kochi News

Kerala HC sets aside Sabarimala airport land acquisition process

Kochi: The Kerala High Court has set aside crucial stages of the land acquisition process for the proposed Sabarimala greenfield airport, holding that the state failed to properly assess the minimum land actually required for the project. On December 30, 2022, the state government issued an order granting sanction for the acquisition of 2,570 acres 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 .

Kochi-Kottayam NH corridor: NHAI directed to study feasiblility

KOCHI: In a significant move towards modernising Keralas road infrastructure, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to evaluate a proposed National Highway corridor connecting Kottayam and Kochi, with a strategic link to the upcoming Angamaly-Kundannoor bypass. The decision follows a draft report earlier submitted by Kottayam MP Adv K Francis George, highlighting the urgent need for a high-speed alternative to the heavily congested existing routes. The minister promised that the NHAI will conduct a feasibility study for the proposed corridor. To minimise environmental impact and social displacement, the proposal emphasises elevated corridors over agricultural zones (paddy fields) to protect natural water flow and farming. Gadkari told me that a direction to this effect has been handed over to the NHAI, Francis told TNIE . The draft proposal outlines a 60-km greenfield spur road designed to alleviate the massive traffic volume between Kottayam and Kochi, which currently exceeds 90,000 Passenger Car Units (PCUs) daily. The starting point of the corridor is planned at Mulankuzha near Kottayam on NH 183. The route will pass through the tourism and agricultural hubs of Kumarakom and Vaikom. It will reach Tripunithura, where it is slated to connect with the Angamaly-Kundannoor bypass. By linking directly to the Angamaly-Kundannoor bypass, the corridor will effectively provide a high-speed connection from central Travancore to the Cochin International Airport and the northern stretches of NH 544. Currently, the journey from Kottayam to Tripunithura via traditional routes takes approximately 2.5 hours during peak times. The new corridor is expected to slash this travel time to just one hour.

At 72, this Karnataka woman is racing against her age

SHIVAMOGGA: Age is just a number for B Manjamma, a 72-year-old athlete from Shivamogga. She won a gold medal in the 400m run at the 23rd Asian Masters Athletics Championship in Chennai recently. She is a perfect example of the adage, Talent never fails or has an expiry date. She has won 110 medals in all, at the state, national and international level after taking to athletics just seven years ago. Manjamma retired as lady health visitor (LHV) and in-charge nursing officer at the district health officers office in 2013 after 36 years of service. Her husband HT Devaraj, who was from Kodagu and worked at the Karnataka Handloom and Woolen Society, passed away in 2013. The loss pushed her into a deep depression. Trying to pull herself out of the dark mental hole, she started jogging in 2018 when she was 65. Since then, she has been taking part in district, state, national and international events. My 27-year-old daughter Varshini Das, a doctor in Bengaluru, is behind my achievements. She has been supporting and motivating me all these years. I also have friends supporting me and appreciating my sportsman spirit even at the age of 72. Sports associations of Mysuru and Mangaluru motivate me by inviting me to their events, she told TNSE. Sports and games improve physical and mental health. They help people, especially the elderly, to be active and attentive. Yoga, walking, meditation and sports are all essential part of this, she said. She bagged the first prize in shot put at an athletics meet in 2018 for the first time. This prompted me to continue my sports journey, she added. There is no age limit to explore your talents and skills. One must gain confidence, which will help achieve greater things. Nothing is impossible, she said. Apart from the district-level track and field events, Manjamma represented the state in Nasik, Hyderabad, Goa, Pune and Kochi. She also attended international events in Brunei, Sri Lanka Master Athletics International, South Asia Tournament in Mangaluru and South India Tournament in Udupi. Keeping herself sprightly even at this age, she had a message for the younger generation, Youngsters should keep their body and mind active. They should avoid sleeping late and eating junk food, adopt a healthy lifestyle and keep obesity at bay. They should jog, walk, meditate, practice yoga and play games to keep themselves fit. Such activities help them concentrate on academics too. This ever-enthusiastic late bloomer said, Earlier, I used to participate only in 100m and 200m races. But now, I take part in shot put, discus throw, 1 km walk, 60m race and javelin throw.

Thank you for Everything: Malayalis bid adieu to Sreenivasan

KOCHI: Sreenivasan enjoyed punctuating the tale with hearty amusement. Arriving in Thiruvananthapuram for what he believed was an acting assignment in a film by Priyadarshan, the twenty-something sought to know the nature of his role. The directors reply was blunt... as it was life-altering: There is no script. If Sreenivasan wanted to act, he would have to script it. With nothing to do back home, he stayed on the set and began writing. Both Priyadarshan and Sathyan Anthikad pushed me into the deep end of scriptwriting, he later said at an awards function, and I somehow stayed afloat without knowing how to swim. That reluctant plunge produced one of Malayalam cinemas most original voices. On Saturday, that voice fell silent. The veteran actor, screenwriter and filmmaker was 69. Ailing for long, Sreenivasan was being taken to Amrita Hospital for dialysis when his condition deteriorated. He was rushed to the Tripunithura Taluk Hospital, where he breathed his last. His cremation will be held at 10.30am on Sunday at his residence in Udayamperoor. Sreenivasans death draws the curtains on an era. Few artists chronicled the Malayali psyche with such wit, empathy and sting. Over nearly 48 years, he acted in more than 200 films and wrote screenplays that shaped the industrys golden years. His humour was never decorative; it was dissecting. With an almost journalistic eye, he teased out the hypocrisies embedded in everyday life political posturing, middle-class vanity and masculine insecurity rendering them funny, painful and recognisably human. Born on April 6, 1956, in Pattiam near Thalassery in Kannur district, Sreenivasan grew up in a modest household his father was a schoolteacher and mother a homemaker. Sreenivasan: The goat of satire Actors Mammootty and Mohanlal pay their respects to Sreenivasan at Town Hall in Kochi on Saturday. After his schooling in Kuthuparamba and Kadirur, he studied economics at PRNSS College, Mattanur, before training formally at the Tamil Nadu Government MGR Film and Television Institute, Chennai. He made his acting debut in Manimuzhakkam (1976), directed by P A Backer, and his first lead appearance was in Sanghaganam (1979), also by Backer. But it was writing that unlocked Sreenivasans true range. His debut screenplay, Odaruthammava Aalariyam (1984), announced a new idiom irreverent, observant and unafraid of puncturing social sanctimony. The mid-1980s to early 1990s marked his creative peak, when his writing, often in collaboration with Sathyan Anthikad, produced a string of enduring films including Gandhinagar 2nd Street, Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam, Varavelpu, Thalayanamanthram and the immortal Nadodikkattu. Blending humour with social insight, these films, most of which were anchored by Mohanlal, translated middle-class anxieties into movie lore with Nadodikkattu and its sequels attaining cult status and embedding their characters and dialogues deep in Keralas public memory. No film captures Sreenivasans political bite better than Sandesam (1991). A searing satire on over-politicisation, it framed Keralas bipolar politics within the confines of a family home. Polandine kurichu oraksharam mindaruthu! Dont you utter a word about Poland! his retort to Jayarams character remains lodged in the Malayali collective memory three decades on. The joke endures because the truth it skewers still stands. Sandesham earned him the Kerala State Film Award for best story and the status of Malayalam cinemas most influential political satire. As a filmmaker, he was equally incisive. Vadakkunokkiyantram (1989), which he scripted and directed, anatomised male insecurity and patriarchy with rare tenderness and landed him the state award for best film. Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala (1998) explored marital alienation and emotional estrangement, winning the national award for best film on other social issues. In these works, Sreenivasan turned the camera inward, exposing the fragile ego of the typical Malayali man he knew so well. Even as the industry changed, he adapted without blunting his edge. Udayananu Tharam, Katha Parayumpol and Njan Prakashan reintroduced his social satire to a new generation. Njan Prakashan went on to become among Malayalam cinemas highest-grossing films. As an actor, restraint was his strength he played the flawed common man with authenticity, allowing silences to speak as loudly as punch lines. Sreenivasan wore his career accolades lightly. What mattered was the work: Stories that laughed at power, and questioned piety and social mores. He is survived by his wife, Vimala, and sons Vineeth and Dhyan, both established figures in the industry. As his body was kept at Ernakulam Town Hall, the crowds that came to pay their respects reflected on the breadth of Sreenivasans reach from political leaders to ordinary film lovers who saw themselves in his characters. For nearly five decades, he gave voice to the anxieties, contradictions and quiet dignity of the common Malayali. In losing him, Malayalam cinema has lost a storyteller who laughed with society, even as he held an unflinching mirror up to it. THE LEGEND OF SREENI In an illustrious career spanning nearly 48 years, Sreenivasan acted in more than 200 films, directed two movies and wrote screenplays that shaped the industrys golden years A champion of social satire and political criticism and creator of unadulterated humour, he mirrored the Malayali community, with all its vulnerabilities, pettiness, honesty or the lack of it through his scripts. Awards and accolades Sreenivasans directorial venture Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala (1998) won the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues' Vadakkunokkiyantram (1989), which he scripted and directed, won him the Kerala state award for the best film He won the state award for best story for Sandesam (1991), and best screenplay for Mazhayethum Munpe (1995)

O special one! Hundreds pay tribute to Sreenivasan

KOCHI: Malayalam film industry came together on Saturday to pay rich tributes to actor, screenwriter, and director Sreenivasan, whose satirical films reshaped popular cinema. Fans, film lovers, artists and filmmakers gathered in their hundreds at the Town Hall in Kochi -- where his body was kept for public homage from 1 pm -- to pay their last respects to the actor-screenwriter whose films made generations laugh. The ceremony, which was scheduled to conclude by 3 pm, was extended to 3.30 pm. After visiting the grieving family at their residence in Udayamperoor, near Tripunithura, actor Mammootty came to see his friend for one final time. For Mohanlal, the loss was huge, for Dasans Vijayan had left. Though it was a painful moment, Mohanlal consoled Mammootty on his arrival.For more than an hour, the big Ms of the Malayalam film industry sat beside the departed artist, their Sreeni. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian and Minister for Industries P Rajeeve offered respects on behalf of the state government. At one corner, two childhood friends, Azeez and Rafeeq, were discussing Sreenivasans films. I watch Sandesam, Thalayana Manthram, Kilichundan Maambazham, Ponmuttayidunna Tharavu and other Sreenivasan films even now. These films are now available on YouTube. So I watch, Rafeeq told Azeez. The Kochi residents were regular moviegoers back in the 1980s and 1990s. We have watched most of his films in cinemas. His stories and characters are still there in our minds. But we rewatch them whenever possible. His characters were very relatable for us, Azeez added. In fact, almost everyone there had something special to share about his stories and films. For the industry, the passing of an artist who has contributed to the growth of Malayalam films is an irreparable loss. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan pays tribute on behalf of the state government at Ernakulam Town Hall on Saturday.

A comeback dream that was not meant to be...

KOCHI: Sathyan Anthikad had spent the entire Saturday morning with the grieving family. Sitting next to the mortal remains, while the public paid homage, he broke down, as fellow mourners struggled to console the filmmaker. For Anthikad, Sreenivasans demise was a personal loss. He had lost one of his closest friends. We shared a close bond. I used to visit him every two weeks to rejuvenate him. He had been suffering from various ailments for several months. But I never thought he would leave us, Anthikad told reporters. His brain remained sharp... and he was aware of everything. Recently, he told me he felt exhausted. But I reassured him that it was just a phase, and that we would make a comeback... Anthikad did not complete the sentence as he walked away with tears in his eyes. The two first collaborated on Gandhinagar 2nd Street , which was released in 1986. Sreenivasan wrote the screenplay and also played the role of Madhavan. Most of the films the duo came up with, including Nadodikkattu (1987), Varavelpu (1989), Thalayanamanthram (1990), and Sandesam (1991), were hits. These were not merely comedies but flicks that portrayed the lives of common people. In interactions with media, they both spoke about how Sandesam was received by audiences and about the anonymous letters they used to receive. Sreenivasan exposed pretensions of Malayalis through his satirical movies Anthikad trusted Sreenivasan, who was permitted to write dialogues and screenplays even on film sets. When Sreeni and I work on scripts, it makes my job easier, Anthikad had recalled earlier. The friendship grew, appreciating, criticising and correcting each other. In 2018, they came up with their last film together, Njan Prakashan , with Fahadh Faasil, which was another hit. The other films that were the result of the collaboration are: Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam (1986), T P Balagopalan M.A. (1986), Sreedharante Onnam Thirumurivu (1987), and Golanthara Vartha (1993). As years passed, Sreenivasan expressed his wish to do another film with Anthikad and Mohanlal. A project was even in the pipeline. That dream, as it turned out, will remain just that.

Mohanlal cries at Sreenivasan's demise, Mammootty consoles him; Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth pen emotional notes

Veteran Malayalam actor, screenwriter, and filmmaker Sreenivasan, 69, passed away on Saturday after a prolonged illness. The actor breathed his last at a hospital in Kochi, where he had been undergoing treatment. His cremation will be held on Sunday.

Cultural resistance required to protect Constitution and democracy: Kerala CM

The Citizenship Amendment Act and the idea of One Nation, One Election are attempts to destroy federalism, the Chief Minister alleges in his inaugural address at the Indian Cultural Congress 2025, organised by the Department of Culture, in Kochi

Election campaign materials litter Kochi despite government circular, High Court directive

Circular issued by Local Self-Government dept. stated that if candidates/parties failed to comply, local body secretaries should remove the materials and cost collected from candidates

Cop who slapped pregnant woman suspended a year after the incident

A police inspector in Kerala was suspended a year after he pushed and slapped a pregnant woman inside a police station in Kochi, an incident that highlights police brutality and violence against women. Closer circuit television (CCTV) footage released online showed Inspector KG Prathap Chandra assaulting a pregnant woman inside the Ernakulam North police station 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 .

