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Swearing-in of local body members in Kollam

BJP in Kollam moves from the margin to the mainstream

Kerala local body poll results: Polarisation helped UDF surge, says Congress core panel

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state Congress Core Committee, the highest decision making body constituted by the AICC, has assessed that while strong anti-incumbency against the state government benefited the UDF in the recent local body elections, two key factors, significantly enhanced its performance- the polarisation of Hindu votes in the old Travancore region and Muslim votes in Malabar region. This helped the UDF surpass the LDF after over a decade, it said. According to party leaders, the Sabarimala gold panel theft case played a decisive role in consolidating the Hindu support for the UDF in Travancore. In Malabar, there was a massive polarization of Muslim minority votes in favour of the UDF. However, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan cautioned party leaders against complacency, pointing out that that despite the victory, the UDFs failure to capture power in district panchayats and block panchayats in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha and Thrissur remained a serious setback. AICC general secretary (organisation) and MP K C Venugopal reportedly told the meeting that trends in local body elections would not necessarily be replicated in the next assembly election. The Congress cannot approach the assembly election with overconfidence. It will be entirely different in nature. We must intensify our effort in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, he said. The meeting decided to organise a Chinthan Shivir in Sultan Batheri as part of the preparations for the assembly election. Meanwhile, in view of the strong resistance from the Kerala Congress (J), the Congress core committee resolved to take a cautious approach towards Kerala Congress (M), currently with the LDF. Leaders shared the sentiment that KCMs exit from the UDF was unfortunate, but agreed to take a wait-and-watch policy. Let them take their position first. We will decide accordingly, especially in the backdrop of their serious setbacks. In Kattappana, which is Minister Roshi Augustines stronghold, the KCM faced a major blow, and in Idukki district, they failed to come to power in any panchayat, a leader said. CWC member Kodikkunnil Suresh urged the leadership to adopt effective social engineering strategies in the 2026 assembly election. Though many community organisations supported us in the local body elections, we must reach out to communities that did not support us, he said. KPCC president Sunny Joseph credited the success to united efforts by leaders and workers. Senior leader Ramesh Chennithala also attributed the UDFs performance to collective action and organisational unity.

Enforcement measures strengthened in Kollam ahead of Christmas and New Year

To prevent price hikes and hoarding during the festive season, squads comprising officials from the Civil Supplies, Legal Metrology, Food Safety and Health along with tahsildars will conduct inspections

Kollam vigilance court allows ED access to Sabarimala gold theft case documents

KOLLAM: In a significant development in the Sabarimala gold theft case that could pave the way for the intervention of a central agency -- a development that could unnerve the LDF government -- the Kollam Vigilance court has directed the Special Investigation Team probing the case (SIT) to hand over the certified documents to the Enforcement Directorate. The ED had sought the copies of FIRs, First Information Statements, remand reports, statements of the arrested and documents that were seized, arguing that their intervention was prompted by the invocation of Section 467 of the IPC in the gold theft cases, which brings the matter under the ambit of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The ED had first moved the application for the documents in the Ranni magistrate court, which rejected it. Following this, the agency approached the High Court, which cancelled the Ranni court order and asked the agency to approach the trial court with the request. The case, meanwhile, was moved to the Kollam Vigilance court. The SIT had raised objections to the ED move and argued that since the SIT is probing the case, a parallel probe by the ED should not be allowed. So far, seven people, including two CPM leaders, have been arrested in the cases. For the CPM, the intervention of the central agency prior to the 2026 assembly polls could create headaches. SIT collects gold plate samples from Sabarimala

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

Collapsing roads and retaining walls of newly developed NH stretches in Kerala cause concern among residents

On December 5 afternoon, motorists and other passengers on the service road beneath the under-construction National Highway 66 stretch at Mylakkadu in Kollam were jolted by the sudden disintegration of the Reinforced Soil (RS) wall of the embankment, which spewed soil and rubble onto the road. As they ran for their lives abandoning their vehicles, it seemed like the repeat of a similar collapse at Kooriyad in Malappuram earlier. The incidents raise questions over the safety of the RS structures built and being built at various parts of the State. Experts and residents say lack of rigorous soil testing and inadequate geotechnical investigation are the primary causes of the collapses

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.

Sabarimala gold theft case: SIT arrests former administrative officer S Sreekumar

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The special investigation team has former Sabarimala administrative officer S Sreekumar in connection with theft of gold-plated sheets from the dwarapalaka idols. Sreekumar, who was the administrative officer when the alleged offence took place, was arrested after his anticipatory bail plea was dismissed by the High Court. Following that, the SIT summoned him to the office and registered his arrest. This is the seventh arrest in the case. After TDB's former chief K Padmakumar, was arrested, there was an allegation that the police had slowed down the probe in the wake of the local body polls. Sreekumar will be produced before the Kollam Vigilance court.

Sabarimala gold theft case: Padmakumars remand extended by two weeks

KOLLAM: The judicial remand of A Padmakumar, former Travancore Devaswom Board president, in the case related to the theft of gold plating from the Dwarapalaka sculptures at the Sabarimala temple has been extended by two weeks. The remand period in the related case regarding theft of gold from the door panel of the sanctum sanctorum ends on Thursday. Padmakumars bail plea in the Dwarapalaka case will be considered on December 22. The court has directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to submit a report in the matter. Meanwhile, Unnikrishnan Potty and Murari Babu, who were released from SIT custody recently, were produced before the court and remanded in judicial custody. Murari has been remanded in the Dwarapalaka gold plating theft case, while Potty has been remanded in the door panel gold theft case. The SIT sought their custody for further questioning based on newly obtained evidence. Public Prosecutor Siju Rajan appeared for the prosecution. The Enforcement Directorates (ED) application seeking certified copies of records related to the Sabarimala gold theft case will be considered on Tuesday. The SIT has opposed a parallel investigation, maintaining that a separate probe by the ED is unnecessary while its investigation is ongoing. Sabarimala gold theft case: Two remanded in SIT custody The ED submitted that the request was for copies of FIRs, remand reports, statements of the accused, and seized documents, and that access to these records would facilitate further proceedings. The ED retains the power to initiate a case independently. SIT records statement of NRK businessman TPuram: The SIT has recorded the statement of a businessman in connection with its probe into the gold theft case. Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala had told the SIT that the businessman, a non-resident Keralite (NRK), had told him about the involvement of international rackets, engaged in antique trafficking, behind the theft. Following this, the man was asked to get his statement recorded. Sources said the person, whose identity is under wraps, told the SIT about the operations of transnational rackets involved in sale of stolen temple artefacts and their suspected role in the Sabarimala case.

Claims of Left decline in Kollam baseless: CPM district acting secretary

KOLLAM: CPM district acting secretary S Jayamohan on Monday said that attempts to extrapolate local body election results to assembly constituencies were misleading and politically motivated. He alleged that such calculations were being deliberately circulated to demoralise party workers who continue to stand firmly with the LDF in the district. Jayamohan said the LDF currently holds a clear lead in 8 of the 11 assembly constituencies in the district and has secured overall 66,652 more votes than the UDF. Despite openly aligning with the Jamaat-e-Islami and SDPI, and covertly contesting alongside the BJP, the UDF has failed to create any significant dent in the LDFs vote base, he said. He further said that voters in the district had rejected what he described as a misleading campaign jointly propagated by UDF and BJP. Democratic-minded and politically aware voters stood with the LDF and did not fall for these narratives, Jayamohan said. According to figures released by the party, LDF secured 37.56% of votes in the corporation, 44.42% in the four municipalities and 41.13% in the district panchayat. Jayamohan highlighted that the LDF also maintained a decisive lead in both votes and seats at the village and block panchayat levels. Dismissing claims that the Left had suffered a collapse in the district as baseless and unsupported by data, he alleged, Some centres are selectively presenting unverified figures to create a false impression.

Sabarimala gold theft case: Two remanded in SIT custody

KOLLAM: The first and second accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case, Unnikrishnan Potti and Murari Babu, respectively, have been remanded in the custody of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) for two days by the Kollam Vigilance Court. They will be taken to Thiruvananthapuram for detailed questioning. Murari Babu was remanded in the dwarapalaka case, while Unnikrishnan Potty was remanded in the case registered in connection with the missing gold from the door frame of the sanctum sanctorum. The order was issued by Vigilance Court Judge Dr C S Mohit after considering the prosecutions request for custody based on newly collected evidence.

