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Former TDB member arrested in Sabarimala gold theft case

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The SIT probing the Sabarimala gold theft cases has arrested a former Travancore Devaswom Board member alleging that he had played a role in the incidents. N Vijayakumar, who was a member of the TDB during 2019, was arrested after he failed to respond to the summons issued earlier. K P Sankardas, who is the second board member of that time, and Vijayakumar had approached the Kollam Vigilance court seeking anticipatory bail. The pleas are still pending before the court. The SIT had earlier arrested former TDB chiefs, A Padmakumar and N Vasu, for their alleged role in stealing gold from the Sabarimala artefacts. The TDB members had rejected the allegations against them and said the misdeeds could have been done by the board employees.

Organ donation pledges go up, but Kerala far behind top states

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Organ donation pledges in Kerala rose in 2025, crossing the 10,000-mark with around 6,000 new commitments in the year. The whopping 161% surge also improved the states national ranking from 13 to 10. However, Kerala remains far behind states such as Maharashtra and Rajasthan, which registered nearly one lakh pledges each, underscoring a gap between its reputation as a health pioneer and actual performance. Experts caution that the improvement is built on a low baseline; for a state that has long projected itself as a leader in public health, the numbers remain modest. They argue that sustained awareness campaigns, particularly among youth organisations, are essential if Kerala is to match its stature in the national health index. The revival of pledges comes after years of stagnation and controversy surrounding the cadaver donation programme. In 2024, Kerala recorded just 11 donations, a six-year low, while only 3,000 individuals registered through the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) platform by December. This year, pledges have coincided with a rise in donations. The state recorded 22 cadaver donations, highest in nine years. Officials at the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplantation Organisation (K-SOTTO) said pledging of organs picked up pace in the last 3-4 months, with Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kollam leading Aadhaar-based registrations. The increase in organ donation pledges is a reflection of the change in public attitude towards the programme, said Dr Noble Gracious, the K-SOTTO executive director. He noted that pledges were made from people across the state. And while the 30-45 age group led in 2024, this year the 18-30 age group took the lead. Families, once hesitant, have also begun honouring pledges as was seen in the case of A R Aneesh, a 38-year-old assistant prison officer from Thiruvananthapuram, whose family donated nine organs, including his heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas, hand and corneas, in October.

Light, flower show becomes favourite weekend spot in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The streets along Kanakakunnu Palace were flooded with people and crammed with vehicles not a new sight to a Trivandrum resident in the festive days. Big-sized reindeer leading the way for Santa Claus sleigh at the mega entrance to the palace, trees lit up in colourful lights, and thematic light designs the Vasantholsavam light and flower show has become the best weekend getaway for all Trivians, with people of all age groups coming up to see how lights tell tales! The 8-year-old Parie from Chhattisgarh was full of surprises the colours made a lasting impact on her. My favourite was the dragon. and I loved the flowers too, she said, by listing out the colours she saw inside. Her parents, both working at the ISRO at Veli here, said that they came here early that evening so that the child could enjoy everything inside peacefully. Not just them, tourists from different districts and states including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh were actively part of the programmes here. Standing outside the mirror maze was Bhavya, a college student, who still seemed not to be out of how mirrors around the room and lights inside gave her an out-of-the-world experience. Another youngster remarked that rather than decorating the entire stretch of roads with lights, as done during Onam time, creative works like the designs of spores would be better. Coming from Kollam, Class XI student Devananda said that the celebrations resembled those of the Kollam festival. As usual, the nights are busier here than the evenings. While parents led the children to see the lights, the children led their parents towards the stalls that sell snacks and attractive toys. However, not all people have the same opinion about the festival. Athul Sivadas, a media student, mentioned that this years show is not as good as that of the previous years. Being a resident of this city, I know how well-arranged the programme was in the previous years, but this time, everything feels like a rushed, last-minute arrangement, he opined. Getting mixed reviews The festival has recieved mixed reviews from the public. For families, the festival seems to be the perfect getaway, as kids find the illuminations fascinating. For others, this years festival appeared to not be as good as that of the previous years