KBFs Art by Children initiative cultivating environment for art and creativity

Through ABC, the Kochi Biennale Foundation has been working to uplift communities including children, parents and art educators

Laughing through life: The enduring bond of Mohanlal and Sreenivasan

KOCHI: Vijaya, eda namukkentha ee budhi nerathe thonnathathu? The conversation between Dasan and Vijayan, played by Mohanlal and Sreenivasan in Nadodikkattu , remains popular and deeply relatable among Malayalee youngsters even after more than three decades. The line is so familiar to Malayalees that it invariably brings a smile. Through characters like Dasan and Vijayan, Mohanlal and Sreenivasan became the faces of a generation grappling with unemployment, migration dreams, and middle-class aspirations. The duo redefined male friendship on screen not as idealised camaraderie, but as something imperfect, marked by arguments, mistakes, and affection, much like real life. Their films made people laugh and think at the same time, which is why their bond continues to live on in the hearts of Malayali audiences. Off-screen too, Mohanlal and Sreenivasan shared a strong camaraderie. In the late 1980s and 1990s, they appeared together in several Malayalam films as friends, colleagues, and even employer and employee. Dasan and Vijayan of the Nadodikkattu trilogy Nadodikkattu (1987), Pattanapravesham (1988), and Akkare, Akkare, Akkare (1990) made audiences laugh while holding up a mirror to society. However, the actor-screenwriter was also a firm critic of Mohanlal, which eventually led to friction in their relationship. Earlier, while speaking to TNIE , Sreenivasan had said, Mohanlal is a complete actor. When asked about how the 2012 film Padmasree Bharat Dr Saroj Kumar affected their friendship, he replied, Even otherwise, our relationship was not that great. EXPRESS DIALOGUES | Todays politics has gone beyond satire:Sreenivasan Recently, at a private event organised by the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), the duo reunited on stage when Mohanlal presented Sreenivasan with an Ultimate Entertainer Award. Mohanlal embraced his old friend and kissed him, a moment that moved many in the audience. Sreenivasans son, Dhyan Sreenivasan, later acknowledged that there were issues in their friendship and that the split occurred after Saroj Kumar. He also said the differences intensified following the death of Prem Nazir when Sreenivasan planned to make a film with Mohanlal. Paying tribute to Sreenivasan, Mohanlal wrote on Facebook that he could not put their bond into words. Sreeni returned without saying goodbye. I dont know how to explain our bond. It was far beyond the definition of working together in films. On screen and in life, we travelled forever laughing, having fun, quarrelling, and reconciling just like Dasan and Vijayan, he wrote. The duo later appeared together again as friends in Chandralekha (1997), playing Appukuttan (Mohanlal) and Nooruddeen (Sreenivasan). Every Malayali shared the same bond with Sreeni. Every Malayali saw their own face in the characters he created. He portrayed pain, joy, and deprivation with rare honesty. Who else could express the dreams and broken dreams of the middle class like Sreeni? The characters we played together will live forever because of the magic of his writing. Dasan and Vijayan became real people for Malayalees because of Sreenis blessed talent. His creations reflected society a beloved soul who captured pain through laughter, Mohanlal wrote, remembering Sreenivasans immense contribution to Malayalam cinema. Together, the duo worked in more than 20 films, including Chitram (1988), Varavelpu (1989), Mukunthetta Sumitra Vilikkunnu (1988), Mithunam (1993), Kilichundan Mambazham (2003), and Udayananu Tharam (2005). Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, LoP VD Satheesan pay tributes to actor-filmmaker Sreenivasan

Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary demands greenfield expressway between Talapady in Dakshina Kannada and Karwar in Uttara Kannada

Raising the issue under Rule 377 in the Lok Sabha, the MP says existing four-lane Kochi-Panvel NH 66 has become highly congested resulting in accidents and fatalities

Noted Malayalam actor-screenwriter Sreenivasan dies at 69

Kochi: Sreenivasan, one of the most influential figures in Malayalam cinema as an actor, screenwriter and director, died at a government hospital here on Saturday morning, film industry sources said. He was 69. He had been facing health issues and had undergone heart surgery in 2022. Sreenivasan was travelling for dialysis at a private hospital 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 .

Actor, screenwriter, and filmmaker Sreenivasan who made Keralites laugh and reflect passes away

KOCHI: Veteran Malayalam actor, screenwriter, and filmmaker Sreenivasan passed away on Saturday at the Tripunithura Taluk Hospital in Kochi. He was 69. Suffering from prolonged health issues, Sreenivasan was being taken to Amrita Hospital for dialysis when his condition deteriorated on the way. He was rushed to the Tripunithura hospital, where he breathed his last. Sreenivasans death marks the end of an era in Malayalam cinema. Over a career spanning nearly 48 years, he emerged as one of the most influential creative voices in the industry, shaping popular cinema through sharp satire, humane storytelling, and socially rooted humour. He acted in more than 200 films and wrote screenplays for several landmark works that continue to define Malayalam cinemas golden years. Born on April 6, 1956, in Patyam near Thalassery in Kannur district, Sreenivasan grew up in a modest household. His father was a schoolteacher, and his mother was a homemaker. After completing his schooling in Kuthuparamba and Kadirur, he graduated in economics from PRNSS College, Mattanur, before pursuing formal film education at the Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu, Chennai. He made his acting debut in Manimuzhakkam (1976), directed by P A Backer, and went on to play his first lead role in Sanghaganam (1979). However, it was as a writer that he truly left his mark. His first screenplay, Odaruthammava Aalariyam (1984), announced a new voice in Malayalam cinemairreverent, observant, and unapologetically critical of social hypocrisy. EXPRESS DIALOGUES | Todays politics has gone beyond satire:Sreenivasan The mid-1980s to early 1990s saw Sreenivasan at the peak of his creative powers. Films such as Gandhinagar 2nd Street, Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam, Varavelpu, and, most notably, Nadodikkattu , transformed everyday middle-class anxieties into enduring cinematic narratives. Nadodikkattu and its sequels became cult classics, with dialogues and characters entering popular culture and remaining relevant decades later. Sreenivasan frequently collaborated with leading directors such as Priyadarshan, Sathyan Anthikad and Kamal, forming a creative axis that defined mainstream Malayalam cinema. His writing blended humour with political and social critique, most powerfully seen in Sandesam (1991), a biting satire on political opportunism that earned him a Kerala State Film Award. As a director, Sreenivasan proved equally accomplished. Vadakkunokkiyanthram , which he scripted and directed, explored male insecurity and patriarchal attitudes with rare sensitivity and won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Film. Nearly a decade later, Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala (1998) addressed marital alienation and emotional conflict, winning the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues. In later years, Sreenivasan remained a significant presence, adapting to changing times without losing his edge. Films such as Udayananu Tharam , Katha Parayumpol and Njan Prakashan reaffirmed his relevance. Njan Prakashan went on to become one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time, introducing his brand of social satire to a new generation of viewers. His contributions were recognised with numerous honours, including a National Film Award, multiple Kerala State Film Awards, Filmfare Awards South, Asianet Film Awards and lifetime achievement honours from film bodies and cultural organisations. As an actor, Sreenivasan was known for his understated performances, often portraying the flawed common man with authenticity and restraint. His screen presence complemented his writing, lending credibility and emotional depth to characters rooted in everyday life. Sreenivasan is survived by his sons Vineeth Sreenivasan and Dhyan Sreenivasan, both established figures in the Malayalam film industry. With his passing, Malayalam cinema loses not just a prolific artist but a conscience keeperone who consistently used humour and storytelling to question society, politics and human relationships.

Veteran Malayalam Actor-Filmmaker Sreenivasan Dies At 69

Sreenivasan, who hails from Kannur, had been staying in Kochi for the past several years

Kerala HC quashes government order granting permission for Elappully brewery

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Friday quashed the preliminary sanction given to Oasis Commercial Private Ltd to establish an ethanol unit in Kanjikode, Palakkad, to produce extra neutral alcohol and other liquor products. However, this will not preclude a fresh consideration of any application, by the government, if made, said Justice Sathish Ninan and Justice P Krishna Kumar. Various factors which weighed with the government while issuingthe order, are not factually correct in its entirety. Therefore, theorder...is liable to bequashed, said the court. The court issued the order on a batch of PILs challenging the preliminary sanction granted to the company to establish an ethanol plant, multi-feed distillation unit, Indian-made foreign liquor bottling unit, a brewery, a malt spirit plant and brandy/winery plant at Elappully panchayat in Kanjikode. The petitioners said the government order has no legal backing, and preempts the statutory authorities and the local self-government institutions from exercising their powers. The issue assumes significance as Palakkad is a dry area. The court said the petitioners allegation that establishment of the unit will aggravate water scarcity, is a matter of serious concern in Palakkad. The unit would require 5000 KL of water per day. Extraction of such a quantity of water would have serious consequences on the life ofresidents. On the source of water, the government order referred to the sanction given by the Kerala Water Authority agreeing to provide requiredquantities of water, and also the rain water harvesting projectproposed by the company. The government order observes that theexploitation of ground water would be avoided. However, the KWAs affidavit stated no binding or conclusive consent was given to the petitioner. The court said while it noticed that explicit consent was given under the letter dated June 16, 2023, the attempt in the counter affidavit is to shrug off the commitment.

Kerala HC flags stagnation in Sabarimala gold scam probe

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Friday flagged apparent stagnation in the probe into the Sabarimala gold scam and raised doubts over the selective arraignment of Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) members by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The court, which expressed concern over the slow pace of the probe, also flayed the SIT for not proceeding against advocate N Vijayakumar and K P Sankar Das, who were members of the TDB in 2019. The court noted that the order permitting Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused, to take the door frames and other items from the temple for gold cladding, by mentioning them as copper-plated, was signed by then TDB president A Padmakumar, advocate Vijayakumar and K P Sankar Das, apart from former TDB secretary S Jayasree. It is surprising to note that, when asked whether Vijayakumar and Sankar Das were arraigned and arrested, the prosecution submitted it has not been done so far, the court observed. The court said this indicated serious stagnation in the investigation after December 5, and directed the investigating officer to address the issue and ensure that the probe proceeds against all erring officials without discrimination or selective targeting. Justice A Badharudeen observed that the TDB notice dated July 5, 2019 signed on July 3, 2019, pursuant to a decision of the board stated that the plates covering dwarapalaka idols and the north and south corners of the sreekovil, which were copper-clad, were entrusted with Potti to be taken outside for gold cladding. The notice was signed by TDB members who participated in meeting and by Jayasree. No relief for former TDB officials However, whether all the Devaswom Board members who attended the meeting have been rightly arraigned as accused in the case remains in serious doubt, said the court. Further, it could not be ascertained from the prosecution materials whether the then PWD assistant engineer K Sunil Kumar, former Thiruvabharanam commissioner R G Radhakrishnan; former Sabarimala executive officer V S Rajendra Prasad, and former administrative officer K Rajendran Nair, who have been named in the FIR, were arrested, it observed. The court made the observations while dismissing the bail pleas of K S Baiju, former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner, B Murari Babu, former administrative officer, and N Vasu, former TDB president. The court had earlier observed that Potti enjoyed unbridled freedom to misappropriate the valuable gold of the deity with the connivance of the accused persons, which would not have been possible without the involvement of influential persons who had a role in the administration of the Sabarimala temple. Therefore, the investigation must continue to identify and bring to book all those involved without leaving room for escape, as the allegations are grave. On Friday, the court said, Despite this, no investigation in that direction is discernible from the records available. This is a matter of anxiety and displeasure. I hope that the investigating officer will give due attention to this aspect hereafter, without fail. The order also noted stagnation in the investigation after the dismissal of the anticipatory bail applications of the fourth and sixth accused Jayasree and former administrative officer S Sreekumar on December 4, despite the prosecution having zealously opposed those pleas. The sixth accused was reportedly arrested only on December 17, 12 days after the dismissal of his bail application, though his role had been dealt with in detail in the order rejecting his plea. Jayasree was not arrested, and her bail application, filed on December 18, is pending consideration before the Supreme Court, it noted.

Pope Leo XIV plans to visit India by 2027; Kerala likely on itinerary

KOCHI: Pope Leo XIV is likely to visit India by the end of 2026 or in 2027. Interacting with a delegation of the Syro-Malabar Church led by Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil on December 15, Pope Leo, who was elected the head of the Catholic Church eight months ago, expressed his willingness to visit India. The Pope has conveyed that he is eagerly waiting for his visit to India. Now, the Union government will have to take the initiative. If the visit happens, we are optimistic that Pope Leo XIV will include Kerala in his itinerary, said Thalassery Archbishop Joseph Pamplany, who was part of the delegation that met Pope. The Indian government will have to forward a formal invitation to confirm the papal visit. As the head of the Vatican, protocol requires that the Pope be extended an invitation by a head of a state. Pope has emotional connect with Kerala Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited Pope Francis, Pope Leos predecessor, to India on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy in June 2024. This followed an invitation that Modi extended during his visit to the Vatican in 2021. However, since a new Pope has assumed office, the Centre will have to send a formal invitation now. I dont think a Pope visiting India can avoid Kerala, as the state has been the cradle of Christianity in the country. Before assuming the role of the pontiff, Pope Leo XIV visited Kerala thrice, said Pamplany, who is also the secretary of the Syro Malabar Synod of Bishops. He has an emotional connection with this land, he said. Normally, the Vatican avoids papal visits to friendly nations during an election year. As the next general election in India is due in 2029, the Vatican feels 2027 will be ideal. The first Pope to visit India was Pope Paul VI, who came to Mumbai in 1964 to attend the International Eucharistic Congress. Pope John Paul II visited India in February 1986, during which he visited Kerala and attended the beatification of Sister Alphonsa and Fr Kuriakose Elias Chavara. In 1999, he visited India again in November to meet Indian leaders and conclude the Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for Asia.

Jaishankar seeks Dutch push as India-EU trade talks enter decisive phase

NEW DELHI: India and the Netherlands on Friday agreed to deepen cooperation in emerging strategic domains such as semiconductors, digital technology and cyberspace, while also stepping up defence and security engagement, as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar pressed for Dutch support to conclude the IndiaEuropean Union free trade agreement (FTA). During talks with his Dutch counterpart David van Weel, Jaishankar said the relationship, traditionally strong in areas such as agriculture, health, science and shipping, was ready for a more ambitious phase. Whether it is semiconductors, digital, cyberspace or life sciences, we would like to work more closely with you, he said. With India and the EU in the final stages of negotiating a trade pact expected to be signed in January, Jaishankar added: We count on your support as we are moving to what I hope is a decisive phase in our negotiations with the EU on the free trade agreement. Van Weel, who began his India visit in Mumbai on Wednesday, said he was not aware of any big sticking points that could delay the deal. Hopefully, that will happen in the very near future. I know EU officials will be visiting India as guests on your Republic Day, so Im sure that everybody wants this to be concluded as soon as possible, he told reporters later. At the same time, he acknowledged the complexity of the talks, noting: Its never easy, the EU is 27 nations with different economies, different interests, so all free trade agreements take time to come to fruition. The Dutch ministers visit also focused on strengthening defence and security cooperation. He held meetings with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, with the two sides concluding a letter of intent on Thursday to provide a framework for defence cooperation. As part of this effort, a Dutch frigate will make a port call at Kochi in May 2026. Van Weel also visited the Western Naval Command and the Mazagon Dockyard in Mumbai to explore opportunities for defence industrial collaboration. Regional stability and the Indo-Pacific featured prominently in the discussions. Van Weel said cooperation was crucial at a time when there is pressure on the openness of the oceans and on adherence to UNCLOS. The Netherlands [has] been dependent on the high seas and free passage of trade in order to thrive as an open economy, he said. This is something that we want to cooperate on. Both sides exchanged views on developments in Ukraine, South Asia and West Asia, and condemned all forms of terrorism, stressing the need for stronger international cooperation to counter the threat. Van Weel described Russias war in Ukraine as an existential security issue for Europe. Ukraine cannot lose this war, he said, adding that he had urged partners to use their contacts with Moscow to convey to them the message to come to the negotiating table. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof is expected to visit India in February for the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, and the Netherlands reiterated its invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit, signalling momentum in the bilateral relationship.

Year After Pregnant Kerala Woman Was Slapped In Police Station, Cop Suspended

Over a year after he pushed and slapped a pregnant woman inside a police station in Kochi, the then station house officer has been suspended.

Gap of over 13% in vote share with LDF powered UDFs landslide win in Kochi Corpn.