LDF blames minority consolidation for Kerala local body poll loss; rejects anti-incumbency factor

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rejecting anti-incumbency factor, the CPM and the CPI the two leading partners in the LDF have blamed minority consolidation in favour of the Opposition UDF and cross voting by the Congress and the BJP in select areas for the drubbing suffered by the ruling front in the local body polls. Based on preliminary reports from the district leaderships, the CPM state secretariat assessed that the Christian community deserted the LDF in the four central Kerala districts of Ernakulam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki, while the Muslim votes worked against it in the Malabar region. It attributed LDFs setback in Thiruvanathapuram and Kollam corporations to cross-voting between the Congress and the BJP. According to the CPM, the Christian community, cutting across denominations, largely shifted allegiance to the UDF in central Kerala. Party leaders cited Ernakulam as a striking example, where the LDF suffered unexpected setbacks in Kochi corporation and Ernakulam district panchayat. The shift they said, also adversely affected the LDFs vote sahre in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki. LDF suspects Cong-BJP cross-voting in TPuram and Kollam corporations The widening rift between the Church and the general education department was the primary trigger for the alienation, the CPM felt. Church-run school managements had demanded parity with a Supreme Court order obtained by the NSS on job reservations for differently-abled persons in private aided educational institutions. General Education Minister V Sivankuttys warning to managements against threatening the government is believed to have exacerbated tensions. The development prompted all Christian denominations to take a critical stance against the government, which got reflected in the voting, the secretariat felt. The CPM, however, rejected CPIs suggestion that the Kerala Congress has lost its organisational base in Kottayam. Post LSG poll debacle, bruised Left front starts introspection However, this trend did not significantly impact districts such as Thrissur, Kannur, Kozhikode and Kasaragod. It further assessed that a tacit understanding among the Jamaat e Islami, IUML and Congress consolidated Muslim votes in favour of the UDF, the CPM secretariat assessed. At a press conference, CPM state secretary M V Govindan questioned the claims that Muslims had deserted LDF, pointing out that it secured around 10 lakh votes in Malappuram. However, party insiders acknowledged concern over LDFs failure to secure presence in Malappuram district panchayat. CPI, in its assessment, said Muslim consolidation against LDF was intensified by two factors: CPMs failure to distance itself from the remarks of SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan, perceived as hostile to Muslims and apprehensions that special intensive revision (SIR) could adversely affect the community. The higher voter turnout worked against LDF, it said. In Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam corporations, both parties suspect tactical cross-voting between Congress and BJP aimed at defeating LDF. Govindan alleged that in 41 wards won by BJP in Thiruvananthapuram corporation, Congress polled less than 1,000 votes, suggesting strategic voting. CPI state secretariat identified similar pattern in Kollam corporation too. CPI felt that lack of action against former TDB president A Padmakumar had sent a wrong message to believers that the government has something to hide. However, CPM rejected any impact. Govindan asserted that action would be taken against Padmakumar only if the court found him guilty.

In Kerala, Modi government favouring Adani group in highway road projects: Venugopal

Claiming a highway scam, the Congress MP says that from Kasaragod in the north to Kollam in the south, National Highway projects, two major stretches NH 66 and NH 544, are collapsing before the eyes of the public

Southern neglect in UDF leaves IUML irked

MALAPPURAM: The IUML has voiced deep dissatisfaction over what it describes as inadequate representation in southern Kerala within the UDF, warning that the issue could have wider implications for future seat-sharing arrangements. IUML state general secretary P M A Salam told TNIE that despite being denied seats in five district panchayats in the southern region, the party delivered a stronger electoral performance than several UDF constituents an apparent reference to the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP). IUML was denied seats in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Idukki and Kottayam. Instead they were allotted four seats altogether in Ernakulam, Thrissur and Thiruvananthapuram. IUML was allotted only four seats across the southern district panchayats, but we won three of them. In Kollam, another UDF constituent was given four seats but managed to win only one, Salam said. He pointed out that the party chose not to explore alternative political alignments despite what it sees as continued marginalisation. We could have entered into local alliances with other parties in the southern districts, but we chose to contest independently. That was not the approach adopted by the Congress, he said. Drawing a contrast with northern Kerala, Salam said Malappuram remains a stronghold of IUML, where the party ensured generous seat-sharing with the Congress. Our workers worked hard for Congress victories in Malappuram. Unfortunately, the same spirit of mutual respect was not extended to us in the south, he said. Salam said the party would raise these concerns at a high-level IUML meeting scheduled to be held in Kozhikode on Monday. The question of demanding a larger share of seats in the forthcoming Assembly elections will also be taken up soon in UDF, he added. He also attributed the CPMs electoral decline to what he described as a Left Hindutva approach. The CPM attempted to play communal politics by cozying up to SNDP general secretary Vellappally Natesan to consolidate Hindu votes, alienating the Muslim community. As a result, Muslims voted for the UDF, while a section of Hindu voters shifted towards the BJP, Salam said.

Post LSG poll debacle, bruised Left front starts introspection

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Left reeling after the local body poll debacle, a battered LDF has set in motion a thorough review of its electoral performance. Calls have already begun from within the front for deep introspection and course correction, similar to the exercise it undertook after the 2019 electoral defeat. Both the CPM and the CPI state secretariat meetings on Monday and the LDF meeting scheduled on Wednesday are set to explore measures to win back the ruling fronts lost mass base. A quick analysis by the CPM leadership feels that the Sabarimala issue and failure to reach out to the grassroot level led to the electoral backlash. The party should seriously introspect why it lost in strongholds like Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram and certain pockets of Kozhikode, said a CPM state committee member. Its a fact that campaigns initiated at the top level never reached the grassroots. Naturally, attempts to expose a supposed Jamaat-SDPI-League axis failed miserably. Similarly, with regard to controversies like the Sabarimala gold theft, the party failed to reiterate an effective campaign narrative that could convince the common man. Sabarimala being an emotional issue, it served as a catalyst for the anti-incumbency factor, the leader said. Calls for introspection have already begun in the LDF. CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam, in a social media post, called for peoples suggestions and opinions on what went wrong with the LDF. Obviously, the intent is to set in motion the wheel of course correction. CPM central committee member Thomas Isaac has come out with a social media post saying that the party would explore whether the people were misled by any lapses. The CPM assesses that there was considerable erosion in the Hindu votes. We failed to gauge peoples sentiments On one side we failed to weaken the Muslim League. There was a Muslim consolidation in favour of the UDF, especially after the global Ayyappa meet. So, it clearly backfired. On the other, the Hindu votes got divided between the three fronts. Moreover, the BJP was able to garner a section of Christian minority votes too in some pockets in central Kerala, said a CPM leader. Leaders feel while anti-incumbency played a crucial role, a slew of other factors like PM SHRI too could have contributed to the poll drubbing. More than the anti-incumbency factor, it was Sabarimala that eroded peoples trust, said a senior CPI leader. We failed to gauge the peoples sentiments. Though the government implemented several welfare and development measures, we couldnt take it to the people. Earlier the Left used to succeed in sensing the peoples pulse. It seems that has come down drastically, he said. A multitude of factors contributed to the Left debacle, feels political observer Professor Sajad Ibrahim. An obvious anti-incumbency against the 10-year-rule got multiplied by a slew of other factors. Contrary to the belief that the BJP would make inroads only into the Congress fold, this time around, the saffron party was able to eat into the CPM base too. The Lefts over-confident posturing, weakened campaign politics coupled with the Sabarimala fiasco too seem to have played a role. Moreover, the party should have stayed away from gimmicks like the Ayyappa meet and last minute pension hike, he said. Many in the LDF feel that the front should have projected good governance of the last 10 years as its primary poll plank, rather than training guns on Muslim minorities. Similarly over-dependence on community leaders for support went against the Left narrative that has been winning peoples trust for long. Though the welfare pensions were a great move, the Sabarimala effect nullified it. With assembly polls coming up, the Left is likely to begin the process of course correction with elaborate house visits, political explanation campaigns, reaching out to the masses thus winning back, not just its mass base but its lost face too.

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

BJP gains ground as LDF-UDF race tightens

KOLLAM: The BJP has achieved a steady rise in its electoral presence across municipal bodies in district in the just concluded local body elections, improving its ward tally compared to the 2020 polls and emerging as a significant third force in key urban centres. In the Kollam corporation, the NDA doubled its tally from six wards in 2020 to 12 this time. A similar trend was seen in Karunagappally municipality, where the BJP increased its representation from two wards in the previous election to six. Overall, the results point to a close contest between the LDF and the UDF, particularly at the grama panchayat level. Of the 68 grama panchayats, the LDF won 33 and the UDF 32, while one ended in a tie. The NDA secured two grama panchayats. In the 11 block panchayats, the LDF came on top with seven, followed by the UDF with three, while one ended in a tie. The district panchayat was won by the LDF. Of the four municipalities, the LDF retained three, while the UDF won one. The Kollam corporation went to the UDF. The UDF registered major gains by wresting control of the Kollam corporation and Karunagappally municipality, both considered traditional LDF bastions. In the Kollam corporation, the UDF won 27 wards, a sharp rise from nine in the previous term, while the LDF was reduced to 16. Karunagappally municipality also saw a clear UDF victory, with the front winning 19 wards against the LDFs 12. Formed in 2009, the municipality was first governed by the UDF, followed by two consecutive terms under the LDF. Grassroots engagement Political analysts said the BJPs rise was driven by strong grassroots engagement, particularly among younger voters and women. BJP has been able to create a strong base among the younger generation and middle-aged women voters. The youth, in particular, appear more inclined towards the BJP, which communicates more effectively than the Congress through issues of religion and aggressive nationalism. One thing is clear. Many of these voters are no longer supporting the LDF. That is why the BJP has seen a strong rise, said Ignatius Parera, political analyst. Despite setbacks, the LDF retained control of Kottarakkara, Paravur and Punalur municipalities. In Kottarakkara, the LDF secured a comfortable majority by winning 17 wards, while the UDF won seven and the BJP five. In Paravur, the LDF won 20 wards, while the NDA emerged as a significant force with six. In Punalur, the LDF secured 21 wards, while the NDA won one.

