

Central agency probe necessary into Kannur blast, says Congress in Kerala

The Congress in Kerala urges central agency probe into Kannur blast, criticizing state police's trustworthiness to handle evidence. Youth Congress and Muslim Youth League express concerns about police transparency in the investigation. The blast sparked political tensions ahead of Lok Sabha polls, with BJP and Congress accusing CPI(M) of involvement. Numerous arrests made, with alleged suspects linked to CPI(M) denied by the party.

Rahul to hit campaign trail on April 15 & 16

KALPETTA : The UDF leadership has announced that senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi would reach Wayanad on April 15 for a two-day campaign in the constituency from where he is seeking re-election. After the submission of nomination papers on April 3 along with his sister and AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi, Rahul is coming to Wayanad for the election campaign for the first time. Although the Congress leadership claims that the election campaign is going well in the constituency under the leadership of district and state leaders, the news of Rahul Gandhis arrival has created excitement among party workers. Rahul Gandhi will arrive at Kannur airport on April 15 morning and will tour Sultan Bathery, Mananthavady and Kalpetta Assembly constituencies on the day. There will be roadshows at Sulthan Bathery, Mananthavady, Vellamunda and Padinjarathara and a farmers meet at Pulpally and a labourers meet at Chandragiri Auditorium, Kalpetta, on April 15. Rahul Gandhi will participate in a UDF rally and public meeting to be held at Kozhikode Beach on the same day evening. He will tour Thiruvambadi, Eranad, Wandoor and Nilambur constituencies on April 16. There will be roadshows in Kodiyathur, Keezhuparambu, Urangattiri, Mampad, Nilambur and Karuvarakundu as part of the campaign. Meanwhile, the UDF workers on Thursday started house visits soliciting votes for Rahul Gandhi.

Defence veterans enter political arena to amplify soldiers voices

KOLLAM : Veteran armed forces personnel have consistently been a focal point during general elections. According to them, despite assertions from both Union and state governments on their significant efforts in supporting ex-servicemen, the reality seems to diverge. Many ex-servicemen allege ongoing discrimination in terms of pay and allowances by the government. They allege that the government has been a mute spectator to their protests. In response, the Bhartiya Jawan Kisan Party (BJKP), composed of retired other ranks personnel and junior commissioned officers, has announced its participation in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections to amplify the soldiers voices in the Parliament. Notably, three ex-servicemen candidates from Kollam, Kozhikode, and Kannur, poised to contest the election, expressed a lack of confidence in both the NDA and UDF parties. We have been protesting for the past two years on issues related to pensions, allowances, and discrimination towards other ranks by officers. We approached the defence minister, prime minister, and president, but it seems this government has overlooked our concerns as if we dont exist anymore. Hence, its high time we entered the political arena and fought for our rights, said Arvindakshan Nair, a BJKP party candidate for Kozhikode constituency. Their objective of contesting elections is not solely to address discrimination in the defence sector, but also to advocate for a minimum support price for farmers and implement a universal healthcare scheme for citizens aged 60 and above. After retirement, we are all veterans. The disability and risks faced during service cannot be quantified. Our concern is not that officers receive higher allowances than us. But we have also suffered and deserve the same treatment as officers. Were taking the electoral route because we cant trust our politicians anymore. We have to fight our own battles, said Ramachandran Babileri, a BJKP candidate from Kannur. Meanwhile Hon Capt V P Nair, president of Poorva Sainik Samithi, stated that the government claims to have paid Rs 1 lakh for the first and second One Rank One Pension (OROP) schemes, with 87% of the amount allocated to officer ranks. From 1947 to 1972, other ranks were entitled to receive 75% of their salary. However, it was reduced to 50% in 1973 by Indira Gandhi. After protests by ex-service personnel, the Indira Gandhi government promised OROP. This means a soldier who retired in 1973 or 2023 would receive the same pension. The Modi government promised to implement OROP, but neither has our pension increased nor have we received any amount, Capt Nair added. Defence pay manual Officer rank personnel are entitled to receive Rs 15,500 as Military Service Pay (MSP), a risk allowance during duty; while, other ranks are entitled to only Rs 5,200 War injury disability pension for officer ranks is Rs 27,000, while for others, its only Rs 12,000 With regard to medical facilities, all ranks, including commissioned officers, contribute Rs 12,000 per year to the ex-service health scheme. But other ranks are alloted hospital wards while officers are entitled to air-conditioned rooms