While the UDF amassed 41.45% of the total polled votes, the LDF could only muster 28.25% of the votes, while the BJP-led National Democratic Front ended up a distant third with only 14.45% of the votes

'Let me live': Survivor in 2017 Kerala actor assault case speaks out in emotional message

KOCHI: The survivor of the 2017 actor abduction and sexual assault case on Friday appealed to the public to let her live with dignity after a video circulated by Martin Antony, the second accused in the case, allegedly revealed her identity. In an emotionally charged post on social media, the actor said the only mistake she made was approaching the police immediately after the violence against her and pursuing legal action. Rejecting labels imposed on her, she wrote on Instagram, Not a victim, not a survivor, just a simple human being. Let me live. Had she remained silent, she wrote, she would later have been accused of not reporting the crime at all. I should have stayed quiet, accepted what happened as fate, and ended my life, the post read, laying bare the emotional toll of continued attacks against her. Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Conspiracy or not, many questions need answers Her response came after she watched the video released by Martin Antony, who has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in the case. Condemning his actions, she said he could just as easily have levelled even more damaging and false allegations against her. You could have even claimed that I had filmed a nude video of you, she wrote, underscoring the extent of the humiliation and targeting she continues to face. The actor said those who make such allegations, circulate them online and their relatives should never have to face a similar situation in life. Earlier, after the court acquitted Dileep, the actor had shared a similar emotional post that received widespread public support. On December 13, the Ernakulam District and Sessions Court sentenced all six convicts in the case , including prime accused Pulsar Suni, to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. The accused were found guilty under Sections 376D (gang rape) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code and were also fined Rs 50,000 each. The verdict and sentence were pronounced by Principal Sessions Judge Honey M Varghese. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.) Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Judgment comes after eight years, justice not yet

Actress assault case: Two convicts move Kerala HC against conviction, 20-year sentence

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Friday sought the government's stand on the appeals by two of the six convicts in the 2017 actress assault case, in which actor Dileep was acquitted . Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas admitted the appeals by Pradeep and Saleem H, also known as Vadival Salim, who have challenged their conviction and sentence of 20 years imprisonment. The two also sought suspension of their sentence during the pendency of their appeals. The court gave the prosecution time to file its objections to the appeals and listed them for hearing on February 4, 2026. Besides Pradeep and Saleem, the Ernakulam District and Principal Sessions Court Judge Honey M Varghese had on December 12 sentenced Sunil NS, also known as Pulsar Suni, Martin Antony, Manikandan B and Vijesh VP to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the offence of gang rape. On December 8, the court had acquitted four accused, including actor Dileep. The assault on the multilingual actress, after the accused allegedly forced their way into her car and held it under their control for two hours on February 17, 2017, had shocked Kerala. Prime accused Pulsar Suni sexually assaulted the actress and video recorded the act with the help of the other convicted persons in the moving car. Judgment leaked? Key details of actor assault case verdict out a week before Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Conspiracy or not, many questions need answers

Kerala SHO Suspended After CCTV Shows Assault on Pregnant Woman

Kochi native Shymol N J was allegedly assaulted by the then Ernakulam North SHO Chandran after her husband, Benjo, was taken into custody in connection with a case

Centre again slashes Keralas borrowing limit

KOCHI: Dealing a heavy blow to the Kerala governments ambitious plans to fast-track infrastructure and development projects ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, the Centre has sharply reduced the states borrowing limit. The Union finance ministry has informed the state that its borrowing limit for JanuaryMarch period has been reduced by Rs 5,944 crore from the initially approved Rs 12,515 crore, Finance Minister K N Balagopal said on Thursday. The state is now left with a mere Rs 5,672 crore to sustain its operations for the next three months. Effectively, the states monthly borrowing capacity has been throttled to approximately Rs 2,200 crorea figure far below its actual requirements, he said. We have managed to tide over the crisis in the last four-and-half years despite the financial burdens imposed on us by the Centre. The latest development comes even as the states annual average financial expenditure is nearing Rs 2 lakh crore in the current fiscal... However, there is an overall reduction of Rs 1,25,000 crore in borrowing in the last five years due to the Centres restrictions. The Centre is squeezing the states financial resources which is hitting the states overall development majorly, Balagopal said. Centre backtracking on its responsibilities: Min The Centre earlier justified the financial tightening by factoring in off-budget borrowings made by KIIFB and Social Security Pensions Ltd into the states overall debt ceiling. This netting out policy implemented last year had also drawn sharp criticism from the state leadership. The Centre is backtracking on its responsibilities under the Centre-state relationship one by one, Balagopal said. It started with the introduction of the GST reform, and the latest rate rationalisation with regard to GST is between 8 and 9%. As per a study of Gulati Institute of Finance and Taxation, Kerala alone will suffer a financial loss of Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 crore in the next financial year. Recent changes in MGNREGS will impose an additional burden of Rs 1,6002,000 crore annually on the state. Currently, the Centre bears 90% of the schemes expenditure. With that reduced to 60%, the state will be forced to shoulder a significantly higher share. The timing of the latest cut is particularly damaging, Balagopal said. The final quarter of the financial year sees a surge in public spending. The state treasury is currently bracing for a massive outflow. Approximately Rs 20,000 crore is required to clear pending bills for public works. Roughly Rs 15,000 crore is needed for salaries of government employees and retired personnel. With the recent hike in welfare pensions to Rs 2,000 per month, the social security net requires additional funding that is now in jeopardy. Financial analysts warn that if the current restrictions persist, the state may struggle to pay salaries and pensions, potentially leading to a complete administrative standstill. Keralas current Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) stands at Rs 14,27,145 crore. Under existing fiscal rules, states are entitled to borrow up to 3% of their GSDP. Based on this, Kerala had requested a total borrowing limit of Rs 42,814 crore for the year. While Rs 29,529 crore was utilised or approved until December, the latest cuts have derailed the states remaining budget plans. Furthermore, the Centre has withheld an additional Rs 3,300 crore related to public sector undertaking guarantees. Although the state government established a Redemption Fund to satisfy central requirements and unlock these funds, the Union government is yet to grant the necessary clearances. As the fiscal year draws to a close, Kerala finds itself in a high-stakes standoff with the Centre, with the livelihoods of thousands of employees and the progress of vital projects hanging in the balance.

Take in rustic life: Vadakkanadu farmers novel idea to guard the crops a big hit

KOCHI: For urbanites, who want an escape from the fast and restless city life, it is a rare opportunity to recharge and rejuvenate. Enjoy the cool breeze, blend with nature, and share space with singing birds, squirrels and monkeys. If lucky, you can also sight marauding wild elephants. The novel idea launched by the farmers of Vadakkanadu in Wayanads Sultan Bathery has become a roaring hit, with youngsters from far-away cities flocking to the village to guard the crops. Paddy cultivation is labour intensive and the farmer has to stay awake during the last 30 days when the crop ripens from milk to grain. It is a tough task to guard the crop from wild elephants, deer and wild pigs during the season. Often the farmers are forced to harvest the crop before it ripens. Offering a relief to the farmers who are desperate to save the crops, Paul Mathews, chairman of the High Court-monitored task force for reporting and implementing solutions to man-animal conflict, has introduced volunteers to guard the crops. Paul Mathews posted a video on social media inviting youngsters to guard crops staying in tree huts on a daily basis. The response was overwhelming. Youngsters from Kozhikode, Ernakulam, Alappuzha and Thrissur flocked to Sultan Bathery to shoulder the responsibility. It was a mind-blowing experience, said Sunil Titto, a software professional settled in Pune. I saw the social media post and arrived in Sultan Bathery in the first week of December. There were two youngsters from Thrissur with me. We stayed awake through the night in turns, watching for the entry of elephants. Only some deer were spotted. It was cool and the weather was pleasant, he said. The scenic beauty of Vadakkanadu I have been cultivating paddy in my 4 acre farm land for the past four decades. In recent years we are unable to reap the fruits of our labour due to the increasing wild animal menace. Big herds of wild elephants enter the field and destroy the crop during night. The arrival of volunteers to guard the crop has been a big relief, said Jayamani, a farmer. Paul Mathews had moved an application in the High Court seeking direction to the forest department to step up vigil during the harvest season. As the department expressed helplessness citing lack of funds, he advised farmers to seek the help of volunteers to guard the crops. We have laid down strict guidelines for deployment of volunteers. Youngsters interested in helping the farmers should book the dates through a WhatsApp group and arrive at the spot before 5 am. They should climb atop the tree hut before dusk and should not get down before dawn break. They will not be allowed to lit fire or consume liquor. They should bring food and blankets. We will provide them with torch to keep watch over the fields. If the elephants arrive, they have to make noise and alert the farmers, said Paul Mathews. Wayanad has around 17,000 hectares of paddy fields which are surrounded by forest. There are hundreds of tree huts along the fringe areas and the farmers are planning to extend the project to more areas. After day long labour, we are not able to keep watch on the crops during night hours. So if some people volunteer to keep watch on the wild animals, it will be a big relief. We are not charging the volunteers for the night stay and will provide basic facilities, said Jayamani.

Lefts song and dance over parody row has few takers in Kerala

KOCHI: Satire has long been part of Keralas political culture, with musical parody used as a key campaign tool across the spectrum. The recently concluded local body election was no exception. Among the songs that went viral was Pottiye Kettiye, a take-off of a popular Ayyappa devotional that references the Sabarimala gold theft case. It drew little controversy until Wednesday evening, when the police cyber wing registered a case against its creators, alleging that it hurt religious sentiments. The development followed a complaint filed by a member of the Thiruvabharana Patha Samrakshana Samithi (TPSS). Subsequently, the CPM also raised concerns and is reportedly considering petitioning election authorities, citing a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. If the song hurt religious sentiments, action should be taken, LDF convenor T P Ramakrishnan told reporters in New Delhi. Closer to home, CPM Pathanamthitta district secretary Raju Abraham alleged that the song was used in a manner that threatened dangerous polarisation. Opposition leaders, however, termed the move an attack on freedom of expression, pointing out that the CPM itself has used pastiche for political mobilisation in the past. Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan recalled how the CPM had used a parody of the same devotional song 11 years ago to mock former chief minister K Karunakaran. They were not concerned about religious sentiments then. The current concern is because the song refers to the alleged theft of Lord Ayyappas gold, Satheesan stressed. Meanwhile, Congress general secretary K C Venugopal said songs cannot win elections. Satire has been used to target political leaders such as Sonia Gandhi, Narendra Modi, and even Pinarayi Vijayan. But it never influenced poll outcomes, he said. Double standards As the matter gained gravity, Chief Minister Pinarayis 2022 defence of writer S Hareesh after his novel Meesha drew threats from right-wing groups surfaced on social media. Creativity thrives only in a fearless atmosphere, Pinarayi had then said. Many flagged the double standards on free expression by the self-styled progressive left government. Veteran journalist K P Sethunath said, The left has always been opportunistic, and their politics is often short-sighted. Meanwhile, legal experts have questioned the police action. Supreme Court lawyer Abhilash M R said the case was not sustainable under law. Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhitas section 299, a case for hurting religious sentiments can be registered only if there is intent to insult or wound religious beliefs. However, if you look at the song, only two words refer to Sabarimala Ayyappa and Shasthav. The rest are factual issues regarding the gold heist, as heard uttered by politicians on stages and laymen in the streets and at homes, Abhilash told TNIE. How is it that when the same is turned into song, there is suddenly scope for a criminal case? The semantics have remained unchanged Essentially, this is political talibanism, Abhilash pointed out. Had it been the case that the song did indeed hurt religious sentiment, any talk of a case should have emerged two months ago, when it was released. Now, it seems the entire complaint and the proceedings thereafter are carefully orchestrated, he added. Sethunath echoed the view, especially now that the TPSS has distanced itself from the complainant. Unlike the defence of Hareesh, or later, the support given to the staging of a controversial play based on a Nikos Kazantzakis book, the parody fiasco, he said, is baseless, and the left should ideally distance itself from it rather than make a song and dance of it. Creators unfazed Meanwhile, the songs creators are unfazed by the developments. Danish Padinjattumuri, the singer, was quoted by TV news channels as saying that the song had not offended devotees. He noted how pilgrims had played the song during their journey to Sabarimala. Lyricist G P Kunhabdulla Chalappuram, speaking to TNIE from Qatar, dismissed the case. This is a political distraction. The left does not want the song to circulate ahead of the assembly election, he said. POLICE TO SOFT-PEDAL PROBE ON CASE TPuram: Despite registering a case against parody song Swarnam kattavar aarappa. sakhakkal aane Ayyappa set to the familiar tune of an Ayyappa devotional song that was widely used by the opposition parties in the local body polls to take on the state government in the Sabarimala gold heist case, the police are unlikely to take any further legal action on the matter. There were reports that the police would take down the song from social media platforms, but sources said so far the cops have not made any such moves. As the case became a subject of discussion, the police would soft-pedal its investigation so as not to ruffle any feathers further, sources added. Thiruvananthapuram cyber police station is probing the case, which was registered on the basis of a complaint filed by Prasad Kuzhikal, general secretary of the Thiruvabharanam Padha Samraksha Samithi, that it hurt the religious sentiments. The case was registered against the songwriter, singer, composer and producer. VERIFY DETAILS OF COMPLAINT: CMO Pathanamthitta: The Chief Ministers Office (CMO) has directed officials to examine a complaint seeking verification of the official recognition of the committee that filed a complaint against the parody song Pottiye Kettiye, alleging that it insulted religious sentiments by using the name of Lord Ayyappa. The directive follows a complaint submitted by High Court advocate and social activist Advocate Kulathoor Jay Singh, which has been forwarded by the CMO to the Registration Inspector General for inquiry. The complaint seeks verification of the official status and registration of the Ranni Thiruvabharanapatha Samrakshana Samithi, whose general secretary is claimed to be Prasad Kuzhikkala, the person who filed the complainant against the song. Prasad Kuzhikkala had alleged that the parody song was intended to provoke communal disharmony.

Anti-govt sentiments aided UDF, led to drop in NDA vote share, feels BJP

KOCHI: A 2% fall in the NDA vote share in the local body polls, despite year long preparations at the grassroots, has shocked the state BJP leadership. A senior leader said the party has decided to conduct a detailed evaluation of the fall in share particularly in party strongholds. As per a preliminary analysis, the party feels strong anti-government sentiments, triggered by Sabarimala gold theft and Muslim vote consolidation turned the tide in favour of the UDF. The verdict was against the LDF government. When the sole aim is to defeat the ruling dispensation, people consider the winnability factor and it created a situation favourable for UDF. In Central Travancore, NDA made gains in local bodies where we have strong support. There has been a positive change in the approach of Hindu voters and BJP is no longer untouchable for Syrian Christian community. The only setback was in Thrissur where we failed to retain a major share of Christian votes. We are studying the causes for decline in vote share, said a senior BJP leader. The NDA got a vote share of 16.4% in district panchayats, 1% higher than the 2020 elections. However, it is 3.5% lower than the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Senior leaders said the vote share in urban areas has grown to 20% while in grama panchayats it has fallen to 16-18%. According to the party, the decline in vote share was a temporary factor as voters in South Kerala considered only winnability to register their protest against Sabarimala gold theft. The support of the Syrian Catholic, Nair and Ezhava communities was evident in Kottayam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthittta, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram. Meanwhile, the churning within the Bharath Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS), the only major ally of the NDA, is causing headache to the BJP. The rift between the workers of the BJP and BDJS has widened with BDJS leaders alleging that the BJP tried to defeat its candidates. The party contested in more than 300 seats, but could win only 20 seats. With just four months left for the assembly polls, there is growing pressure within the BDJS to join either UDF or LDF, so that it can get representation in the assembly and claim minister post. The demand will be raised in the state council meeting of the party scheduled to be held on December 23. Party president Thushar Vellappally reiterated that the party will continue with the NDA. Thushar also met Nitin Nabin, the new working president of BJP in Delhi on Tuesday. Not all bad The NDA became the single largest party in 26 panchayats while it has drawn a tie in 15 panchayats While increasing its presence across the state the NDA lost 600 sitting wards but gained around 1,000 new wards

IUMLs southern push pays dividends

MALAPPURAM: Once regarded as a party largely confined to the Malabar, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has steadily expanded its reach to emerge as one with a statewide presence. Significantly, the party has, for the first time, won representation in all 14 districts. In the local body elections, the League secured 3,203 seats, including 2,843 under its ladder symbol. With a tally of 2,248 grama panchayat members, 300 block panchayat members, 51 district panchayat members, 36 corporation councillors and 568 municipal councillors, it now ranks third among parties in terms of total seats, behind Congress and CPM. In the 2010 local body elections, IUML secured 1,904 seats, with its strength concentrated mainly in north Kerala. By 2020, the party recorded moderate growth, raising its tally to 2,111. In 2025, it marked a major breakthrough, with a sharp surge to 3,203 seats. IUML state general secretary P M A Salam said the partys growth over the years was driven purely by organisational strength. In the past five years, the League has increased its tally by nearly 1,000 seats. We have also strengthened our organisation in the southern districts and won around 80% of the seats we contested. No other party has such a record. In north Malabar, our supremacy is unquestioned. We won the Malappuram district panchayat without opposition, and in other northern districts of the state, we secured almost all the seats allotted to us, he said. The party won all three district panchayat seats it contested in Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram. Even Pathanamthitta, where it had no representation, returned seven members. After a gap, it won two seats each in the Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram corporations, three seats in Kochi corporation, and doubled its strength in Kozhikode corporation from seven to 14. Buoyed by its performance, the League is now staking a claim for deputy mayor posts in Kollam and Kochi, in addition to its existing positions in the Kozhikode and Kannur corporations.