Real-life heroine of Oruthee scripts poll triumph

KALPETTA : The 37-year-old Soumya S, the courageous woman whose dramatic real-life confrontation with chain snatchers became the inspiration for the Navya Nair-starrer Oruthee, has successfully transitioned from a celebrated local heroine to an elected political representative. Running on a CPI ticket, Soumya secured a remarkable victory in the 12th ward (Emily Thadam) of the Kalpetta municipality. Her win is not just a personal achievement but a significant political coup, as Emily Thadam has been a traditional bastion of the IUML for three decades. In her debut contest, Soumya won by a narrow but decisive margin of 13 votes, proving that her public recognition and organisational work have translated into electoral success. Speaking after her victory, Soumya expressed immense satisfaction with the mandate given by the people. I am extremely happy and will ensure good governance in the ward. Though this is my first electoral contest, I have been active in politics and my confidence to enter the election was my three-month experience of travelling across the district and working closely with CPI national leader Annie Raja during her election campaign in Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency. Soumya, a native of Kollam, relocated to Wayanad in 2017 after her husband, Shaiju, a health inspector in the municipality, was transferred to the district. It was in 2017 that she became a household name following the dramatic incident where she pursued two bike-borne chain snatchers who had stolen her two-sovereign chain she had redeemed from pawn and was wearing. In a feat of extraordinary presence of mind, Soumya used her scooter to cut across the thieves motorcycle, causing one of the assailants to fall. She managed to overpower the thief until help arrived, and the information led to the capture of the second culprit the very next day, recovering the broken chain. This display of raw courage formed the basis of the movie Oruthee. Soumya is an active political and social worker, holding key organisational roles, including district vice-president of AIYF, and district secretary of the Navodhana Moolya Samrakshana Samithi. Supported by her husband and children, Sabanya and Sona, she now brings her fearless approach to the civic body.

Kerala civic poll results: UDF wrests Kollam corporation from LDF after two decades

KOLLAM: With the UDF securing 27 seats in the 56-member Kollam corporation, the decades-long LDF hold over the civic body has come to an end. The LDF was reduced to 16 seats, while the NDA registered a sharp rise, winning 12 seats. Congress sources attributed the victory to an early start to door-to-door campaigning and sustained grassroots mobilisation. Though the UDF fell short of the absolute majority mark of 29 seats, the mayor will be elected through a vote of the councillors, as per the Kerala Municipal Act. A senior official at the corporation said the mayoral election would be held in the coming days. Candidates can be fielded by all political fronts. The process of electing the mayor will follow the statutory procedure, and the outcome will depend on how the numbers align during the election, the official said. UDF leaders said preparations had begun well ahead of the polls, with candidates reaching out to households and addressing local issues such as drinking water scarcity, waste management, road conditions and disease prevention. Our volunteers ensured that UDF supporters were enrolled as voters. Under the leadership of MP N K Premachandran, we also compiled and highlighted alleged instances of corruption during the LDF's tenure through meetings and marches. Such sustained groundwork helped the UDF emerge victorious, said Congress Kollam block president D Geetha Krishnan. Political observers pointed to the BJP's improved performance in the corporation as a significant development. The BJP's rise reflects strong grassroots work in the corporation. The party has been able to connect more effectively with young voters and middle-aged women. This shift indicates a broader change in voter behaviour and also serves as a warning to the LDF that long years in power do not automatically translate into electoral support, said political analyst and former journalist Ignatius Parera. Sources in the LDF camp said corruption allegations and differences between the CPI and CPM over the mayoral post had alienated sections of their support base. The defeat of sitting mayor and CPI leader Honey Benjamin, along with former mayor and senior CPM leader V Rajendrababu, was seen as a major setback. Allegations related to projects, internal differences over the mayoral position, and delays in implementing key initiatives such as waste management affected public confidence. The party will review the results and assess what went wrong, a CPM source said.

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.

Four of six former MLAs win in Kerala local body polls

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Six former MLAs who stepped back into electoral politics through the local body polls this time delivered a mixed verdict for their parties, combining clear wins, narrow margins and close defeats. Drawing on long legislative and grassroots experience, four candidates won, while two fell short by slim margins. Former legislators R Lathadevi, K C Rajagopal, K S Sabarinadhan and Anil Akkara secured wins in their respective wards and divisions, while A V Gopinathan and E M Augusthy tasted defeat. Among the winners, CPIs R Lathadevi registered the most decisive victory, winning the Chadayamangalam division of the Kollam district panchayat by a margin of 26,546 votes. Calling the win a fresh start, Lathadevi said, I will begin by understanding the welfare needs and strengths of the area. UDFs K S Sabarinadhan, who contested from the Kowdiar ward of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, won by 1,235 votes. Anil Akkara won the Sanskrit College ward of Adat grama panchayat in Thrissur district by 655 votes and veteran leader K C Rajagopal secured a narrow win of 324 votes from the Maramon ward of Mezhuveli grama panchayat in Pathanamthitta district. Among the winners, CPIs R Lathadevi registered the most decisive victory.

UDF sweeps four Corporations, LDF reduced to one, BJP opens score

The UDF secures 46 out of 76 seats in Kochi and gains ground in Thrissur and Kollam, highlighting a changing political landscape. The LDF retains Kozhikode Corporation, while the NDA celebrates its first municipal victory in Thiruvananthapuram.

LDFs uninterrupted 25-year reign ends in Kollam Corporation

UDF wins 27 divisions in the 56-member council, LDF plummets from 39 seats in 2020 to just 16 seats, NDA wins 12 seats

Kerala local body polls: UDF makes history, sweeps panchayats, corporations; NDA secures Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress-led United Democratic Front showcased a thumping victory in both rural and urban civic bodies, as the counting of votes for the 2025 Kerala local body elections came to a close. The UDF has won in four out of six corporations: Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur, and Kannur. The LDF retained Kozhikode, whereas the NDA has wrested Thiruvananthapuram from LDF. The UDF also won 59 district panchayats, 1063 block panchayats, and 7451 grama panchayats; the LDF won 30 district panchayats, 823 block panchayats, and 6137 grama panchayats; while the NDA won just one district panchayat, 50 block panchayats, and 1363 grama panchayats. LoP in Kerala Assembly and Congress leader V D Satheesan called the UDF's sweeping victory a warning against the state government and a protest of the people against those who misgoverned Kerala. KPCC president Sunny Joseph said on Saturday that the front's results indicated the people had rejected the LDF government. LDF convenor T P Ramakrishnan said the results would be closely examined. Why such a verdict happened will be examined at the micro level. People's opinion will be considered and further steps will be taken, he said. Kerala local body polls: Public anger against Pinarayi govt fueled UDF momentum, says VD Satheesan NDA secures 50 seats in Thiruvanathapuram Corporation In the biggest gain for the BJP in the local body polls, the NDA secured 50 seats in the 101-member Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Council. Kerala is fed up of UDF and LDF. They see NDA as the only option that can deliver on good governance and build a #VikasitaKeralam with opportunities for all, wrote Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media platform X. A few of BJP's remarkable wins include its possible mayor candidates, ex-DGP R Sreelekha in Sasthamangalam and VV Rajesh in Kodunganoor wards. However, one of the BJP's star candidates, Padmini Thomas, faced a bitter result in the Palayam ward. The election results come as a shock for the LDF, having lost half of its seats from its previous tenure. The LDF secured only 29 seats. Ajin SL, Left candidate from Thrikkannapuram ward, is becoming one of the party's 'saving graces'. A BJP worker had died by suicide in the work. The UDF improved its status in the corporation, gaining six seats this term, a total of 19 seats. Vaishna Suresh, who fought a legal battle to secure her candidature, won from the Muttada ward with a lead of 393 votes. Ex-MLA KS Sabarinadhan, who was UDF's mayoral candidate from Kowdiar, also made a remarkable win. Thiruvananthapuram Corporation stands different from the pro-UDF wave across the State. Congress candidate who moved Kerala HC for name reinstatement in electoral roll, wins Muttada ward Kollam Corporation: UDFsecures 25 seats UDF candidates secured victories in a majority of divisions in Kollam Corporation. UDF candidate Xavier Mathias won in Shakthikulangara Harbour Division. NDA candidate Shiji won the Shakthikulangara Division by a margin of 1,385 votes. UDF candidates B Deepu Gangadharan won Meenathuchery by 2,166 votes. and Radhika Saji won Kavanad by 1,732 votes. Vallikkeezhu Division was won by LDF candidate Vidya Manoj with a margin of 1,459 votes. LDF candidate A M Mustafa won in Kureepuzha West Division, while UDF candidate B Ajith Kumar won in Kureepuzha Division. Neeravil Division was won by LDF candidate Mahesh R by a margin of 1,751 votes. UDF candidate Richa Sugunan won in Anchalumood West Division, while in Anchalumood East Division, UDF candidate Adv. M S Gopakumar won. UDF candidate Dhanya Raju won in Kadavur Division. LDF candidate B Prashanth won in Mathil Division. NDA candidate B Shailaja won in Thevalli Division, while BJP candidate C Suresh Kumar won in Ashramam Division. UDF candidate Shaima won in Pallimukku Division. Ayathil Division was won by LDF candidate Jariath by a margin of 1,467 votes. UDF candidate T Lailakumari won in Kilikollur Division, while P Rajendran Pillai (UDF) won in Pandalathazham Division. NDA candidate R Destimona won in Palathara Division, while UDF candidate Sadakath A won in Manakkad Division. Thrissur Corporation: UDF leads The UDF has made a historic comeback in Thrissur Corporation, securing 33 out of 56 divisions. The Left Democratic Front (LDF), which ruled the corporation for two terms, won 11 seats. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won 8 seats. The UDF's victory is attributed to voters' disappointment over the LDF's development projects. Suby Babu, former deputy mayor of Thrissur Corporation, has won in the Gandhinagar division. Raghunath C Menon, who led the campaign works of Suresh Gopi in the Lok Sabha election, has won in the BJP's stronghold, Poonkunnam. The LDF has won 21 out of 30 divisions in Thrissur district panchayat, a clear majority. The UDF has increased its presence from 7 to 9 seats, while the NDA has failed to win any seats despite fielding prominent leaders. The LDF continues to dominate municipalities too, securing five out of seven. Kerala local body polls: UDF makes a strong comeback in Alappuzha, sweeps Malappuram Kottayam district panchayat: LDF, KC (M) defeated in Pala The UDF, this time, reclaimed power in the Kottayam district panchayat, all sixmunicipalities, and a majority of gram and block panchayats. The LDF faced a significant setback this year. In the 2020 local body polls, the LDF had secured the district panchayat, 51 out of 71 block panchayats, 10 out of 11 block panchayats, and three out of sixmunicipalities. Notably, the LDF faced a significant defeat in Pala municipality, traditionally a stronghold of the Kerala Congress (M), suggesting a shift in the party's corevoter base. Speaking to media persons, KC (M) chairman Jose K Mani stated that the party respects the people's mandate and will conduct a 'thorough' analysis ofthe reasons behind the electoral defeat. In 2020, the UDF lost Pala municipality for the first time ever,after KC (M) left the UDF to join the LDF. UDF leadersbelieve this victory will provide a substantial boost to the coalition in the lead-up to the upcoming Assembly elections, scheduled for April-May 2026. Meanwhile, the NDA did not perform as expected. Although they secured Poonjar Thekkekkara panchayat, the BJP lost its existing panchayats, Pallikkathodu and Mutholi. Post-poll arithmetic pushes UDFLDF talks in Palakkad municipality to block NDA