Six arrested for fake Instagram honeytrap, assault and extortion in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Aryancode police have arrested six persons for allegedly creating a fake Instagram profile using a young womans photographs to cheat and extort money from a man, and for brutally assaulting him when he came to meet them. The arrested are Nidhin, 24, his brother Nidheesh, 25, Sreejith alias Sreekuttan, 24, Akhil alias Sachu, 26, and two Plus-II students. According to the police, the gang targeted Mahesh Mohanan, 40, a native of Kunnathoor in Kollam, by creating a fake Instagram account and chatting with him regularly. After gaining his confidence, they allegedly told him that the woman was alone at her house and asked him to come to Aryancode on December 22. When Mahesh reached the spot, the accused allegedly detained him and assaulted him. His hand was fractured and he suffered stab injuries. The gang also allegedly snatched his mobile phone and ATM card, obtained the PIN, and withdrew Rs 21,500 from his bank account. The accused further demanded Rs 2 lakh as ransom and threatened to falsely implicate him in a Pocso case if he failed to pay Rs 1 lakh immediately, the police said. Realising that Mahesh did not have more money, the gang allegedly abandoned him at Neyyattinkara and fled. Injured and disoriented, he managed to reach Parassala, where he approached the local police station. He was later shifted to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment. Based on information received from the Parassala police, a team led by Aryancode SHO Thanseem Abdul Samad traced and arrested the accused. The police said Nidhin and Nidheesh are involved in several criminal cases registered at Neyyattinkara, Marayamuttom, Parassala and Kattakkada police stations. All the accused have been remanded in judicial custody. Withdrew Rs 21,500 from victims bank account When Mahesh reached the spot, the accused allegedly detained him and assaulted him. His hand was fractured and he suffered stab injuries. The gang also allegedly snatched his mobile phone and ATM card, obtained the PIN, and withdrew Rs 21,500 from his bank account.

Kathakali artist to weave Pahalgam terror attack into solo performance

KOCHI: Moved by the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam on April 22 this year, a kathakali artist has composed a 45-minute dance drama that conveys the shock, grief, and outrage over the incident. Kalamandalam Vijayakumar, a kathakali artist settled in the UK for the past four decades, has choreographed a solo performance incorporating four evergreen Malayalam film songs composed by legendary music director G Devarajan to deliver the anguish over the attack. The first performance will be staged at the Devarajan Master Museum and Research Centre at Paravoor in Kollam district on January 9. The songs selected for the performance are Ezhu Sundara Rathrikal from the film Ashwamedham (1967), Chandra Kalabham Charthi from Kottaram Vilkanundu (1975), Manjalayil Mungi Thorthi from Kalithozhan and Ayiram Padasarangal Kilungi from the film Nadhi (1969). While Manjalayil was written by P Bhaskaran, the other three songs were by Vayalar Rama Varma.Initially, I thought of composing the lyrics for the performance. However, I felt that using these immortal songs would help connect with the audience easily, Vijayakumar told TNIE. The story depicts the tragedy that befell Himanshi Narwal, the wife of Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, whose photograph that showed her sitting numb beside husbands body triggered outrage across the world. The couple, married just six days earlier, was on a honeymoon trip to Kashmir when the tragedy occurred. The photograph was so disturbing that I couldnt sleep for days. I felt a strong urge to express my anguish through my art, Vijayakumar said. He said the story starts with the heroine dreaming over her marriage.For that, I have adapted the song Ezhu Sundara Rathrikal. After marriage, the couple reaches Kashmir, and the stunning mountains, lush valleys, and the serene lakes create a perfect landscape for their love to flourish, for which I have adapted the song Chandra Kalabham.... And Manjalayil Mungi Thorthi conveys the intimacy of the lovers, he said. Subsequently, the artist will convey the terror attack through manodharmam, an expressive dramatic narration. The woman hears the gun shots and frantically runs around in search of her husband. She finds men lying dead in pools of blood and desperately searches for her husband, and finally finds his bullet-riddled body. The performance will end with the lines Omale... Onnu Chirikkoo Orikkal Koodi, which is part of the song Ayiram Padasarangal Kilungi. Vijayakumar and his wife Barbara have played a key role in popularising kathakali in the Western world, with the couple having organised more than 3,000 kathakali stage shows in Europe during the past four decades. Barbara is the first woman artist to take up chutty, the intricate make-up for kathakali. A native of Manimala in Kottayam district, Vijayakumar met Barbara when she arrived in Kalamandalam to learn chutty in 1975.