Indian Cultural Congress 2025 in Kochi from December 19

Kochi Mayor will not be chosen based on caste or religious equations, says Satheesan

His statement comes in the wake of reports about the perceived indecision over the UDFs mayoral candidate in Kochi; Three candidates Deepthy Mary Varghese, V.K. Minimol, and Shiny Mathew are being seen as top contenders for the post

CCTV footage emerges showing SHO assaulting woman at police station in Kochi

Couple say they had petitioned the Chief Minister, the State Human Rights Commission, and the Information Commission, but to no avail

Tragedy averted as Air India Express flight makes emergency landing in Kochi after tyre burst

Iran To Tajikistan: Probe Agency Uncovers New Trail In Kerala Kidney Racket

A Kochibased man accused of running an international kidney racket allegedly trafficked poor Indians not just to Iran, but also to Tajikistan for illegal transplants, latest National Investigation Agency (NIA) case records show.

Watch: Air India Express flight makes emergency landing in Kochi after tyre failure

A major aviation mishap was averted after an Air India Express flight from Jeddah to Kozhikode was diverted to Kochi following a technical snag mid-air. Post-landing checks confirmed that both right-side tyres had burst.

Jeddah-Kozhikode AI Express Flight Makes Precautionary Landing at Kochi

An Air India Express spokesperson said that the Jeddah-Kozhikode flight was diverted to Cochin International Airport and made a precautionary landing due to suspected damage to the aircraft's tyre

From sandwiches to chocolate cake: What to eat at Kochi Muziris Biennale 2025

Explore the cafes in and around the biennale venues, which offer the space to unwind and something delicious to eat and drink

Students' Biennale: Next Gen goes next level

Over the years, the Students Biennale has evolved into an engaging platform for emerging artists to articulate personal histories and social concerns through contemporary art. Conceived as a space for experimentation, critical inquiry and dialogue, this segment of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale brings together budding artists from across the country, foregrounding works shaped by lived experiences and regional realities. This year, it unfolds across multiple venues in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, including the VKL Warehouse, Arthshila Art Centre, St Andrews Parish Hall, and Space Gallery. Themes such as displacement, cultural erosion, labour, fragility and social control run through this edition, curated by Salman Baba. At the VKL Warehouse, Shifting Landscapes by Reppandee Lepcha of Sikkim, emerges from an urgent need to preserve a community on the brink of cultural erasure. The installation centres on the Lepcha (Rong) community, an indigenous group facing the gradual loss of language, traditions and land due to environmental crises and development projects. This work was born from the frustration of not being able to do anything for my community, says Reppandee, who is a student at Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan. Imprinting scripts onto walls and incorporating traditional motifs, the installation draws on everyday Lepcha phrases she remembers hearing while growing up. Today, she rues, conversations around the community are dominated by words such as flood, construction and dam. Reppandee uses perishable materials native to the region and weaving techniques historically practised by the Lepcha community. A central motif is the Pogo Reep, or the Indian Trumpet Flower, a ritualistic bloom found in almost every Lepcha household. I am trying to hold on to whatever is left and pass it down to the next generation like a baton, she says, describing weaving as a literal means of connecting past, present and future. The installation, she adds, is not meant to last, but to create a lasting impact. At the same venue, Adil Farooq Maliks Remains of a Home reflects on memory, identity and physical space in the context of rapid urban transformation. I have drawn from personal experience to examine what happens when a home is taken away in the name of progress, says the student at Institute of Music & Fine Arts, University of Kashmir. My ancestral home in Kashmir was demolished in 2023 as part of a road expansion project. It took away what was an integral part of my identity. Inheritance of the Hand by Mohammad Riyaz and Aman Kumar The installation brings together remnants windows, a chair, ruined photographs, and pieces of paper bearing Urdu writing left behind after the demolition. Nearby, Through Their Eyes by Vikas Kumar, a student at JLN Government College of Art in Shimla, turns attention to perception and surveillance. The work is a take on how people quietly observe and judge others. Vikas began with video recordings of performative actions, later distilling them into graphic prints. The project reflects on the tension between who we are, who we want to be and how we are ultimately seen by others. Being observed and judged is a shared experience, often uncomfortable and uninvited, he says, adding that the works relatability lies in this collective unease. At the BMS Warehouse, an intriguing work is Death Circle by Krishna Murthy P S, a student at Chamarajendra Government College of Arts in Mysore. It centres on a colony of ants fashioned from seeds and tree spines. Through Their Eyes by Vikas Kumar I have been observing ants closely since childhood, within and around my home. Its a practice that continues to this day, he says. I also collect seeds and tree spines found in my immediate surroundings. The work references the phenomenon of an ant mill a rare occurrence in which army of ants, having lost their pheromone trail, move in an endless circular loop until exhaustion leads to mass death. Through this work, I explore cycles of instinct, disorientation and collective movement within nature, says Krishna, adding that the installation is shaped by philosophies of ephemerality, decay and seasonal change. At Arthshila Art Centre, Inheritance of the Hand brings together the collaborative work of Mohammad Riyaz of Government Institute of Fine Arts, Gwalior, and Aman Kumar from Government College of Arts, Jabalpur. Rooted in farming, tailoring and textile traditions, the installation uses hand-painted muslin and stitching to explore agrarian distress, generational knowledge, and the dignity of labour. Adil Farooq Maliks Remains of a Home Mohammad, who hails from an agrarian family, recalls learning tailoring in Class 7 as a practical skill valued more than formal education in his village. Aman draws from his grandmothers stories to explore memory and generational loss, with weaving and painting becoming shared languages of dialogue and support. Also at Arthshila, Durgesh Prajapatis Expression of Fragility reflects on the vulnerability of traditional craft. Born into a potter family of the Kumhar community in Uttar Pradesh, Durgesh uses red clay sourced from his village pond to symbolise both physical and cultural fragility. Fragility is a metaphor for the extinct and endangered conditions of terracotta practice in rural areas, he says. Created collaboratively with community members, the work bears thousands of hand impressions, emphasising skill, labour and individual identity. Shifting Landscapes by Reppandee Lepcha Durgesh Prajapatis Expression of Fragility Durgesh, a student at Banaras Hindu University, signs off by saying he is grateful to the Kochi-Muziris Biennale team for creating such a wonderful platform for young artists. Thumbs-up to that. Together, the works featured here demonstrate why the Students Biennale remains one of the most compelling sections of Kochis grand art carnival. It offers a glimpse into how young minds across India are using art to spur conversation.

Kochi-based SFO Technologies bags key Rafale radar subsystem contract under Thales Make in India push

KOCHI: In a significant boost to Indias defence manufacturing ambitions, Kochi-based SFO Technologies has secured a high-value contract from Thales for the production of complex wired structures for the RBE2 AESA Radar fitted on Indian Rafale fighter aircraft. The contract, which pertains specifically to the manufacture of advanced wired structures, marks an important milestone in Thales Make in India roadmap for the localisation of critical Rafale sub-systems. The order follows Indias recent procurement of 26 Rafale aircraft for the Indian Navy and reinforces the growing role of Indian companies in global defence supply chains. Noida-based Thales said the agreement reflects its long-standing partnership with SFO Technologies across multiple defence and aerospace programmes, and its commitment to building indigenous capabilities in India. The scope of work under the partnership spans precision machining, assembly and wiring, electronics and microelectronics, and complex system integrationareas where SFO has developed strong expertise over the past three decades. This partnership with SFO Technologies reflects our steadfast commitment to the Make in India initiative, said Philippe Knoche, senior executive vice president (operations and performance), Thales. Through decades of strong local collaborations, we have consistently invested in building indigenous capabilities and fostering world-class expertise within the Indian ecosystem. N Jehangir, chairman and managing director of SFO Technologies, said the company was proud to contribute to the Rafale programme in India. We are honoured by Thales continued trust. Deploying new expertise in the Indian ecosystem while contributing to Rafale equipment production is a matter of pride for us. Quality and punctuality will remain our top priorities, he said. Industry sources noted that several reports had incorrectly described the agreement as a radar contract. Clarifying the scope, the companies said the order is strictly limited to the wired structures of the RBE2 radar, a technically demanding sub-system that plays a vital role in the radars performance. Headquartered in Kochi, SFO Technologiespart of the NeST Groupoperates 22 factories worldwide and employs over 8,000 people, supplying mission-critical systems to the defence, aerospace, space and healthcare sectors. For Keralas technology and manufacturing ecosystem, the contract underscores Kochis growing footprint in high-end defence production aligned with Indias self-reliance goals.

Businesses, residents push for affordable water transport in West Kochi

The demand was raised at a meeting of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry with Kochi Metro Rail Ltd Chairman and Managing Director Loknath Behera

Kerala HC stays further proceedings on ED show cause notice to CM Vijayan, others in masala bond case

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Thursday stayed for three months, any proceedings pursuant to the show cause notice issued to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan by the ED in connection with the Masala Bonds issue. Justice V G Arun also extended the same interim relief to former state Finance Minister Thomas Isaac and Vijayan's Chief Principal Secretary and KIIFB CEO K M Abraham. The order came on the joint plea moved by Vijayan, Isaac and Abraham seeking quashing of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) show cause notices issued to them in November in connection with the use of the Masala Bond funds by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) for the acquisition of land for infrastructure projects. The court said that since further proceedings pursuant to the notice were stayed against KIIFB on its plea, the petitioners - CM, Isaac and Abraham -- were also entitled to a similar interim relief. With the direction, the court listed the matter in January, along with the petition moved by KIIFB. Masala bond notice triggers political debate days before local body polls

Air India Express flight makes precautionary landing at Kochi after tyre bursts

KOCHI: An Air India Express flight from Jeddah to Kozhikode, carrying 160 passengers and crew, made an emergency landing at Kochi airport on Thursday morning after it was diverted following a technical snag involving tyre bursts. Air India Express flight IX 398 touched down safely at Kochi airport at 9.08 am under full emergency conditions. Upon receiving the landing information at 8.35 am, CIAL (Cochin International Airport Ltd) immediately activated its Emergency Response Plan. The authorities mobilized all relevant operational units, including Airport Fire & Rescue Services, medical units, and security personnel, and positioned them along the runway as a precautionary measure. External stakeholders, including State Fire & Rescue and State Police, also joined them in keeping a high alert and ready to face any eventuality, an airport spokesperson said. With all the emergency services activated, the aircraft landed safely at 9.08 am. A post-landing inspection by technical teams confirmed that both tyres on the right-side landing gear had burst. The runway was cleared and released for operations by 9.45 am, and the first departing flight took off at 9.48 am. Six incoming flights experienced delays, with three diverted to alternate airports, and five departures were rescheduled. Airport operations, including arrivals, departures, and ground handling, soon returned to normal.Despite the mechanical failure, no injuries were reported among the 160 passengers or the crew. The aircraft was safely taxied off the runway, which was subsequently inspected for debris and released for normal flight operations shortly thereafter. All operations were coordinated according to standard procedures, and it is a relief that all passengers and crew are safe and being transported to their destination, said CIAL Managing Director S Suhas IAS. Air India Express confirmed that the precautionary landing was due to suspected tyre damage, likely caused by a foreign object on the runway at Jeddah Airport. Our Jeddah-Kozhikode flight was diverted to Kochi and made a precautionary landing due to suspected damage to the aircrafts tyre, likely caused by a foreign object on the runway at Jeddah airport. The aircraft landed safely at Kochi, and all guests are being connected to Kozhikode by road. Safety remains our highest priority, said an Air India spokesperson. However, a section of passengers protested when the airlines informed them that they would be transported to Kozhikode by road.The authorities initially assured us that we would be flown to our original destination in Karipur after a brief halt. However, once the passengers disembarked, the airline shifted its stance, stating we will be transported by bus instead, said an agitated passenger. Many cited health concerns and the exhaustion of an unexpected road trip following an already stressful flight. We've arrived here for a short vacation, and now find ourselves losing out on an extra day. At least they could have accommodated us in another flight to Calicut instead of the tiring road journey, said another passenger.

Jeddah-Kozhikode AI Express Flight Makes Precautionary Landing

KOCHI, Dec 18: A Kozhikode-bound Air India Express flight with 160 passengers made a precautionary landing at the airport here on Thursday due to issues involving the aircrafts tyres, an airline official said. An Air India Express spokesperson said that the Jeddah-Kozhikode flight was diverted to the Cochin International Airport and made a precautionary landing due to suspected damage to the aircrafts tyre likely caused by a foreign object on the runway at Jeddah airport. The aircraft landed safely in [] The post Jeddah-Kozhikode AI Express Flight Makes Precautionary Landing appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Enhanced marine defence: Indian Navy commissions MH-60R Seahawk helicopters

NT Reporter | Vasco The Indian Navy on Wednesday commissioned INAS 335, the Ospreys, at INS Hansa, inducting the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter squadron as the first fully operational MH-60R unit on the Western Seaboard. This follows the commissioning of the first MH 60R Naval Air Squadron in Kochi, Kerala, in March 2024. Chief of Naval [] The post Enhanced marine defence: Indian Navy commissions MH-60R Seahawk helicopters appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Air India Jeddah Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Tyre Failure

SRINAGAR: An Air India Express flight, IX 398, travelling from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to Kozhikode, made an emergency landing at Kochi airport on Thursday morning after a technical issue with the right main landing gear and tyre failure, The Hindu reported. Carrying 160 passengers, the aircraft touched down safely under full emergency protocols at 9.07 []

Air India Express flight from Jeddah makes emergency landing in Kochi airport due to landing gear, tyre failure

Aircraft, carrying 160 passengers, lands safely under emergency conditions

Kerala actor assault case: Dileep was angry with survivor, Manju deposed in court