Huddle Global 2025 kicks off at Kovalam

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Startup festival Huddle Global 2025, organised by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), began at Kovalam here on Friday. The three-day event offers vast opportunities for startups, including funding and mentor support. An expo of innovative products and an all-India hackathon are among the highlights. Addressing the opening session, Finance Minister K N Balagopal said the global landscape is transforming with rapid digitalisation through domains like AI, automation and shipping supply chains. He briefed about the steps taken by the Kerala Government to accelerate the states development. The Vizhinjam-Kollam-Punalur triangle is emerging as one of the most strategic development zones combining port growth, industrial capacity and inland connectivity. With the Vizhinjam Port as its gateway, southern Kerala and Tamil Nadu as a manufacturing and maritime services hub, and the engineering and agro industrial centre in the Punalur-Tenkasi belt, the triangle offers unmatched potential for logistics, electronics, food processing and clean tech industries, he said. The digital and science park projects in the state are designed to bring global technology companies, advanced research labs and leading universities focusing on AI, robotics, semiconductor technologies, food technologies, optics and digital engineering. IT secretary Sambasiva Rao said Keralas evolving talent strength has deep expertise in domains like AI, inter-sciences and finance, combined broad skills in engineering, data and cybersecurity. We are creating a unique high-performing workforce that gives industry partners strong retention and consistent innovation. Apart from an attrition rate of 8-10 percent, affordability of talent, quality of life and cost of space make Kerala nearly 40-65 percent more cost-effective for long-term capability building, he said.

Votes to be counted in 16 centres in Kollam

Counting centre for Kollam Corporation will be Thevalli Boys Higher Secondary School

Stray dog crisis in Kollam takes a political turn

Amid rising dog bite incidents and rabies-related deaths, the Opposition slams the ruling coalition for its failure in implementing effective animal control measures during campaigning for the local body elections.

Vigilance court rejects ex-TDB chief Padmakumars bail plea in Sabarimala gold case

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kollam Vigilance court has turned down the bail plea of former Travancore Devaswom Board president and ex-MLA A Padmakumar , who has been arrested in the Sabarimala gold theft case . A former MLA from Konni and CPM Pathanamthitta district committee member, Padmakumar was arrested on November 20 by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in connection with the theft of gold from the door frames of the sanctum sanctorum. Padmakumars counsel argued that his custody was no longer required in the investigation and that the decision to allow moving the gold-plated sheets to outside for maintenance was a collective decision taken by the board. The prosecution vehemently objected to the bail plea following which the court turned it down. The police had earlier listed the board of 2019 as the eighth accused in the case pertaining to theft of gold from the door frame of the sreekovil. Padmakumar was the TDB president when the alleged offence took place. The co-accused in the case, who were arrested earlier, had reportedly testified that Padmakumar took a final call on moving the artefacts from the temple to Chennai. According to the SIT, Padmakumar had recorded the gold-plated copper sheets of the dwarapalaka idols and the door frames as copper in official records. The SIT had also claimed that the prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti shared close ties with Padmakumar. The SIT has so far arrested six people, including former TDB president N Vasu, former Sabarimala administrative officer Murari Babu, former executive officer Sudheesh Kumar, middleman Potti and former Thiruvabharana Commissioner K S Biju. Sabarimala gold theft case: Fall from grace for ex-TDB chief Padmakumar from Pathanamthitta

Sabarimala Gold Case: Kerala Vigilance Court Rejects Bail Plea of Former TDB Prez

The Kollam Vigilance Court denied the relief to Padmakumar, also a former CPI(M) MLA, after the prosecution opposed his bail plea on the ground that there was sufficient evidence on record to prove the offence against him

NHAI to conduct intensive soil testing across 378 RS wall locations in Kerala

Eighteen geotechnical agencies will perform soil sampling and testing across 18 highway projects in Kerala. Move follows the collapse of a portion of a wall on the NH-66 at Mylakkadu in Kollam. Reports generated after proper investigations will serve as the basis for re-checking the construction of every single RS wall, says NHAI

Lumina 2025 held in Kollam

Kerala local body polls: Second phase records 63.8% turnout by 3 pm

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An overall voter turnout of 63.8% was recorded at 3 pm in the second phase of the local body polls in seven northern districts of the state. Electors are choosing representatives to three tier panchayats in rural areas as well as municipalities and corporations in urban areas. The districts in which polling is being held in the second phase are: Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. Voting is being held in 18,274 polling stations from 7 am to 6 pm. Of these, 2,055 polling stations have been earmarked as sensitive. A total of 12,391 wards spread across 604 local bodies are facing the polls on Thursday. This includes 9,015 wards in 470 grama panchayats, 1,177 wards in 77 block panchayats, 182 divisions in seven district panchayats, 1,829 wards in 47 municipalities and 188 wards in three Corporations. As many as 1.53 crore voters, including 72.46 lakh men, 80.90 lakh women and 161 transgender persons figure in the voters' list in local bodies that are going to polls in the first phase. Another 3,293 overseas voters also figure in the electoral roll. A total of 38,994 candidates are in the fray in the seven districts. The first phase of polling in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam concluded on December 9 with a turnout of around 70%. Results for both phases will be declared on December 13. VIDEO | Kannur: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan ( @pinarayivijayan ) casts his vote in the local body polls. #KeralaElections #LocalBodyPolls #Kannur (Full video available on PTI Videos https://t.co/n147TvrpG7 ) pic.twitter.com/OGQxTd91kj Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 11, 2025

Second phase of key Kerala local body polls begins, CM confident of LDF win

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The second phase of polling in the crucial local body elections commenced in seven districts of Kerala on Thursday morning with the turnout crossing 8 per cent in the first two hours of voting. Voters began casting ballots from 7 am at the 18,274 polling stations in the districts of Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. Polling will conclude at 6 pm. People of all ages and professions, including political leaders, queued up at polling stations since early morning. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan turned up to vote along with his family in Kannur. Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, he expressed confidence about a historic win for the LDF and said that the Sabarimala gold loss issue would not affect the prospects of the Left front. He claimed that the government took stringent action in the matter and if it were any other party in power, such steps would not have been taken. Regarding the reported claims by Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief Sunny Joseph of a conspiracy behind the second complaint of sexual assault against MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, the CM hinted at the presence of a criminal gang of sexual perverts in the grand old party. Vijayan said that such persons intimidated their victims to prevent them from coming forward. VIDEO | Kannur: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan ( @pinarayivijayan ) casts his vote in the local body polls. #KeralaElections #LocalBodyPolls #Kannur (Full video available on PTI Videos https://t.co/n147TvrpG7 ) pic.twitter.com/OGQxTd91kj Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 11, 2025 Leaders of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a key ally of the Congress, like Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, P K Kunhalikutty and M K Muneer were confident of a huge victory for the UDF in the local body polls. The KPCC chief said that the Sabarimala gold issue would affect the LDF prospects in the polls as they were protecting those involved in the scam. The local body polls are viewed by many as a key indicator ahead of next year's state assembly elections. In the second phase, over 1.53 crore voters will elect representatives to 12,931 wards across 604 local bodies, including grama panchayats, block panchayats, district panchayats, municipalities and corporations. A total of 38,994 candidates are in the fray. The first phase of polling in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam districts of the state concluded on December 9 with a turnout of around 70 per cent. The results of both phases of polling will be announced on December 13.