R. Lathadevi takes charge as Kollam district panchayat president

IUML pushes hard for 30 seats in upcoming Kerala state assembly elections

MALAPPURAM: With the assembly elections approaching, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has mounted an aggressive pitch for a larger share of seats within the UDF, setting its sights on around 30 constituencies five more than the 25 the party contested in 2021. The Muslim Leagues renewed ambition is no longer confined to its traditional Malabar strongholds; it is now pressing for a strategic expansion into southern Kerala, signalling a decisive shift in its electoral calculus. At the core of IUMLs demand is its performance in the recent local body elections. Party leaders argue that improved seat and vote shares especially in southern districts have strengthened their bargaining position. The League is seeking winnable seats in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha, regions where its presence was once marginal but is now electorally relevant. We recorded an 80% winning rate in the local body polls and performed strongly in southern Kerala as well. Seeking more seats in the UDF is our right, said IUML state general secretary P M A Salam. He said seat-sharing talks are expected to conclude by January 15 and that the party anticipates a positive response when it places its demands before the UDF leadership. Stressing the party deserves more seats, a senior IUML leader said the party was promised 27 seats in 2021. However, due to last-minute adjustments within the UDF, we were able to contest only 25 seats, of which we won 15just six fewer than the Congress. In the 2025 LSG polls, we secured 3,203 seats, finishing third among parties in Kerala. Therefore, we deserve to contest at least 30 seats, the leader said. IUML smashes Malabar stereotype; tally 220 in southern local bodies league likely to strictly enforce three-term policy In the south, Kollam has emerged as a key testing ground for the party. Despite an ongoing rift with ally RSP, the IUML is eyeing Eravipuram, invoking the memory of its 1991 victory when senior leader P K K Bava defeated the RSP while it was part of the LDF, according to sources. They said the IUML no longer wishes to contest from Punalur, where it failed miserably for the last two terms. Salam, meanwhile, dismissed reports of a possible seat swap with the Congress involving Guruvayur. Some leaders aspiring to contest from Guruvayur, with the help of certain media, are creating such stories. We are not bothered about it, he said. However, internal party deliberations suggest a more intricate reshuffle is under way. IUML sources indicate a strong possibility that the party will contest from Pattambi, while firmly rejecting speculation that Muslim Youth League president K M Shaji could be fielded from Kasaragod. There is no chance Shaji will be considered from Kasaragod. He may be given Koduvally if M K Muneer opts to contest from Kozhikode South, a senior leader said. The party is also considering ceding Thiruvambady to the Congress to facilitate Malappuram DCC president V S Joys candidature, while pushing for Trinamool Congress leader P V Anvar as the UDF candidate in Beypore. The IUML is also expected to strictly enforce its three-term policy with few exceptions for the senior leaders potentially sidelining several sitting MLAs and opening the door for a generational shift. Youth League leaders such as P K Firoz, P M Sadiq Ali and P K Nawas are said to be in contention. Reflecting trends from the local body elections, the leadership is also weighing the option of fielding two or more women candidates. With prominent women Youth League leaders, including Najma Thabsheera and Fathima Thahiliya, already elected to local bodies, the Vanitha League may emerge as the primary beneficiary. The Congress, meanwhile, is signalling resistance. A senior Congress leader, said the IUMLs expectations may be scaled down. We expect the League to ask for 30 seats, but we can offer only 27 or 28 at most. Giving them more winnable seats in the south would mean sacrificing the seats currently held by sitting Congress MLAs. Their best chance is to secure two or three additional seats in Malabar, he said. Adding to the strain is IUMLs deep dissatisfaction over its representation in the governing bodies of local self-governments in southern Kerala. League leaders say they had anticipated at least 35 chairperson or vice-chairperson posts in the region, but not even half that number materialised. The party is particularly aggrieved over te Congresss refusal to concede deputy mayor posts in Kochi and Kollam, despite IUML support being crucial in several civic bodies.