KOCHI: Actor Dileeps first wife, Manju Warrier, who has consistently stood by the survivor in the 2017 actor abduction and sexual assault case, had deposed that Dileep was angry with the survivor,an allegation the trial court ultimately rejected. The survivor, too, told the court that Dileep was her one and only enemy. But the trial court rejected these depositions, citing lack of corroborative evidence. Reflecting on the verdict, Manju later wrote on social media: The fact that those who planned it, whoever they may be, are still out in the open is a frightening reality. The deposition of Manju stated, There was a gathering of members of the film fraternity to express solidarity with the survivor. During my speech, I said that there was a criminal conspiracy behind the incident and that it should be probed. Dileep and the survivor had acted together in a few films. Dileep believed that the survivor was the first person to inform me about his extramarital relationship with Kavya, and he was angry with her over this. According to the verdict in the case, Manju Warrier deposed that her marriage with Dileep, who was later acquitted by the trial court, was solemnised on October 20, 1998, and dissolved on January 31, 2015, and that she had been residing with Dileep from the date of marriage. Manju stated that on February 12, 2012, she noticed certain private messages exchanged between Dileep and actor Kavya Madhavan on his old mobile phone. When she tried to contact Dileep, she could not reach him. She then contacted Kavya, who allegedly evaded her queries. Manju further contacted Kavyas mother, who expressed concern over the matter and said she was disturbed by the relationship. Kavyas mother also allegedly informed Manju that the matter was known to the survivor and singer Rimi Tomy. Manju then contacted Rimi but did not receive a convincing reply. She shared these developments with her friends, actors Geethu Mohandas and Samyukta Varma, the trial court verdict read, citing Manjus statement. A close friend of the survivor, Manju expressed a desire to meet her personally. Subsequently, on February 14, Manju, along with Geethu and Samyukta, visited the survivors residence and enquired about the alleged relationship between Dileep and Kavya, the court noted. The survivor became emotional and, following directions from her father to speak truthfully, disclosed certain matters that, according to Manju, strengthened her doubts about an extramarital relationship between Dileep and Kavya. After leaving the survivors residence, Manju and the others went to Samyukta Varmas house, from where Manju again contacted Kavyas mother. She was allegedly told that Kavya had assured her that the relationship would not continue. Manju returned to her matrimonial home the next day, the verdict pointed out. Manju further stated that she called Dileeps brother and siblings to their residence and disclosed the entire matter to them. Dileep arrived two days later, and she confronted him. According to her, Dileep claimed he could not recollect the messages and remarked that the survivor is an immature girl and whatever she said need not be taken into account. Manju deposed that the alleged extramarital relationship ultimately led to the dissolution of their marriage. She also stated that she left her matrimonial home after the incident, leaving behind her thali chain and wedding ring. Dileeps counsel argued that Manju had not mentioned the messages issue to the police and that several statements made before the court were absent in her police statements. The trial court observed that there was not even a reference in the investigation records to Manju contacting Kavyas mother on any of the stated dates. It was also elicited during cross-examination that, between her first and second statements, Manju had contacted the survivor and Geethu. Supporting Manjus version, director and actor Geethu Mohandas deposed that Manju was in tears after learning about the alleged extramarital relationship. She stated that Manju had informed her about seeing messages exchanged between Dileep and Kavya. Geethu also deposed that she had discontinued her friendship with Kavya after 2009. However, the court noted that her testimony in court that Manju contacted Dileep, Kavya and Kavyas mother while staying at Samyuktas residence was not found in her police statement. Singer Rimi Tomy was examined to establish the alleged extramarital relationship. She deposed that Dileep, Kavya and the survivor were her friends and that she knew Manju Warrier. She stated that they had performed stage shows together and had travelled to the US during 201011, accompanied by family members, with separate rooms allotted to each. Rimi stated that Manju had contacted her to enquire about the relationship between Dileep and Kavya, but she was unaware of any such relationship, according to the verdict. Kavyas mother was also examined, but she did not state anything about the alleged phone calls made by Manju on February 12 or February 14, 2012. During her examination, Kavya denied that Dileep visited her frequently during stage shows and also denied that either she or Dileep had any enmity towards the survivor. On an overall consideration of the evidence, the court held that although Manju Warrier deposed that she had seen messages on Dileeps phone on February 12, 2012, and that they visited the survivors residence two days later, these crucial facts were not stated to the investigating officer. This is a material omission amounting to contradiction, the court observed. The court further noted that the prosecution tried to specify the date of the meeting between Manju and the survivor in 2012 to suggest that Dileep harboured enmity towards the survivor from that year onwards. To support this, the prosecution relied on an incident allegedly linked to a European tour in 2012. However, the court held that except for the oral testimony of the survivor, no evidence was available to substantiate the claim.

Pope nod for redrawing boundaries of twelve Syro-Malabar dioceses

KOCHI: Pope Leo XIV gave his approval to the Syro-Malabar Church Synods decision to redraw the boundaries of its 12 dioceses. The approval came during a meeting held between the Syro Malabar Church Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil and the Pope at the Vatican. Mar Joseph Pamplany, secretary of the Syro-Malabar Synod of Bishops, and Bishop Mar Stephen Chirappanath, the Major Archbishops Procurator in Rome, were also present with the Major Archbishop during the meeting. During the hour-long meeting, the Major Archbishop expressed the Churchs heartfelt gratitude to the Pope for granting four new provinces to the Syro-Malabar Church outside Kerala, allowing an Apostolic Visitation in the Gulf region, and approving the Synods decision to reorganise the boundaries of twelve dioceses. Mar Raphael Thattil informed the Pope that these decisions provide hope for the spiritual care of Syro-Malabar faithful globally and for the fulfillment of the Churchs missionary mission. Highlighting the valuable contributions made by the Syro-Malabar Church at various levels of the Universal Church and in missionary activities, the Pope recalled his closeness to the Syro-Malabar Church and his previous visits to Kerala. Alongside this, the Major Archbishop brought the current situation in the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly to the attention of the Pope. The Pope emphasised the need for the faithful, priests, and religious of the Archeparchy to fully cooperate with the measures being taken to ensure communion.

Making STRIDEs: Kerala's KTU hits inclusive innovation road to academic credits

KOCHI: In a decision that puts a stamp on the need for inclusive innovation, and, that too right at the university level, APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) has formally integrated Social Technology & Research for Inclusive Design Excellence (STRIDE) into its official academic credit system --which was one of the mandates under its 2024 curriculum framework. From the next academic year, BTech, BDes, BBA and BCA students in colleges affiliated to KTU contributing to STRIDEs inclusive innovation ecosystem will earn academic credits towards the mandatory 120 activity points required for the completion of their degrees. The scheme is also applicable to students enrolled from the 2024 academic year-- as they fall under the specified curriculum framework. As per KTUs scheme handbook, the activity point system under the 2024 curriculum framework provides structured opportunities for students to build personal, professional, and societal competencies that complement their academic learning. To promote balanced and meaningful engagement, every student must earn a minimum of 120 activity points during the programme. These points are distributed across three activity groups, and students must earn at least 40 points from each group to fulfil the requirement of 3 activity credits mandated by the curriculum, the handbook says. This is where STRIDE steps in. The handbook states that students in group II stand to earn a maximum of 20 points by engaging in STRIDE innovation activity. Another advantage of the programme is that students will be awarded certificates issued by KDISC or authorised STRIDE programme officials. Under the industry exposure and innovation category, the STRIDE Designathon pathway awards five points for accepted ideas, ten points for top 100+ selection, 20 points for state-level finalists, and 35 points for state-level winners. According to Robin Tommy, executive director of STRIDE, KTU has made history by formally recognising inclusive innovation as a pathway to academic credits. STRIDE students dont just build prototypes -- they build dignity. When engineering students design and develop a 500 assistive device that replaces a 5,000 import and restores independence to a child with cerebral palsy, they learn something no textbook can teach. This is the future of engineering education, he said.

Revised timeline for NH-66 in Kerala pegs completion by mid-2026

KOCHI: The long-drawn-out widening of NH 66 in Kerala is now targeted for a phased completion between March and August 2026, with most major stretches unlikely to be ready before the upcoming assembly elections. Revised timelines released by the Ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) indicate that the bulk of the work will be completed only by the middle of next year. In a written reply to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha on December 11, the ministry said work is under way on 16 stretches of NH 66 in Kerala, covering a total length of 422.8 km. The revised completion dates were fixed after reviewing physical progress and delays across packages. The project has been under intense scrutiny following a series of collapses and structural failures on under-construction stretches, raising concerns about construction quality and public safety. In early December, a section of the highway and an adjoining service road caved in near Mylakkadu in Chathannur, close to Kottiyam in Kollam district. Earlier, on May 19, a portion of NH 66 collapsed near Kooriyad in Malappuram district, with a retaining wall giving way and debris falling onto a service road built over reclaimed paddy land. Responding to a question by MP Adoor Prakash on the safety of road users during and after construction, the ministry said an expert committee has been appointed to examine vulnerable slopes and embankments along the NH-66 corridor in Kerala. Based on the committees recommendations, remedial measures are being carried out alongside ongoing work. The ministry also said penal action has been initiated against defaulting contractors and consultants, and that technical and safety audits will be conducted at identified vulnerable locations as required. According to the revised schedule, some of the more advanced stretches in north and central Kerala are expected to be completed between March and June 2026, while several key links in Kozhikode and south Kerala have timelines extending up to August 2026. Sections showing relatively lower progress have been given extended deadlines to accommodate additional safety and rectification works. MoRTH maintained that close monitoring mechanisms are now in place to prevent further structural failures and ensure compliance with design and safety standards. State-wise reviews are also being conducted more frequently to address site-specific challenges, including weak soil conditions and embankment stability. If the revised timelines hold, Kerala could see near-continuous six-lane connectivity along much of its coastal spine by mid-2026. Experts add the phased completion would still mark a significant milestone for mobility, logistics and road safety in the state.

Kerala actor assault case: SIT probed if Kavya had role in Sunis madam claim

KOCHI: While the trial court observed that the prosecution was duty-bound to examine prime accused Pulsar Sunis claim about a madam, the chargesheet filed on July 22, 2022, indicated that the special investigation team (SIT) had probed the alleged role of actor Dileeps wife, Kavya Madhavan, in the 2017 actor abduction case. We dont understand why the court made a sweeping observation suggesting that the investigation team did not look into the so-called madam. In addition to investigating about the madam, we also probed Sunis relationship with Kavya, his close acquaintance Sreelakshmi, and their common friend Shiny, a top source with the probe team told TNIE . In her first statement, the survivor said that Suni told her he had received a quotation and that it was given by a woman. When the survivor asked who it was, Suni replied that she already knew the woman and added that she would certainly know who her enemies were. This itself raised suspicion that the madam could be Kavya, and further indications also emerged as the investigation progressed, the officer said. Meanwhile, crime branch DySP Byju Paulose, the investigating officer in the case, said Suni himself had given statements about his association with Kavya and admitted that he had worked as her driver. Actor abduction and rape case: Who is madam behind quotation? One of the witnesses, who functioned as a call driver for Kavya, stated that he had assigned Suni to drive her to a function in Thrissur. Suni revealed that it was not a one-time assignment and that he had served as her driver on several occasions, after being contacted by her directly, Byju said. The officer also said that after committing the heinous act, instead of contacting his close acquaintance who had called him multiple times, Suni first attempted to visit the shop co-owned by Kavya, in search of her and Dileep. However, he added that although Kavyas involvement was suspected, she was not named as an accused as no strong material evidence was found to substantiate the allegation. Further, a senior police officer who supervised the investigation pointed to a voice clip in which actor Dileep told witness Balachandrakumar, This punishment was not meant for me but for another woman. I was punished after repeatedly trying to save her. The clip was subjected to scientific examination at a forensic science laboratory, was identified by witnesses, and produced before the court. Despite its evidentiary value, the court excluded it, citing doubts over the credibility of the witness, the officer said.

1.9-crore penalty imposed for violation of waste management norms in Kochi

SEC to hold workshop on EVMs in Kochi

Watch: Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2025 opens across 22 venues

Lost in time, Dracula returns to Kerala after half a century

KOCHI: After decades in the shadows, the Malayalam translation of Bram Stokers Dracula first published in 1975 will return to print in January 2026. For publisher Rayan Pushpanath, the rediscovery of the long-lost book felt less like routine archival work and more like cracking a cold case. Written by his grandfather, legendary Malayalam crime and horror writer Kottayam Pushpanath, the translation had virtually vanished from circulation. No major library had a copy. Collectors drew blanks. Even detailed bibliographies listed the book, but none could produce it. Yet this missing volume was no ordinary translation. It was the spark that opened the door to gothic horror for generations of Malayali readers and quietly reshaped popular fiction in the state. Printed in 1975, Dracula arrived in Kerala at a time when Malayalam popular literature was dominated by social novels, family sagas and romantic melodrama. For readers who had never encountered a full-fledged gothic horror novel, it was a revelation. Fear, mood and the supernatural suddenly became part of mainstream reading, recalls Rayan. Pushpanaths engagement with Dracula did not end with translation. The book became the foundation for what can now be described as the Malayalam Dracula universe. Over the years, he wrote nearly 10 interconnected novels, including Dracula Asiayil , Draculayude Makal , Dracula Unarunnu , Dracula Brazilil and Dracula Kotta . In these works, the vampire count was uprooted from Victorian England and placed in Indian and global settings, encountering local folklore, belief systems and anxieties. Long before people spoke about cinematic universes or franchise storytelling, my grandfather was doing it through novels, says Rayan. Holding the 1975 edition for first time was an emotional moment He took a Western myth and made it intimate, local and recognisably ours, says Rayan. In these stories, Dracula could walk through mist-covered hills reminiscent of Kerala, confront Eastern mysticism, or surface in unfamiliar geographies without losing his gothic core. Pushpanath did not merely adapt Stokers creation; he reimagined it, reclaiming the myth for a Malayalam-reading audience. Decades later, this literary experiment drew international attention. In 2025, British author Ann Morgan, known for A Year of Reading the World , highlighted Dracula Asiayil in her book Relearning to Read . She described it as a fascinating cultural phenomenon, noting how a Western character was reshaped through Indian emotional logic and narrative traditions. For Rayan, the recognition was affirming rather than surprising. For Kerala readers, Dracula became part of shared cultural memory. As familiar as popular fictional heroes, and as thrilling as stories told around a campfire, he says. Yet the absence of the original 1975 translation remained a troubling gap. It felt symbolic. As if the first chapter of a very large story had been torn out. The search for the book spanned seven years, taking him to libraries, ancestral homes, book fairs and private collections. The explanation he heard repeatedly was the same: the book had been borrowed endlessly, read until it fell apart, and never returned. It didnt disappear because people ignored it. It disappeared because people loved it, says Rayan. The breakthrough came in 2024 at a book fair in Kannur, when a collector casually confirmed he had a copy. Holding the fragile 1975 edition for the first time was an emotional moment. I wasnt just holding a book, Rayan recalls. I was holding a piece of my grandfathers imagination, travelling across generations. The rediscovery has now led to a carefully planned reprint, bringing the original translation back to readers after half a century.

Congress likely to prefer single mayoral term for Kochi

The split-term arrangement has not worked well and has often led to conflicts within the UDF, especially affecting the Congress, whether in mayoral posts, municipal and grama panchayat chairpersonships, or even standing committee leadership

Indian Navy commissions first of the five Diving Support Craft to boost operational efficiency

NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy commissioned DSC A20, the first of the five Diving Support Craft (DSC), built indigenously by M/s Titagarh Rail System Limited, during a ceremony held at Naval Base, Kochi, on Tuesday. As per the MoD, the Craft features a catamaran hull form, the ship offers superior stability, enhanced deck area, improved seakeeping characteristics, and has a displacement of approximately 390 tons. Fitted with state-of-the-art Diving Equipment, the vessel would play a vital role in underwater repairs & inspections, harbour clearances and critical diving missions in coastal waters. With its induction, the Indian Navy's capability in diving support, underwater inspection, salvage assistance, and coastal operational deployment will be substantially strengthened. As per the MoD, DSC A20 is the lead ship in a series of five Diving Support Craft being built by M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata. Purpose-built for a wide spectrum of diving and underwater missions in coastal waters, the vessel is equipped with advanced, state-of-the-art diving systems that meet the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency. The event was presided over by Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command and hosted by Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition (CWP&A), with senior naval officers, representatives of M/s Titagarh Rail System Limited, Kolkata and distinguished guests in attendance. The contract for building five Diving Support Craft was signed between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Titagarh Rail System Limited, Kolkata, on 12 February 21. The Hydrodynamic Analysis and Model Testing of the ship during the design stage was undertaken at Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam. DSC A20 has been designed and constructed as per the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). At the time of contract signing, the Diving Support Craft was said to be a game changer in conducting diving operations and will serve as an ideal platform for conducting training of the Indian Navy's diving cadre. Commissioning of DSC A20 is yet another milestone in the Indian Navy's quest for indigenous shipbuilding, upholding the Government's vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. The indigenous construction of such a specialised platform in the Indian Navy stands as a testament to growing domestic capabilities, self-reliance and reducing dependency on imports. It will be based at Kochi and operate under the Southern Naval Command.

Naval diving support craft DSC A20 commissioned at Kochi to boost underwater capabilities

The Indian Navy commissioned its 11th ship of the year, the naval diving support craft A20, at the Kochi naval base. This modern catamaran vessel, featuring advanced diving systems and a recompression chamber, will significantly enhance underwater preparedness and serve as a force multiplier. It also reinforces India's role in providing diving expertise and salvage assistance to friendly nations.