Three killed as autorickshaw collides with bus carrying Lord Ayyappa devotees in Kerala

KOLLAM: Three people died after the autorickshaw in which they were travelling collided with a bus at Anchal in the wee hours of Thursday, police said. The deceased were identified as Akshay (23), Jyothi Lakshmi (21) and Sruthy Lakshmi (16), all residents of Karavaloor. According to police, the autorickshaw driven by Akshay lost control and hit a bus carrying Lord Ayyappa devotees from Andhra Pradesh. The devotees were returning after their Sabarimala pilgrimage when the accident occurred around 1 am on the Punalur-Anchal road. Police said Akshay died on the spot, while the two others, who were his relatives, were rushed to a hospital but succumbed to their injuries later. The front portion of the bus was damaged, but all passengers escaped unhurt, police said. A probe has been launched into the incident. The bodies will be handed over to relatives after post-mortem, police said.

ED seeks Sabarimala gold theft case documents; hearing adjourned to December 17

KOLLAM: The Kollam Vigilance Court on Tuesday adjourned to December 17 the hearing on the Enforcement Directorates (ED) plea seeking certified copies of documents related to the Sabarimala temple gold theft case. The adjournment came after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) sought more time to file its written objection. The SIT denied that the delay in filing its objection was deliberate, countering the EDs allegation that it was attempting to stall proceedings. Both the government and the SIT opposed a parallel investigation, arguing that a second probe was unnecessary until the SIT completed its inquiry. According to submissions before the court, the government also expressed concern that an ED probe could result in the arrest of more senior officials. ED Special Public Prosecutor M J Santosh told the court that the agency had sought copies of FIRs, remand reports, statements of arrested persons and seized documents. He said that while the ED could independently register a case, it approached the court believing that access to the SITs records would enable further action. In its application, the ED said its intervention was prompted by the invocation of Section 467 of the IPC in the gold theft cases, which brings the matter under the ambit of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The agency assured the court that any information obtained would not be shared with the media or used for purposes unrelated to the investigation.

At three per cent decline, Phase I turnout in Kerala sinks below pandemic-year levels

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Voter turnout has been slipping across successive local body elections in Kerala and the first phase of polling in the states southern districts has reinforced the trend. All seven districts posted a uniform 3% dip, offering a clear preview of the statewide trend. Notably, voter participation figure in these districts have dipped to levels lower than those recorded in 2020, a year marked by the Covid crisis. Pathanamthitta, known for its large NRI population and chronically low turnout, stayed true to pattern once again. It posted the lowest voter participation in Phase I at 66.78%, extending a trend it has held across multiple election cycles. The district also posts low turnout in assembly and Lok Sabha elections, largely because a significant share of its electorate lives overseas. Thiruvananthapuram registered the second lowest turnout that slipped to 67.47% from 70.02% in 2020. The decline was sharper when compared to the turnout of 71.9% recorded in 2015. Even more concerning was the voter participation in Thiruvananthapuram corporation, which fell to 58.29%, down from 59.96% in 2020 and 62.90% in 2015. Ernakulam, despite its largely urban profile, posted the highest turnout among the seven districts at 74.57%. However, there was also a nearly 3% dip compared to the previous election. Notably, Kochi corporation was the only major civic body to better its previous performance, inching up from 62.04% to 62.44%. Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Idukki districts also saw voter turnout fall by around 3%. State Election Commissioner A Shajahan said a clear statewide polling picture would emerge only after the northern districts also vote, on Thursday. Voter turnout in northern districts have traditionally been on the higher side compared to the south. So, when the final figures emerge, we may be able to analyse the overall trend, Shajahan told TNIE. Meanwhile, experts cite a mix of factors behind the trend. According to K M Sajad Ibrahim, psephologist and professor of political science at Kerala University, increasing voter apathy could be one of the prime factors for the dwindling turnout. Local body polls simply dont command the same seriousness among urban voters as state or national elections. Add to that the confusion over a separate civic voters list. Many find out too late that theyve been left off the rolls, he said. Also, several electors in Phase I complained that party workers were far less active in distributing voter slips compared to previous elections. Local body elections demand a well-oiled party machinery and committed cadre. We arent convinced if all parties bring the same energy to civic polls that they do to larger elections. That lack of drive may be showing up in the turnout as well, Ibrahim added.

KSRTC looks to be on song with Ganavandi

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: From exhaust notes to melodic scores, a group of KSRTC employees are looking to tune themselves up for runaway success. The 18-strong musical ensemble -- named Ganavandi will debut on Thursday at the Uchakkada Sree Durga Sree Dharmashastha temple, on the outskirts of the capital city. The musicians were assembled as part of an enterprising move to break the monotony of work and generate additional revenue for the corporation, which continues to struggle with its finances. The troupe brings together drivers, conductors and mechanics from depots as spread out as Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, Pala, Vaikom, and Edapal -- and their family members. Selected on the basis of auditions, the well-drilled groups premiere will be a two-hour programme that will be interspersed with mimicry acts. The show will open with a classical performance by Neelambari, a Class 5 student and daughter of KSRTC conductor Devadas from Idukki. The debut is crucial, says Hena P N, KSRTCs chief law officer and cultural coordinator. Its success will help us further structure the troupe. We already have a pool of talented employees across zones who have volunteered out of their passion for art, and their skills will be utilised based on programme locations. The group has already secured six bookings across the state. Transport minister had mooted the idea It was the idea of Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar, who wanted to cash in on the viral popularity of musical performances of the corporations employees. The acts at the Transport Expo held in August set the stage for the creation of the troupe. The shortlisted employees were asked to appear for auditions and those in the final list were given training at various depots. An employee even got his relative Sujin Dev, a music composer, to help put the group together. According to Hena, KSRTC is yet to finalise the remuneration for the first show. In future, the cultural committee will decide the fee. The revenue will go to the KSRTC. We have already received sponsorship and it is going to generate profit, she added. Ahead of its debut, the troupe will have its final rehearsal at Neyyattinkara depot.

Inadequate geotechnical investigation led to NH collapse in Kollam, say experts

They point out that the site is inherently high-risk, featuring compressible soil and multiple water pathways between surrounding polders, making it highly susceptible to collapse from water saturation

Operation D-Hunt: Kollam City police arrest 968 persons in 2025

Police say they focus on tracing the source of the seized drugs to effectively dismantle the entire network

70.09% polling reported in Kollam

Citizens rescue 13-foot whale shark entangled in fishing net in Kerala`s Kollam

This rescue marks Kollam districts first recorded whale shark rescue and the 50th along the Kerala coast since the launch of the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) Save the Whale Shark Campaign in 2017, in collaboration with the Kerala Forest Department and supported by Oracle

Kerala local body polls sees over 32% turnout in first five hours

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A voter turnout of 32.04% was recorded in the first five hours of polling in the first phase of the local body polls in seven districts of the state. Electors are choosing representatives to the three-tier panchayats in rural areas and municipalities and corporations in urban areas. Voting is being held in 15,422 polling stations from 7 am to 6 pm. Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi and the states Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan were among the prominent voters who queued up to cast their votes in the first hour of polling. Polling in the first phase is underway in seven districts, which include Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam. A total of 11,167 wards spread across 595 local bodies are facing the polls on Tuesday. This includes 8310 wards in 471 grama panchayats, 1090 wards in 75 block panchayats, 164 divisions in seven district panchayats, 1317 wards in 39 municipalities and 232 wards in three Corporations. As many as 1.32 crore voters, including 62.50 lakh men, 70.32 lakh women and 126 transgender persons figure in the voters' list in local bodies that are going to polls in the first phase. A total of 36,629 candidates are in the fray in the seven districts.

Kollam local body elections kick off with 15.65% turnout

KOLLAM: Polling for the local body elections commenced in the district on Monday, with a turnout of 15.65% recorded by 10 am, according to data released by the Election Commission. Officials noted that voting picked up steadily during the early hours, with more voters arriving after 9 am. Kollam Corporation reported a relatively lower turnout of 12.49%, while municipal areas recorded moderate participation. Among the municipalities, Paravur registered the highest turnout at 15.66%, followed closely by Kottarakkara with 15.62%. Punalur reported the lowest turnout among municipalities, with only 14% of voters casting their ballots by 10 am. The district panchayat recorded a turnout of 15.65%. Other blocks such as Sasthamkotta (15.85%), Anchal (15.62%), Chittumala (15.37%), and Chavara (14.99%) also reported moderate participation. Voter participation was higher in rural pockets, particularly in block panchayat segments. Chadayamangalam topped the list with a 17% turnout, followed by Ochira at 16.77%, Ithikkara at 16.6%, and Kottarakkara block at 16.3%, reflecting strong engagement outside urban areas.