IUML smashes Malabar stereotype; tally 220 in southern local bodies

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Shattering the long-held perception of being a Muslim-Malabar-only party, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has recorded a remarkable breakthrough across the seven southern districts, winning over 30 key positions in local bodies. The party now holds the chairperson post in four municipalities, vice-chairperson post in six municipalities, and nine president posts and over 15 vice-president posts in panchayats. Overall, 220 IUML representatives have been elected to various local bodies in Idukki, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts, giving the party a strike rate of 79% in the region. This is the first time the League has demonstrated such electoral strength beyond its traditional Malabar base. Even earlier, we had some representation in the southern districts but our organisational strength wasnt adequate, IUML state general secretary PMA Salam said. This time, we strengthened the leadership, energised the organisation, and reworked our policy and approach, he said. IUML state secretary Mohammed Shah said the party has now gained recognition beyond its traditional support base, among the non-Muslim secular sections in society. We directly contested against SDPI in many local bodies, including in Idukki and Kottayam districts, and defeated them. People have acknowledged this, he said. The party has secured a total of 53,69,745 votes in the local body elections across the state, accounting for 9.77% of the vote share. Political observers attribute the Leagues success partly to Muslim consolidation in favour of the UDF, coupled with informal understanding between the UDF and the Jamaat-e-Islami, which directly contributed to the leagues unprecedented victory in these regions. These local body election results showed that the Muslim consolidation against the LDF has completed a full circle. The Jamaat-e-Islami factor prompted the non-UDF Muslim voters to vote for the League and also helped neutralise the SDPI factor in several places, a UDF leader said. The weakening of the PDP in the southern districts is also seen as a contributing factor. N Sree Kumar, a former Resident Editor of Veekshanam Daily, the Congress organ, said Congress willingness to share winnable seats with allies after a decade in opposition has reshaped coalition dynamics. V D Satheesan is the architect of this. He is reshaping UDF as a common platform for secular political parties, left-leaning individuals, and other organisations where everyone will have a space to share, he said. RSP state secretary Shibu Baby John noted that the Leagues victory in the south proves that it enjoys non-Muslim support as well. Kerala Congress (J) chairman P J Joseph added that a strengthened organisation and cordial relationship within the UDF have clearly benefited the League.

New Mayors, municipal chairpersons take charge in Kerala

V.V. Rajesh takes over as the first BJP Mayor of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, four United Democratic Front Mayors, three of them women, take oath in Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur, and Kannur Corporations. The lone LDF Mayor, O. Sadasivan, sworn in as Mayor of the Kozhikode Corporation

Municipal heads assume office in Kollam

Kochi Mayor was chosen strictly in accordance with KPCC guidelines, says Satheesan

The UDF had announced mayoral candidates in advance only in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam, says Satheesan

SDPI support to UDF in Kollam Corporation sparks political row

CPI(M) acting district secretary S. Jayamohan says UDF secured its victory by aligning not only with BJP but also with minority communal forces like Jamaat-e-Islami and SDPI

A.K. Hafeez assumes office as first UDF Mayor of Kollam

The transition signifies the end of a quarter-century of uninterrupted governance by LDF and a major realignment in the regions political landscape. The council also elects Udaya Sukumaran of Tangassery division as the Deputy Mayor

New Mayors Elected in Kerala

Congress leaders V K Minimol, Niji Justin, P Indira and A K Hafeez elected Mayors of Kochi, Thrissur, Kannur and Kollam; O Sadashivan of CPM in Kozhikode

Kollam district administration steps up food safety enforcement

SIT moves closer to questioning more TDB higher-ups in Sabarimala gold theft case

Notably, two TDB officials who were in charge in 2019, K.P. Sankar Das and N. Vijaykumar, have moved the Enquiry Commissioner and Special Judge, Vigilance, Kollam, for protection from arrest. Officials said the SIT had not named any 2019 TDB member as an accused in the case