Shilton Hospitality Celebrates 20 Years of Purposeful Growth and Announces Strategic Expansion Across South India

Shilton Hospitality , a homegrown multi-brand hospitality group headquartered in Bengaluru, announces its 20th-anniversary milestone as it outlines a strategic expansion plan featuring new resort and club properties across South India. The announcement reflects the companys continued commitment to elevating guest experiences across regions, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Kabini, Chickmangalur, Coorg and Goa. Mr Anil Nagpal, Director, Shilton Hospitality Pvt Ltd Marking its anniversary year with industry recognition, Shilton Hospitality was recently honoured with the Certificate of Appreciation for Best Workplace & HR Practices at the 5th Edition Bharat CSR & Sustainability Summit & Awards 2025. The award acknowledges the companys sustained efforts in building a people-first culture, robust HR systems, and an inclusive workplace environment that empowers teams across all its brands. Over the past two decades, Shilton Hospitality has expanded into a diverse portfolio spanning business hotels, experiential resorts, casual dining, music festivals, serviced corporate residences and event catering formats. Its presence today includes key markets such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, and Kabini, with new developments planned in Coorg, Chikmagaluru, Goa and Bengaluru, including the upcoming Fireflies Chikmagaluru and Sinclair Club Yelahanka slated for 2026. Shilton International Under its umbrella, Shilton Hospitality manages a diverse portfolio of six core brands, each crafted for distinct consumer segments. Watsons and Watsons Cantina both serve as the groups popular casual dining and bar destination, while Fireflies offers serene resort and forest getaway experiences for leisure seekers. Shilton Hotels caters to both corporate and leisure travellers through its business hotel offerings. For events and large-format dining, 22 Catering delivers comprehensive solutions for corporate gatherings, celebrations, weddings, and private occasions. Rounding off the portfolio is Starlight, a budget-friendly neighbourhood bar format designed to offer accessible and familiar social spaces. Shilton Hospitality attributes its consistency to robust operational frameworks, leadership selection, and fail-safe systems designed to elevate guest experience. The company prioritises intensive staff training and a strong risk-management approach built on its internal ICE framework. Mr Anil Nagpal,Director, Shilton Hospitality , shared his perspective on the milestone, Completing 20 years is both a milestone and a moment of reflection for us. What began as a business hotel in Bengaluru has grown into a multi-brand ecosystem that caters to diverse traveller needs, while staying true to our roots in service, culture, and consistency. Assimilating from our ongoing ventures, our divested portfolio of large-scale events, being the founding partners of Echoes of Earth music festival and our future expansion into new wellness resorts and sports and recreation club formats, the group reflects on the essence of familiarity with comfort, community connection and evolving aspirations of our guests. With upcoming projects in Chikmagaluru, Coorg and Yelahanka, we are excited to deepen our footprint in South India while ensuring every property feels distinctly local and unmistakably a hospitality by Shilton . As Shilton Hospitality steps into its next phase of growth, the focus remains on expanding its resorts and club properties while strengthening brand experiences rooted in culture, sustainability, and operational excellence. With two major launches, Sinclair Club and Fireflies Chikmangalur planned for 2026 and continued momentum in its hospitality and F&B businesses, the group is poised for a transformative decade ahead. About Shilton Hospitality Shilton Hospitality is a Bengaluru-based multi-brand hospitality group with a 20-year legacy in business hotels, dining, resort experiences, serviced corporate residences and catering services. With a footprint across major South Indian cities and leisure destinations, the group is known for blending locally inspired design, thoughtful service, and sustainable operating practices. Its portfolio includes Watsons, Watsons Cantina, Fireflies Resorts, Shilton Hotels, Starlight, and 22 Catering. The company continues to expand through a fully owned-property model, ensuring consistency, quality, and long-term value across every brand it operates.

Infopark Kochi proposes shifting SilverLine station to Phase 3 to free up frozen land under Phase 2

Infopark proposal points out that if SilverLine proceeds as per its current alignment, it would be more ideal to have the station in Phase 3 rather than Phase 2

Kerala Judicial Officers Assn moves HC against persons allegedly defaming judge

KOCHI: The Kerala Judicial Officers Association has approached the High Court seeking initiation of contempt of court proceedings against persons allegedly defaming Judge Honey M Varghese, who pronounced the verdict in the 2017 actor abduction and sexual assault case. In its memorandum, the association stated that certain media houses and individuals with vested interests began disseminating baseless allegations after the judgment was delivered. It alleged that defamatory content was deliberately live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube, making baseless and scandalous allegations against a sitting judicial officer, including a false charge that the judgment was prepared in consultation with the accused. According to the association, the materials uploaded on social media were intended to erode public confidence in the judiciary by scandalising a judge in the eyes of the public and amount to criminal contempt of court under Section 2(c) of the Contempt of Courts Act.

U-19 womens cricket match: Kerala bowlers shine in second win

KOCHI: Kerala trounced Saurashtra by 95 runs to register their second group-stage victory in the under-19 womens national 50-over cricket championship. Batting first at the Sachin Tendulkar Gymkhana in Mumbai, Kerala put on 186 runs in 46.3 overs. In reply, Saurashtra were bowled out for 91 in 34.5 overs. Sradha Sumesh (55 off 47 balls) was instrumental in Kerala posting a competitive total. Her innings was studded with four boundaries and three maximums. Earlier, opener Sreya P Siju (44 off 59) and Aryananda N S (24 off 68) put on a 60-run partnership to help steady Keralas innings. Among the batters who followed, however, only Ashima Antony and captain Isabel reached double-digits. Dhruvi Bhatasana was the pick of the Saurashtra bowlers, taking three wickets. Avani Chavda and Jadeja Harshitaba, also, chipped in, taking two each. Sradha has been a consistent performer this tournament. She is determined to keep this momentum going in the upcoming matches, Arun N B, the team coach, told TNIE . Save for Sradha, the rest struggled with the bat. However, we were terrific with the ball, he said. Saurashtra lost their opener Angel off the very first ball to a brilliant delivery by Isabel, who also dismissed in-form Veda Amrutiya for a duck, and contributed in the field to run out Bhindi K. However, with figures of 3 for 19, Niya Nazneen was the pick of Keralas bowlers. Her spell of nine overs included three maidens. Anushka C V also shone with the cherry, taking two wickets and giving away just two runs in her six overs. With one each, Manasvi and Aksa A R were the other wicket takers. For Saurashtra, only Krishas put up any resistance (29 off 70). Keralas victory came on the back of a record-breaking performance in their opener against Nagaland which they won by 316 runs. The victory margin was the highest in the tournaments history. Kerala scored 377 for 7 in 50 overs. In reply, Nagaland could only manage 61 runs. Sradha was the star, scoring a century. With two wins, Kerala sits atop the group table. However, the upcoming fixtures against Bengal and Haryana will determine if we will qualify for the next round, Arun added.

Kerala actor assault case: Sreelakshmis role closely examined, says probe officer

KOCHI: Amid the controversy triggered by the trial courts observations in the actor abduction and sexual assault case, particularly with regard to the prosecutions failure to establish a conspiracy and clarify the role of Sreelakshmi, who was in frequent contact with prime accused Pulsar Suni, the probe team members maintain that her involvement was thoroughly investigated and all relevant findings were placed before court. Investigating officer Babukumar filed the report after the initial examination of the role of Sreelakshmi and Shiny, another early suspect. Shinys house was searched and electronic devices were seized, while Sreelakshmis mobile phone was confiscated, an officer involved in that investigation told TNIE . Sreelakshmis role was also thoroughly examined. As part of the effort, she was interrogated in detail and her mobile phone subjected to forensic analysis. Her name was dropped after it was found that she was only an acquaintance of Suni, the officer added. Substantiating the assertion, Byju Paulose, DySP of the crime branch and investigating officer of the special investigation team (SIT), said the initial probe team examined all aspects and placed the related details, along with supporting evidence, before the court. The then investigating officer removed Sreelakshmi from the case after finding that she was neither relevant nor involved. The team seized both her and Sunis mobile phones and produced all related materials, including their chats and data. How could I reopen the same issue after taking charge as the investigating officer? Byju asked. He reiterated that the case is among the few in India where an extensive volume of digital evidence was produced. Meanwhile, a top source with the probe team termed the courts observation unfortunate. The SIT found that she and Suni were close acquaintances, and some of the messages exchanged by them reflected this. Taking this into account, we submitted all related details, including the FSL report of her mobile phone, before the court. Even then, such observations by the court are disappointing, the officer added. WE COOPERATED FULLY... BUT ISSUE CONTINUES TO HAUNT US In the wake of the scrutiny over the trial courts observations on the alleged role of Sreelakshmi, her husband on Monday said she has no connection with the case and appealed against dragging them back into the issue. In the initial stage of the investigation itself, we provided all possible information and handed over the mobile phone and SIM card to the probe team. We were summoned four to five times for questioning and cooperated fully. After all this, we dont understand why the issue continues to haunt us, he told TNIE , requesting anonymity. He added that all calls and messages had been verified, since the phone itself was with the police. He said Sreelakshmi had known Pulsar Suni from the time he worked as a bus driver and she was a regular passenger. There was only a casual acquaintance. He did contact her on the day of the incident, which was already disclosed to the police. We had no idea about Sunis real nature. She is not doing well now, so I havent disclosed recent developments. We request that we be left alone, he added.

In Kochi Corporation, Palluruthy is LDFs only bright spot

The front performed relatively better in certain pockets and far worse in others across the four CPI(M) area committee limits within the civic body

Two held on charge of robbing US citizen of cash, gold in Kochi hotel

High-stakes CPM foray misfires on the ground

KOCHI: It began as a bold political move, but ended up a costly mistake. In trying to redraw its voter map, the CPM appears to have scribbled all over it. By sharpening its stand against Islamic extremism, the party hoped to draw on Hindu and Christian voters. Instead, the strategy backfired Muslim voters felt alienated, Christian support remained weak, and even sections of the Hindu base slipped away. What made the setback sharper was that the party chose this risky path after sidelining its otherwise strong record on development. Political analyst T T Sreekumar says the CPMs shift was not driven mainly by electoral maths, but by pressures building up within the party which he termed an internal compulsion. What I see is a strong undercurrent a radical change in the attitude of CPM cadre, Sreekumar points out. According to him, sections of the partys rank and file are slowly moving away from the lefts traditional commitment to progressivism and secularism. He describes this as an internal ideological adjustment, aimed at holding on to cadre who are turning restless and drifting towards conservative positions. Indicating a visible change in the partys postures and positions, he stresses that the journey from the Vanitha Mathil, which championed womens rights and secular values, to events like the Ayyappa Sangamam signals a clear shift in direction. That stand has now changed, Sreekumar says, adding that Hindutvas influence is now visible within the partys grassroots. The assumption that Christians would rally behind the CPM due to the UDFs alleged proximity to extremist Muslim groups did not hold. On Muslim voters, Sreekumar warned that attacks on organisations like the Jamaat-e-Islami often create fear rather than division. There is a feeling that it starts with extremist groups and eventually targets the community as a whole. Over time, such narratives tend to push communities to close ranks, not fragment. Krishnakumar K K, a senior fellow at the Centre for Socio-economic and Environmental Studies (CSES), argues that the CPMs strategy did not entirely backfire and may have yielded limited tactical gains, even if its broader objectives were not met. They had a huge setback in the Lok Sabha polls, even in places where they were strong. Hindu votes were slipping away in Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram. They wanted to regain those votes, and that was when the Jamaat factor came into the picture, he points out. He notes that while the narrative was aimed at recalibrating the lefts support base, it ended up helping the BJP as well. The most visible outcome, he says, was the consolidation of Muslim votes behind the UDF. Earlier, the left used to secure around 25% of Muslim votes, but this time, he estimates that at least 50% of those vote pivoted to the UDF. Looking ahead, Krishnakumar expects the LDF to return to a development-centric strategy ahead of the assembly election. He believes this would serve the left better than identity-driven narratives. Meanwhile, Ravindranathan P, assistant professor in the department of geopolitics and international relations at Manipal University, said the campaign lacked a clear political narrative. Politics itself was missing. What we saw was more noise than direction, he said. He recalled how leaders like E M S Namboodiripad once set clear agendas that cadre carried to the grassroots. The CPM could have taken development as the core theme, he said, pointing to its work in infrastructure and waste management. That would have resonated better. Calling it a collective failure, he adds that strong anti-incumbency made matters worse. In such a situation, you need a powerful narrative that connects with people. That was missing this time, Ravindranathan says. Misplaced judgement Strategy driven by compulsion: CPMs narrative shift was driven by setbacks in the Lok Sabha polls and driven by internal pressures and a changing attitude among its cadre Intent vs outcome: CPMs strategy to woo Hindus and Christians backfired with Muslim votes consolidating strongly behind the UDF Development-focused narrative would have been a better bet: Experts suggest that development could have been a more effective electoral strategy

Branded outsider, Rajeev emerges power player after Thiruvanthapuram show

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The NDA wresting control of Thiruvananthapuram corporation on December 13 from over two decades of LDF rule has drawn national attention, marking a rare breakthrough for the BJP in a state traditionally dominated by the CPM-led LDF and the Congress-led UDF. Eight months earlier, in April, BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar responded to critics branding him an outsider unfamiliar with Keralas culture and language. I know how to wear a mundu (dhoti) and tuck it. I know how to speak development politics in Malayalam to people and also know how to respond in strong language. I dont need lessons in Malayalam, Chandrasekhar declared at a party convention, signalling his determination to establish himself in Keralas political arena. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Thiruvananthapuram mandate as a watershed moment in Keralas politics, and sources indicate that he may visit the city soon and announce central projects for the corporation. Party insiders noted the unusual level of attention from the PM, describing it as a rare acknowledgement of a local body victory, particularly as the BJP lost power in some local bodies. For the LDF government and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the outcome is a political reality they must accept they will now have to share the dais with the Kerala capitals first BJP mayor. The victory also marks a turning point for Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who became the BJP state president in March this year. Once viewed as a billionaire businessman-turned-politician, he has emerged as a shrewd political strategist. The result also shows BJPs paradigm shift from traditional hardline Hindutva politics to development politics. The public and political opponents will be watching closely how Modis mantra of double engine sarkar is going to be unveiled in Kerala for the first time. Though Chandrasekhar lost in the 2024 Lok Sabha election to Congress Shashi Tharoor in Thiruvananthapuram, 10 months later he was appointed the BJP state president. Sources attributed his appointment to the central leaderships realisation that by achieving around 20%vote share in the parliamentary election, the party reached a saturation point, forcing it to find new allies outside its traditional fold. Chandrasekhar seamlessly and effectively fitted the slot. The result in the state capital shows that his development politics attracted Gen Z, technocrats, middle class, upper class, government employees, and civil servants. The non-hardcore leader brand also had an appeal with the powerful Christian community. The appointments of Anoop Antony and Shone George as state general secretaries sent effective messages to the community. Interventions in the Munambam waqf land issue, arrest of two nuns in Chhattisgarh for alleged human trafficking, and the hijab issue in a Christian management school in Kochi paid dividends in Thiruvananthapuram. With assembly elections just months away, this victory underscores the partys strategic evolution and cements Rajeev Chandrasekhar as a key player in the states political landscape.