Kerala local body polls: Fronts make fervent bid to sway electoral outcome on the day of silent campaigning

Silent campaigning unfolded across three Municipal Corporations, 39 municipalities, seven district panchayats, 75 block panchayats, and 471 grama panchayats spread over Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam districts.

Ink issues and faulty EVMs cause chaos at start of local body elections in Thiruvanthapuram

THIRUVANTHAPURAM: The first phase of local body elections began on Monday amidst crises and uncertainties across the capital district. In a critical incident, election ink applied to voters forefingers at the Sasthamangalam ward of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation faded within minutes. Sources from Booth 2 of the Raja Kesavadas NSS Higher Secondary School polling station reported that the ink was diluted, causing it to disappear quickly. In the same ward, a female voter was not permitted to vote due to discrepancies in the electoral roll. Vasantha Gokulam (84), whose name appeared as Vasantha Gokul with incorrect age and photograph, was denied voting at Booth 3. This appears to be a deliberately created issue, as similar problems occurred in the last local body elections. No major parties checked this while distributing the election slip, which raises doubts, said Resmi TS, the AAP candidate for the ward. Discussions to allow her vote are currently ongoing. Meanwhile, the voting machine at Booth 2 of Karavaram Panchayat Ward 20 was found to be non-functional. At least 50 voters left after discovering the EVM was damaged, sources said, adding that polling officials had assured a replacement would be provided soon. Voting for the first phase in seven districts of the state began at 7 am, with electors choosing representatives for three-tier panchayats in rural areas and municipalities and corporations in urban areas. Voters queued at polling stations as early as 6.30 am. Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi and the states Leader of the Opposition, VD Satheesan, were among the prominent voters who cast their ballots in the first hour. The first phase covers Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, and Ernakulam districts. A total of 11,167 wards across 595 local bodies are going to polls, including 8,310 wards in 471 grama panchayats, 1,090 wards in 75 block panchayats, 164 divisions in seven district panchayats, 1,317 wards in 39 municipalities, and 232 wards in three corporations. As many as 1.32 crore voters, including 62.50 lakh men, 70.32 lakh women, and 126 transgender persons, are listed to vote in this phase. A total of 36,629 candidates are contesting in the seven districts. Voting is taking place across 15,422 polling stations, 480 of which have been designated as sensitive.

First phase of Kerala local body polls on Tuesday; voting to begin at 7 a.m.

Votes will be polled from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Phase-I of the local body elections covering wards in 595 local bodies across Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam districts.

Man held for murder of 65-year-old grandmother in Chavara

KOLLAM: A 65-year-old woman was found murdered inside her home in Chavara on Sunday night. Her grandson has been taken into police custody in connection with the incident. The deceased has been identified as Sulekha Beevi, a resident of Vattathara. The accused is her grandson, Shahnaz. Sulekhas body was discovered under a bed with her throat slit. Police said the incident came to light after Shahnazs mother returned home and could not find Sulekha Beevi. After questioning Shahnaz and searching the house, she reportedly found the body hidden under the bed. Chavara police reached the spot and began inquest procedures. Local residents told the investigators that Shahnaz had a history of creating trouble in the area. Police are also probing whether he was under the influence of drugs at the time of the crime. Interrogation of the accused is currently under way, and further investigation is ongoing.

Tamil-speaking minority in Kerala alleges marginalisation as linguistic representation shrinks in ballots

PALAKKAD: As Kerala enters the final phase of preparations for the local body elections, a deep sense of unease is growing among Tamil-speaking minority communities particularly in Palakkad over what they describe as a systematic reduction in linguistic recognition. Community leaders warn that the state, despite its long-standing tradition of pluralism, appears to be retreating from a fundamental commitment towards linguistic minorities. In the 2020 elections, Tamil was printed alongside Malayalam in 375 wards across Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Palakkad, and Wayanad districts. However, for the upcoming polls, this number has fallen to 338. The sharpest decline is visible in Palakkad, where Tamil cultural and demographic presence is the most pronounced. Five years ago, Tamil ballots were used in 229 wards across eight panchayats. Now, that number has shrunk dramatically to 93 wards in just six panchayats. Even in Chittur-Tattamangalam municipality -- located in the Tamil linguistic minority heartland of Chittur taluk, a region officially recognised as such since 1956 -- Tamil was removed entirely from the ballot, although three wards were Tamil-inclusive in the previous elections. Similar is the in Kollam, where the number of Tamil-language ballot wards has been reduced from 12 to 10. Only Idukki bucks the trend, showing a marginal rise, from 224 wards to 229, although community organisations note that this increase is too small to offset the statewide decline. Meanwhile, the picture in Kasaragod is mixed. Kannada-speaking minorities have seen improvements at the panchayat level, with the number of Kannada-ballot wards rising from 228 across 18 panchayats in 2020 to 283 this year. Yet, even here, inclusivity appears inconsistent. Kasaragod municipality, which previously had 38 wards with Kannada ballots, now includes only 18, raising concerns that linguistic rights in urban centres are being diluted. Election Commission officials pointed out that all decisions were made after population-based verification, asserting that linguistic-minority wards were designated strictly on demographic grounds. But Tamil community leaders argue that the methodology fails to capture historical realities and lived experiences in regions where Tamil has been embedded in public life for generations. They note that recognising linguistic minorities requires more than mathematical formulas and that electoral participation becomes inequitable when language itself becomes a barrier. These concerns deepen when considering the continued absence of Tamil-language versions of essential election documents. Since 1956, several regions in Kerala have been officially acknowledged as Tamil linguistic minority areas. Yet the SIR enumeration form crucial for preparing electoral rolls continues to be issued only in Malayalam. Voter lists, procedural manuals, and related legal documents also remain monolingual, making it difficult for many Tamil-speaking voters, especially older citizens, to navigate the electoral system fully and independently. M Pechimuthu, general secretary of the Kerala State Tamil Protection Councils linguistic minority committee, voiced strong criticism of the situation. Denying Tamil versions of mandatory election materials is not merely an administrative lapse but a direct infringement on the dignity and democratic agency of linguistic minorities, Pechimuthu said. He stressed that communities recognised under law should not be placed at a structural disadvantage during elections, particularly in a state that often sets national standards for inclusivity. The ongoing reductions in Tamil ballot wards, especially in Palakkad where the Tamil population is most concentrated, have raised profound questions about linguistic justice and democratic representation. The issue is no longer limited to administrative decisions about ballot paper design; it touches upon the commitment of the state to honour long-standing legal protections and cultural identities. As Kerala readies itself for another electoral exercise, the debate surrounding linguistic inclusion has become far more than a technical matter. It has evolved into a broader conversation about the rights of minority communities to participate on equal terms-and about the responsibilities of democratic institutions to ensure that no citizen is forced to cast a vote in a language they cannot fully claim as their own.

Candidates make a final pitch to voters as open campaigning for the first phase of the local body polls in Kerala ends

In play in the first phase of polling on Tuesday are three Municipal Corporations, 39 municipalities, seven district panchayats, 75 block panchayats, and 471 grama panchayats spanning Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Alappuzha and Ernakulam districts

Kerala local body elections: 22.54 lakh voters to exercise franchise in Kollam

Ten fishing boats gutted in massive fire in Kollam

Rescue operations severely hampered by explosion of onboard gas cylinders and poor road connectivity to the area. Despite the challenges, local residents and Fire and Rescue Services manage to prevent a larger disaster by successfully moving eight other moored boats away from the flames

Fire destroys over ten fishing boats in Ashtamudi Lake in Kerala, probe ordered

KOLLAM: A massive fire gutted over ten fishing boats anchored in Ashtamudi Lake at Kureepuzha early Sunday, causing heavy losses to local fishermen, though no casualties were reported. According to residents, the blaze may have been triggered by a cooking gas cylinder explosion on one of the boats. Six Fire and Rescue Services units from Kollam reached the spot and brought the blaze under control by around 7 am. Residents first spotted the fire around 1:30 am, and said around 14 boats anchored in a row caught fire. To contain the damage, locals untied the burning boats and pushed them into the lake. Visuals showed several boats drifting while engulfed in flames. Nine traditional boats and one fibre boat were completely gutted, while a few others reportedly sank. Fire officials said the cause of the fire is still being probed. Locals alleged a delayed response due to poor road access, adding that this is the third such incident in the area. Kollam District Collector N Devidas, who visited the site, ordered an inquiry and said around ten boats, including one owned by a local man, Lawrance, and others belonging to fishermen from Pozhiyoor, were destroyed.

Kerala: Massive fire destroys over 10 fishing boats in Kollam; no casualties reported

A fire broke out before dawn on Sunday at a boat-anchoring point on Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam, destroying more than ten fishing boats. The blaze started around 2:30 am near Kureepuzha church, close to the Ayyankovil temple. Officials said the cause is still not known, but no injuries were reported.