States first skin bank starts ops at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Keralas first skin bank at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College has started processing donor skin, ushering in a new era in advanced burn care in the state. The facility, established alongside the Burns Unit, is expected to significantly improve survival and recovery outcomes for patients who lose skin due to severe burns and accidents. The harvested skin is preserved under specially controlled temperatures and undergoes a three-week chemical processing procedure. Once processed, it is grafted onto patients in critical need through plastic surgery using advanced medical technology. The graft provides a protective cover over injured areas, helping reduce infection, ease pain, and minimise fluid and salt loss. Health Minister Veena George said the skin bank was set up to ensure world-class treatment for burn victims in Kerala. The project, including the Burns Unit, was implemented at a cost of Rs 6.75 crore and was inaugurated by the chief minister in September. She added that steps are under way to establish another skin bank at the Kottayam Medical College. Officials said the availability of donor skin had been delayed due to hesitation among people to donate skin. However, skin is harvested without causing any disfigurement to the body, as it is taken from non-visible areas such as the back of the thigh. The first skin was harvested following a crucial decision taken by the family of S Shibu, 46, of Edavattom, Kollam, who was declared brain-dead. The procedure was carried out by a team led by Dr Prem Lal of the Plastic Surgery Department. Depending on the burn, the harvested skin can be used for one or more patients. The skin bank will support Burns ICUs functioning under the supervision of the Plastic Surgery Department at medical colleges. Doctors said that with advanced intensive care facilities, the units aim to reduce infections, provide faster relief and help patients with burns affecting more than 10% of the body return to normal life at the earliest.

Supplyco Christmas-New Year fair gets under way in Kollam

Fair offers 20 kg of rice per person at 25 a kg. Special discount available for more than 280 products, with branded daily essentials sold at 5% to 50% discount

BJPs vote share shrank to 14.6 per cent in Kerala local body polls

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Dousing the BJPs high hopes of expanding its base in the state , the partys vote share declined in the just concluded local body polls to 14.76%, according to data released by the State Election Commission on Monday. The saffron party-led NDA had secured 19.26% of total votes polled in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, while the fronts vote share hovered around 15% this time. The Congress emerged on top with 29.17% of the votes, while CPM finished second with 27.16%. However, despite leading the field, the Congress-led UDF registered a 6.35% decline in its vote share to 38.81%, compared to the 2024 general election. The LDF, meanwhile, failed to make significant inroads into opposition strongholds, managing only a marginal 0.11% increase in vote share at 33.45%. Independents, including those fielded by the three major front especially the LDF, and smaller parties together secured 13.03% of the votes. In the run-up to the civic polls, BJP stalwart and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had set an ambitious target of securing 25% vote share. However, except for wresting the prestigious Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, the party failed to throw up more surprises. The BJP fared comparatively better in southern districts. The party recorded its highest vote share in Thiruvananthapuram district at 23.08%. In Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha it garnered around 19% votes. Among northern districts, the BJP came closest to this tally in Thrissur (19.65%) and Kasaragod (18.88%). In Palakkad, the party secured 17.05% of the total votes polled. Malappuram (5.91%) and Idukki (7.76%) were the only two districts where the party secured less than 10% votes. Among the UDF constituents, the IUML finished second, claiming 9.77% of the total votes polled. The vote shares of other Opposition front allies were Kerala Congress (1.33%), RSP (0.48%), Kerala Congress (Jacob) (0.16%) and CMP (CP John faction) (0.21%). The second best performer in the LDF was the CPI, which garnered 5.58% of the votes. The share of other constituents in the LDF were: Kerala Congress (M) (1.62%), RJD (0.72%), JD(S) (0.39%), two factions of the NCP (0.38%), INL (0.20%), Kerala Congress (B) (0.11%) and Congress (S) (0.07%). In the NDA camp, the performance of allies, except for the BDJS, was negligible. The Thushar Vellapally-led party garnered 0.26% votes.

In a first, Ernakulam district-level hospital performs heart transplant; Nepal woman gets new life

KOCHI/TPURAM : In a landmark moment for Indias public healthcare, the Ernakulam General Hospital (GH), performed a heart transplant on a Nepalese woman on Monday, marking the first time a district-level government hospital in the country has undertaken such complex procedures. Durga Kaami, a 22-year-old woman from Nepal, received the heart of Shibu, 46, a Kollam resident who was declared brain dead on December 21 following a road accident. After his family comprising mother Shakunthala and siblings Shiji S and Saleev S consented to organ donation, the heart was airlifted from Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College (GMC) and brought to Ernakulam by noon. The surgery was led by the GHs cardiothoracic surgeon Dr George Vallooran. Durga, who suffered from a rare genetic heart condition since childhood, was under the care of cardiologist Dr Paul Thomas at the hospital. The procedure was completed by evening, and Durga was shifted to the ICU. The development has set a new benchmark for district hospitals across the country, highlighting Keralas advances in organ transplantation and equitable healthcare access, officials said. Shibu gifts life to six people; 22nd cadaver donation coordinated by K-SOTTO this year This is a proud moment not just for the hospital, but for the entire public health system, said a source with the hospital. Though Durgas family had registered with the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (K-SOTTO) eight months ago, she was initially excluded from the priority list for organ allocation as she is not an Indian citizen.Her family moved the Kerala High Court. Based on the courts order in November, Durga was included in the list, said Dr Shahirshah, superintendent of Ernakulam GH. Having lost her mother and sister to the same condition, Durga had been staying at an orphanage with her brother. Owing to the high medical expenses in Nepal, the siblings came to Kerala for her treatment with the support of a Keralite who runs the orphanage. Meanwhile, Shibu was also instrumental in giving a lease of life to six others. One of his kidneys was transplanted at Thiruvananthapuram GMC and the other at Kollam Travancore Medical College. His liver was donated to Thiruvananthapuram KIMS Hospital, while two corneas were given to patients at the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology. In addition, Shibus skin was handed over to the Skin Bank at Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College. Shibu, who worked at a hotel in Kazhakkoottam, suffered serious injuries in an accident on December 14 at Mookattukunnu in Kollam. On December 21, doctors at Thiruvananthapuram GMC confirmed brain death. Health Minister Veena George expressed gratitude to Shibus family for their decision to donate organs despite their grief and conveyed her condolences. Incidentally, this was also the 22nd cadaver donation coordinated by K-SOTTO this year, the highest in nine years.

Kerala local body poll results: Congress, CPM consolidate position in strongholds

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress, that secured the highest vote share of 29.17% in the recently concluded local body election put up its best performance in its traditional strongholds such as Idukki, Ernakulam and Pathanamthitta, going by the district-wise data released by the State Election Commission on Monday. The party clocked its highest vote share of 38.60% in Idukki followed by 37.34% in Ernakulam and 37.06% in Pathanamthitta. Malappuram, which is the bastion of its ally Muslim League saw the party registering a vote share of 16.81%. Kasaragod was the only other district where the Congress vote share fell below 20%. UDFs second biggest constituent the Indian Union Muslim League performed well in its stronghold Malappuram where it bagged 35.11% of votes. Its second best performance was in Kasaragod where it polled 17.93% of votes. The party also clocked a vote share of above 15% in Kozhikode. For the CPM, its bastion Kannur gave the party its highest vote share of 38.82%. The only other district where the party garnered above 30% votes was Palakkad (33.93%), closely followed by Thiruvananthapuram (29.40%) and Alappuzha (29.26%). Kerala local body polls: UDF makes history, sweeps panchayats, corporations; NDA secures Thiruvananthapuram The partys lowest vote share of 17.66% was registered in Kottayam. CPI, the second biggest constituent in the LDF, saw its vote share crossing the two digit mark in Kollam where it garnered 13.68% of the total votes polled. The party also performed well in Idukki where it registered a vote share of 9.09%. Two factions of the Kerala Congress the Kerala Congress (M) in the LDF camp and Kerala Congress in the UDF camp secured overall vote shares of 1.62% and 1.33% respectively in the civic polls. The Jose K Mani-led Kerala Congress (M) with 11.92% vote share in Kottayam bettered its rival the PJ Joseph-led Kerala Congress which had to settle at 9%. However, in Idukki, Kerala Congress with 8.21% vote share fared better than the KC(M) at 6.22%.

Rare octopus rediscovered after 50 years, off Kerala coast

KOLLAM: Arare deep-sea octopus species, believed to have vanished from scientific records for nearly five decades, has been rediscovered off the Kerala coast. The octopus, Opisthoteuthis philipii, landed accidentally at Sakthikulangara harbour in Kollam during deep-sea trawling operations. It was first spotted in the waters off Alappuzha in 1976. The original reference specimen described nearly 50 years ago was lost, and in the absence of genetic data, the species disappeared from scientific records. The latest rediscovery was established through a combination of detailed morphological examination and DNA sequencing, leading to the first molecular identification of the species in the world. Commonly known as a flapjack octopus due to its flattened appearance, Opisthoteuthis philipii inhabits deep waters and is rarely documented. Due to storage and logistical constraints, only one specimen from the latest catch could be preserved for scientific analysis. Although the species is currently listed as data deficient on the IUCN Red List, the study suggests that its rarity is due to the result of inadequate deep-sea sampling. Researchers said the finding filled a significant gap in biodiversity data from deep waters off the Kerala coast. Octopuses such as Opisthoteuthis philipii are rarely recorded because of their fragile, gelatinous bodies, which are often damaged during deep-sea trawling, said Sarlin Pathissery, head of the zoology department at Fatima Mata National College, Kollam, who led the study. Fishermen at Sakthikulangara told us similar octopuses are occasionally caught as bycatch but are discarded due to low market value and limited storage space. This is why such species remained undocumented for decades. Researchers warn that the rediscovery comes at a critical time, when deep-sea fishing has intensified in the Arabian Sea and policy decisions related to offshore resources and the blue economy are being made without comprehensive biodiversity data. Economic ambitions linked to the ocean must not outpace scientific understanding. Our policy decisions on deep-sea fishing and the ocean economy are being taken without sufficient knowledge of what lives in these waters. Systematic deep-sea biodiversity surveys and better documentation of bycatch are urgently needed, said Sarlin. The researchers acknowledged the assistance of seafood trader Jackson Kannitta in specimen collection and the taxonomic guidance provided by Tristan Joseph Verhoeff of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. The research team comprised Sancia Morris of the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology, Germany; Sandie Morris, a UG student of chemical engineering at the Government Engineering College, Thrissur; and Savio Morris, a UG student of chemical engineering at Thangal Kunju Musaliar College of Engineering, Kollam.

Ernakulam General Hospital in Kerala to conduct its first heart transplant; organ to go to Nepali girl

Heart, retrieved from a Kollam native declared brain dead at Thiruvananthapuram MCH following road accident, set to be transplanted to Nepali national Durga Kami, who has been seeking medical help in India for close to a year

Chennai firm CEO, Ballari jeweller played key role in Sabarimala gold theft case: SIT remand report

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Pankaj Bhandari, chief executive officer of Chennai-based Smart Creations, and Govardhan, a Ballari-based jeweller, had a key role in Sabarimala gold theft case and their involvement was revealed by the key accused Unnikrishnan Potti, the remand report said. The remand report filed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) before the Kollam Vigilance court said evidence revealing the involvement of the duo in the subterfuge were accessed during the course of the probe. The two aided in the gold theft and later tried to mask the offences committed by the main accused by giving false testimony. The two were arrested by the SIT on Friday after questioning them for hours, which revealed that the gold theft had an inter-state link. The gold-plated sheets from the Sabarimala door frame and dwarapalaka idols were taken to Smart Creations on the pretext of carrying out maintenance work. The gold from the sheets was extracted and a part of that was later sold to the Ballari-based jeweller. The SIT had earlier recovered about 400 g of gold from the Ballari jewellery, which they said was part of the booty. The SITs suspect that the rest of the stolen gold might have been sold for a high price on account of its religious value, the sources added. The SIT during the course of its investigation found that Govardhan had connected prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti with Bhandari.

Newly elected local body representatives take oath in Kollam

Anti-narcotic drive held in Kollam

Political parties in Kerala urge poll panel to extend SIR schedule

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Pointing out major inaccuracies in the inclusion of voters in the uncollectable forms category as part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, majority of the recognised political parties in the state have demanded extension of the SIR enrolment time-frame at least till the end of December to rectify the anomalies and enrol more voters. The demand was raised by representatives of political parties, except the BJP, at the weekly meeting chaired by Chief Electoral Officer (CEO)-Kerala Rathan U Kelkar here on Saturday to review the progress of SIR in the state. Meanwhile, the number of people clubbed in the uncollectable forms category, that also includes those who have been marked as Absent, Shifted or Dead (ASD), stood at 24.08 lakh, Of these, 6.45 lakh are listed as untraceable. While 8.16 lakh have permanently shifted their residence, another 1.60 lakh fall in the others category. Kelkar clarified that the others category includes people who have refused to accept or return the enumeration forms. The number of voters who have been marked as dead or duplicate entries are 6.49 lakh and 1.36 lakh respectively. Meanwhile, political party representatives cited numerous instances to show that many people were erroneously listed as untraceable or Enrolment Form refused. They also said that hundreds of voters were included in the ASD category in many booths located in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts.

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.

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

IUMLs southern push pays dividends

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

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.

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

Out-of-state parties grassroots push pales amid anti-incumbency

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The anti-incumbency undercurrent that shaped the 2025 local body elections also dimmed the electoral ambitions of most out-of-state parties, thwarting their efforts to consolidate a foothold in the state. This time, only parties embedded in Keralas established political alliances managed to post any gains. Prominent out-of-state parties such as the RJD and the JD(S), which contested under the LDF banner, performed relatively better, largely in rural areas. While the RJD won around 63 of the nearly 200 wards it contested, the JD(S) secured 44 seats. Most of our victories came from grama panchayats in Palakkad, said JD(S) state president Mathew T Thomas. The All India Forward Bloc, that is part of the UDF and LJP, an NDA constituent, managed to win one grama panchayat ward each. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had skipped the 2020 local body polls, fielded 380 candidates this time. Its gains, however, remained confined to rural pockets, with the party failing to make any impact in urban centres traditionally considered its fertile ground. The party, which contests under the broom symbol, won the Karimkunnam ward in the Karimkunnam grama panchayat where it had won another seat in a bypoll in 2023. AAP also picked up two additional wards: Areekkara in Uzhavoor grama panchayat in Idukki district and Mullankolly in Mullankolly grama panchayat in Wayanad. AAP state president Vinod Mathew Wilson attributed the partys limited gains to a strong anti-incumbency wave that largely favoured the UDF. For instance, we polled over 7,000 votes in Karimannoor division of Idukki district panchayat that we considered a sure seat. But the UDF emerged victorious as voters opted for a stronger alternative to the LDF, he said. Meanwhile, the two Dravidian parties - the ruling DMK in neighbouring Tamil Nadu and the opposition AIADMK - performed poorly in Keralas local body elections. Both parties drew a blank and most of their candidates in districts bordering Tamil Nadu had to forfeit their deposits. DMK state secretary K P Murugesan conceded that the party fell short of its expectations. We had identified a few local bodies in Palakkad, Idukki and Kollam where we believed we had some influence. While we managed modest gains in vote share in the first two districts, our performance in Punalur municipality in Kollam was below expectations, he said. The Trinamool Congress stayed out of the fray this time, citing organisational issues. Although a few independents were fielded in Nilambur municipality and nearby panchayats with the backing of its new state convener, P V Anvar, all of them forfeited their deposits.

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.

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.

Kerala local body polls: LDF hegemony weakens in Kollam

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

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.

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

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

70.09% polling reported in Kollam

Kerala local body polls: Voting under way for first phase in seven districts

Voters in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam will cast their ballots today

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.

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

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.

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

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

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 .

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

50 Sabarimala Pilgrims Injured After Tamil Nadu Bus Overturns in Idukki

One critically hurt as vehicle loses control on KollamTheni National Highway

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.

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

Kerala local body polls 2025: Fronts lay out policy vision at election debate in Kollam

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.