BJPs quiet Christian outreach reshaping loyalties over time

KOCHI: For decades, Keralas Christian electorate was seen as a largely settled constituency, divided mainly between the Congress-led UDF and, in pockets, the Left. The latest local body election results, however, suggest that this assumption is beginning to fray. While the BJPs seat gains remain limited, the party believes its focused Christian outreach has triggered a measurable vote shift one that may not yet deliver widespread victories, but is steadily altering the electoral arithmetic. The early signs are most visible in central Kerala. In Poonjar, the UDF topped the table with five seats, but the NDA finished second with four seats and also emerged runners-up in two divisions, pushing the LDF to third place. In the Erattupetta block panchayat, the NDA won just two of the 14 wards, yet polled between 1,000 and 1,200 votes in many divisions and lost three seats by margins of a little over 100 votes a performance the BJP says would have been unthinkable in earlier elections. According to party insiders, these outcomes point to a deliberate long-term political project rather than an election-specific tactic. If you look at Erattupetta and Pala, the NDA vote share is higher than that of the LDF. In Poonjar, the LDF has slipped to third place after the BJP. There has been a vote shift towards us not total, but undeniable, said Shone George, BJP state vice-president. He argues that a section of Christian voters who backed the Left in the previous election has now gravitated towards the BJP. This shift, he said, is evident in district panchayat segments such as Thalanadu, Poonjar, Mundakkayam, Kanjirappally, and Ponkunnam, all considered Christian belts. In these areas, we are now averaging around 10,000 votes. Earlier, we barely touched 2,000, he said. The BJP leadership insists its performance cannot be judged merely by seats won. Look at where we lost and how we lost, Shone said, pointing to eight seats in the Erattupetta block panchayat where the party finished a close second. Margins of 100 votes this kind of performance is new for us. Today, in every district, we have created more than 100 identifiable Christian faces. That groundwork will matter in the years ahead. At the core of this change, the party claims, is its Christian outreach programme. BJP leaders say voters disenchanted with the Congress and uncomfortable with the CPM are beginning to see the party as an alternative, and that this consolidation has directly contributed to Left losses in several pockets. Sceptics remain unconvinced. George Jacob, a veteran political observer, said there is no clear evidence of BJP making inroads into Christian segments. He noted that the community remains cautious about the party, particularly in the backdrop of violence against Christians in parts of north India. I dont think the BJP has made real inroads, though some small sections have distanced themselves from the Congress, he said. For now, the BJP concedes that its growing acceptance among Christians is not fully reflected in control of panchayats, municipalities, or corporations. In BJPs own telling, the Christian outreach is an investment one aimed at reshaping loyalties over time, not harvesting instant wins. Altering electoral arithmetic BJP believes its Christian outreach has triggered a measurable vote shift one that is steadily altering the electoral arithmetic. This can be seen in municipal and urban results In Changanassery, the NDA won nine of the 37 wards, while the BJP secured six seats each in Kottayam and Erattupetta municipalities. In Aymanam panchayat, the BJP emerged as the single largest party, winning nine seats against seven for the LDF and five for the UDF a symbolic breakthrough in a Christian-dominated area

Grassroots reboot helps UDF break slump in Thrissur

KOCHI: The Congress-led UDFs strong showing in Thrissur, after nearly a decade of lacklustre performances, has come as a surprise to many observers. This is especially so in the backdrop of widespread speculation that the BJP would reap a lions share of anti-incumbency gains, buoyed by its impressive performance in the last Lok Sabha elections. Reports suggesting that sections of the Christian community had drifted towards NDA further fuelled expectations that the BJP would sweep Thrissur corporation, win Kodungallur municipality, and improve its tally across local bodies. DCC president Joseph Tajet attributed UDFs improved performance to the rejuvenation of the party organisation at the grassroots level. He said the party began preparations as early as AprilMay under its Mission 25 campaign. For us, the last 10 years were disappointing. The core issue was the reliability of the top leadership. This time, we sought feedback from the grassroots, which helped us nominate candidates acceptable to the public, Tajet said. UDF won 33 seats in the 56-member corporation. Dismissing claims of a Christian voter shift towards the BJP, Tajet said such narratives were exaggerated. The hype that Christian votes have drifted towards the BJP is totally false. In the Lok Sabha polls, there was a failure on our part to handle the election more seriously. BJPs victory had more to do with star appea, he said. He added that anti-incumbency and governance issues also played key roles. According to him, the governments financial mismanagement resulted in reduced spending on both revenue and plan funds, slowing development and triggering public discontent. Senior journalist N Sreekumar told TNIE that being out of power for nearly a decade had weakened the Congress organisation and dampened morale at the grassroots level. This time, the party started its election work well in advance and managed to rein in rebels who usually plague the organisation. It is important to note that the partys traditional vote base remains intact, Sreekumar said. However, Sreekumar pointed out that the UDF performance in block and district panchayats was less impressive. The better showing at the ward level had more to do with the revival of party workers and unfreezing of dormant traditional Congress votes. It failed to fully convert the anti-incumbency sentiment, and LDF continues to hold a majority of the seats, he said. On BJP MP and actor Suresh Gopis Lok Sabha victory from Thrissur, Sreekumar said it was driven largely by star appeal rather than organisational strength. If it were due to BJPs grassroots growth, it would have reflected in more seats at the local level , he added.

How an Ayyappa parody song boosted the UDF campaign

KOCHI: As the Congress-led UDF swept to a resounding victory in the local body elections, a three-and-a-half-minute election parody emerged as an unlikely yet influential force, complementing a host of other factors that shaped the outcome. The parody song Swarnam kattavar aarappa sakhakkal aane Ayyappa -- set to the familiar tune of an Ayyappa devotional song and alleging that the comrades looted Lord Ayyappas gold -- struck a deep chord with voters and conveyed UDFs political message effectively. It was a parody song that played continuously from dawn to dusk on the campaign vehicles of UDF candidates. After hearing it so often, we sometimes even began to doubt the original lyrics of the devotional song, said a resident of HMT Colony in Kalamassery. Although I support Left politics, I too enjoyed the song because of its quality, composition, and lyrics, he added. Haneefa Mudikkode, the music composer of the parody, said the lyrics were written by his poet-lyricist friend G P Kunhabdulla Chalappuram, a Nadapuram native now based in Qatar. When Chalappuram approached me with the lyrics, I recorded the song with independent singer Danish Padinjattumuri, with the chorus sung by my son, Irfan, Haneefa told TNIE. He said they were initially apprehensive of peoples response because of concerns over the sensitivity of the theme. Subair Panthallur, owner of CMS Media, supported the project and released it on their social media platforms after producing a video using the same track they had recorded, Haneefa said. Explaining how the song came to be, Chalappuram said he has long been observing contemporary politics and social events, which led him to write articles, poems, and lyrics. Having composed lyrics for over 600 songs over the past 35 years, he said the song was born out of his deep anguish over the alleged gold theft at the Sabarimala temple and the emotions surrounding it among devotees. I was in Kerala during the recording and release of the song, but realised how big a trend it had become only after returning to Qatar. Im at a loss for words to describe the response from the audience, Chalappuram said. He added that while he is a supporter of Congress politics, he does not hesitate to criticise the party whenever necessary. Meanwhile, political analyst M R Ajayan said that despite the social media-driven electoral trend, several other factors such as the Sabarimala gold theft issue, PM Shri scheme, and Vellappallys Malappuram remark clearly shaped the outcome, as reflected in the results. Behind the scenes Lyrics: G P Chalappuram Composer: Haneefa Mudikkode Singers : Danish Padinjattumuri Chorus: Irfan Mudikkode Video posted on social media account Irfans Ad Story Views: Approximately 2 million Likes: 1.67 lakh Shares: 1.26 lakh Reposts: 1,800 Saved by: 12,000

Police conspiracy claim resonated in courts observations

KOCHI: Soon after his acquittal in the 2017 actor abduction and sexual assault case, actor Dileep alleged that he was falsely implicated as part of a larger conspiracy involving senior police officers, an argument that found resonance in the trial courts observations on lapses in investigation. The verdict raised questions on the absence of Dinendra Kashyap, then inspector general of police (crimes) and head of the special investigation team (SIT), during Dileeps interrogation. Interestingly, the then additional director general of police (ADGP) B Sandhya, the teams supervisory officer, was present. Dileeps counsel submitted that at the time of his arrest, there was no incriminating material against him and that the arrest was the outcome of a conspiracy involving investigating officer Byju Paulose and Sandhya. The court noted that though Kashyap was the SIT chief, Byju admitted that he was not present when Dileep was interrogated. Byju also confirmed Sandhyas presence. Referring to a letter issued by then state police chief T P Senkumar on June 27, 2017, the court pointed out that the SIT head was not fully aware of the developments. The letter stressed that the team leader must be informed of field-level developments, the evidentiary value of materials collected, and the future course of action, warning that failure to do so could lead to unnecessary controversy. It underscored that suspicion cannot substitute evidence. The court observed that records showed the SIT chief continued to remain absent during the interrogation even after the issuance of the letter. The reason for the absence of the head of the SIT has not been explained by the prosecution, the court said.

Assumptions and inferences cannot substitute proof: Court on Goa plot

KOCHI: The trial court in the actor abduction and assault case held that the prosecutions claim of a failed plan by N S Sunil aka Pulsar Suni and his accomplices to sexually abuse the survivor in Goa in January 2017, nearly a month before the actual crime in Kochi, was not proved. This allegation formed a key part of the prosecutions case. However, the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court observed that assumptions and inferences cannot substitute proof. The prosecution mainly relied on the testimony of its witness, makeup artist Renju Renjimar, who deposed that Suni was seen walking in the vicinity of actor Dileeps residence in the first week of January 2017. However, the court determined that she was a planted witness. The judgment noted that the prosecution alleged a conspiracy between Suni and Dileep, pursuant to which Suni attempted to commit the assault when the survivor arrived in Goa for a film shoot scheduled on January 4 and 5. According to the prosecution, although Suni attempted to execute the plan, the offence could not be carried out. It argued that Suni was the driver assigned to pick up the survivor from the airport on January 3, but failed to execute as she was accompanied by her makeup assistant, Renju. It was further alleged that Suni later vacated his room and waited nearby in a vehicle for an opportunity to execute the crime. The prosecution also claimed that Suni contacted the fourth accused, V P Vijeesh, to arrange a vehicle for the offence. They relied on call data records between the accused to support this theory. However, the court pointed out that neither the survivor nor her makeup assistant stated that there were any attempts at assault or misbehaviour during the journey from the airport to the hotel. Even if the evidence is taken into account as claimed by the prosecution, it can only be considered as preparation. To constitute an attempt, there must be some overt act towards the commission of the offence, the judge observed. The court noted that, at best, the prosecution case showed that Suni contacted Vijeesh for arranging a vehicle, and the latter in turn contacted a witness, Senthil Kumar, but the attempt did not materialise. It further held that accused one to four were associated with each other as drivers, and therefore, phone calls between them alone could not be treated as evidence of a plan to execute the crime in Goa. The court also rejected prosecutions theory about the recording of the survivors gold ring. It noted that the survivors engagement took place after the incident and that visuals clearly showed the persons identity, making it unnecessary to specifically capture the gold ring for identification.

2017 Kerala actor abduction case: Probe officer writes to Kerala police chief

KOCHI: DySP Baiju Paulose, who had probed the 2017 actress assault case, has written to the state police chief seeking a probe into the alleged leakage of the verdict before it was pronounced by the court. The communiqu was sent to Ravada A Chandrasekhar on Saturday. Responding to the matter, Byju told TNIE that the letter was not a complaint but a formal letter to inform the state police chief of concerns related to the anonymous letter containing details of the courts judgment. As the investigating officer, it is my duty to inform my superior officers of all matters connected with the case, the officer said. There was an allegation that the final finding of the court was leaked to certain individuals a week before it was pronounced via an anonymous letter. The letter was received by Kerala High Court Advocates Association and its president forwarded it to the High Court Chief Justice. The content of the letter was that the first six accused will be convicted in the sensational case, while the rest of the accused, including actor Dileep, would be set free.

Indian Navy to Commission INAS 335 (Ospreys) on December 17

The Indian Navy is set to enhance its capabilities with two significant inductions. On December 17, the second MH 60R helicopter squadron, INAS 335, will be commissioned in Goa. This advanced helicopter will boost the Navy's combat readiness. Additionally, the first indigenously built Diving Support Craft, DSC A20, will join the fleet in Kochi on December 16.

'Justice not equal for all': Actor abduction case survivor calls out Dileep's acquittal

KOCHI: The survivor in the 2017 actor abduction and sexual assault case has come out against the trial court verdict acquitting actor Dileep , the eighth accused. In a social media post, she stated, After years of pain, tears, and emotional struggle, I have come to a painful realisation: not every citizen in this country is treated equally before the law. At the end of the day, this verdict made me realise how strongly human judgment can shape decisions. I also know that not every court functions in the same way, she added. She explained that she had written letters to the President of India and the Prime Minister, expressing concern and seeking intervention. She began the post by putting the date December 12, 2025. It stated that after 8 years, 9 months, and 23 days, she finally saw a small ray of light at the end of every long and painful journey. Six of the accused have been convicted, and for that, I am grateful. This moment is dedicated to those who chose to call my pain a lie, and this case made up a story. I hope you are at peace with yourselves today. To those who still keep saying that the accused number one was my personal driver, this is completely false. He was not my driver, not my employee, and not someone I knew. He was a random person who happened to be assigned as a driver for a movie I worked on in 2016. Ironically, I met him once or twice during that time, and never again, until the day this crime happened. She requested everyone to stop spreading false stories. Mollywood split as Mollywood push back against the rush to reinstate Dileep According to her, the verdict may surprise many people, but it did not surprise her. As early as 2020, she began to feel that something was not right. Even the prosecution noticed changes in the way the case was being handled, especially when it came to one particular accused. She also approached the High Court and the Supreme Court multiple times against the court. Every request to move this case away from the same judge was dismissed, she said. She also cited several reasons for losing faith in the trial court. She said that her fundamental rights were not protected. The most important evidence in the case-the memory card- was found to have been illegally accessed three times while it was in court custody. Two public prosecutors resigned from this case during the trial. They stated that the court environment had become hostile towards the prosecution. Both of them personally told me not to expect justice from this, as they felt it was biased. She repeatedly requested a proper investigation into the tampering of the memory card. However, the investigation report was never given to her, until she kept asking again and again. While I was fighting for a fair trial, the accused filed a petition requesting that this same judge continue to hear the case. This raised even more serious doubts in my mind. I requested the court to conduct the proceedings in an open court, so that the public and media could be present and see for themselves what was happening. This request was denied, she stated. Kerala government to appeal against acquittal of Dileep in 2017 actor assault case

Revelling in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation victory, BJP ignores bruises

KOCHI: Overwhelmed by the resounding victory in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, the BJP has ignored the bruises it suffered across the state in the local body elections. The massive preparations at the grassroots level paid off as the NDA has increased its representation in local bodies, but the party failed to secure a clear majority in Palakkad , a fortress it held for more than a decade. The saffron party finished a distant third in the Pandalam municipality which it ruled in 2020. Another setback was the loss of Kulakkada panchayat ruled by BJP for the past three terms. Anti-government sentiments were strong in the southern districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Kottayam following the Sabarimala gold theft case. The election held during the peak of the Mandala season reflected the sentiments of the devotees who had started ditching the LDF after the 2018 women entry issue. However, the voters once again supported the UDF to vent their ire. As a senior BJP leader put it, the BJP led the campaign, but the UDF reaped the harvest. But the performance of the BJP in the two municipalities it held in 2020 was one factor that influenced the voters. The BJP squandered its opportunity in Pandalam municipality as councillors fought for power and the party failed to deliver. The situation was even worse in Palakkad where the municipal chairperson herself came out against the party during the peak of the campaign. Despite giving lectures on double-engine administration, the party couldnt deliver the benefits of Central projects it had promised the voters. Though the BJP had secured a comfortable lead in 71 divisions of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, it couldnt ensure a simple majority and will have to depend on independents for smooth administration. The party created an impression during the campaign that it will secure power in Thrissur Corporation but could win only eight seats. An analysis of the voting pattern in Thrissur reveals that the Christian voters who supported BJP during Lok Sabha polls have favoured the UDF this time. The eight seats won by BJP are Hindu majority wards. The results in Thrissur are not discouraging. We were hoping to win 12 to 14 seats in the corporation and got 8 of them. The party lost six seats by a slender margin. You cannot expect a verdict similar to Lok Sabha election as the charisma of Suresh Gopi made the difference, said BJP state vice president B Gopalakrishnan.