Mahe to make history with all-women polling stations

KANNUR : Mahe is poised to make history as the first constituency in India to be entirely managed by female staff. In the upcoming election, every polling station in Mahe region under Puduchery Lok Sabha constituency will be under the control of female polling officials. The Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) and political parties in Puducherry have pledged their full support for this groundbreaking initiative. When we conducted the first level of randomisation of duties to identify potential polling officers, we found that 75-80% of the aspirants were women. Thats when the idea for this all-women initiative took shape, said Mahe assembly level trainer T Shijith. With the AROs assurance for support from all political parties in Mahe, the officials contacted all female aspirants and commenced training programmes for the polling officers. On April 19, Mahes elections will etch a historic milestone with all-women polling stations, he said. Mahe constituency comprises 35 polling stations, including four reserved polling booths. Each booth will be staffed by four female personnel. The regional administration has already conducted three training sessions for these officials, with plans for an additional counselling session on Friday. We are committed to providing all necessary facilities, including safety measures, for the polling officials. We have received huge response from all polling officials, added Shijith. The selected female officials also expressed their enthusiasm for the opportunity. Were all incredibly excited and proud to be part of this extraordinary moment. Being entrusted with such a significant responsibility has made us feel empowered. Through the training sessions provided, weve become well-acquainted with the procedures, and are fully prepared to carry out our mission, said presiding officer Priya Barali. Initially, there were some apprehensions among us, particularly regarding the pre-polling and post-polling duties. However, after the first two training sessions, we have gained confidence in fulfilling our responsibilities. The regional administration has assured us of safety measures, including police patrolling and the presence of reserve officials in case of emergencies, Priya added.

20 Malayalis robbed on Yesvantpur-Kannur Express train

KOCHI : A major theft was reported on the 16527 Yesvantpur-Kannur Express en route to Kannur on Tuesday. Around 20 Malayalis onboard the train that leaves Bangalore Yesvantpur Junction at 8pm and reaches Kannur Main at 9:45am lost valuables, including jewellery and mobile phones, worth lakhs. Sources said the robbery took place inside the AC coaches of the train that piles under the Salem division. It is suspected that the incident happened at night when the train was between Salam and Dharmapuri. As the passengers were in deep sleep, none of them saw or heard the robbers. The theft came to light after a few passengers went to the toilet and found discarded bags inside, said the sources. A gang operating from Selam is under the Railway Protection Forces (RPF) scanner in connection with the incident. The location of the gang was ascertained by tracing a stolen iPhone. The RPF has initiated an investigation following complaints registered by the passengers.