Fringe political players eye local gains in Kerala, challenging Keralas dominant fronts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Meet the political parties that command other states but barely make a blip on Keralas electoral radar. Branded as fringe actors, the modest seat tallies of such parties are often mocked when set against the states entrenched fronts. Yet political observers caution that dismissing them outright may be a mistake. Their strength in select strongholds could send out quiet tremors capable of nudging the trajectories of Keralas major political fronts. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leads the pack in terms of the sheer number of candidates fielded in the upcoming local body election. The party, that once ruled Delhi and is now in power in Punjab, had entered the civic election arena in 2015 with around 80 candidates but failed to open its account. AAP first tasted success in 2023 when its candidate won a panchayat ward in Idukki in a bypoll. In the upcoming civic polls, AAP has fielded a total of 380 candidates across various local bodies in all districts. We will put up an impressive performance in this local body election and are particularly confident of winning seats in Kozhikode and Kochi corporations and a district panchayat division in Idukki, said Vinod Mathew Wilson, AAP state president. AAP could be an alternative for voters who are averse to the ideologies and practices of the three major fronts. But it would be a form of negative voting that is not beneficial in the long run. Instead, AAP should offer positive alternatives such as revival of the anti-corruption plank on which it was originally based, and taking up issues facing the marginalised sections and the downtrodden to stay relevant, opined Prof M N Karassery, political observer and social critic. Meanwhile, DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam), the ruling party in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, is upbeat about a rousing performance in the local body election in Kerala. The party, led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, has fielded candidates in 23 wards. Of these, nine candidates are in Kollams Punalur municipality and one in Thenmala grama panchayat while.the remaining 13 have been fielded in Devikulam and Peermade taluks of Idukki. It is for the first time that DMK is contesting under the partys official rising sun symbol in Kerala, and we are confident of a good show this time around, said K R Murugesan, DMK Kerala state secretary. Punalur has been a stronghold of the Dravidian party for many years. Notably, in the 2023 election to Punalur Service Cooperative Bank that falls under the municipal limits, all 13 candidates fielded by the DMK came second, pushing the UDF to third spot. AIADMK (All Indian Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam), the main opposition party in Tamil Nadu, has been a player in Keralas electoral scene for the past few decades. As the partys official two-leaves symbol has been reserved for Kerala Congress (M) in the state, the partys candidates have been contesting under the hat symbol. As many as 30 AIADMK candidates are contesting the upcoming local body election, mostly in its strongholds in Idukki and Palakkad. We have renewed our ties with the BJP-led NDA alliance in Tamil Nadu but in Kerala we have decided to go it alone. In the two wards where our candidates are contesting in Thiruvananthapuram district, the BJP is also in the fray, pointed out Haribabu V Pillai, Kerala state secretary, AIADMK. He added that the party would put up an impressive performance in Idukki and Palakkad districts where it has fielded candidates in 16 and 12 wards respectively. We are hopeful of improving our tally in 2015 when we won as many as six wards, he added. Meanwhile, a section of political analysts are of the view that other-state parties see the local body election in Kerala as part of a larger game-plan. For many such parties, fielding candidates is primarily part of reviving their cadre ahead of the assembly election. Though they may not win the seats they contest, the votes they poll would be shown as a sign of strength in certain pockets and used as a bargaining chip against major fronts in the upcoming elections, opined A Jayashankar, political commentator. It is more of a spoiler effect that parties from other states pose in their strongholds in Kerala, Jayasankar said. In areas where linguistic minorities are a sizeable number, disillusionment with the LDF and UDF favours such fringe parties, he said. Most of these voters would have been taken for a ride in successive elections by the dominant fronts and they would naturally be on the lookout for a platform to express their resentment. Whether their favoured candidate would win the election is a different question altogether, he remarked. Meanwhile, the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), that has made inroads into the migrant population and also minorities in the states hilly areas, has opted out of the fray this time around. Owing to differences between the state unit and its newly appointed state convener P V Anvar, the partys symbol has been frozen by the poll panel. AITC state president C G Unni dismissed claims that independents backed by AITC are contesting the civic elections. The party will face the elections officially only after its internal elections are completed, he added. AIADMK Total candidates THIRUVANANTHAPURAM TPuram municipal corporation: 1 (Medical College ward) Neyyattinkara municipality: 1 (Perumpazhuthoor ward) PALAKKAD Palakkad town & Kozhinjamapara panchayat: 12 candidates IDUKKI Devikulam, Marayoor & Munnar areas: 16 candidates DMK Total candidates KOLLAM (10) Punalur municipality: 9 wards Thenmala grama panchayat: 1 ward IDUKKI (13) Devikulam taluk: 7 Peermade taluk: 6

Kerala CM holds NHAI accountable for NH 66 cave-in; contractor suspended for one month

THRISSUR/KOLLAM : Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday urged the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to take full responsibility for the incident in which a section of the under-construction NH 66 stretch caved in near Kottiyam in Kollam. Stating that the Kerala government and public works department (PWD) has no role in NH construction, Pinarayi said: The work on NH 66 is fully monitored by NHAI. They have their own system for it. The portion of the road that was destroyed should be reconstructed properly, he said at the Meet-the-Press programme at the Thrissur Press Club. He said the state government and PWD were helpless in the matter, other than seeking NHAIs intervention. Meanwhile, the Union government has taken strict action against the contracting company Sivalaya Constructions responsible for NH development on Kollam-Mylakkad stretch. NHAI sources said, the firm has been barred for one month from participating in any contracting processes. A show-cause notice has been issued, asking why the company should not be permanently blacklisted for the lapse, said a source. The project manager and resident engineer appointed by the contractor have been removed from their positions. Speaking in Thrissur, Pinarayi said: Usually, when a road is being constructed, NHAI is in charge of everything right from design. We cannot interfere in such aspects. Central PWD to conduct inspection at damaged stretch Around four days ago, I spoke to the NHAI regional director. We cannot interfere in their procedures, but we sought to know when the construction work would be completed. Meetings are held for understanding the progress of the work, Pinarayi said. Asked about the technical aspects of whether the NH 66 construction is being carried out in keeping with the terrain, the CM said it was NHAI that carried out the technical tests before construction work. Just because a portion of the road was destroyed, we should not ignore the fact that the work on the remaining stretches has been continuing without any issues, he added. Meanwhile, a team from the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) will conduct an inspection at the damaged stretch. Public Works Minister P A Mohamed Riyas had written to the Union Government seeking urgent action. CPWD officials will inspect the site to determine whether there were faults in the retaining walls design, an NHAI source said. In addition, a three-member NHAI team is also expected to carry out a separate inspection on Sunday.

NH collapse in Kollam: Centre begins steps to blacklist construction firm

An expert committee to visit the site soon, and further action will be taken based on the panels report

Expert team to probe NH collapse in Kollam

Sole responsibility of NH collapse on NHAI and construction agency, says Finance Minister, while visiting the accident site

Ernakulam tops state in per capita GDDP

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ernakulam district retained the top slot in nominal Gross District Domestic Product (GDDP) figures for 2024-25 released by the economics and statistics department recently. The districts GDDP was Rs 1,67,661.90 crore (quick estimate), up from Rs 1,50,991.63 crore (provisional estimate) in the previous financial year. Residents in the district recorded the highest per capita GDDP of Rs 4,67,428. In terms of nominal GDDP, the value of goods and services produced in a district at current market prices, Ernakulam was followed by Thrissur (Rs 1,30,104.05 crore), Thiruvananthapuram (Rs 1,24,342.30 crore), Kollam (Rs 1,19,217.76 crore) and Malappuram (Rs 1,08,492.85 crore). All these districts had the same ranking in 2023-24 as well. At the bottom of the list was Wayanad with a GDDP of Rs 2,27,19.57 crore. Alappuzha came second in per capita GDDP, a key indicator of a districts economic health and peoples standard of living. The per capita GDDP, a districts GDDP divided by its population, helps in measuring the average income and economic output per person. Kollam recorded the third-highest per capita GDDP of Rs 4,41,719, followed by Kottayam (Rs 4,08,523) and Idukki (Rs 4,04,881). The lowest per capita GDDP was reported in the most populous district of Malappuram Rs 2,20,533. According to C Veeramani, director of the Centre for Development Studies, per capita GDDP is an indicator of a districts development and the residents standard of living. It reveals the inequality in income distribution among residents of different districts. Ideally, the gap between districts should be low, he told TNIE. Growth rate At 10%, Pathanamthitta recorded the highest year-over-year growth rate in per capita GDDP. The growth rate was based on the real GDDP or the total value of goods and prices produced in a district, adjusted for inflation. Kottayam, 8%, recorded the second highest growth rate and Malappuram the lowest, at 2%.