Kerala actor assault case: Prosecution fails to prove purpose of Sunis visit to Kavyas store

KOCHI: The prosecution failed to prove to the trial court the purpose of Pulsar Sunis visit to Laksyah, a clothing business run by Kavya Madhavan. At one stage, the prosecution asserted that Suni intended to collect quotation money for the abduction and sexual abuse of the actor on February 17, 2017. It also claimed that first accused Suni and fourth accused Vijeesh V P visited Laksyah to hand over a letter. Simultaneously, the prosecution took the stand that the visit was to deliver a memory card containing visuals of the sexual assault and to hand over the mobile phone used to record the act, the court judgment showed. The court noted the defences argument that Dileep was in no way connected with the management or functioning of Laksyah. The business establishments in which Dileep had ownership were located in Edappally and Chalakudy. Had Suni and Vijeesh intended to meet Dileep, they would have approached these establishments or his residence, the judge said. It observed that evidence was not reliable enough to conclude that either Suni alone or Suni along with Vijeesh reached Laksyah on February 22, following the incident. 2017 actress assault case: Court cited lack of evidence to prove motive The prosecution argued that Sunis attempts to make contact prior to his arrest revealed the existence of a criminal conspiracy. A witness, who was an employee at Laksyah, initially deposed that nothing unusual had occurred at the shop. Subsequently, the police recorded his statement again, after which he deposed in tune with the prosecution case. The court observed that the reason put forward by the prosecution for re-examining the witness after the revelations made by filmmaker Balachandra Kumar appeared doubtful. The witness stated that he deposed in favour of the prosecution due to pressure exerted on him. The court noted that the prosecution had no case in claiming that Suni copied the visuals to other devices, including a memory card. Had this been the case, the alleged entrustment of a memory card at Laksyah would also appear doubtful. The case of the prosecution was that the visuals were copied only to a pen drive, which was seized by the police. Therefore, there was no possibility of handing over a memory card containing the visuals at Laksyah. It concluded that the purpose of the visit to Laksyah appeared to vary, based on claims of several witnesses.

Kerala local body poll results: Young viral candidates turn the tide

KOCHI: It has been a virtual balancing act for many! This local self-government election has seen several young candidates who gained social media popularity surge to victory. The streak began with UDF candidate Vyshna Suresh, who won the Muttada ward of Thiruvananthapuram corporation considered a Left stronghold by a margin of 397 votes. Vyshna secured 1,607 votes, dealing a major setback to Kesavadasapuram sitting councillor Amsu Vamadevan. The victory assumed as it followed a dramatic controversy in which her name was removed from the voters list after she was announced as the UDF candidate. Following suit, IUMLs Fathima Thahiliya won the Kuttichira division of Kozhikode corporation, securing 3,740 votes against INL candidate V P Rahiyanath. Another League candidate, Najma Thabsheera, emerged victorious in the Valamboor division of Perinthalmanna with a margin of 2,612 votes over CPMs Hema. UDF candidate Arathy Pradeep won the Mangalam division of Malappuram district panchayat, defeating CPM candidate C M Jaseena by a massive margin of 11,876 votes, and Mumthaz Vahab won the Kannamkulangara division of Thrissur corporation. In Payyannur municipality, C Vaisakh, a former CPM branch secretary and DYFI leader who contested as a rebel against the official LDF candidate, registered a notable victory in the Kara division. Additionally, UDF candidate Riya Cheerankuzhi, a well-known offroader, who contested from Kaveekunnu division of Pala municipality, CPM candidate Sneha K from Shantipallam ward of Kumbala panchayat, and Soumya S from the Emily Thadam division of Kalpetta municipality who earlier made headlines for chasing down chain snatchers, an incident later portrayed in the 2022 Malayalam film Oruthee were also among those who secured victories. At the same time, there were several candidates with a strong social media presence who failed to translate the attention into votes. Topping the list was Amritha R, the young CPM candidate who lost in the Sasthamangalam division of Thiruvananthapuram corporation. Despite attracting wide attention, Amritha was defeated by NDAs S Sreelekha, who also commanded significant social media visibility. Other defeated social media faces include TV personality Maya V alias Mayavi (Edayar West), UDFs Navya Mohanan P (Kottapady), Afeefa Nafeesa (Kadalundy), NDAs Adheena Bharati (Karinkunnam), and CPMs Reshma Mariam Roy who, in 2020, at 21, became the youngest person to head a local body in the state. She lost the Malayalapuzha division of Pathanamthitta panchayat. Commenting on the emerging trend, M R Ajayan, a political analyst, said the strategy worked. Nearly 80% of candidates with strong social media popularity won. Regional and electoral dynamics also contributed. There is still uncertainty over whether this trend will persist, Ajayan said.

Kerala local body poll results: BJP to stake claim as single largest party in Tripunithura

KOCHI: Registering an improved performance with each passing election, the BJP finally emerged as the single largest party in Tripunithura municipality. With 21 seats in the 53-member council, the BJP however failed to secure a simple majority. The ruling LDF was reduced to 20 seats, while the UDF only managed to win 12. Though the LDF and the UDF together hold 32 seats, chances of the two fronts coming together to keep the BJP out of power are grim especially considering the implications of such a development on state politics. While, the BJP emerged the dominant force in the 15 town wards located around the Poornathrayeesa temple, the LDF and the UDF shared the 25 wards on the outskirts. The waterlogging of the arterial roads and the temple during the Vrishchikotsavam triggered outrage against the LDF regime just days ahead of election, which is believed to have worked in favour of the BJP. The results are disappointing. We are not keen to wrest power with support of the UDF, said CPM leader S Madhusoodanan. We will stake the claim and deliver good governance, said BJP leader K V S Haridas.

Kerala local body poll results: Waqf effect? Munambam switches to NDA

KOCHI: That local issues often triumph over party affiliations in the electoral battlefield is evident from the results of the latest round of polls in Munambam Kadappuram ward of Pallippuram panchayat, where LDF gained power with 13 seats, while UDF got only 9. Traditionally a UDF citadel, which had been a sure-shot seat for Congress for many years, the ward shifted its allegiance to BJP this election after the voters became disillusioned with their peoples representatives who failed to stand with them in times of need. Other factors that contributed to the NDA candidates win included the religious polarisation caused by the waqf issue. This is also the first time that the BJP fielded a candidate in the ward. In the 2020 local body election, Munambam Kadappuram had voted the Congress candidate to victory. Then, the NDA won just one seat in the panchayat the Public Library ward. This time, the NDA has doubled its tally with wins in Samoohya Sevasangham and Munambam Kadappuram wards. Though UDF managed to increase its seats in Pallippuram panchayat from 7 in 2020 to 9 in 2025, the loss of Munambam-Kadappuram points to the angst of the residents and the ire that they harbour towards the front. One thing that worked for BJP was its open support for the residents struggle against the waqf claim on their land. They highlight how their cause received national attention after the NDA government at the Centre made the issue the focal point while drawing up the Waqf (Amendment) Act. This is also the first time that the BJP fielded a candidate in the ward. Though the residents were appreciative of LDFs efforts, like the setting up of the Judicial Commission and measures taken to restore revenue rights, the general perception in the region was that backing the BJP candidate would work in their favour since NDA is in power at the Centre. Going by the votes polled by the NDA and LDF candidates, voters appear to have been swayed by the measures initiated by both fronts, with the victory margin being a narrow 28. While NDA candidate Kunjumon Augustine polled 582 votes, LDFs Rocky Binoy came a close second with 551 votes. The casualty this election was the UDF. The residents of Munambam Kadappuram were pretty clear about where they leant. They held the Congress guilty of being the catalyst for their troubles through the Waqf Act, 1995.

UDF storms Kochi Corporation leaving LDF tottering at a historic low

LDF bit the dust, managing to win only 20 seats, in addition to two seats where it supported Independents; BJP improved its tally by just one seat, reaching six, despite its claim that it would hit double digits in the election

Amid UDF wave in Kerala local body polls, record ties in panchayats spark curiosity

KOCHI: Amid the UDF wave across the state, the local body elections have seen an unusual surge in tied contests, necessitating a draw of lots to decide the front that would take the reins in dozens of local self-government institutions. According to the State Election Commission data, a total of 64 grama panchayats and 10 block panchayats ended in a deadlock, where more than one front secured an equal number of wards. This unprecedented number of ties means a significant chunk of local bodies will begin their term through a lucky draw than a majority mandate. At the same time, none of the corporations, municipalities, and district panchayats had ties. The reliance on chance, while a constitutional provision, raises questions about the closeness of the contest, at least at the panchayat and block levels, even amid what is being hailed as a UDF sweep. Actually, its an unfair practice. If two fronts obtain an equal number of wards in a panchayat, one party should rule for the first two and a half years and the other for the rest of the term. This holds true in the case of candidates as well. If the top two candidates secure the same number of votes, then the winner is decided by a draw of lots. In fact, both enjoy equal backing of the public and should represent the ward for an equal period of time, said Ramesh Mathew, a political observer. However, the draw of lots can still be avoided in the event of defections of winning candidates, which would change the political equation in that particular local body. None of the corporations, municipalities, and district panchayats had ties. The draw of lots is applied to resolve a tie in votes for individual ward members and can also be applied to decide the outcome when two major political fronts have an equal number of total wards, especially when it comes to forming the governing body and electing the president/vice-president of the panchayat, said Gireesh Kumar, a government official who was earlier deputed as a booth level officer. Palakkad district emerged as the hotbed for these photo finishes, recording the highest number of such tie scenarios. As many as nine grama panchayat wards and a block panchayat division ended up in a tie. Alappuzha has eight such wards, besides one block panchayat, while Thrissur has seven. The razor-thin difference in voter preference suggests that while the UDFs statewide strategy has paid off, the LDF and, in some pockets, the NDA, managed to mount formidable opposition locally. The prevalence of these ties will likely prompt all major fronts to conduct a detailed postmortem, especially concerning micro-level booth management and candidate selection, as they gear up for the crucial 2026 assembly elections. The results present a mixed picture: a clear mandate for the UDF at the macro level but a fragmented and highly competitive political environment at the grassroots, where every single vote counted.

Whats powering Indias artscape as Kochi Biennale opens

India's art market is booming, attracting new buyers and diversifying its offerings. Galleries are becoming more accessible, with younger collectors driving demand for a wider range of art. This growth signifies a maturing market, with increased interest in contemporary and material-based art. The ecosystem is expanding, creating new opportunities for artists and collectors alike.

Kerala local body poll results: Twenty20 loses Kunnathunad panchayat, several of its sitting seats

KOCHI: Twenty20, the CSR-backed party, suffered a setback in the local body elections, losing Kunnathunad panchayat and several sitting seats. Launched in 2013, the Kizhakkambalam Twenty20 party -- riding high on expectations after promising change -- disrupted mainstream politics in the state after winning four panchayats in the 2020 local body elections. This time, while retaining Aikaranad, Mazhuvannoor and Kizhakkambalam, Twenty20 won 9 of the 18 seats in Thiruvaniyoor panchayat. Despite contesting in 48 panchayats and three municipalities, besides Kochi corporation, the party won only a few seats outside its strongholds, securing one seat in Thrikkakara municipality and six seats each in Vengola and Puthencruz panchayats in Ernakulam district. Twenty20s campaign focused on promises of good roads, food security markets, welfare schemes and safe drinking water, and positioned itself as an alternative to traditional political fronts. Political activity is a long-term process. Parties need clear positions on social and cultural issues and a strong organisational base. Twenty20 lacks these elements. However, retaining three panchayats and creating a base in other panchayats are still satisfactory performances, said D Dhanuraj, founder of the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR). While retaining Aikaranad, Mazhuvannoor and Kizhakkambalam, Twenty20 won 9 of the 18 seats in Thiruvaniyoor panchayat. Meanwhile, Twenty20 chief coordinator Sabu Jacob said the people have rejected the unholy alliance of 25 parties formed by the left and right parties in Kizhakkambalam to defeat Twenty20 loyalists. The party contested alone against all the parties and fronts in Kerala and managed to secure a good vote share in every seat it contested. We also received a good vote share in Kochi corporation. The corruption-free development drive put forward by the Twenty20 party will continue, he said. In Poothrikka and Vengola, the party won seven and six seats respectively, while securing a seat in Manakkad panchayat in Kottayam district. As many as 56 candidates were fielded in Kochi corporation, where the party polled a total of 9,300 votes, with 483 in Chalikkavattom being the highest vote tally.

Kerala local body poll results: Satheesans calculus, LDF slip and UDF wave

KOCHI: When V D Satheesan, Leader of the Opposition, stepped off the Vande Bharat at Ernakulam South railway station on Saturday evening, the reception was telling. Jubilant Congress workers and leaders, led by MP Hibi Eden, MLA T J Vinod and DCC president Mohammed Shiyas, welcomed him with sweets. It marked the arrival of a leader who had just overseen one of the most decisive local body performances in Keralas political history by the Congress-led UDF. Satheesan arrived in Kochi around 7pm from the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram, as celebrations continued across Congress camps following the sweeping verdict. Earlier in the day, speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, he credited the triumph to Team UDF. Yet, beneath the rhetoric of collective effort lay a series of hard political choices and shifting social alignments that reshaped Keralas electoral map. The scale of UDFs victory is unprecedented. The front swept 505 of 941 grama panchayats, 79 of 152 block panchayats, seven of 14 district panchayats, 54 of 87 municipalities, and four of six corporations. In 2020, the UDF managed to win just one corporation and 41 municipalities, while trailing the CPM-led LDF across every tier. The reversal is stark and historically rare. An uncompromising political line has marked Satheesans tenure as LoP. His unapologetic tie-up with the Jamaat e-Islami Hind-backed Welfare Party and his handling of controversies such as the case involving rape-accused MLA Rahul Mamkootathil drew sharp criticism. Yet, electorally, these decisions did not hurt the UDF. Instead, the front benefited from a consolidation of Muslim votes, particularly in north Kerala, driven by its key ally, the Indian Union Muslim League. Central Travancore told a similar story. Traditional Christian and Muslim bastions largely held firm, delivering sweep-like results across districts that had shown signs of drift in recent elections. Equally decisive was the erosion within LDFs base. Negative voting against the Left played a major role, with issues such as the Sabarimala gold theft controversy hurting Hindu sentiments. A senior Left leader privately conceded that the issue caused damage, while the Mamkootathil controversy failed to yield any political dividends for the LDF. Crucially, the long-held assumption in Kerala that the rise of the BJP would primarily eat into the UDF vote was turned on its head. This time, BJPs gains came largely at the expense of the LDF. Ezhava voters, particularly in regions such as Kayamkulam, Mavelikkara and Attingal, showed a visible shift away from the CPM, while sections of Christian voters also gravitated towards the saffron party in select pockets. Political economist D Dhanuraj, founder-chairman of the Centre for Public Policy Research, attributes the outcome to a potent mix of anti-incumbency and voter disengagement within the Left. The larger question is sustainability. With the assembly elections just months away, can the UDF carry this momentum into 2026? Congress leaders believe the perception of an impending return to power could pull back Christians who have been cautiously warming up to the BJP.

Congress hails historic mandate; LDF, BJP to probe setbacks in Kochi

Landslide victory helps UDF cushion blow from Congress rebels in Kochi

Twenty20 loses power in two panchayats, makes no impact in Kochi Corporation

From red dawn to blue wave: UDF turns despair to dominance in a matter of hours in Kochi Corporation

From a sense of being doomed to turning the tables on the LDF in what promised to be a cliffhanger of a contest, and finally, the sheer ecstasy of coasting easily past the simple majority mark, UDF experienced it all