3-digit luck: Illegal ezhuthu lottery thrives in Palakkad

PALAKKAD : Cashing in on peoples lottery craze, ezhuthu lottery, an illegal gambling operation is thriving in various parts of Palakkad district, especially in the western region bordering Malappuram district. According to authorities, ezhuthu lottery ,run parallel to the government-operated one, has been prevalent in various places ever since Kerala banned other-state lotteries. In ezhuthu lottery, a person books a three-digit number in advance through WhatsApp/Telegram message or in person spending `10. If the three-digit number matches the last three digits of the winning number of lotteries drawn run by the Kerala, Sikkim or Bhutan governments on the particular day, the person wins `5,000. A person can book as many numbers as he wishes. The prize money is given to the winner in cash or transferred to account within hours. Though the lotteries department and police have been cracking down on the rackets and agents operating ezhuthu lottery, it has been gaining popularity, especially in north and central Kerala. A senior officer with the Directorate of Kerala State Lotteries said though ezhuthu lottery operations have been in existence for several years, we came to know of its magnitude only in 2018. In January 2018, a Tirur-based gambling group had to shell out `60 crore as prize money after hundreds of people booked the winning three-digit number 018, the officer said. Hard to track ezhuthu lottery players, agents It took almost two months for the group to disburse the fund to the winners. Though their activities got affected initially owing to fund shortage, they became reliable and popular in Central Kerala after the group paid out the entire amount, the officer said. According to the officer, the agents could be Kerala lottery agents or dealers, drivers, tea shop vendors or anyone who has a craze for lottery purchase and sale. Its a huge gambling market. We dont really know how many crores of rupees are spent on ezhuthu lottery on a day in Kerala. But the loss is definitely for the lotteries department and the state government, the officer said. In the recent past, the police have booked people from Palakkad, Malappuram, Kasaragod, Wayanad, Kannur, Ernakulam, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts. A senior police officer in Palakkad said it is really hard to track the ezhuthu lottery players as well as agents. The agents normally use three or four mobile phone connections and they book the three-digit numbers via WhatsApp and Telegram. They have also started using mobile applications and billing machines to print the numbers. The servers are learnt to be set outside the country, the officer said. B K Vijayalakshmi, district lottery officer, Palakkad, told TNIE that they take action whenever a complaint is received. Once we receive a tip-off, we inform the director of the Kerala State Lotteries and taken action with the assistance of police. Also, we have a district-level committee, headed by the district collector, to monitor the illegal lottery trading and gambling on a monthly-basis. The committee includes district police chief and the lottery officer also, the officer said. Department sources said licences of at least 20 lottery agents in Palakkad and Malappuram were suspended in the past year for engaging in ezhuthu lottery trading. TNs loss is Keralas gain as border districts drive lottery sales K S Anilkumar, deputy director, (Modernisation and Internal Vigilance), Directorate of State Lotteries, Thiruvananthapuram, said serious efforts are being made to educate the public through advertisements and awareness programmes urging them not to fall for illegal activities such as online and ezhuthu lotteries. According to lottery agents and police, ezhuthu lottery earned popularity and credibility because the chance of winning prizes in Kerala lottery is very less when the number of total tickets sold in a day is taken into consideration. One has to spend `40 minimum to purchase a Kerala lottery ticket. Here, you can book a number with just `10. Also, you get the full prize amount without any tax reduction in the ezhuthu lottery system. The income of the agents are also high compared to Kerala lottery. There are ezhuthu lottery agents who earn around `12,000 a day, said an insider. Its a win-win situation for both agents and players, he added.

KSEB transformers catch fire unable to bear power overload

KOCHI : With the daily power consumption surging at an alarming rate, the KSEB is scrambling to meet the demand. The state set a new record in power consumption on Monday as the daily consumption reached 110.10 million units. The peak consumption set a new record of 5,506 MW at 10.44 pm on Monday. The spiralling demand has added to the woes of the KSEB which is purchasing 800 MW per day to meet the peak-hour demand. Around 10 million units of power is being purchased on short-term open access agreement for two months while another 10 MW is being purchased from the Real Time Market and Day Ahead Market. The power is being purchased at the maximum rate of Rs 10 per unit. KSEB considers options as power demand skyrockets However, KSEB sources said the board will be forced to approach the high-price market where power produced by private LPG units is available at the rate of Rs 16 to 19 per unit. While the KSEB is keen to avoid load shedding this summer, the consumption is nearing the maximum capacity of the existing distribution network, which is a cause for concern. Almost every middle-class family is installing air conditioners which has led to a steep rise in consumption. When 10 houses install ACs, it will breach the maximum capacity of the transformer. In this situation, the transformer will catch fire or the fuses start melting. We have lost six transformers in Thiruvananthapuram district alone. The problem is severe in Malappuram, Kannur and Kasaragod where the capacity enhancement has been delayed due to protests against installation of new power lines. There are chances of power outages in these places as the network is unable to withstand the heavy load, said a senior KSEB officer. People are increasingly depending on air conditioners to escape from the scorching summer heat. The extensive use of ACs has stretched the peak hour from 10 pm to 2 am. As per the guidelines people should inform the KSEB when they install power- consuming equipment like AC. But nobody follows the rules. The power demand during peak hours is rising at an alarming rate and the distribution network has its limitations. We have been requesting consumers to reduce the use of motor pumps and air conditioners during peak hours. Besides people are charging their electric vehicles during peak hours, the officer said. Loadshedding looms large as KSEB faces power, fund shortage The roof-top solar power generation project which offers 40% incentive to consumers installing solar panels on roof top has also turned a burden for the KSEB. As per the project the excessive power generated by the roof-top solar panels is bought by the KSEB during day time and the consumer draws power from the grid during night hours. However, many of these consumers have installed two to four air conditioners at their houses and they have been drawing power excessively during the peak hours when the KSEB is scrambling to meet the demand. We are pleading with the consumers to use power judiciously during peak hours to avoid power outages, said the officer. Roof-top solar power project The roof-top solar power generation project which offers 40% incentive to consumers installing solar panels on roof top has also turned a burden for the KSEB. As per the project the excessive power generated by the roof-top solar panels is bought by the KSEB during day time and the consumer draws power from the grid during night hours.

CPI-M has become a party of criminals: Prakash Javadekar

Kannur, Apr 9 (UNI) BJP national executive committee member and Kerala Prabhari (in charge) Prakash Javadekar on Tuesday said that the states ruling LDF spearhead CPI-M has became a party of criminals. The CPI-M is running a bomb factory, and bombs are being made to impose CPI-M terrorism on the people of Kerala, Javadekar alleged.... The post CPI-M has become a party of criminals: Prakash Javadekar first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Controversy Surrounds Screening of 'The Kerala Story' in Idukki Church

Kerala, Idukki, Syro-Malabar Church, controversy, 'The Kerala Story', catechism, Love Jihad, Fr Jins Karakkat, BJP, VD Satheeshan, K Surendran, Doordarshan, Chief Minister The Idukki diocese of the Syro-Malabar Church stirred up controversy by screening 'The Kerala Story' for catechism students in Classes 10 to 12 during a vacation course held in parish churches. The movie screening was part of the course curriculum, encouraging students to watch, discuss, and review the film. One segment of the curriculum addressed the topic of 'Love Jihad'. Fr Jins Karakkat, the chairman of the diocese's media commission, clarified that the intention was to raise awareness among students. He explained, The movie was screened as an activity for students to watch, discuss, and review. We also discussed 'Love Jihad' in the course. Karakkat emphasized that the discussion on 'love jihad' didn't target any specific religion or community. He clarified, We mentioned 'love jihad' to highlight a scheme where young people are deceived in the name of love for ulterior motives. An image purportedly from the course booklet shared on social media described 'love jihad' as an activity of extremist organizations. However, it also stated that the police found no evidence of an organized love jihad movement within the Muslim community. The booklet claimed that proponents of love jihad are extremists who use tactics like offering love, gifts, and money to entice girls from other religions for their own agendas. Opposition leader VD Satheeshan criticized the decision to screen 'The Kerala Story', labeling it as fictional and derogatory towards Kerala. He argued, It's a made-up story to tarnish Kerala's image. Meanwhile, BJP state president K Surendran supported the film, stating it has received backing from various quarters in Kerala. He cited instances of 'love jihad' victimization among girls in the state. Although there was no official ban on the movie's screening in Kerala, its recent telecast on Doordarshan caused controversy, with the Chief Minister condemning it for spreading hatred against Kerala. Migrant Worker from Arunachal Pradesh Beaten to Death by Mob in Kerala's Ernakulam City Tragic Bomb Blast Incident Unfolds in Muliyathode, Kannur: Two Individuals Sustain Severe Injuries

Kannur constituency | Campaign in fever pitch as seasoned politicians fight it out

KPCC president K. Sudhakaran, CPI (M) Kannur district secretary M.V. Jayarajan, and BJP candidate C. Raghunath go full steam with their campaigns aimed at meeting maximum number of voters

K. Sudhakaran interview | CPI(M) has no respect for democratic values and justice

As Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president and UDF candidate in Kannur Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala, K. Sudhakaran says he is determined to take on his political rivals with clear answers on various political allegations and raise developmental issues in his constituency

Kerala: BJP leader accuses CPI (M) leadership of complicity in Kannur crude bomb explosion

Kerala: BJP leader accuses CPI (M) leadership of complicity in Kannur crude bomb explosion The president of the BJP's Kannur district unit in Kerala, N Haridas, alleged on Sunday that the top leadership of the CPI (M) was complicit in the recent crude bomb explosion in the district that killed one person and injured three. He said that the bombs were being made in the district with the full knowledge of the CPI (M) leadership to sabotage the upcoming Lok Sabha election. They were allegedly making the bomb when it accidentally exploded. Those who were arrested in connection with the incident are the active workers of CPI (M). Whenever their workers are accused of being involved in political violence, the CPI (M) leadership publicly distances itself from them, while at the same time, the party will privately extend all its support to them, Haridas said. Taking a swipe at the party's leadership, he said that after the election, it is certain that the CPI (M) will build a 'Martyrs Hall' for those who were killed in the crude bomb blast while making it. He said that the blast happened in an area where the CPI (M) is strong and nothing can happen there without the knowledge of the party's leadership. One person was killed and three injured in a blast near Panoor in Kannur in the north Kerala district in the early hours of Friday, police said. It is being reported that the explosion took place during the construction of a bomb on the terrace of the house under construction in Panoor. The deceased has been identified as Sherin. According to the police, the condition of Vineesh, who was injured in the accident, continues to be critical. Sherin died while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kozhikode. In the bomb blast case, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President and UDF candidate in the Kannur Lok Sabha constituency, K Sudhakaran, also reacted to the incident and said that the matter must be thoroughly investigated. Speaking on the same, K Sudhakaran said, The explosion occurred during bomb-making. There is a political motive behind bomb-making. The incident is taking place before the elections. K Sudhakaran said that he would complain to the Election Commission, demanding a thorough investigation into the blast. 2024 Lok Sabha polling will be held in all of Kerala's 20 parliamentary constituencies on April 26 in the second phase of the nationwide polls. (ANI)

Dont come seeking votes, say residents affected by delay in Kannur airport runway expansion

As many as 172 families in Keezhallur North and Kannnad region have been living in a state of uncertainty since 2015, after being compelled to surrender their property following the governments decision to extend the airports runway

LS polls in Kerala: INDIA bloc allies CPI(M), Congress trade allegations on CAA, Kannur blast

LS polls in Kerala: INDIA bloc allies CPI(M), Congress trade allegations on CAA, Kannur blast The ruling CPI(M) in Kerala and the opposition Congress, both part of the INDIA bloc, on Sunday traded allegations against each other on various issues, including CAA and the recent Kannur blast, as the Lok Sabha poll campaign intensified in the state. Polling will be held in the state on April 26. At a LDF public meeting in Mavelikkara Lok Sabha constituency, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reiterated his accusations of Congress being silent on the implementation of the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and various central government policies that are against the interests of the state. He contended the Congress never opposed the Central government policies that are financially choking the state and obstructing its welfare measures. Vijayan went on to claim that the past experience of the country has been that the Congress' stand was always similar to that of BJP and, therefore, they cannot be trusted to oppose the saffron party. He further alleged the BJP government at the Centre is actually taking forward the ''anti-people policies of the earlier UPA-II government.'' Hitting back at the CPI(M) and Vijayan, Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly V D Satheesan referred to the recent bomb blast in Kannur that claimed the life of one person and remarked that the Left party was no different from terrorist organisations that train their cadres in making explosives. Congress has been alleging the CPI(M) workers were involved in the blast in which three persons were also injured and four others have been arrested. According to police, all eight persons, including the one who died, who were involved in the incident were CPI(M) workers, an allegation denied by the Left party. CPI(M) has claimed that all those involved in the incident were sidelined from the party as they had attacked workers of the Left political organisation in the past. In response to these claims by the CPI(M), Satheesan questioned why local leaders of the party then visited the house of the man killed in the blast. He alleged that those involved in the incident were rejected as party workers by the CPI(M) keeping LS polls in mind, and said that after the election, the party's stand would change. Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) acting president M M Hassan too made similar allegations. He claimed the person who died in the blast would be later treated as a martyr and his family would get jobs and financial support. Hassan termed the making of a bomb as an act of terrorism and claimed the incident was a result of the failure of Central and state intelligence agencies. He said the police need to find out who were going to be the targets of the bombs that were made there. On the other hand, CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan continued to deny allegations of the party's involvement in the incident. On being asked why local CPI(M) leaders went to the house of the person who died in the blast, he said he did not know about that. Meanwhile, police said raids were being carried out in various parts of Kannur district with the aid of bomb disposal squads following the blast that occurred on Friday at Panur. The blast had occurred during the making of a country-made bomb. HMP/CORR HMP SS

Kerala hotbed for anti-national forces due to misgovernance of state govt: Fadnavis

Kerala hotbed for anti-national forces due to misgovernance of state govt: Fadnavis Kerala has become a ''hotbed for anti-national forces'' due to the ''misgovernance'' and vote bank politics by the parties which were in power in the state over the years, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said here on Sunday. Fadnavis, who was in the state capital as part of the BJP's Lok Sabha poll campaign, said that Kerala ought to have been at the forefront and leading the technological and new economic revolution of the country. But, the state was going backwards and not forwards, despite its high literacy rate and ''wonderful talent'', due to the LDF and UDF's ''similar agenda of corruption and oppression'', he alleged. He further alleged that ''due to misgovernance, it (Kerala) has become a hotbed for anti-national forces and just for vote bank, the local governments are shielding the anti-national forces''. ''That is why I feel that it is high time that Kerala should come into the mainstream,'' Fadnavis said at a press conference here. On being asked about the recent Kannur bomb blast that claimed a life and injured three others -- all CPI(M) workers according to the police -- Fadnavis said that ''criminalisation of politics has always been here''. ''Now that the Election Commission is proactive, all such attempts would be unearthed,'' he replied. Regarding queries about the recent telecast of the controversial film -- The Kerala Story -- on Doordarshan, the Maharashtra Deputy CM said that once a movie is cleared for public viewing by the censor board, there is no bar on its telecast on any platform. During his press conference, he also praised various central schemes and projects of the Narendra Modi government. Giving details, Fadnavis said that thanks to the initiatives taken by the BJP government at the Centre, 25 crore people have been brought above the poverty line in the country in the last 10 years, around 20 crore people got well constructed houses and about 50 crore people got tap water in their homes. He further claimed that due to the proactiveness of the Modi government there has been a lot of infrastructure development -- like highways, launch of new trains like Vande Bharat, doubling of airports in the country and increase in ports. ''Therefore, I see a surge in the support in every state and in every community and this time we are very hopeful that in Kerala also we will get a significant number of seats and votes. ''I think this is one election where a 10 years incumbent government is facing pro-incumbency and not anti-incumbency,'' Fadnavis said. He also urged everyone to vote for Union Minister of State for Information Technology and Electronics Rajeev Chandrasekhar who is contesting from the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha seat. Fadnavis said that every vote to BJP candidates goes to PM Modi and would help to give him a third term.

INDIA bloc allies CPI(M), Cong trade allegations on CAA, Kannur blast

Thiruvananthapuram: The ruling CPI(M) in Kerala and the opposition Congress, both part of the INDIA bloc, on Sunday traded allegations against each other on various issues, including the CAA and the recent Kannur blast, as the Lok Sabha poll campaign intensified in the state. Polling will be held in the state on April 26. At Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Four arrested in connection with blast in Keralas Kannur

KANNUR (KERALA), April 6: Four persons were arrested on Saturday in connection with the blast near Panur here a day ago that claimed one life and caused injuries to three others, police said. Police said that the arrested accused, the three injured persons and the one who died, all of them were CPI(M) workers or []

Panur Bomb Blast: Security Forces Carry Out Search Operations in Kannur, Kozhikode Districts

Thiruvananthapuram: In the aftermath of the bomb blast in Panur in Kannur district of Kerala, security forces have initiated a large-scale search operation along the Kozhikode-Kannur border. A joint team of police and CRPF conducted searches in areas bordering Panur. The searches were carried out in Chettakandipalam, Ummathoor, Kayalotti, and Peringathur areas within the Nadapuram and Valayam police stations. The inspection involved CRPF and Kerala police, as well as bomb squad and dog squad. One person was killed, and three others were injured while assembling a bomb at Panoor Kunnoth Parambil the other day. The CRPF and police conducted route marches at Chettakandi and Kayalotkeezh in Chekkad panchayat. Three persons connected to CPM have been arrested in connection with the Panur blast. According to police, they were part of the group that manufactured the bomb. Atul, Arun, and Shabin Lal of Kunnothuparambu were arrested. Another person identified as Sayooj was taken into custody in Palakkad while he was trying to escape to Coimbatore. The police said all four persons were at the location when the bomb exploded. Eight people who were present there including the deceased Sheryl, Vineesh, Vinod, and Ashwanth (who sustained serious injuries), have been identified. All of them are supporters of the CPM. It is alleged that there was a serious lapse on the part of the police during election season, as the persons in question were connected with criminal groups and were facing multiple criminal cases. The blast occurred during the manufacturing of the bomb, but the reasons behind it and the intended target remain unknown. Additionally, there has been criticism regarding the slow pace of the police investigation. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan who also holds the home portfolio, rejected the allegation that he had ignored the intelligence wing's warning regarding the criminal gangs' involvement in bomb-making in Muliyanthod. The chief minister said the bomb incident was a serious violation of the law and assured that strict action would be taken against the accused. The condition of Vineesh, who was injured, continues to be critical. The police decided to intensify the probe after the opposition UDF raised the bomb issue in a big way during the election campaign. CPM denies role in bomb-making CPM state secretary MV Govindan reiterated that the party has nothing to do with the Panur bomb blast. He said the CPM would not do anything that disturbs peace. The CPM leader said the deceased was an accused in the case of attacking party workers. He criticised the Vadakara UDF candidate Shafi Parambil's peace march in Panur area as an election stunt. At the same time, the UDF lashed out at the shoddy investigation being carried out by the police into the Panur blast. Shafi alleged that more people were involved in the incident. K K Rema, MLA, urged the Election Commission officials to visit the spot. She said the CPM was resorting to bomb-making as it wanted to create law and order problems in the state because of their impending defeat.

Crude bomb-making accidents in Kannur, Thiruvananthapuram put Kerala Police on their toes

Police suspect the devices accidentally exploded when bomb-makers wound them into compressed balls for easy transport, concealment, and use. Blasts have opened the door to intense back and forth between opposing alliances and posed questions about law enforcements campaign time vigilance against stockpiling of weapons and explosives

Bomb blast in Keralas Kannur: Three arrested, one taken into custody

Explosion of crude bomb claimed one life and left three others critically injured

One dead, one injured in blast in Kerala's Kannur; Congress, BJP blame CPI(M)

A blast in north Kerala district claimed the lives of one person and injured another, sparking political debates. The Congress accused the CPI(M) of manufacturing country-made bombs, while the BJP accused the Left party of creating terror. The ruling CPI(M) denied the allegations and claimed the two injured were also accused of attacking Left party workers.

Tragic Bomb Blast Incident Unfolds in Muliyathode, Kannur: Two Individuals Sustain Severe Injuries

Kochi: During the early hours of Friday morning, a bomb blast rocked Muliyathode, an area falling under the jurisdiction of the Panoor police station in Kannur. The explosion occurred while individuals were reportedly engaged in the hazardous activity of bomb-making, resulting in severe injuries to two people involved in the process. The injured individuals have been identified as Vineesh from Muliyathode and Sheryl from Puttur. Both victims were swiftly rushed to a hospital in Kannur to receive urgent medical attention following the tragic incident. Upon learning of the explosion, the police promptly registered a case and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the blast. Expressing concern over the incident, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President and UDF candidate for the Kannur Lok Sabha constituency, K Sudhakaran, emphasized the need for a comprehensive inquiry. Sudhakaran pointed out that the explosion occurred amidst the context of bomb-making, suggesting a potential political motive behind the incident, particularly given its occurrence shortly before the elections. As a result, Sudhakaran announced his intention to lodge a formal complaint with the Election Commission, urging for a thorough investigation into the blast and its underlying causes. Supreme Court Grants Bail to Bhima Koregaon Case Accused Shoma Sen Massive Blaze Engulfs Power Company in Raipur: Residents Evacuated Heartbreaking Tragedy: Two Brothers Burnt Alive in House Fire