Part of under-construction highway collapses in Kollam

Kerala local body polls 2025: open campaigning for Phase 1 to end on December 7

Seven districtsThiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Alappuzha, and Ernakulamgo to the polls on December 9 in the first phase

Repair works on road under bridge begins at Kollampalayam

Kerala local body polls: UDF andBJPseek to recast political layout in Kollam before Assembly elections

Keralas new local bodies face mounting waste crisis as key projects stall

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: When the new councils take charge in Keralas different local bodies later this month, most will have a common problem on their hands waste management. Kerala generates over 10,000 tonnes of solid waste every day. However, despite the state having systems in place to manage it, it still leaves a lot to be desired. Nearly 1,200 local bodies struggle manage the widening gap between waste generation and available infrastructure to handle it. Lack of land, stiff local resistance and several failed centralised waste management projects continue to hold the state back. Take for example the Rs 2,400-crore World Bank-funded project launched in 2021 to improve solid waste management in 93 urban local bodies. The initiative has come to a grinding halt due to the state governments inability to set up sanitary landfills essential for scientific waste processing. Over the past four years, the Kerala Solid Waste Management Project (KSWMP) tried establishing regional waste management facilities in Kasaragod, Palakkad, Thrissur, Kollam and Ernakulam, but failed. And, officials admit that without setting up regional sanitary landfills, the state cannot utilise the World Bank grant. Local bodies, ward members, residents and even MLAs are opposing waste management projects. Our repeated attempts to set up regional facilities, mandatory for utilising the World Bank grant, have failed. At Ambalamedu in Ernakulam, the local body refused approval to build a landfill due to strong local resistance. We had even prepared a `600-crore project benefiting around 22 surrounding local bodies, a senior government official said. The massive fire at the Brahmapuram waste plant in March 2023 that left Kochi and its suburbs choking for days, served as a turning point, pushing waste management to the top of the governments priority list. To strengthen the system, 38,312 Haritha Karma Sena members were deployed for door-to-door collection of non-biodegradable waste. Last year, they collected 1.5 lakh tonnes of such waste from households and establishments for safe disposal. Kerala generates 7,660 tonnes of biodegradable waste and 2,416 tonnes of non-biodegradable waste daily. However, despite efforts to promote decentralised processing at source, managing biodegradable waste remains a critical concern for most local bodies. Currently, many of them rely on pig farms. While source-level management systems exist in several areas, the department is adopting a hybrid strategy, introducing community-level waste treatment facilities to bridge gaps. To encourage residents to set up source-level systems, the government has announced a 5% exemption in property tax. A statewide survey is on to assess the status of source-level waste management facilities. Its findings will help identify gaps, understand operational realities and plan necessary interventions. Only households with functional waste management systems will be eligible for the exemption. Those unable or unwilling to set these up will be provided waste collection as a paid service, with user fees applicable, an official said. With only a few months left for its term to end, the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) is gearing up to roll out a slew of initiatives aimed at achieving a garbage-free Kerala under its Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam 2.0 mission. LSGD Minister M B Rajesh told TNIE that the state has overcome the toughest phase of its waste management crisis and is now on a clear path forward. He also said Kerala will become a dumpsite-free state within the next two years. We took the Brahmapuram fire disaster as an opportunity to transform Kerala into a garbage-free state. We have achieved a lot. Now, we have a clear roadmap to move ahead sustainably. Four regional sanitary waste management facilities will become operational by April or May. Compressed biogas (CBG) plants in Palakkad are nearing completion, and work on the Kozhikode CBG plant will begin immediately, Rajesh said. Growing waste burden Kerala generates nearly four million tonnes of solid waste every year, with urban centres accounting for a major share. While biodegradable waste dominates the mix, the strain on waste management systems continues to grow. The figures below capture the scale of the challenge and the infrastructure in place to manage it

Special trains to Sabarimala from Telangana from December 13

Hyderabad: In view of the heavy rush of devotees travelling to Sabarimala, the South Central Railway (SCR) has announced special train services from December 13 to January 2 connecting various stations under its jurisdiction with Kollam Junction in Kerala. A total of ten special trains, including both onward and return services, will be operated, the 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 .

Over 1,500 flex boards removed for code of conduct violation in Kollam

Motorists seek repair works to road under bridge at Kollampalayam

Sabarimala gold loss case: SIT grills former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner

Investigators questioned former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner K S Baiju regarding gold lost from Sabarimala temple. Baiju was permitted custody until evening by the Kollam Vigilance Court. He was the Commissioner when gold-plated coverings were removed for electroplating in 2019. The court dismissed his bail application in a related case. Six people have been arrested so far.

NS Co-operative Hospital in Kollam becomes first cooperative society in India to win ICAs Cooperative Global Excellence Award

The hospital was selected from 57 nominations from 51 countries in the Asia-Pacific region

Kerala local body polls: Rivals will seek to loosen LDFs firm grip on Kollam Corporation

Since the formation of the Corporation in 2000, the Left front has been in power. This time, the CPI(M) is not fielding a single sitting member of the current council, hoping that a totally new line-up will get voters approval. While the UDF is looking for a recovery from a major setback in the 2020 elections, the NDA, having tripled its seats in 2020, is highly optimistic about its prospects

Tenders worth 6.46 crore for station redevelopment projects in Kollam and Alappuzha

Sasthamkotta and Karunagappally in Kollam, and Haripad and Punnapra in Alappuzha are the stations in focus

Sabarimala gold theft case: SIT obtains police custody of former TDB president and CPI(M) leader A. Padmakumar for further questioning

SIT produces Padmakumar before Inquiry Commissioner and Special Vigilance Judge in Kollam. Court remands him in SIT custody till Friday

Kerala local body polls 2025: Rival fronts fear public anger as pollution hogs the limelight

Public anger over industrial emissions and untreated wastewater is mounting pressure on political parties. While reverberations of agitations against a poultry waste treatment plant in Kozhikode is likely to shape voter sentiment, Ashtamudi Lakes pollution is becoming a key poll issue in Kollam.

Ahead of National Milk Day, Milma launches five new premium products

Kerala Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development J. Chinchurani will inaugurate the State-level National Milk Day celebrations on November 26 in Kollam. Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal will preside over the function

Kerala: Man Kills Wife by Hitting Her with LPG Cylinder in Kollam

Police have arrested her husband, Madhusudhanan Pillai, who assaulted her following a quarrel at their house around midnight

Kollam district school Kalolsavam from Nov. 25

RAF Team Deployed at Sabarimala for Security

A 140-member unit led by Deputy Commander Bijuraj from Kollam assumed charge at Sannidhanam, the temple complex, on Saturday

Kodi Kada is in non-stop election mode

Since 1984, the small shop is the primary source of campaign materials for political parties across Kollam and neighbouring districts all through the year. It provides an array of customised products and strictly adheres to green protocol

Heavy rain disrupts normal life in southern Kerala

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority issued an orange alert for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha districts applicable for the next 24 hours.

Centre to establish CGHS Wellness Centre in Kollam

Railways conduct full-scale safety mock drill at Kollam Junction railway station

The mock drill was designed to strengthen disaster response capabilities and provide hands-on training for managing train accidents through a realistic scenario

Kerala cop booked for molesting woman officer during duty

Kollam: A case has been registered against a police official for allegedly molesting his woman colleague at the Coastal Police Station here, officials said on Saturday. Police officials said the case was registered against Senior Civil Police Officer Navas at the Chavara police station here. According to police, Navas was working on deputation at the 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 .

Zonal competitions of SGOU arts festival from Nov. 15

The State festival will be held from November 28 to 30. Over 1,000 students from 11 study centres in Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, and Kollam districts will participate in the competitions

Kerala local body polls 2025: Kollam district to have 2,722 polling stations

Man Attacked With Machetes, House Stormed After Argument With Auto Driver

A man and two of his neighbours suffered severe injuries when an autorickshaw driver and his friends, some of whom were waving machetes, stormed his house after a minor argument near Kollam in Kerala.

Southern Railway announces 16 special trains for Sabarimala pilgrimage season

Thiruvananthapuram: Southern Railway on Monday announced 16 special trains for pilgrims travelling to Sabarimala for the Mandala-Makaravilakku festival season, which begins on November 17. The trains will be operational from November 14 to January 24, 2026 from Kakinada, Hazur Sahib Nanded, Charlapalli, Machilipatnam, Narasapur, Chennai Egmore, Dr MGR Chennai Central to Kollam and Kottayam, a Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Kerala local body elections 2025 to be held in two phases on December 9 and 11; counting on December 13

Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Alappuzha and Ernakulam will go to polls on December 9. Thrissur, Malappuram, Wayanad, Palakkad, Kannur, Kasaragod, Kannur and Kozhikode on December 11

LSGD identifies new sites for regional sanitary waste incineration facilities in Kerala

The proposed plants, each capable of processing 20 tonnes of waste per day, will be established in Kottarakara in Kollam, Muvattupuzha in Ernakulam, Kuttippuram in Malappuram and Kadannappalli in Kannur.

Special train from Cherlapally to Sabarimala announced

Hyderabad: The South Central Railway (SCR) has announced special train services for Ayyappa devotees travelling to Sabarimala. A special train service (Train No. 07113) will operate between Cherlapally and Kollam from November 18 to January 13, departing Cherlapally every Tuesday. This train will pass through key stations including Secunderabad, Lingampalli, Vikarabad, Tandur, Yadgir, Krishna, Raichur, 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 .

Amoebic meningoencephalitis: study on host risk factors initiated

Health department and ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology begins case control study with 66 recent cases being chosen from Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam