Vizag Petrol Bunks Licence Suspended for Code Violation

Rush witnessed at the Supplyco petrol pump in Kozhikode due to the unavailability of petrol at various petrol bunks in the city on Monday. (Photo: DC) Rush witnessed at the Supplyco petrol pump in Kozhikode due to the unavailability of petrol at various petrol bunks in the city on Monday. (Photo: DC) Visakhapatnam: The licence of Burfani Petroleum Products, owned by Reliance and located near NAD Kotha Road Junction in Visakhapatnam, has been temporarily suspended by election officials on charges of violating the election code. According to a statement issued by joint collector K. Mayur Ashok on Friday, the district flying squad raided the petrol station on April 19 after receiving complaints that the management is supplying fuel to motor vehicles using coupons issued by political parties. Upon inquiry, the staff at the petrol station revealed that they have provided petrol to 860 motorists after collecting coupons given by supporters of the contesting candidate from Visakhapatnam West assembly constituency. The joint collector called on all political parties and petrol station managements to refrain from such practices, as it amounts to violation of the model code of conduct.

Kerala LS polls: 98 cases registered for spreading canards

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state cyber police wing has registered 98 cases during the Lok Sabha poll campaign in connection with generation and circulation of fake and libelous content via social media and cyber platforms. The cases were registered on various charges, including spreading canards against EVMs, Election Commission, candidates and the whole election procedure, sources told TNIE. The most number of cases were registered under Kozhikode rural police limit. As many as 17 cases were registered in the rural district against LDF and UDF workers based on complaints filed by UDFs Shafi Parambil and LDFs K K Shailaja, who are pitted in a neck-to-neck contest in Vadakara. Both the candidates had alleged that they were subjected to cyber harassment by their opponents. The allegation and counter-allegation on cyber harassment had augmented the intensity of the contest in the politically-sensitive constituency. The social media monitoring related to the polls was launched by the cyber wing after the Election Commission issued a notification for the elections on March 16.

Treasures from yesteryear elections to find a common roof

KOCHI: Jithinam Radhakrishnans antique collection is quite Freudian. Sigmund Freud was also a great collector of antiques rings, neolithic tools, Sumerian seals, precious stones, Pompeiian amulets and pagan idols. The collection was smuggled into London away from the Nazi hands when they came to get Freud. It now rests undisturbed at a London museum space, as a testimony to what Freud himself said: I love reading about archaeology more than psychoanalysis. Radhakrishnan too wants such a space to show the 48 years of his work, travelling from place to place, meeting people and collecting whatever had a hint of the past. He was a banker, and that gave him some time to get around after work hours. The frequent transfers that are part of this job were an excuse for him to get to places and find history asleep. I love travelling. And the job gave me that chance. So, I visited old illams, which are storehouses of antiquity. And libraries, where information lies stacked. I also had a good network of people who collected similar items, Radhakrishnan, now retired and 66, says. A lot was collected from his surroundings too; his family being traders who worked with weights. The weights of those days were different. I have a collection of the different kinds of weights used for weighing objects as well as liquids. These used to vary from places, indicating the diversity of daily life. In this midst, a place of pride goes to the objects that are throwbacks to the election periods in the states history. The different pamphlets that form election literature were collected by him over decades, throwing a glimpse into how propaganda was done before. Voter slips were unheard of and instead were letters that bore the symbol of the candidate and a plea to the voters. Announcements were made through a megaphone, which is a conical-shaped metal sheet that doubles up as a loudspeaker. I got the piece from a scrap dealer in Malappuram. It seems a veteran, with many years of election-time announcement as its claim to fame, Radhakrishnan says. There was also a model ballot, which had an array of symbols under which the elections were fought. Most of them are not to be seen now like a farmer with a yoke, wheel, coconut tree, ladder, two leaves, weighing machine, etc. Everything was printed and displayed in black and white; there was no colour. Yet the variety and the art were striking. Now, we have popular symbols that have evolved after several churns within the party or the Front now in the fray, he says. Voting too has seen a sea of change, not just with ballot papers being replaced by EVMs. Each of the candidates had their own ballot boxes unlike now. I have a set of seals with which the ballot paper had to be sealed, Radhakrishnan says. The former banker, now settled in Kozhikode, is forging deeper friendships with fellow collectors and forming antique clubs where the members would get together from time to time to exchange collectables as well as to team up for activities. Now with the 2024 elections too over, he has added more to his collection, all of which will form the history that he plans to hand over to posterity. Now, all the objects I have collected are kept in 13 different homes of relatives. I plan to make a museum space where I can display all these, Radhakrishnan says.

Pinarayi admonishes LDF convenor for meeting BJPs Javadekar

KOZHIKODE : The CPM, which has been branding the Congress as the recruiting ground for the BJP throughout the election campaign, received a rude jolt on polling day with all the discussions zeroing in on LDF convenor E P Jayarajans meeting with BJPs Kerala prabhari Prakash Javadekar. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan did not hide his displeasure over the embarrassing turn of events. Speaking to reporters after casting his vote in Pinarayi on Friday, he said there was lack of vigil on the part of Jayarajan. Everyone knows the nature of Jayarajan who does not exercise discretion while establishing friendship. If Lord Shiva joins hands with a sinner, Shiva himself will become a sinner, he said, quoting an adage. Indirectly referring to controversial power broker Nandakumar, Pinarayi said, there are certain persons who start pondering from the moment they get up from the bed every morning as to whom they should victimise that day. We should keep a distance from such people. Our experience is that Jayarajan usually does not show vigil in these things, he said. Pinarayi said a person, who is in the shadow of suspicion in Kerala, got a chance to be a witness (to the meeting between Jayarajan and Javadekar). There are people who will stoop to any level to make money. Such persons will not hesitate to present arguments according to their needs. There should not have been close ties with such people, he said. CPM state secretary M V Govindan dubbed the entire episode as conspiracy against the Communist government. He said there were many attempts against the CPM, the government and the chief minister. Such controversies will last only till the elections are over, he said. CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury said the party leaders in Kerala have responded to the issue and he has nothing more to add. Meanwhile, Jayarajan said Javadekar had visited him at his sons flat at Akkulam in Thiruvananthapuram. Javadekar came to the flat unexpectedly. When asked he said it was only a casual visit. I left the scene saying I have a meeting when he started speaking politics, he said, adding he did not know whether the BJP leader had any other intentions. Jayarajan admitted that Nandakumar came along with him.

Kerala sees delayed polls, low voter turnout amid scorching heat, 8 people die

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a Lok Sabha election marred by an uncharacteristic delay of more than five hours, with polling extending well beyond the scheduled time, Kerala on Friday recorded a turnout of 70.35% over 7 percentage points lower than the 2019 polls. The delay led to many voters returning without exercising their franchise. The comparatively low turnout has ignited hopes for the Left while the UDF has approached the Election Commission alleging the absence of free and fair elections. Meanwhile, eight persons collapsed and died due to extreme heat and exhaustion in Palakkad, Alappuzha, Kozhikode and Malappuram districts. Lok Sabha polls 2024 | Phase 2: Brisk voter turnout in Kerala Braving the blistering heat, voters turned out in large numbers in the initial hours, thus recording brisk polling in almost all places, except in constituencies like Ponnani and Malappuram. The initial enthusiasm wore off by afternoon as voting slowly declined in southern and central districts. However, the northern districts witnessed huge voter turnout in the evening hours with serpentine queues in many polling booths. Widespread incidents of malfunctioning EVMs reported in several places in Pathanamthitta, where authorities had to replace 40 machines. Polling was held peacefully across the state, with no major incidents of violence. As the polling continued in about 200 booths in northern Kerala even after 10pm, the final poll percentage is likely to go up. Polling was delayed in many booths in Kannur, Vadakara, Kozhikode, Malappuram and Alathur. At 10pm, 2,091 out of 2,248 booths in Kannur had completed the voting process while polling was still on at 157 booths. In Vadakara polling was completed in 1,191 of the 1,206 booths by 10pm. Vadakara, which is witnessing one of the biggest political fights, began with slow polling in the initial hours and picked up by afternoon. Turnout 70.35% - (2024) 77.84% - 2019 73.94% - 2014 Polling remained mostly peaceful despite fierce contests in several constituencies Malfunctioning of EVMs reported in several booths, causing delay in the voting process 75.74% - Highest voter turnout in Kannur 63.35% - Lowest turnout in Pathanamthitta Northern districts witnessed huge voter turnout in the evening hours with serpentine queues at many polling booths As polling continued in about 200 booths in northern Kerala even after 10 pm, the final poll percentage is likely to go up Counting on June 4 At 8pm the Vadakara constituency recorded 73.36% polling. The delay in voting in many booths in Vadakara has led to apprehensions in UDF camps as they suspect an attempt to sabotage. Meanwhile, in Attingal poll percentage remained high right from the beginning. The constituency recorded 69.40% turnout by 8pm. Pathanamthitta recorded the lowest voter turnout of 63.35% in the state. While Ponnani recorded 67.93% polling, another Muslim League stronghold Malappuram recorded 71.68% by 8pm. The state capital of Thiruvananthapuram, which usually marks low voter turnout, recorded 66.43% polling. The Congress strongholds of Idukki (66.39%) and Ernakulam (68.10%) too recorded low turnout. Amid concerns of sweltering heat bringing down the turnout, eight persons collapsed and died on the day. An elderly voter died after exercising his franchise at Ambalappuzha in Alappuzha, while three men died in similar circumstances in Palakkad. As the district recorded a temperature of 41.4 degrees Celsius on Friday, the district administration arranged basic amenities, including drinking water and waiting shelters, for the voters at the polling stations. In Kozhikode, a polling agent and two voters collapsed and died in the intense heat. In Malappuram, a voter died after reaching home. Elections 2024: 21 states, UTs set for polling in phase one; 102 LS seats in fray

Kozhikode records 72.82%, Vadakara 73.25% polling

Two presiding officers replaced for not following open vote guidelines

Two die in Kozhikode amid polls

Slow proceedings amid heavy turnout irks voters

Deployment of inexperienced officials cited as a major reason for delayed proceedings at several polling stations in Kozhikode

Over 63% Turnout In Phase 2 Of LS Polls; Tripura Records 79.46%, Manipur 77.32%

One person each reportedly died at Palakkad, Alappuzha and Malappuram after casting their vote and a polling agent died after collapsing at a booth in Kozhikode.

Robust Voter Turnout Marks Second Phase of Indian Parliamentary Elections

Robust Voter Turnout Marks Second Phase of Indian Parliamentary Elections Over 63 per cent polling was reported in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections covering 88 seats across 13 states amid few complaints of EVM glitches and bogus voting in some states. Voters in some villages of Uttar Pradesh's Mathura, Rajasthan's Banswara and Maharashtra's Parbhani were boycotting the polls over various issues but were later persuaded by authorities to cast their franchise. Polling for the second stage of the seven-phase elections started at 7 am and ended at 6 pm. Several states experienced intense heat conditions. The first phase of polling was held on April 19 in 102 seats across 21 states and Union territories. The Election Commission (EC) said polling remained largely peaceful. The tentative figure at 8 pm of voter turnout was 63.50 per cent. It is likely to go upwards when reports from all polling stations are obtained, the EC said, adding voters reaching polling stations till the end of polling hour are allowed to cast their vote. The National Democratic alliance (NDA) under Prime Minister Modi is seeking a stronger majority for a third consecutive term, while the constituents of the opposition INDIA bloc are hoping for a rebound after facing reverses in the 2014 and 2019 elections. Election Commission data showed the highest voting percentage was recorded in Tripura which registered 79.46 per cent polling, followed by Manipur at 77.32 while the turnout was in Uttar Pradesh at 54.85 per cent and Bihar 55.08 per cent. Polling was held in all 20 seats of Kerala, 14 of the 28 seats in Karnataka, 13 seats in Rajasthan, 8 seats each in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, 6 seats in Madhya Pradesh, 5 seats each in Assam and Bihar, 3 seats each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, and 1 seat each in Manipur, Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and actor-turned-politician Arun Govil, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's brother DK Suresh (Cong), and former Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy (JDS) are among the key candidates while BJP's Hema Malini, Om Birla and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat seeking a hat-trick of wins from their respective constituencies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the morning urged people to cast their votes in record numbers and said a high voter turnout strengthens democracy. Stressing on the importance of each vote, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi issued impassioned appeals asking people to step out and exercise their franchise in the second phase of the Lok Sabha election. After the end of polling, Modi in a tweet said, ''Phase Two has been too good! Gratitude to the people across India who have voted today. The unparalleled support for NDA is going to disappoint the Opposition even more. Voters want NDA's good governance. Youth and women voters are powering the strong NDA support.'' In Kerala, the turnout was 65.91 per cent. The election process, held amid tight security arrangements, was primarily incident free except for instances of bogus voting and breakdowns of electronic voting machines (EVMs) being reported in some booths of the state. Such incidents resulted in delaying the polling process in the affected booths. One person each reportedly died at Palakkad, Alappuzha and Malappuram after casting their vote and a polling agent died after collapsing at a booth in Kozhikode. Tripura East Lok Sabha constituency recorded a turnout of 79.46 per cent. Election officials said there were some complaints from a few booths but those were ''promptly addressed''. A jawan of the Madhya Pradesh Special Armed Force deployed on poll duty allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself with his service rifle at a government school where he was stationed in Gariaband district under the Mahasamund seat in Chhattisgarh, where a voter turnout of 73.62 per cent was recorded. A polling booth at Sivni village in Balod district (Kanker seat) was decorated like a wedding 'mandap', with a display of rituals of traditional weddings. Several brides and grooms, dressed in their wedding finery, cast their votes at several polling booths. The EC said people from 46 villages in Bastar and Kanker seats cast their votes in a polling booth set up in their own village for the first time in a Lok Sabha election. In neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, there was a turnout of 57.88 per cent. An estimated 71.11 per cent of the 77,26,668 voters exercised their franchise in the five parliamentary constituencies of Assam that went to polls in this phase. In restive Manipur, where polling is being held under high presence of security personnel, the turnout was a significantly high 77.32 per cent. There were reports of intimidation by suspected militants, altercation between Congress workers and NPF supporters and damage of EVM at a polling station in the Tangkhul Naga-dominated hill district. At KK Leishi Phanit polling station in Ukhrul, irate voters destroyed an EVM and other items after alleged disturbances by armed miscreants. The overall voting percentage in Karnataka was 68.30. A case was booked against BJP MP and Bangalore South Candidate Tejasvi Surya for allegedly posting a video on a social media platform and soliciting votes on the grounds of religion, the Election Commission said. Another BJP leader CT Ravi was booked for allegedly promoting hatred and enmity between citizens through his social media post. Various restaurants in Bangalore were offering free dosas, laddu, coffee and other food items at discounted rates to customers who cast their vote. A private hospital assisted 41 inpatients cast their vote with the help of city civic body Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). Green corridors were created for the ambulances across constituencies to ensure easy, hassle-free voting. Some EVMs were destroyed at a polling station in Indiganatha village in Chamarajanagara district of Karnataka during a clash between two groups of people over whether to vote or not. Officials said an FIR is being filed the Election Commission will take a call after getting a detailed report. A voter turnout of 57.83 per cent was recorded in eight constituencies in Maharashtra, while in Rajasthan, the turnout was 64.07 per cent. Incidents of confrontation between the supporters of the Congress candidate and an independent candidate were reported at a couple of places during polling in Barmer-Jaisalmer Lok Sabha constituency of Rajasthan. Police said they were looking into the complaints besides some about fake voting from some places. The by-election for the Bagidora assembly constituency in Banswara district was also held simultaneously on Friday and 76.66 per cent voting took place. A voter turnout of 54.85 per cent was recorded in the eight parliamentary constituencies of Uttar Pradesh. Senior citizens dominated the early hours of voting in Noida in the Gautam Buddh Nagar constituency. Some residents' welfare associations made arrangements for electric vehicles to ferry voters to and from the polling booths. In Bihar, the turnout was 55.08 per cent, 71.84 per cent in in West Bengal and 71.91 per cent in Jammu and Kashmir. The Lok Sabha polls are the first major electoral battle in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into Union territories -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh -- on August 5, 2019. The Election Commission registered nearly 300 complaints in West Bengal, mostly related to EVM malfunctioning. After Friday's phase, polling is over in Kerala, Rajasthan and Tripura. In the first phase on April 19, polling was completed in all seats of Tamil Nadu (39), Uttarakhand (5), Arunachal Pradesh (2), Meghalaya (2), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1), Mizoram (1), Nagaland (1), Puducherry (1), Sikkim (1) and Lakshadweep (1). The third phase of elections for 94 seats across 12 states and Union territories will be held on May 7. Counting will be done on June 4.

Lok Sabha polls: Kerala BJP Chief K Surendran casts vote in Kozhikode

The News Mill

Will block unholy alliance between BJP & CPM: Congress' K Muraleedharan

Will block unholy alliance between BJP & CPM: Congress' K Muraleedharan Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency candidate K Muraleedharan on Friday cast his vote at Jawahar Nagar LP School in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala and said that the Congress will block unholy alliance between BJP & CPM in the state. While speaking to the reporters, K Muraleedharan said that the party will win all the seats in the state. We are going to win all 20 seats in Kerala. Unfortunately, there is a deal between CPM and BJP in Kerala. The news has come out that EP Jayarajan (LDF convener) met BJP leader Prakash Javadekar. Their link is clear. We will win but we will block an unholy alliance between BJP & CPM in Kerala. Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency, where high-profile candidates are in the fray this time, is going to witness a fierce triangular contest between BJP, Congress, and the CPI. Congress has fielded K Muraleedharan, son of late Congress doyen K Karunakaran whose pocket borough was once Thrissur, the ruling Left Democratic Front nominated former Agriculture Minister in the previous LDF government in the state, VS Sunilkumar. The constituency, where both Congress-led UDF and CPM-led LDF interchangeably won multiple times in the past seven decades, is currently held by Congress. All 20 seats will vote in the second phase in Kerala. These include Kasaragod, Kannur, Vatakara, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Ponnani, Palakkad, Alathur, Thrissur, Chalakudy, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Mavelikkara, Pathanamthitta, Kollam, Attingal, and Thiruvananthapuram. The second phase has 88 Lok Sabha constituencies across 13 States/Union Territory including 13 in Rajasthan, 20 in Kerala, eight in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, five each in Assam and Bihar, six in Madhya Pradesh, three each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, and one each in Tripura, Manipur, and Jammu & Kashmir According to the ECI, over 15.88 crore voters will be voting in the second phase which includes 8.08 crore male electors, 7.8 crore female electors, and 5929 third-gender electors. A total of 4553 flying squads, 5731 static surveillance teams, 1462 video surveillance teams and 844 video viewing teams are keeping surveillance round the clock to strictly and swiftly deal with any form of inducement of voters across the 1.67 lakh polling stations, as per the ECI press note. (ANI)

A journey through time: Kozhikodes personal election museum

Vikas treasures an antique ballot box once belonging to his grandfather, a dedicated Congress party worker. The post A journey through time: Kozhikodes personal election museum appeared first on Fusion - WeRIndia .

Dawn of Democracy

KOCHI: In October 1951, a newly independent India embarked on its most ambitious project yet its first general elections. Spread over four months, the elections, conducted in 68 phases and with 1,949 candidates in the fray, was the biggest democratic exercise ever undertaken. It was a sight to behold, says writer and critic M K Sanoo, who had exercised his franchise in the polls. The Kerala we know today was not formed yet. There was Thiru-Kochi and Madras, recalls the noted writer. He was 26 then. The minimum age to vote was 21. It was the first election after the adoption of our Constitution. A majority of the people were illiterate. I remember, there was a person in the booth helping everyone vote, especially those who couldnt read or write. The vote went into boxes adorned with each partys symbols. One box for one party, and that is how one identified the candidate, he adds. Forget colour prints and mics, there were not even proper roads back then. Electricity was also rare. So lets not even think about advertisements, 24x7 news channels or social media like now, Sanoo laughs. But it was the first time everyone got a chance to vote. Though Travancore had gone to the polls a few years ago, casting the vote was limited to only a few. Pattom A Thanupilla was elected as the Prime Minister of Travancore in 1948, only to resign three months later. The campaigning though, Sanoo adds, was always a collective event. Public meetings, speeches, visiting house after house all these were common. And so too were skirmishes between the parties, he says. Sanoo Mash, as he is popularly known, was a regular figure at public meetings. I used to give speeches for the Communist Party of India. Historian Malayankeesh Gopalakrishnan was around four years old when India first went to the polls. According to him, the campaigning largely revolved around public processions, speeches (often without a loudspeaker), and house visits of candidates (sometimes on bullock carts). courtesy: I&PRD Kerala government Flags planted atop areca nut trees too were a regular sight. We had notices and wall paintings. However, none were as colourful as today, Gopalakrishnan says. This was the election that saw the first woman MP getting elected from the region. Annie Mascarene contested as an independent candidate and won with a huge margin. Since CPI was not contesting here, a lot of Left supporters apparently voted for her, he says. Another interesting tidbit is that Nagercoil was a constituency in Thiru-Kochi. Gopalakrishnan also remembers tales of women voting. See, it was just a few years after independence and poverty was rampant. So was the lack of availability of clothes. So, women of an area used to vote in stages. The first group will go vote and come back, then the next group will borrow their clothes and vote. This will continue till everyone voted, he recalls. The fervour for voting was relatively high in Travancore. People had been waiting for a chance. This was the first time everyone was allowed exercise their franchise. For, in British India and later independent Travancore, voting was reserved for the rich and the upper caste, Gopalakrishnan points out. Veteran journalist Joseph Maliakans father was a candidate in the 1951-52 election. He was a candidate of the Praja Socialist Party. I still remember stories of my father contesting. The remnants of his campaign remained on the walls of the area for a long time, says Joseph. Though elections meant an air thick with campaign fervour, there was not much noise, recalls Vattapparambil Peethambaran. No house visits too. There would be meetings organised at junctions where candidates would assemble and speak to small crowds, says the Malayalam teacher and writer, now 87. Electioneering used to be done using a megaphone that did not need electricity. There used to be drum beats preceding such announcements, says Jithinam Radhakrishnan, a collector of election antiques who shares details about these keepsakes on WhatsApp. The megaphone was used mostly at night for announcements, says K P Sadu, technical assistant at the Department of Archaeology. The residential areas were not as thickly populated as now. There used to be a lot of vacant spaces and so, the sound from the megaphone would travel far and wide. Back in Kochi, which joined Travancore in 1949, the election was held in full vigour. Rallies, speeches, announcements on cycles, bullock carts adorned with flags it was relatively colourful, recalls 82-year-old Krishnabalan Paliath, former manager of Paliam Eswara Sewa Trust. Krishnabalans father was a staunch supporter and member of the Congress party. Somehow, even with the lack of roads, electricity and technology, candidates visited almost every house, he says. He also vividly remembers the lightbox that parties employed to grab eyeballs. A lantern was placed inside a box covered in white cloth. At night, the party symbol painted on the linen will be visible for miles. This was a major attraction of the time, adds his wife Geetha, 78, who comes from a strong Communist family. The major ones then were the Congress, with two bullocks and a yoke as their symbol, and the CPI, with their sickle and paddy husk. Hindu Maha Sabha and Jan Sangh were not big players in the region at the time. Their growth happened much later, Geetha says. Writer M N Karassery, born in 1951, just months before the election, grew up hearing about the poll stories. Fifty-three parties contested the polls on the national stage. Ultimately, it was a landslide win for the Congress party, which went on to win 364 of the 489 seats, he says. Karassery says, there were two extremely interesting aspects about the 1951-52 polls. One, Ambedkar was defeated from Bombay North constituency by Congress candidate Narayan Sadoba Kajrolkar. Two, there were separate women-only booths; 27,527 in total across the country. Also, the contribution of women in politics was larger and wasnt an afterthought, he says. He adds that several national issues were not much in discussion in Thiru-Kochi, but there was a slight Nehru wave in Malabar. In the first election, Malabar was part of Madras state. Though Congress won 45% of the vote share across the country, it suffered in Thiru-Kochi and Malabar. A K Gopalan won from Kannur with 65.87% votes. He got the largest majority in the Malabar region, and won by a margin of 87,029 votes. The Muslim League won Malappuram. Thalasserry, Ponnani and Kozhikode went to Kisan Mazdoor Praja Party (KMPP), Karassery says. The 1951-52 elections, which saw over 17 crore people cast their votes, helped catapult India, a relatively young nation, to the global avenue as a beacon of democracy. As Kerala goes to the polls today, the ethos of the first general elections continues to inspire the populace.

Kerala: How an innovative LDF campaign withstood Indira Wave of 1984

KOTTAYAM: The general election of 1984 was a momentous occasion, etched in the annals of history with unique significance. Held just two months after the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the polls were marked by unprecedented events that left an indelible mark on the collective memory of the nation. The Indian National Congress swept the majority of seats across all states. But in the UDF fortress of Kottayam, a 27-year-old made history. The triumph of K Suresh Kurup over two-time sitting MP Scaria Thomas of the Kerala Congress (M) was a remarkable feat that reshaped the political landscape of central Travancore. While the nationwide Indira wave had an impact on Kerala as well, Kurup stood out as the lone CPM candidate to win in the state. Kurup contested the election while he was the SFI president, with activists from across Kerala converging in Kottayam to support the LDF candidate. The then SFI secretary C P John, T M Thomas Isaac, J Mercykutty Amma and the late T P Chandrasekharan were among those at the forefront of the campaigns. We formed a new platform, the Progressive and Democratic Students Front, to lead the campaign. Around 500 students split into squads and camped in various parts of the district to visit as many houses as possible with handouts, C P John, now the general secretary of CMP, told TNIE . John recalled the CPM used a candidates photograph for the first time in that campaign. Until then, posters only displayed the candidates name and election symbol. After obtaining approval from CPM state secretariat members N Sreedhar and T K Ramakrishnan, we printed black and white photo posters of Kurup. Additionally, we ran an election advertisement in the Kerala Kaumudi newspaper, he said. In a first, around 56 teachers from the CMS College released a statement in support of Kurup. They also went door-to-door seeking votes for their former student, regardless of their political affiliations. College principal M C John provided the funds required for Kurups election deposit. Professors S Krishna Iyer, Mohan Kurian, K J Baby and George Koshy coordinated the efforts from Ashoka Lodge in Kottayam, reminisced Kurian Thomas Karimpanatharayil, a coordinator for Kurups campaign. According to Kurup, the first victory was remarkable as it instilled confidence. He has since contested nine elections, including two successful runs for the assembly, and emerged victorious on six occasions. We were unaware of the Indira wave sweeping the nation. The UDF was confident of victory. It was a festival of students, who worked hard and got the desired result. Isaac was in Kolkata when the election was declared and he took a flight to reach in time to join the campaign. When results were announced, Mathai Chacko (former Thiruvambadi MLA) arrived from Kozhikode wearing a lungi, he said. The highlight of Kurups victory was that he wrested the UDF fortress at a time when anti-communist sentiments were strong in central Travancore, particularly among Christian communities. When Mercykutty Amma, Savithri (who later married Kurup) and others were planning house visits in Athirampuzha near Ettumanoor, the local party leadership warned us to be cautious of potential negative reactions. In Puthuppally, we were turned away from a house by an elderly man who expressed his dislike for communists. However, as students, we dared to visit every house. I believe Kurups victory helped the CPM make inroads into Christian voters in Central Travancore, said Abdul Rasheed, a friend of Kurup. Many cast their votes on Kurups name and not on his election symbol. The arrival (sickle) symbol was anathema to several voters then, he recalled.

Voter alert: IMD issues heatwave warning in Kerala, advises caution

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The sweltering heat will be a cause for concern for voters across Kerala who will exercise their franchise in the Lok Sabha elections on Friday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow alerts and heatwave warnings in 12 districts on polling day. The IMD has said the temperatures are expected to be 2 to 4 degrees Celsius above normal in the state. As of last week, around 437 heat-related ailments have been reported in the state since the advent of summer. There have been one confirmed and two suspected heat-related deaths. IMD has predicted the likelihood of a heatwave in one or two places in Palakkad on Friday, making the democratic exercise challenging for party workers, voters and officials alike. Meanwhile, the Election Commission has made elaborate arrangements at booths in view of the hot and humid weather. Voting will be held in 25,231 booths across Kerala. Drinking water, areas having shade and separate queues for the elderly and the differently-abled are among the ECs arrangements made at booths to ensure voters comfort. All arrangements are in place. There will be separate queues for the elderly to reduce their waiting time. We have sensitised district collectors, and first aid, including ORS packets, will be made available at polling stations vulnerable to extreme heat, Sanjay Kaul, Chief Electoral Officer, Kerala, told TNIE . Mothers coming to the booths with children will be able to use creche facilities at the polling stations, he said. Maximum temperature in Palakkad is likely to hover around 41 degrees Celsius on Friday, making it the hottest district in the state. Maximum temperatures will be 39 degrees Celsius, the second highest, in Kollam and Thrissur districts. Maximum temperatures will be 38 degrees Celsius in Kannur and Kozhikode districts and 36 degrees Celsius in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Malappuram districts. Southern districts are expected to receive thunderstorms in the evening. We have advised authorities to keep community health centres and primary health centres on alert to deal with heat-related incidents, said an official with the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority. Be smart, be safe Avoid prolonged heat exposure Wear light-weight, light-coloured, loose, cotton clothes Cover your head with a cloth or hat or use an umbrella outdoors Drink sufficient water even if not thirsty to prevent dehydration Avoid direct sunlight from 11am to 3pm

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

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

All set for polling in Kozhikode district

This candidate in the high-profile Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha seat has no house and lives in the party office

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: S Mini, the candidate fielded by the Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) in the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency, is a politician from top to toe. In fact, she does not own a home and has been living in the party office for nearly three decades. Like most of her colleagues in the party, Mini, the lone woman in the fray in the high-profile segment, believes that the value of life comes from within and is not determined by material possessions or social status. She lives at the party's state committee office in the Kerala capital, along with her husband and party leader Shajar Khan. The couple's only son Alan M.S. is a degree student at Tirur in Malappuram. Mini joined the party at the age of 22, when she was doing a pharmacy course at the Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram. The firebrand leader of SUCI(C) says she joined the party against the wishes of her parents and siblings. There was stiff opposition from them and I was forced to quit home during my college days. Initially, I lived at a hostel and later moved to the party office. It was a wise decision for someone who wanted to become a full-time party worker, she says. Wayanad Election Notes: The solitude of Kerala's most famous tribal activist Vilappilsala protest During her political career spanning three decades, Mini was involved in numerous people's movements, small and big, in different parts of the state. The longest and toughest one perhaps was the people's protest against a polluting waste plant at Vilappilsala in the Kerala capital, says the 49-year-old. The strike which began as a relay satyagraha ended in a full-blown protest two years later. Somehow, we managed to overcome the numerous sabotage attempts by the government, city corporation and the police. I dedicate the victory to the mighty women in Vilappilsala, she says. What began as occasional outbursts took the form of an organised protest with the intervention of the SUCI(C). As the party's designated leader to Vilappilsala, Mini's initial assignment was to organise the local women. We formed committees for every fifty households and important decisions were taken by an apex committee. Party did not impose its decisions but equipped people to claim their rights, she said. The people's protest met with success when the government decided to shut the plant. At the peak of the strike, Mini was detained by the police for one full day. Years later, she was jailed by the police for accompanying Mahija, the mother of engineering student Jishnu Pranoy, to the DGP's office. Jishnu was found dead at the hostel of Nehru Engineering College in Thrissur and Mahija was proceeding to the DGP's office to protest against the delay in arresting those who allegedly pushed Jishnu into suicide. Mini was arrested by the police on conspiracy charges. She was jailed and released after eight days of judicial remand. The police are yet to file a charge-sheet in the court. Lush greenery, stark misery: Election vignettes from Kerala's Achankovil forest Nurses' rights The Indian Nurses Parents Association which works for nurses' rights was established under Mini's leadership. The idea of an organisation of parents was to help nurses who couldn't come out in the open against their employers. Mini travelled extensively in the country to resolve the issues faced by nurses and nursing students. One incident she vividly recalls is the visit to a private medical college at Nellore in Andhra Pradesh. The college had not returned the certificates of about 50 students, mostly Keralites, who refused to execute an illegal bond for a no-pay job after studies. The management did not change their stand in the deliberations with the INPA. Finally, Mini, with the help of a local SUCI leader, approached the district collector. She convinced him about the Supreme Court order banning the bond system at educational institutions. The collector then issued an order asking the management to return the certificates. Though the mission was successful, Mini says the collector was transferred within a few days, allegedly owing to the pressure from the college management which had considerable political clout. The manager later became the education minister in that state, she says. SUCI(C) contesting eight seats The party has fielded candidates in eight seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Mini is the candidate in the Thiruvananthapuram seat. The other constituencies are Kollam, Mavelikkara, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Chalakudy and Kozhikode. Campaigning is in full swing and the party has good visibility in all the places. The party's first unit in Kerala was formed by a group of students of the TKM College of Engineering, Kollam. It stepped into electoral politics by fielding Kochucherukkan in the Eravipuram seat for the 1970 Assembly election. The party's first Lok Sabha candidate James Joseph who contested from the Kollam seat garnered over 8000 votes. Founded in 1948, the SUCI(C) had a presence in the assemblies of West Bengal, Assam, Bihar and Odisha at different times. Its lone MP was in the 15th Lok Sabha -- Tharun Mandal who was elected from West Bengal. Today, the Kerala unit of SUCI(C) has about 1200 full-time cadres and a few thousands of members.The party intervened in numerous public issues and equipped people to fight for their rights. It took the lead to unite people and organisations to fight for people's rights on issues ranging from the mineral sand mining at Thrikkunnapuzha to the anti-K-Rail protest. The party played a significant role in the people's movements at Chengara, Vilappilsala and Moolampilly.

All arrangements completed for Lok Sabha polls in Kerala on Friday

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

Over 3,000 IP cameras to support webcasting in Kozhikode district

The service covering 2,248 booths to be handled by a private agency which won the bid

Video Goes Viral Flight Crew and Boy Make Mothers Birthday Unforgettable

A video showing a boy's touching gesture for his mother on her birthday during an Air India Express flight is gaining popularity on social media. Shared by cabin crew executive Afzal Khan on Instagram, the clip depicts how he and other crew members made the mother's day memorable. According to the text overlay in the video, the boy approached Mr. Khan, asking for help to surprise his mom on her birthday. Together, they arranged for the entire flight to applaud the mother and celebrate her special day. The video captures Mr. Khan making an announcement and extending birthday wishes to the woman. The clip also shows the cabin crew giving the woman a special treat with a handwritten note. The caption of the post reads, And we made someone's day more special. social media users praised the boy's gesture and commended the Air India Express cabin crew for their efforts. Similarly, earlier this week, another post highlighted the kindness and empathy of SpiceJet crew members who assisted an elderly woman in distress during a flight from Kozhikode to Jeddah. Woman Makes Shocking Claim: Aliens Took Me Along and... PM Modi Commends Civil Services Achievers, Encourages Resilience in Unsuccessful Candidates ECI Issues Notices to PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi for Alleged Model Code Violation

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

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

Attacking Rahul Gandhi best way to divert attention: Sachin Pilot

Congress leader Sachin Pilot had a hectic election campaign in Kerala, visiting Kannur, Malappuram, Alathur, Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode. During a stopover in the state capital, Pilot had a quick chat with TNIE s Cynthia Chandran. Excerpts. In New Delhi, CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury is seen hobnobbing with Rahul Gandhi. In Kerala, the CM is attacking Rahul... Having personal relations and regard for each other does not define the political ideology. But, indeed, the chief minister and people close to him in the government have levelled very serious allegations, with no clarifications or satisfactory response from them. That gives me the impression there is something to hide. So attacking Rahul Gandhi is the best way to divert attention. Do you think PM Modis hate speech in Rajasthan will create polarisation? Elections should be fought on issues like governance, policies, farmers issues and unemployment. Statements from the BJP leadership show a sense of desperation. We have record-high unemployment, huge inflation issues, educated young boys and girls are looking for a future for themselves and farmers are in distress. All these issues are something the government is answerable for. Thats why there is an attempt to start talking about mandir, masjid, Hindu, Muslim... and done so blatantly by the prime minister and other leaders. What are the Congresss chances in Rajasthan? The Congress is going to win more seats than the BJP. Ive travelled across Rajasthan and this election is for change. People like our candidates, and our approach to politics much better because you talk about accountability, transparency and protecting the Constitution and institutions. Gehlot has campaigned across the state and his son, Vaibhav Gehlot, is contesting and he will win. People have not taken Congress seriously as the main opposition party over the past one decade The Congress party is very much there in every nook and corner of the country. We have lost a few elections. But that doesnt mean the Congress workers have disappeared. Congress remains the only political party that can take on the BJP nationally. Every regional party has its own role to play, have their own contributions to make, but in general elections, the Congress role is pivotal. When Congress gets stronger, the INDIA alliance also gets stronger. The generation shift is not happening in the Congress, which has led to a large contingent of young leaders crossing over to BJP... Some people may be under pressure. The people of India will be the final judge of those leaders decision to cross over. Time will tell. But people vote for the party, for their ideology and the Congress presents the diverse flourishing cultural history of 5,000 years. Im not saying that other parties dont have space. Of course, they have space.

Kerala: Ldf, UDF vie to M-SEAL the deal

KOZHIKODE : The electoral swing of the Muslim community which constitutes about 30 per cent of Keralas population will be one of the deciding factors in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the state and, understandably, LDF and UDF have been frantically wooing the community. The latest speeches by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that appeared to directly target Muslims have intensified the uneasiness within the community, and both the fronts are striving to capitalise on this. On Wednesday, the LDF published two advertisements in the Suprabhatham daily, the official mouthpiece of the EK faction of Sunnis that is considered as the biggest Muslim organisation in Kerala. The ads tried to project the Left as the protector of the minorities against the Sangh Parivar attacks. Similar ads appeared in Siraj, the official publication of the rival AP group of Sunnis, as well. Meanwhile, the Congress is confident that Modis attack on the party for doling out benefits to Muslims will work to its advantage in Kerala, even as it may have a different impact in other parts of the country. The party believes Priyanka Gandhis impassioned response to Modi, and Mallikarjun Kharges rebuttal of the PMs charges will resonate with the Muslim community. During its campaign, the UDF pointed out the acquittal of RSS workers in the Riyas Moulavi murder case as an example of the LDF government going soft on the Sangh Parivar. The front juxtaposed it with the RSS leader Ranjith Sreenivasan murder case, in which SDPI workers were given capital punishment. On the other side, right from the beginning of the campaign, the CPM went all out to expose the insincerity of the Congress in handling issues related to Muslims, especially the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) which remained at the core of the LDF campaign till the final day. The absence of the reference to CAA in the Congress manifesto was highlighted as an example of the partys deceit. The Congresss refusal to yield an additional seat to the IUML, along with its direction to avoid using the partys green flag at Congress leader Rahul Gandhis rallies, also served as ammo for the CPM. Though there was a strong resentment among the IUML cadre over these issues, party leadership swiftly contained it from boiling over and affecting the UDFs poll prospects. Political observers believe the individual calibre of the candidates would play a great role in deciding the poll outcome. This time, the Muslim community may not give a blanket support to any front as it did in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, said writer Mujeeb Rehman Kinaloor. The community may prefer candidates who have a proven track record in fighting the Sangh Parivar. I believe the preference will be for those who performed well in the House, and those who can forcefully speak against the onslaughts on democracy and secularism. Ashraf Kadakkal, assistant professor at Kerala University, also shared the same sentiment. There is a feeling among the community that several of the MPs elected from Kerala in 2019 didnt rise to the occasion when crucial issues were discussed in Lok Sabha, he noted. At the same time, the performance of Left MPs such as John Brittas (Rajya Sabha) was widely appreciated in the community. Many in the community believe that strong persons who can influence the course of debates should be elected to the Lok Sabha. One thing is clear: the Muslim community is set to vote with a vengeance. Kerala Muslim groups call for Lok Sabha election date change to avoid clash with Friday prayers Notably, the community was upset with the Election Commission choosing a Friday as the day of polling in Kerala and some other states. Some Muslim leaders had approached the Commission with a plea to change the schedule, as the communitys Friday prayers could affect polling. When those efforts failed, they put in place alternative measures to ensure that voting of the community members would not get affected in the crucial election. Some leaders have exhorted believers to skip the Friday juma to cast their votes if there is no other choice.

Grand roadshows mark culmination of public campaign for Lok Sabha polls in Kozhikode

Surveillance squads seize valuables, cash worth 9 crore in Kozhikode

The squads have been operational since the announcement of elections

Micro observers protest against delay in facilitating postal votes in Kozhikode

They alleged that their demand to address the concerns on time were ignored

High security in place to monitor sensitive booths in Kozhikode district

Eight companies of CAPF to assist local police in district

Embarking on data Science odyssey: Exploring elite programs from VIT, IITD, and IIMK

Data science programs at VIT, IIT Delhi, and IIM Kozhikode empower students with cutting-edge tools and knowledge to tackle real-world challenges, foster innovation, and drive organizational success through AI and ML techniques.

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

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

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

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

Vadakara's electoral battle intensifies as Shafi's campaign challenges Shailaja's dominance

KOZHIKODE: The Vadakara Lok Sabha constituency has been in the spotlight since the onset of election discussions in Kerala, with the Palakkad MLA Shafi Parambil of the UDF pitted as a surprise candidate against former health K K Shailaja of the LDF. By the time the UDF announced its candidates in the state, Shailaja had completed her second round of campaigning in the constituency. Several poll pundits viewed Vadakara as a secure seat for the LDF. The decision to relocate sitting MP K Muraleedharan to Thrissur, and field Shafi in Vadakara drew widespread criticism against the Congress leadership. Leftist circles speculated that Muraleedharan fled Vadakara to avoid competing against Shailaja. Shafis initial reluctance to campaign in Vadakara also drew fear factor jibes. Initially, Shailaja seemed to have a clear advantage. Her reputation as the health minister who handled crises such as the Nipah outbreak and the Covid-19 pandemic facilitated an effortless entry into campaign activities. Indeed, Teacher Amma was billed as the LDFs strongest candidate in Kerala. It was natural for political analysts to predict an uphill challenge for Shafi. However, he surprised many by launching his campaign with a massive rally. Defying predictions, he has been attracting large crowds to most of his campaign meets. Shafis youthful image and robust social media presence seem to have enabled him to mount a formidable challenge, turning the initially lopsided Vadakara contest into a suspense thriller. Vadakara is now one of the most discussed constituencies in the state. Both candidates have launched extensive social media campaigns, releasing numerous reels and posts to appeal to young voters and making Vadakara the most discussed constituency in the state. A virtual battle has been raging. The Panur blast dealt an unexpected blow to the LDF. Seizing the opportunity, the UDFs cyber team insinuated that those involved in the bomb-making had links with Shailaja. Youth Congress state president and Shafis campaign head Rahul Mamkoottathil shared a photo purportedly showing Shailaja alongside a Panur blast suspect. Meanwhile, Revolutionary Marxist Party leader and Vadakara MLA K K Rema added a new narrative to the UDFs campaign, highlighting the CPMs history of violent politics. Shailaja, however, staged a comeback with an emotional press conference on April 10, alleging that the UDF was circulating doctored images of her on social media. She filed a police complaint, and accused Shafi of orchestrating the cyber attack. A controversy erupted as it was alleged that Shafi and the UDF were disseminating a morphed video of Shailaja. The LDF leadership and socio-cultural figures rallied behind Shailaja, urging Shafi to restrain his campaign tactics. As the issue heated up, CPM workers in Vadakara utilised the morphed video issue as a grassroots campaign plank. The move, however, backfired when Shailaja clarified during a press conference that she never mentioned a morphed video. In response, Shafi sent a legal notice to Shailaja for tarnishing his image. And video clips of Shailaja mentioning videos were shared widely on social media. Keyboard warriors of the Congress accused Shailaja of lying to defame Shafi. Amid all the din, NDA candidate Praphul Krishnan has remained on the sidelines. Given the current scenario, political experts and media outlets are tipping Shafi to have gained the upper hand in the intense contest between the CPM and Congress. Quick glance Total voters: 14,21,883 Male - 6,81,615 Female - 7,40,246 Third gender - 22 Candidates Shafi Parambil (UDF) Age - 41 Assets - Rs 89.34 lakh Cases - 39 K K Shailaja (LDF) Age - 67 Assets - Rs 1.56 crore Cases - 4 Praphul Krishnan (NDA) Age - 38 Assets - Rs 55,73,716 Cases - 6 2019 K Muraleedharan (UDF) - 5,26,755 votes P Jayarajan (LDF) - 4,42,092 Sajeevan V K (NDA) - 80,128 Victory margin - 84,663

Morphed video row: Shafi demands apology from Shailaja, sends notice

KOZHIKODE: In recent weeks, the Vadakara Lok Sabha constituency has been abuzz with discussions surrounding a controversial video allegedly containing morphed images of LDF candidate K K Shailaja. While the Left in Vadakara initially utilised the cyber attack as a key campaign strategy to draw female voters, it now appears to have backfired on the LDF as Shailaja clarified that she has never mentioned a morphed video. Moreover, UDF candidate Shafi Parambil has sent a legal notice to Shailaja demanding her to tender a public apology within 24 hours. The legal notice stated that Shailaja deliberately raised a false allegation intended to tarnish the reputation of Shafi and derive undue benefit in the election. 'Didnt mention morphed video in cyber-attack complaint,' says Shailaja The defamatory statement made by Shailaja triggered numerous cyber attacks against Shafi and his family members, especially his aged and ailing mother. After the morphed video issue cropped up, the CPM workers unleashed relentless cyberbullying on Shafi, his family and the party. It was orchestrated to blemish the good name of Shafi among the voters of Vadakara constituency. This has caused grave mental agony and pain to him. The so-called social activists and cyber activists have been continuously tarnishing the image of my client from the date of your (Shailajas) statement before the press, the legal notice stated. Responding to Shailajas clarification, Shafi told reporters,I am happy to know that there is no such video spreading on social media. I also welcome Shailajas clarification that she never mentioned a morphed video. But the left cyber warriors spread many lies about me. I had to face so much abuse. Earlier, CM Pinarayi Vijayan and CPM state secretary M V Govindan, along with cultural figures K R Meera, K Ajitha, and Bharathikutty, had come out in support of Shailaja after the morphed video controversy erupted. CPM workers in Vadakara had leveraged the issue at the grassroots campaign. Cyber attacks on LDF candidate Shailaja: UDF in defensive mode In light of the apparent backlash, the LDF candidate took a proactive stance to defend herself. There was an unethical move against me in cyberspace. UDF exploited the media to question my political integrity. I stand by my statements. Let Shafi take legal action. I am prepared to confront it. I am willing to provide evidence of cyberattacks against me, Shailaja told reporters in Vadakara. Meanwhile, the LDF leaders in Vadakara said that, by sending a legal notice, Shafi is playing cheap politics. Already seven cases have been registered against UDF workers for cyber attack against Shailaja. Thus, when there are many cases against the unethical and illegal action of the UDF candidate, he is playing cheap politics by sending a legal notice against the LDF candidate and spreading falsehoods. The voters of Vadakara will give a befitting reply to the UDF candidate who is running obscene and communal propaganda to hide his political illiteracy, a statement issued by LDF said. Vadakara's UDF candidate, Shafi Parambil sets new standards for connecting with voters

NSS volunteers to offer help to differently abled people, senior citizens during polls in Kozhikode

Their services were lauded during the Assembly elections

Kareem invites Raghavan for debate

Calicut Press Club organises face-to-face with three major candidates in the Kozhikode Lok Sabha constituency

Home voting covers over 13,500 people in Kozhikode district

The service was offered to voters who submitted special applications to the election authorities

SpiceJet crew and passengers unite to assist distressed elderly lady after she defecated on flight

SpiceJet crew members and passengers come together to assist a 72-year-old lady who faced challenges during a flight from Kozhikode to Jeddah. The incident, shared by Virendra Malhotra, Vice President of Flight Operations at SpiceJet, showcases the compassion and unity displayed in a challenging situation.

Empowering Strategic Thinkers: IIM Kozhikodes Advanced Strategic Management Programme

Slog-over aggression is smart gamesmanship by Pinarayi & Rahul

When provoked, Pinarayi Vijayan can be quite a handful. He is economical with words but remarkably effective, a master at hitting where it hurts. That Rahul Gandhi happened to be at the receiving end is what makes his latest campaign diatribe more than just an interesting anecdote in election stories from Kerala. Speaking in Kozhikode on Friday, Vijayan sought to remind Rahul about the nickname that was once being used to describe him in political circles and recalled what his grandmother, Indira Gandhi, did to the opposition leaders during the Emergency. There was provocation. A day earlier, Rahul sought to know why the BJP-led government at the Centre has spared Vijayan. Two chief ministers are in jail. How come this is not happening to the chief minister of Kerala? This is a bit puzzling, he said, hinting at a deal between CPM and BJP. Vijayan replied sharply and with characteristic disdain. It was your grandmother who jailed us. We are not afraid of jails, he said. Referring to his nickname, Vijayan said: Rahul Gandhi, you had a name in the past. It is not good to create an impression that you have not changed from what you were called earlier. That the two leaders are going at each other in the slog overs of the election campaign in Kerala is curious. Theres already a paradox in that while both Congress and CPM are partners in a national alliance, the blocs led by them are the main contenders in a majority of the 20 parliamentary seats in Kerala. That also means its not a friendly fight that is playing out in the state, but an all-or-nothing battle involving two parties that are fighting to expand, or at least preserve, their national footprint. Its only natural then that blows would be traded and no jibes would be spared. But, was there a need for the two leaders to engage in personal attacks? Yes, because it serves the purpose of both. Rahuls attack on Vijayan which was followed by a similar assault by Priyanka Gandhi can achieve multiple objectives for the Congress. One, it can help the party cash in on the very visible anti-Pinarayi Vijayan sentiment among the people. Two, the strong and aggressive posturing, while helping Rahul boost his image nationally, can also help stem the possible erosion of its support base. Three, reinforcing the BJP-CPM nexus theory though not very convincing can help consolidate minority communities, particularly the Muslims, in UDFs favour especially when Vijayan has persistently attempted to position himself as the sole champion of Muslims. But this strategy has one serious drawback. Upsetting the CPM cadres could end the possibility of last-minute transfer of votes to Congress candidates in seats where BJP is also in the running. BJPs failure to make electoral gains despite being numerically strong is partly blamed on this underhand transfer of votes that is said to have taken place in the last few elections. For Vijayan, the hostile personal attacks allow him to exhibit his trademark strongman image, which could help his party overcome the perceived anti-government sentiments. That he cares not much for the national-level opposition alliance has been evident, and recently he made it apparent in an interview with TNIE where he said it was not an alliance but an arrangement. His focus is on Kerala, and preserving his and partys preeminence in the state. With factors loaded against him, Vijayan has little space to manoeuvre in an election seen as a referendum on his government. Having won just one seat in 2019, the CPM has little to lose, and everything to gain. Any improvement, which means anything more than one seat, is to Vijayans advantage. Besides, the tit-for-tat attacks have helped the two main fronts sideline the BJP from the Kerala political narrative, at least temporarily. One must agree that both Rahul and Vijayan are of better use to their parties when they are angry, than otherwise. Kiran Prakash Resident Editor, Kerala kiranprakash@newindianexpress.com

Kozhikode MCH sexual assault case: NHRC accepts complaint filed on behalf of survivor

Concerns raised over misuse of free meals supply initiatives in Kozhikode

Complaints on the rise against people using sponsorship as a ticket for securing unrestricted entry to various government hospitals

'V D Satheesan spreading canards against CPM,' says CM Pinarayi

KOZHIKODE: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday said Congress state president K Sudhakaran and Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan are spreading false information about CPM during the UDFs election campaigns. Satheesan is making a fool of himself by saying that CPM has received electoral bonds, Pinarayi said during an election campaign in Vadakara constituency. The biggest propagandists of UDF in Kerala, K Sudhakaran and V D Satheesan, are spreading falsehoods about the CPM. The Congress doesnt even have a clear stand on the CAA, said Pinarayi. He further said the only party which has not accepted the electoral bond is the CPM. Congress has received electoral bonds worth `1,952 crore and it is still keeping the money. Now Satheesan claims that he has proof against us? How can he present proof for lies? he asked. Citing the Robert Vadra case, Pinarayi alleged that there is an undercurrent between the Congress and BJP. Vadras name figured in an FIR registered by the central investigation agencies against DLF. But after the CBI raid, the firm gave `170 crore to the BJP in the form of electoral bonds and both DLF and Vadra got a clean chit. Can Satheesan tell us what the link between Congress and BJP is? he asked. Meanwhile, Sudhakaran said, Rahul Gandhi is leading a relentless fight against communal fascism while Pinarayi Vijayan is borrowing the words of the BJP. The CMs speech sounds like that of a star campaigner of the BJP. Pinarayi is criticising Rahul to defend himself from the corruption allegations against his family. Genuine fear has turned the CM into a total coward, he said.

'IUML temporarily shelved its green flag to prevent communal campaign by BJP': P M A Salam

KOZHIKODE: IUML State General Secretary P M A Salam has said that the party has decided not to use the green flag at the election rallies of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi because the party did not want to give a chance to the BJP to unleash a communal campaign. Addressing a Meet-the-Leader programme organised by the Calicut Press Club on Saturday, Salam said that the IUML does not want to spoil the chances of the INDIA bloc at any cost. IUML can raise its flag anywhere in the country. However, we are ready to shelve it temporarily if it adversely affects our noble cause, he said. To a question on the absence of reference to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the Congress manifesto, Salam said Rahul Gandhi has spoken in no uncertain terms against the Act in his speech in Kozhikode. He said, The fight is between the BJP and the INDIA bloc, he said, adding that the CPM is engaged in splitting anti-BJP votes with the intention of helping someone.

'Didnt mention morphed video in cyber-attack complaint,' says Shailaja

KOZHIKODE: K K Shailaja, the LDF candidate in Vadakara, has clarified that she did not mention any morphed video in the complaint on the cyber-attacks she faced. Shailaja asserted that at the press conference on April 15 she spoke only about the circulation of a poster with her face on it. Numerous fake news videos about me are circulating on social media. However, my press conference focused on a specific poster where my photo was distorted and spread. These posters are being shared in various family groups. Who are the individuals behind such malicious acts? There is a gang orchestrating this, Shailaja said during a meet-the-candidate programme held in Vadakara on Saturday. I am not worried about the cyber-attacks against me. People know what is happening here. Doesnt matter how much UDF will try to spread lies against me, people in Vadakara constituency will never believe them. I dont care about this issue anymore. People will take the further decision on this matter, Shailaja added. In all, six cases have been registered so far in connection with the cyber-attacks on Shailaja. Shailaja also told reporters that the police investigation into the cyber-attack case is going on efficiently. Responding to Shailajas clarification, Vadakara UDF candidate Shafi Parambil told reporters that he is happy with her admission that no morphed videos were being circulated on social media. Didnt the CPM falsely accuse me? Didnt intellectuals react and advise me for something I havent done?, asked Shafi. 'Cyber attack allegations have no impact on public': Shafi Parambil Didnt the media debate about the issue and even mention the word porn in it? Will any of them, including the chief minister, express regret? Shafi asked. I am confident in the support Im receiving from the public during my campaigns. Apart from the left cyber wing and so-called social activists who operate at the behest of the CPM, the cyber attack allegations have had no impact on the public. The LDF candidate and those who reacted to this issue should clarify who the real victim of the cyber attack is, Shafi added.

CM Vijayan attacks PM Modi, says Centre ignored financial rights of Kerala

Kozhikode: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his recent statement on the states financial condition and said the BJP-led government consistently ignored the state and denied crores of rupees duly owed to it. He also lashed out at the Congress leadership including Wayanad MP, Rahul Gandhi, and alleged 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 Film Producers Association-PVR tiff over VPF at two malls resolved

Screening of Malayalam films will begin at screens in Forum Mall in Kochi and Miraj Cinemas in Kozhikode, says KFPA secretary B. Rakesh

Kozhikode DLSA brings out guidelines for voters in eight different languages

Revamp done, KSRTC to press Navakerala Sadas luxury bus into Bengaluru service

As per initial reports, the bus will be pressed into service on the Thiruvananthapuram-Bengaluru route or the Kozhikode-Bengaluru route

Cyber attack on LDF candidate Shailaja: one more person held

KOZHIKODE: The Thottilpalam police have arrested one more person in connection with the cyber attack on LDFs Vadakara candidate K K Shailaja. Muttathuplav Perumbaliyil Mebin Thomas was taken into custody under IPC Section 153 and Kerala Police Act Section 120 (0). He was released on bail later. On Thursday, the Vadakara police had arrested Harish Nandanam, a Congress leader and member of Ward 7 of Balussery panchayat, for allegedly circulating content defaming Shailaja. He is the first Congress worker to be arraigned in the cyber attack complaint filed by LDF in Vadakara. He too was released on bail. In all, six cases have been registered so far in connection with the cyber attacks on Shailaja.

'Grow up,' says Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan to Rahul Gandhi

KOZHIKODE : A day after Rahul Gandhi cast aspersions on Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for hobnobbing with the BJP, the CM stepped up attack against the Congress leader, reminding him about the deeds of his grandmother Indira Gandhi. Addressing an election programme in Kozhikode on Friday, Pinarayi said that Rahuls recent words attest that he has not changed from his old self. It is not good to create an impression that you (Rahul) have not changed from what you were described earlier, Pinarayi said ostensibly referring to Rahuls nickname. Rahul had asked as to why the BJP government is not doing anything against Pinarayi while two chief ministers are in jail. It was your grandmother who jailed us when she was reigning supreme in the country, Pinarayi said referring to the arrest of opposition leaders during Emergency. We are not like your leader Ashok Chavan who said he is afraid of going to jail. We didnt faint when we heard about the investigation. Better not scare us by showing jail and investigating agencies, he said. Pinarayi said he spoke against Rahul when the Congress leader repeatedly refused to speak about the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). He did not say a word on CAA during his Bharat Jodo Yathra or during the election campaign. Congress leaders kept silent on the BJP agenda, he said. CPM state secretary M V Govindan said that Rahul is backstabbing the INDIA bloc. On what charges Pinarayi and his family should be arrested? What he said is utter nonsense, Govindan said.

Kozhikode MCH sexual assault survivor continues stir seeking probe report

Dont scare us with jail Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan tells Rahul Gandhi

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday unleashed a no-holds-barred attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reminding him that he should not behave in a manner that justified the name given to him by his adversaries in the past. The chief minister was indirectly referring to the name Pappu which was used extensively by the BJP and Sangh Parivar outfits to mock Rahul. Pinarayi's sharp reaction in Kozhikode on Friday came in the wake of the criticism unleashed by Rahul Gandhi against the chief minister the other day. The Kerala chief minister has neither been questioned nor investigated by the ED when two chief ministers are in jail. I leave it to the people of Kerala to ponder as to why Pinarayi Vijayan is getting such preferential treatment from Narendra Modi, he said while addressing election meetings in the state the other day. Taken aback by Rahuls accusations, the chief minister told the Congress leader not to scare him with jail and investigation. Your grandmother (Indira Gandhi) who was all-powerful at one time, put us in jail for one and a half years (Emergency period). He accused Rahul of having a Sangh Parivar mindset which according to him was evident from his silence on the issue of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Don't scare us with jail and investigating agencies. Your followers say you have changed, but others say there is no change. You should brood what others are saying, he said. Pinarayi said the only issue Rahul Gandhi avoided during his yatras was the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Even when you came to Wayand to file your nomination papers you didn't utter a word on the CAA. What is the reluctance to speak about CAA ? This is the only criticism we raised against you, the chief minister said. The chief minister accused Rahul Gandhi of remaining silent on the abrogation of the status of Jammu and Kashmir. What do you have to say about the scores of Congress leaders who secretly congratulated the Centres decision on the abrogation of 370? Were the 18 MPs elected from Kerala seen anywhere? Hence there is no point speaking now. The big question is what did you do in the last five years, the chief minister asked. Pinarayi said when the central government tried to make the UAPA more draconian, Rahul and his party stood by the BJP. Did you ever raise your voice when Kerala was denied what it rightfully deserved? The Congress in Kerala was invited for a joint protest against the Centre's neglect. But you sided with the Centre. Aren't you responsible for this stand? the chief minister asked. With just seven days left for the crucial Lok Sabha polls, the top leaders of the Congress and CPM have scaled up their attack, accusing each other of being soft on BJP-RSS.

ECI lists out steps for ensuring free and fair polls

App to check impersonation of absentee, shifted, and dead voters during the upcoming polls. Arrangements made for 100% webcasting in Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, and Thiruvananthapuram districts, ECI informs HC

How does getting inked for the first time feel like?

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

AICC spokesperson Shama Mohamed booked for hate speech in Kerala

KOZHIKODE: AICC spokesperson Shama Mohamed has been booked in a hate speech case. The case stems from the remarks she made during an election campaign for M K Raghavan in Kozhikode, where she stated that if the BJP were to regain power, mosques and churches would cease to exist. The remark prompted a Thiruvananthapuram resident to lodge a complaint with the Kozhikode City Medical College police, accusing Shama of attempting to incite religious discord. However, Shama defended her statements, asserting that her comments were in reference to the Manipur issue and were not directed towards any specific religious community.

Creating history, woman techie to spearhead Thrissur pooram cybersecurity

KOZHIKODE: For the first time in the history of Thrissur Pooram, a woman will spearhead the cybersecurity arrangements, specifically the CCTV surveillance cover, of what is one of the grandest cultural extravaganza in the country. Shattering gender norms is Akhila Jijith, a technology architect hailing from Mankavu in Kozhikode. Along with her team, Akhila is currently busy ensuring a comprehensive CCTV surveillance system for the pooram on April 19. The CEO of Prago Advanced Technologies LLP, Akhila has carved a niche for herself in providing unparalleled CCTV coverage to major events across the region. However, she feels that Thrissur Pooram, a cultural extravaganza rivalling the Kumbh Mela in grandeur, poses unique challenges and security concerns. Thrissur Pooram attracts scores of people. Orchestrating surveillance for such a colossal event comes with its set of challenges. The festivals location in the heart of Thrissur city, its open environment, last-minute plan changes, coordination with local authorities and the pooram committee, as well as the scorching sun pose immense challenges, Akhila told TNIE. Factor in the intricate wiring required for the cameras and any voltage fluctuations that may occur, and one may get an idea of the magnitude of the difficulty. Hence, from day one of setting up the camera to managing the control room of the poorams cyber cell it is a challenge for me as an upcoming entrepreneur, she said. However, Akhila has risen to the occasion. She said she has overseen integration of over 500 cameras across the city into a centralised monitoring cell exclusively dedicated to the event. The comprehensive surveillance setup, which ensures minimal blind spots, also serves as a testament to Akhilas ingenuity and leadership. My husband Jijith, who has wide expertise in CCTV surveillance systems, is also helping me in this massive undertaking, Akhil said. The road to achieving foolproof security for the pooram was not easy for Akhila and her team. From navigating corporations permission hurdles to adapting to last-minute alterations such as demolition of VIP pavilions, they encountered obstacles along the way. Challenges like laying cables via elephant crossing zones and vedikettu areas further underscore the complexity of their endeavour.

Home voting: over 5,000 persons covered in two days in Kozhikode

On Thursday alone, 3734 voters used the home voting option in Kozhikode district

IMD warns of isolated heavy rain in three districts on Friday

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

Several statements of PM Modi violate Model Code of Conduct: Sitaram Yechury

KOZHIKODE: CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of making statements which were allegedly violative of the Model Code of Conduct during his Lok Sabha poll campaign in various parts of the country. Yechury said that he has given a complaint in this regard to the Election Commission listing out the statements made by Modi allegedly aimed at sharpening communal polarisation on the issue of Ram. The veteran CPI(M) leader was speaking to the media in this north Kerala district where he also criticised the Congress and the UDF for accusing the Left front of not opposing Modi and the BJP. He said that it was strange that the Congress and the UDF were accusing the LDF, particularly the CPI(M), of being silent on attacking Modi. Yechury said that he was one of the first political leaders to be arrested for opposing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the Left party was the one which moved a habeas corpus plea in the Supreme Court against alleged detention of politicians in Kashmir after Article 370 was abrogated and the CPI(M) was also the first to oppose the electoral bonds in the top court. He said that in all these issues and various others, it was the CPI(M) which was at the front opposing the saffron party and questioned in all these instances where were those who charge us with not opposing the BJP. Yechury's statement came in the wake of the social media campaign against CPI(M)'s Vatakara LS candidate K K Shailaja. Terming the campaign against her as virulent and obscene, he said that it indicates that she has won the election. Yechury also urged the Congress to introspect as many of their leaders have left the party to join the BJP. But they attack us by saying that we are not anti-Modi. So, let us talk on the basis of facts and substance and not on the basis of personal attacks, he said. The Marxist veteran further said that decorum needs to be maintained by all during political campaigning. My only appeal to everybody concerned is to definitely criticise, campaign against and attack our political position and policies, but do not go to such lengths as to telling untruths and conducting personal attacks. Let us maintain the decorum of the campaign, he said. An activist of Congress-ally Indian Union Muslim League has been booked by police for allegedly making objectionable remarks on social media platforms against Shailaja. The CPI(M) has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against Congress candidate from Vatakara Shafi Parambil, alleging that the cyber attack on Shailaja was being carried out with his knowledge. The Congress rubbished the charges of malicious campaigning against Shailaja by UDF activists and had said the ruling party was trying to cook up stories as the election campaign was nearing the final stage. The Lok Sabha elections will be held in Kerala on April 26 and the results will be declared on June 4.

Kozhikode techies house turns mini election museum

KOZHIKODE: K Vikas, IT professional based in Nadakkavu, Kozhikode, has been busy receiving an increasing number of history buffs visiting his home this poll season. His house has now turned into a mini election museum, with visitors dropping by to check out his amusing collection of vintage poll material such as ballot boxes, campaign notices, and symbols of various parties. The number of visitors has been on the rise. I am delighted that people are thrilled to see my collection, says Vikas, 46, who has been collecting election memorabilia for 15 years. There are ballot boxes, megaphones, loudspeakers, wooden moulds and seals of various political parties, etc. Vikas, who runs an IT company in Palayam, says he used to collect stamps and coins as a teenager. He was drawn towards Keralas election history after coming across some old poll equipment at an exhibition. During the first general election in 1951-52, most ballot boxes were made by two companies Allwyn and Kelvinator, he gushes. I came across a ballot box made by Allwyn at an exhibition in Tamil Nadu, and I bought it on an impulse. Then I sourced another one, made in 1960, from Malappuram. Later, I found out that my grandfather, who used to be a Congress party worker in Thamarassery, also had an antique ballot box. Vikas is equally fascinated by wooden moulds that were once used for printing. Many printing companies in Kozhikode used to provide printing blocks with imprints for various political parties during elections, he says. I sourced some of those moulds from those printing presses. Booklets containing the campaign songs of yesteryear candidates are another highlight in his prized collection. Nowadays, political parties use recorded songs and film parody tracks for election campaigns, Vikas says. In olden times, parties used to get the songs printed as booklets, and circulated them among their cadres. These songs would be performed live by artists during street plays or at public gatherings. Its quite amazing to track the evolution of communication strategies and technologies through election history.

Cyber attacks on LDF candidate Shailaja: UDF in defensive mode

KOZHIKODE: UDF leaders have adopted a defensive stance against the cyber attack on K K Shailaja, the LDF candidate in Vadakara. Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan and Vadakara MLA K K Rema have accused the LDF of attempting to distract the publics mind from the Panur blast case and CPMs violent politics by emphasising the cyber attacks on Shailaja. At a press meet in Vadakara on Wednesday, Rema criticised the Kerala Police and its cyber wing for not taking stringent action on the complaints regarding the cyber attack on the former minister. Rema said that such instances of personal abuse stem from the polices failure to take decisive action against the complaints. She condemned cyber attacks and personal insults against women. The cyber attack against Shailaja is unacceptable. The police have failed to curb obscene online campaigns against women. It has been 20 days since Shailaja filed a complaint. Yet, there has been no action on the part of the police. Women in Kerala face significant challenges in the cyber world. Many female politicians, including myself, have fallen prey to this, said Rema. Meanwhile, Satheesan dismissed Shailajas claim that Shafi Parambil, the UDF candidate in Vadakara, was behind the cyber attack campaign. Shailaja and her party are spreading lies because their bomb politics is not working anymore. The same PR agency that concealed the number of Covid deaths in the state is behind the spread of lies in Vadakara. Where were the so-called feminists when the cyber wing of the CPM attacked K K Rema, Oommen Chandys daughter and other women leaders of the UDF? asked Satheesan. CPM state secretary M V Govindan also alleged that the cyber attacks would not have happened without the knowledge of the UDF leadership. The UDF leadership should immediately intervene in the issue. Activists of the UDF are acting like a mafia as Shailajas victory in Vadakara is certain, Govindan said on Wednesday. On Tuesday, the police filed cases against two individuals for the cyber attacks on Shailaja. T H Aslam, a ward member of the New Mahe grama panchayat and the panchayat committee secretary of the IUML, was booked for sharing a fabricated video of the LDF candidate in a WhatsApp group. The Perambra police also registered a case against an unknown person with the Facebook ID Salman Valoor based on a complaint lodged by LDF Vadakara parliament mandalam committee secretary Valsan Panoli.

Warm response to home voting option in Kozhikode

Poll officials to offer the service to 15,404; a special polling officer, polling officer, micro observer, security officer, and a cameraman to visiteach voter

200 litres of arrack seized at Kozhikode

Having a ball, hands down!

KOCHI: About one-third of the team that will represent India in the upcoming World University Handball Championship hails from Kerala. Of the 32 players that make up the mens and the womens teams, the states representation is 11 seven men and four women. How this came to be is no miracle. Our players have been quite dominant at the national level, clinching trophies for their respective universities and colleges. Now, they will square off against the best student-athletes in the world when the games, organised by the International University Sports Federation (FISU), commence in June. This time, the event is being held in Antequera, Spain. Competing at this level of the game is a career highlight for many university athletes. For others, it is a step up to the next level of performance. Given that it is Indias maiden entry in the event, much rides on the nearly 50-member contingent set to make this trip. Here, TNIE introduces the players, the growing dominance of Kerala varsities in the game, and the perennial challenge that plagues the states sportspeople lack of funds. Brass tacks What is handball, you ask? As the name implies, players are split into groups (the official count is seven) and they pass a ball to throw it into the goal of the opposing team. So, think football, but using just the hands. The game is also called throwball and is considered the second-fastest game in the world after ice hockey. For long, the sport was thought to be inferior to more popular ones like cricket and football. However, the last decade or so has been the games golden era. Nowhere is this progress more profound than in Kerala, where two varsities have been championing the sport and, in the process, moulding future stars. Mohammed Faris T Of the 11 players from Kerala, eight belong to Mahatma Gandhi (MG) University and three to Calicut University. They are Anju Sabu, Anupama V R, Archana M S, Binoy George N J, Ramees P, Nirmal Syriac and Nandhu Krishna K from Sacred Heart College in Kochi; Archana Venu from Assumption College, Changanassery; Savid M and Jeevan Jose Joji from Sahrdaya College at Kodakara; And Mohammed Faris T from Farook College, Kozhikode. Almost all of them had taken up the game in school. If in the case of Archana Venu, it was because her school had no other avenues for sports, for Faris, it was because his institution had a long and cherished handball legacy. While the reasons are varied, each harboured a keen interest in the sport and a desire to progress further. Most of them have been playing handball for over a decade. Handball powerhouse As is very apparent, a majority of the players (seven) are from Sacred Heart (SH) College in Kochi. Its also interesting to note that nine of the 11 players have undergone training at some point on the lakeside campus, considered a handball powerhouse. In a span of 10 years, the SH mens handball team has won eight inter-college championships and came runner-up in two. The womens team, which began playing only four years ago, has already won three varsity championships. This dominance also saw SH players filling up the MG University squad. Of the 16 players that make up the varsity womens handball team, 10 are from our college. Of the remaining, three are former students, says coach Antony Mathai, whos been associated with the college for 10 years. In the case of the mens team, the SH dominance is even more stark. Fifteen of the 16-member squad have undergone training at the college. Of them, 10 are current students. Even on the national stage, the players shone. Last year, MG came second in the South India varsity-level handball tournament, thus securing a place in the national-level competition. There, we reached the quarter-finals. Its no small feat, says a representative of MG University. This success saw Antony, whos also the coach of MG handball teams, get selected as the national coach (mens) for the upcoming FISU championship in Spain. However, the Kadavanthra native is reluctant to take all the credit. I have Ukrainian coach Alexi Popovich to thank for this. I trained at his handball academy in Kochi for five years. There, I was able to pick up new techniques and play styles. When I joined SH as a coach, I was able to impart these skills to my students, says Antony. Ingredients What has no doubt helped SH players climb to the pinnacle, in addition to their rigorous training, is this Alexi-inspired play style. Unlike other teams, we follow a quick play system which relies more on individual skill than on piston movement, explains Nandhu, one of the players. The three Calicut University students are hopeful that they can pick up on this technique quickly. Unlike football, positions in handball are more or less fixed. Theres not too much overlap. So, it wont be too difficult, says Faris, whos part of the India squad. As to the question of how they will gel with the remainder of the squad which hails from outside Kerala, Anju says, We know most of them, especially players from the Southern states. We see them at competitions and are familiar with each others play style. Antony too has expressed confidence saying, Each player in the squad is very skilled. All we have to do during the camp is knit them together as a team. As for the camp details, the coach says, We have not heard from the officials yet. From what I gather, training is slated to begin after the all-India tournament, which concludes mid-May. Challenges However, what ails the team is a lack of funds. Though they are representing India, the students are forced to meet the funds required to compete out of their own pockets. This is the real tragedy of our times. The sports culture is dying because young athletes dont have a support system to pursue success in their sport. Later, many resort to a government job and abandon their dreams, says a sports representative who wishes to remain anonymous. Earlier, universities used to get grants from the Indian government to participate in sports competitions at the international level. However, this stopped about ten years ago. Thanks to the Sports Authority of Indias intervention, this practice may resume next academic year. For now, MG University has decided to provide 50 per cent of the funds to each of our students, says Binu George Varghese, the sports director of MG university. While this is indeed a big help for some, many players are yet to raise the necessary amount. Since we had to meet the costs of visa processing and other matters urgently, my family bore the expenses. Its my big dream to participate in a global tournament, and they didnt want a lack of funds to get in the way. We hope sponsors will come forward to help,says Bijoy. He also adds, For handball to flourish, we could use all the help we can get. Most are also displeased with the states treatment of its sports stars. Especially given how the Tamil Nadu government has given 100% of the funds to its players. This a bit of a disappointment, no doubt. But we dont want to miss this chance, says Jeevan. Indeed. The game is a big opportunity for the players. If their recent performance is any indicator, the Indian team is certain to give everyone a run for their money. Now, could this usher in a new dawn for handball?

Sharika triumphs over physical limitations, conquers civil services

KOZHIKODE : In a remarkable display of resilience and determination, Sharika A K achieved a significant milestone on Tuesday when she cracked the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS) examination, while overcoming the challenges posed by cerebral palsy. The 23-year-old resident of Keezhariyur in Koyilandy has been battling cerebral palsy, a condition affecting her bodys normal functioning and coordination, since birth. Though confined to a wheelchair and possessing limited mobility, Sharika, through sheer will and hard work, conquered the UPSC examination with an All-India Rank of 922 in the general merit list in her second attempt. Proving a turning point in her success journey was Sharikas participation in Project Chitrashalabham, a training programme initiated by Dr Jobin S Kottaram, author, motivational speaker and founder of Absolute IAS Academy. The initiative provided her with the necessary support and guidance to pursue her aspirations despite physical limitations. Sharika cracked the exam in her second attempt; she could not clear the Mains in the first. I will be attempting the exam again as I want to better my rank, Sharika told TNIE. I want every student with physical disabilities to overcome problems with the help of education as it can take us to new heights, she said. Sharikas story exemplifies the power of resilience, spirit in overcoming adversity Recalling her childhood, Sharika said, During my school days, when anyone asked what my ambition is, my reply would always be software engineer, as I found it more suited to my condition. I also harboured an interest in computers and technology. However, after higher secondary, I decided to purse higher studies in English literature as my condition forced me to join a college that was barely a few kilometres away from home. The financial situation at home also prevented me from travelling far for studies, said Sharika. It was then I started learning more about civil services. I got coaching from some of the best mentors, she said. Throughout her journey, Sharika received unwavering support from her family, especially her parents Shashi A K and Rakhi, and sister Devika. Despite her fathers work commitments in Qatar, he made every effort to be present for Sharikas exams, including accompanying her to the interview in New Delhi. Her success in the IAS exams is not just a personal victory but also an inspiration to countless individuals facing similar challenges, said one of her mentors who reached her home to congratulate her on her achievement. Sharikas story exemplifies the power of resilience and the unwavering human spirit in overcoming adversity and achieving ones dreams, the mentor said.

Sugandhagiri tree cutting: Action to be taken against 18 forest staff

KOZHIKODE : Additional principal chief conservator of forests (APCCF, Vigilance) L Chandrasekhar has submitted the investigation report in the Sugandhagiri illegal tree cutting case to the government. According to the report, Wayanad forest department officials who failed in their supervisory duties also accepted bribes from the accused. The report has suggested action against Wayanad South DFO A Shajna and Kalpetta range forest officer Neethu. Meanwhile, Forest Minister A K Saseendran expressed shock at the findings. It has been found that the forest department officials are responsible for the serious lapse. What makes the incident more serious is that high-level officials were involved in the scam. We have come to know that the officers, including the DFO, knew of the matter and pretended otherwise. The chief of the vigilance wing has been instructed to take immediate action against the erring officers soon, the minister said at a press conference in Kozhikode. The probe report mentions the names of 18 forest officials -- Shajna, Neethu, flying squad range officer M Sajeevan, deputy range officer Beeran Kutty, Kalpetta beat forest officers C S Vishnu, P Siyad Hassan, Najeeb, I V Kiran, K S Chaithanya, Saji Prasad, M K Vinod Kumar and Balan, Kalpetta section forest watchers R Vincent, P G Vineesh, K Lakshmi, A A Janu and Johnson; and Kalpetta section forest officer K K Chandran. Among them, Chandran, Johnson, Saji Prasad, M K Vinod Kumar and Balan are under suspension. APCCF Chandrashekar said while some officers were complicit in looting, some failed in their supervisory duties while others did not inspect the logging. A few of the officials failed to take strict action when they found out about the illegal logging, and others took money from loggers. A lookback into the case The case involves the illegal logging of trees on the lands allotted to 750 Scheduled Tribes families in Sugandhagiri of the Pozhuthana grama panchayat in the Kalpetta range forest under the South Wayanad Division during the Indira Gandhi government as part of the Sugandhagiri Cardamom project. The accused people axed over 130 large trees while they had permission to cut only 20 trees.

How an App and Crowdfunding Saved Abdul Rahim, a Keralite on Death Row in Saudi

Abdul Rahim from Kozhikode was sentenced to death for the accidental death of a 16-year-old Saudi boy.

Congress trying to save Constitution, says Rahul

KOZHIKODE (KERALA), April 16: Continuing his tirade against the BJP-led Government at the Centre, Wayanads sitting MP, Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said during his massive road show at Thiruvembady that the Congress was trying to save the Indian Constitution. This election has just one issue and all other issues stem from this main issue and [] The post Congress trying to save Constitution, says Rahul appeared first on The Shillong Times .

Senior CPI(M) leaders attend LDF campaign in Kozhikode

Action against 18 forest staffers including DFO in Wayanad's Sugandhagiri illegal tree felling case

KOCHI: The vigilance team of the Forest department which probed the illegal tree felling at the Sugandhagiri Cardamom project area has recommended action against 18 officials including Wayanad South Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) A Shajna. A high level meeting chaired by Forest minister A K Saseendran had constituted a four-member special investigation team of the vigilance wing to probe the illegal tree felling on April 2. Based on the investigation team's report, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Vigilance) recommended action against 18 department officials including Wayanad South DFO A Shajna, Kalpetta range officer K Neethu, flying squad range officer K Sajeevan, Section forest officer K K Chandran, Beerankutty, seven beat forest officers and six forest watchers. There has been serious dereliction of duty by forest officers who failed to conduct a field inspection and initiate action even after registering two cases in connection with the Sugandhagiri illegal tree felling case. I have instructed the additional chief secretary (Forest) to initiate immediate action against the people found guilty, said forest minister A K Saseendran. Sugandhagiri Cardamom project was implemented in 1977 to rehabilitate 260 tribal families who were bonded labourers working in farm lands. The state government had abolished bonded labour in 1975. The forest department had granted permission to cut down 20 trees that were posing threat to the houses of the tribals in January 2024. However, misusing the permission, around 126 trees were cut down over a period of two months. The forest department had booked a case and seized the timber on information about the illegal tree felling. The investigation team had booked cases against six persons and arrested timber traders M K Prince of Kaniyampatta, Abu Tahir of Vythiri and Sudheer Kumar of Kozhikode.

Trying To Defend Biggest Corruption Scandal: Rahul Gandhi Slams PM Modi Over Electoral Bond Scheme

Kozhikode: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, accusing him of defending the electoral bond scheme, which the opposition labelled as the biggest corruption scandal. Speaking at a roadshow in Kozhikode, Gandhi criticized PM Modis recent interview with ANI, where the Prime Minister defended the electoral bond []

Leadership excellence: Insights from leading institutions

Leadership development is key for success. Institutions like Kellogg, MIT, IIM Lucknow, IIM Kozhikode, and ISB offer programs to nurture effective leaders. These programs focus on strategic vision, technology-driven leadership, and holistic leadership excellence.

Lok Sabha polls | Over 1 lakh unauthorised campaign materials removed in Keralas Kozhikode district

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accuses BJP of misusing Electoral Bond Scheme

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the BJP of misusing the Electoral Bond Scheme and using it to provide various projects to those companies that donated to the party. Addressing a public meeting organised by the UDF in Kozhikode in Kerala on Monday (15th April 2024) evening, Mr Gandhi criticised the Prime Minister for claiming []

Rahul swipes at PM Modi, snipes at Pinarayi

KOZHIKODE: Mounting a strong attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi termed electoral bonds as the biggest extortion racket on the planet at a UDF rally on Monday in Kozhikode. The Congress candidate in Wayanad also took a swipe at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for sparing Modi and targeting him instead. The prime minister says the electoral bond scheme was designed to bring transparency to Indias political system, but the Supreme Court thinks it is illegal, Rahul said. He alleged that companies that donated to the BJP got contracts worth crores of rupees. Twenty-two people have as much wealth as 70 crore people in India. This is Modis gift to India, he added. Rahul said he was hounded for speaking against the BJP and RSS. I was interrogated by the ED for 57 hours. I spoke in Parliament, and the BJP got me removed from the House. Later, I was reinstated by the Supreme Court, he added. He then wondered aloud why the Modi government had not taken such harsh actions against Pinarayi. When someone attacks the BJP, the party retaliates by sending the CBI, ED. Why is the BJP not attacking the chief minister of Kerala? After all, two chief ministers [Hemant Soren and Arvind Kejriwal] are in jail now, he said. And when the BJP is destroying the Constitution, attacking democracy and dividing the country, why is the chief minister of Kerala attacking me? he asked, adding that Pinarayi should set aside some time to attack the BJP and Modi as well. The Congress leaders second-phase campaign in Wayanad started earlier in the day with a road show at Sultan Bathery. Notably, the road show was held without the flags of any UDF parties. Instead, supporters lined up with balloons and placards. We did not get freedom from the British to be colonised by the ideology of the RSS, he said during the rally. The BJP and RSS are trying to impose their idea of one nation- one language - one leader. How can this be done in our country? Besides road shows, Rahul attended a farmers meeting in Pulpally, and also met Mananthavady Bishop Mar Jose Porunnedom. Karat, Raja assail Modi Slamming the prime minister, CPM poliburo member Prakash Karat said it will be goodbye to democracy if Narendra Modi is voted back to power. This election will determine the future of democracy in India, he stressed during an LDF campaign meeting in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday. In Kerala, the fight is between LDF and UDF. But we need to see the all-India picture as well. There is a chance for a broad coalition forming an alternate government, he said. Karat maintained that the ED probe into scam allegations involving Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his daughter was politically motivated. He also clarified that CPM remained a national party, as it met the criterion of having recognition in at least four states. At another LDF rally, CPI national secretary D Raja said the BJP should be voted out of power to safeguard the sanctity of the constitution. Dr B R Ambedkar had put forward provisions to ensure that India did not end up a theocratic state. But what have we seen in the past 10 years? The BJP government is dividing the country along religious lines. Modi is the biggest disaster that India has ever witnessed, he said. Raja added that the Union government had failed to generate employment, and Indian youths were leaving for Israel in search of jobs, and even getting killed there.

Kozhikode couple prays for safe return of son on board seized Israel-linked cargo ship

KOZHIKODE : News that an Israel-linked cargo ship had been seized by Iran in the Gulf region on April 13 came as a bolt from the blue to Vishwanathan and Shyamala, an elderly couple from Velliparamba in Kozhikode. Earlier that day, they had talked to Shyamnath, their son who is on-board MSC Aries, the cargo ship. Soon, the distressing news reached them. The Iranian military had seized the ship having 25 crew members, including 17 Indians, on board near the Strait of Hormuz. A call from the shipping firms Mumbai office had apprised the couple of the development. This is an extremely tough time for us...we are immensely concerned about our sons safety. The firm said they have been unable to contact the crew following the ships seizure, Vishwanathan told TNIE. Shyamnath has been serving as the second engineer on MSC Aries for the past decade. He last came home in Velliparamba in September 2023, said his parents. Two Malayalis, one from Palakkad and the other from Wayanad, are also aboard the vessel, Vishwanathan said. Shyamnaths family is clinging on to the hope that interventions by the Union government will ensure the swift and safe return of their son and his colleagues. It is learnt that besides the 17 Indians, the crew comprises people from the Philippines, Pakistan, and Russia. As per official sources, India has reached out to Iran via diplomatic channels in Tehran and Delhi, seeking the well-being and prompt release of the 17 Indians. Meanwhile, the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) said it is collaborating closely with the authorities concerned to ensure the well-being of the 25 crew members and the vessels return . Irans Foreign Ministry has confirmed the ships seizure citing violations of maritime laws as reason. Irans Revolutionary Guards intercepted the vessel at the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime passage, amid heightened tensions following a suspected Israeli strike on the Irans consulate in Damascus on April 1 to which Tehran had vowed retaliation. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has urged the External Affairs Ministry to ensure the safe return of the crew members. In a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday, Pinarayi conveyed the Kerala governments concerns over the well-being and safety of the crew. Other Malayalis on board Palakkad native Sumesh and Dhanesh P V of Wayanad are the other Malayalis besides Shyamnath on board MSC Aries, the seized vessel. Sumesh, a 32-year-old third officer, joined MSC four months ago and was due to return home in two months. Dhanesh, the second officer, sailed away eight months ago. His family members said he was eager to return so that he could see and hold his two-month-old daughter for the first time. Rahul writes to external affairs min seeking Centres intervention Rahul Gandhi, representing Wayanad constituency, has sent a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressing grave concerns over the seizure of an Iranian ship with Indian crew members onboard. Rahul Gandhi demanded the Union governments immediate intervention to ensure the safe return of all 17 crew members. He highlighted Indias moral obligation to contribute to peace efforts amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, and emphasised the need for proactive measures. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of abrupt actions in the volatile geopolitical landscape. In his letter, Rahul echoed the sentiments of countless Indians eagerly awaiting the release of the detained sailors. As tensions continue to mount in West Asia, the timely resolution of this crisis remains a priority for both India and the international community.

Rahul Gandhi takes on Pinarayi at UDF rally in Kozhikode

Why is the BJP not attacking the Kerala Chief Minister?

Public Vishukkani organised at Thiruvannur in Kozhikode

Vadakara has 120 of 141 sensitive booths in Kozhikode district

Police and Central armed forces to provide security for these booths, says District Collector

No headway in probe into drug overdose deaths in Kozhikode

Investigation agencies yet to track drug peddlers connected to the case; three deaths reported within a month

Kerala: Rahul Gandhi holds roadshow in Wayanad, to attend UDF rally in Kozhikode today

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi held a roadshow in Kerala's Wayanad, seeking re-election in the Lok Sabha. Thousands of supporters joined the event in Sultan Bathery as Rahul waved from an open vehicle amid slogans. Kerala, with all 20 constituencies voting on April 26, witnesses high political activity with PM Modi also campaigning.

LS polls: Rahul Gandhi takes out road show in Wayanad

LS polls: Rahul Gandhi takes out road show in Wayanad Senior Congress leader and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi on Monday took out a massive road show at Sulthan Bathery here as part of his election campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in the southern state. Gandhi, who reached Nilgiris district in the bordering Tamil Nadu, interacted with students at the Arts and Science College there and travelled by road to reach Sulthan Bathery in Kerala. At Sulthan Bathery, Gandhi travelled sitting atop a car with its roof open. Hundreds of workers rallied beside him holding placards with his photo. Gandhi is scheduled to address a farmers' rally in nearby Pulpally, predominantly an agrarian sector which has a great presence of farmers, later in the day. He is also expected to take out road shows in Mananthavady, Vellamunda and Padinjarathara and address party workers there, Congress sources said. During the visit, Gandhi is also likely to hold a meeting with Mananthavady bishop, which is politically significant in the wake of raging controversy over the recent screening of the movie 'The Kerala Story' by some churches. Later in the evening, the Congress leader would address a rally of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in neighbouring Kozhikode district. Gandhi, who is seeking his electoral luck again from Wayanad, came to the constituency for the second time after the date of the Lok Sabha polls were announced. The Congress leader had kicked off the poll campaign in Wayanad early this month by filing his nomination papers and holding a massive road show. Gandhi won from Wayanad with a record margin of 4,31,770 votes during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Polling in Kerala's 20 Lok Sabha seats will be held on April 26.

PM Modi, Rahul to campaign in Kerala today

Thiruvananthapuram: The two biggest star campaigners of the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will campaign in Kerala today. Prime Minisrter Narendra Modi who arrived in Kochi on Sunday and stayed at the Ernakulam Government Guest House overnight, would take part in a roadshow and address a public meeting at Kunnamkulam in Alathur constituency. He will be soliciting votes for the BJP candidates of Palakkad, Thrissur, Alathur and Chalakudy at these election campaign events. After Kunnamkulam, the prime minister is scheduled to leave for Kattakada in the Attingal constituency of Thiruvananthapuram district. Union minister V Muraleedharan is contesting from the Attingal constituency. Modi has been aggressively campaigning in Kerala since January. This is the seventh visit of the prime minister to Kerala since January. The BJP is hopeful of springing surprise in the coming elections especially in a couple of seats where the party believes that it would be able to break the LDF UDF cycle. However, the opinion polls and pre-poll surveys have indicated an increase in the vote share but no clear chances of victory in any of the 20 constituencies. Modi will be leaving for Tirunelveli in Tamilnadu to address a public meeting in favour of BJP candidate and partys legislature party leader Nainar Nagendran. The prime ministers visit comes close on the heels of the recovery of Rs 4 crore by the Election Commission's flying squad allegedly from the supporters of the BJP candidate who were travelling by train last week. Tamil Nadu will go to polls on April 19. Rahul Gandhi to address series of meetings in Kerala today Rahul Gandhi will campaign extensively in Wayayand and adjoining constituencies on Monday. The Congress leader who is scheduled to arrive in a helicopter at Nilgiris Arts and Science College in Wayanad, will be taking part in half a dozen election programmes in the district. He will take part in road shows in Sulthan Bathery, Mananthavady, Vellamunda and Paschimathara. Rahul will address a farmer's meeting in Pulpally. He is scheduled to meet the Bishop of Mananthavady in the afternoon. The Congress star campaigner will address a public meeting organised by the UDF in Kozhikode in the evening. This is Rahuls first campaign programme after filing nomination papers from the Wayanad constituency. The UDF is banking hugely on his campaign in Kerala. In 2019, Rahul wave swept Kerala with UDF winning 19 of the 20 seats in the state. While the Congress claims that the UDF will repeat its performance, the ruling LDF and BJP say the situation has changed drastically since the last Lok Sabha polls. The LDF has fielded political heavyweights in several constituencies to wrest the sitting seats of the UDF. Apart from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan who is LDFs main campaigner, national leaders of the CPM and CPI including Sitaram Yechury, D Raja and Brinda Karat are scheduled to campaign extensively for the Left candidates in the state in the coming days. The Left parties which got almost decimated in West Bengal and Tripura, are resting their hopes on Kerala to revive its prospects in the Lok Sabha. CPIs stalwart Annie Raja is taking on Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad. BJP state president K Surendran is the BJP candidate from the constituency. Kerala which goes to polls on April 26, is witnessing triangular contests in certain seats.

Kerala couple waiting for safe return of son from Iran-seized ship

Kozhikode: An elderly couple in this northern Kerala district is facing anxious moments thinking about the safety of their son onboard a seized Israel linked cargo ship in the gulf region and praying for his return. Shyamnath, their son, was among the 17 Indians onboard an Israeli-linked cargo ship seized by the Iranian military near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. The ship 'MSC Aries' was seized recently. Shyamnath's parents Vishwanathan and Shyamala, who are yet to come to terms with the news, said here that they talked to him on Saturday also. Later in the day, they received a call from the shipping company's Mumbai office informing them about the shocking development. We are going through tough times...we have great concerns about the safety of our son. The company authorities said they could not contact the ship crew after the seizure, Vishwanathan told media. Hailing from Velliparamba in this northern district, Shyamnath has been working as a second engineer in 'MSC Aries' for the last 10 years. He last visited the hometown in September last year, parents said. Viswanathan said besides Shyamnath, two men from neighbouring Palakkad and Wayanad districts were also among the crew members. Besides Indians, nationals from the Philippines, Pakistan and Russia were among the crew as per their knowledge, he said. Though Shyamnath's mother also tried to talk to the media, she burst into tears. Amidst the anxieties, the family expressed hope the interventions made by the Centre would help to bring their son and his colleagues back to safety at the earliest. Official sources on Friday said India has called on Iranian authorities through diplomatic channels, both in Tehran and Delhi, to ensure the welfare and early release of the 17 Indian crew members of the cargo ship 'MSC Aries'. The MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) said it is working closely with relevant authorities for the well-being of 25 crew members and return of the vessel.

Kerala couple waiting for safe return of son from cargo ship seized by Iran

KOZHIKODE: An elderly couple in this northern Kerala district is facing anxious moments thinking about the safety of their son onboard a seized Israel linked cargo ship in the gulf region and praying for his return. Shyamnath, their son, was among the 17 Indians onboard an Israeli-linked cargo ship seized by the Iranian military near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. The ship 'MSC Aries' was seized recently. Shyamnath's patents Vishwanathan and Shyamala, who are yet to come to terms with the news, said here that they talked to him on Saturday also. Later in the day, they received a call from the shipping company's Mumbai office informing them about the shocking development. We are going through tough times, we have great concerns about the safety of our son. The company authorities said they could not contact the ship crew after the seizure, Vishwanathan told media. Hailing from Velliparamba in this northern district, Shyamnath has been working as a second engineer in 'MSC Aries' for the last 10 years. He last visited the hometown in September last year, parents said. Viswanathan said besides Shyamnath, two men from neighbouring Palakkad and Wayanad districts were also among the crew members. Besides Indians, nationals from the Philippines, Pakistan and Russia were among the crew as per their knowledge, he said. Though Shyamnath's mother also tried to talk to the media, she burst into tears. Amidst the anxieties, the family expressed hope the interventions made by the Centre would help to bring their son and his colleagues back to safety at the earliest. Official sources on Friday said India has called on Iranian authorities through diplomatic channels, both in Tehran and Delhi, to ensure the welfare and early release of the 17 Indian crew members of the cargo ship 'MSC Aries'. The MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) said it is working closely with relevant authorities for the well-being of 25 crew members and return of the vessel. Iran's Revolutionary Guard seizes container ship near the Strait of Hormuz amid tensions with West

Screening of 'The Kerala Story' postponed after Thamarassery bishop intervenes

KOZHIKODE : The Kerala Catholic Youth Movement (KCYM), the youth wing of the Catholic Church, under the Thamarassery diocese has postponed the screening of the controversial film The Kerala Story , which was scheduled for Saturday. The decision follows the intervention of the Thamarassery Bishops office, and it was decided to screen the film once the general elections are over. Earlier, the Idukki diocese had screened the movie during the vacation classes for students Suvisheshotsavam ahead of the movie being telecast on Doordarshan. Both Doordarshan and the diocese faced backlash from left parties as the screening was seen as a political gimmick of BJP and RSS during election time. Last week the KCYM unit of the Thamarassery diocese made the announcement to screen the film during the vacation classes for students on Saturday. As per the decision taken at the executive body meeting of the Thamarassery diocese of the KCYM on Friday and the instructions from the Bishops office, it has been decided to postpone the screening since it is being politicised by some parties and the media. We came forward to express our solidarity with the Idukki diocese. We are screening it for educational purposes and to spread awareness against forceful conversion after love marriages, said Fr George Vellakkakudiyil, director of KCYM, Thamarassery diocese. When the youth wing announced the date and time of the screening, the Thamarassery diocese office had clarified that the Church was in no way involved in it and it was the sole initiative of the KCYM. The KCYM office-bearers also claimed that they have come across around 320 cases of girls being forced for conversion after love marriages and they were forcefully separated from their parents and relatives. There is love jihad, which is mostly connected with forceful conversion. We have been dealing with many cases of forceful conversion after love marriages, said Fr George Vellakkakudiyil.

Samastha leader to campaign for IUML in Kerala

KOZHIKODE: Even while the CPM is eyeing the votes of the anti-IUML section in the Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama, a leader of the Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS) has made it clear that he will openly canvass votes for the Muslim League. Nasar Faizi Koodathayi, SYS state secretary and general secretary of the Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Qutbah, (SKJQ), told TNIE that he will attend the family meetings of the party as part of the campaign for the upcoming elections. He, however, was quick to add that he will be participating in the campaigns in his individual capacity and not as the representative of the organisation. SYS and SKJQ are the feeder outfits of Samastha, which had made it clear that the organisation has no political affiliation but the members can have their own political preferences. Faizis post on Facebook in which he cautioned against the double standard of the CPM in aiding the fascists and smuggling in liberal ideology has also become a topic of discussion in political circles. In the post, Faizi said that priority should be given to the Congress and the UDF in the fight against fascism, and all others including the CPM will come only after the Congress. Commenting on the CPMs stand against the CAA, he said it must be remembered that repealing the law comes under the purview of the Centre and not the state government. Faizi said the stand of the CPM on gender neutrality and LGBTQ issues also should be discussed. The LDF government had tried to bring in liberal ideology and irreligious thinking in the curriculum, he said. He also alleged that it was the CPM-led government that paved a safe exit for the Riyas Moulavi murder accused. Faizis assertions came at a time when a section in the Samastha is preparing to give a suitable reply to the IUML for helping the anti-Samastha forces.

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

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

Rahul to attend election rallies, meetings in Kerala

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