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Buon NatalerallyturnsThrissur into alivingcanvas of Christmasjoy
Over 15,000 Santas participate in the festive procession, blending faith, culture, technology and charity
Mary Thomas, T.K. Sudheesh take oath as Thrissur district panchayat president, vice-president
LDF candidates secure decisive victories in district body elections; formal oath-taking ceremony graced by Ministers, officials, and political leaders
Laly James suspension exposes rift in Thrissur Congress
Allegations of cash-for-posts in the mayoral selection mar Congress first day in power in the Thrissur Corporation, sparking open revolt and a bitter blame game
Resigned Congress members join hands with BJP in Thrissur's Mattathur to elect panchayat president
THRISSUR: In a dramatic turn of events, eight Congress councillors who resigned from the party joined hands with the BJP to elect independent candidate Tessy Jose Kallarakkal as the president of Mattathur grama panchayat on Saturday. Of the 24 wards in Mattathur, the UDF won eight, the LDF 10 and the NDA four, while two independents were also elected. The LDF fielded one of the independents, Ouseph, as its presidential candidate, while the UDF backed the other independent, Tessy. Tessy won the election with the support of the UDFs eight votes and three votes from the BJP. We resigned from the Congress to protest the failure of the district and block-level leadership to intervene in internal disputes. There were issues right from the candidate selection stage, and matters worsened after the results were declared. We hope the district leadership will step in and resolve them, said Linto Pallipparambil, one of the Congress ward members who resigned. Meanwhile, KPCC chief Sunny Joseph suspended DCC general secretary T M Chandran and mandalam president Shafi Kalluparambil from the party for acting against organisational decisions. By losing local body polls, has Pinarayi already lost Kerala? And what of Tharoor and BJP?
Congress Leaders Quit, Tie Up With BJP To Take Control Of Kerala Panchayat
In a major political twist in the Mattathur panchayat in Kerala's Thrissur district, all eight Congress members resigned en masse and joined hands with the BJP to take control of the council.
Congress councillor levels pay for Thrissur mayor post charge
THRISSUR: Congress councillor from Laloor division Laly James on Friday levelled major allegations against DCC president Joseph Tajet and parliamentary committee chairman Rajan Pallan, accusing them of denying her the Thrissur mayor post as she could not pay the party fund. Joseph refuted the allegations. The Congress on Thursday announced Dr Niji Justin from Kizhakkumpattukara division as its Thrissur mayor candidate. Laly said she was overlooked despite winning with a higher majority than the other candidates and Niji was chosen as she paid the required money. Two days back, Joseph called me into the DCC office along with other party leaders. They asked me if I could pay the party fund. I couldnt. I took up this opportunity to serve people, not to garner wealth and hence couldnt give the money when they asked, she told TNIE. Despite this, Laly voted in Fridays mayor election. I will continue as a member and party councillor despite disagreements, said Laly, a fourth-time councillor.
Development, not controversy, our focus: Thrissur DCC president
Joseph Tajet says Congress candidates received support even from councillors who were earlier fellow travellers of the Left, underscoring that development-oriented politics prevailed over allegations and disputes
New Mayors, municipal chairpersons take charge in Kerala
V.V. Rajesh takes over as the first BJP Mayor of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, four United Democratic Front Mayors, three of them women, take oath in Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur, and Kannur Corporations. The lone LDF Mayor, O. Sadasivan, sworn in as Mayor of the Kozhikode Corporation
Corruption is core agenda of Congress in Thrissur: CPI
CPI demands Vigilance probe into mayoral bribery allegations; CPI(M) too comes up with criticism
Congress returns to power in Thrissur Corporation as Niji Justin elected Mayor amid internal turmoil
A. Prasad, who is also the KPCC secretary, elected as deputy mayor
Denied mayoral post due to lack of money, says Congress councillor in Thrissur
Laly James alleges that mayoral post was sold for cash, levels serious charges against party leadership and Niji Justin, who later took charge as Mayor
Thrissur Congress Councillor Claims Mayor Post Sold For Bags Of Money
Laly James levelled allegations against UDF mayoral candidate Niji Justin, questioning the manner in which the candidature was finalised.
Congress leaders V K Minimol, Niji Justin, P Indira and A K Hafeez elected Mayors of Kochi, Thrissur, Kannur and Kollam; O Sadashivan of CPM in Kozhikode
BJP State Secretary and Kodunganoor ward councillor VV Rajesh elected as first BJP mayor in Kerala
The Bharatiya Janata Party achieved a historic win in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. V V Rajesh became the mayor, marking the BJP's first municipal corporation victory in Kerala. The United Democratic Front secured victories in Kollam, Kochi, and Thrissur Corporations. The Left Democratic Front won in Kozhikode, and the UDF is set to lead Kannur.
NCB busts inter-state hashish oil racket; 4 kg contraband seized, five arrested in Visakhapatnam
NEW DELHI: In a significant operation against inter-state drug trafficking, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) dismantled a hashish oil trafficking network and arrested five accused during an operation conducted in Visakhapatnam, the agency said. Officers of the federal anti-narcotics agency, with the assistance of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), mounted a targeted operation at Duvvada Railway Station. The action led to the interception of five individuals, including one woman, and the seizure of 4 kg of hashish oil on Tuesday night. Following interrogation, all five persons were arrested under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, a senior officer said. The arrested individuals include two persons from Thrissur district in Kerala, who were the intended receivers and had arrived in Paderu to coordinate with the supplier. The supplier, a resident of Srikakulam district, has also been apprehended. The remaining two accused, including a woman, were employed as carriers and were tasked with transporting the contraband to Kerala for delivery to the receivers. Investigators said the receivers had given money to the carriers to transport the contraband, while they themselves avoided carrying the substance out of fear of being caught in possession. All five accused had travelled from Paderu to Duvvada by bus. Preliminary investigation revealed that the supplier as well as both receivers were previously involved in NDPS-related cases. Further investigation is under way to identify and apprehend other members linked to the trafficking network. This preventive action highlights the NCBs unwavering commitment to dismantling organised drug trafficking syndicates operating across state boundaries. The Bureau continues to intensify efforts to curb the menace of narcotics and safeguard society from drug abuse, the officer said.
For these women of the cloth, creativity is cloak of visibility
KOCHI: Creativity and faith are both a calling that can come together in the artistic process. Nuns who embody this union may be considered rather rare to come by. But, then, there are those in the habit of overturning popular perception. Sr Lismys journey as a cinematographer began in the silence of her Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (CMC) convent. It was a chance encounter with a simple camera that stirred to life an interest. My superiors at the CMC Nirmala Province in Thrissur supported my desire to pursue academic training in media: a bachelors and masters in journalism and mass communication, and a diploma in cinematography and editing, says Sr Lismy, who took her vows in 2007. She began by shooting music videos for religious retreats. It later evolved into a full-fledged ministry. Now, I work as a freelance filmmaker and also manage a digital recording studio that produces Christian devotional music, documentaries, short films, and inspirational reels, she adds. Over the years, Sr Lismy has directed nearly 300 music videos, 35 documentaries, numerous short films, and reels. My first music video was born during a retreat. The moment lit a fire in me, not just creatively but spiritually, she says. Listing the projects close to her heart, Sr Lismy says Nanmayude Sugandham (The Fragrance of Virtue) tells the story of individuals who endure profound suffering, yet live with hope and dignity. Another work, Pidakkozhi (The Hen), a true story of redemption, received the 2024 Phoenix Film Award. These are not just productions; they are encounters with grace, she points out. Today, her content reaches global audiences through platforms such as Nirmala Media TSR and Camera Nun YouTube channels, the Sr Lismy CMC Instagram and Facebook profiles, and several other collaborative YouTube channels. Together, these platforms have had over 7.78 million views. According to Sr Lismy, cinematography may seem unconventional for a nun. But I believe that art, when guided by faith, becomes a ministry, she adds. She began with a small Sony camera, with the outdoors her studio. Now she operates from her recording space, Nirmala Media Digital Recording Studio. For Sr Roswin CMC, being a nun made it possible to find the artist in her. The habit gave me the freedom to express my art. My life as a religious person instilled in me discipline through prayer and meditation. And this, in turn, helped me refine my artistic expression, says the member of the Mary Matha Provincial House, in Vengoor, Ernakulam. For Sr Roswin aka Sr Malu Joy art runs in her blood. Watching her father paint and create magic by designing gardens got her hooked from childhood. She joined the convent after completing SSLC. It was here that Sr Roswins destiny as an artist began to take shape. During Covid, I painted biblical scenes and lettering on the convent walls. Impressed with my work, the mother superior got me admitted to RLV College Tripunithura, where I was able to hone my skills, recounts Sr Roswin. And now her creations rub shoulders with those of artists from all over the world at the sixth edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. She is the first nun to be part of the event. Sr Roswin draws inspiration from the elderly nuns and visitors at the convent. My works dont idealise. I try to render my subjects as imperfect, fragile humans, who bear the marks of labour, time and resilience, she adds. From using waste paper as a canvas and the sidewalk as an exhibition venue during her student years, to expanding the contours of her drawings with notations gleaned from conversations with her subjects, Sr Roswin has come a long way.
Mob in Kerala shatters Chhattisgarh migrants dream of roof over head
THRISSUR: Lalitha sat on the verandah in the Welfare Partys office in Thrissur, frozen, her eyes blank. A numbness has enveloped the 35-year-old since Sunday night, when she saw the lifeless form of her husband Ramnarayan Baghel, a Chhattisgarh resident who was lynched by a mob at Attappallam in Palakkad on December 17 over suspicions of theft and being a Bangladeshi. It had not let go of her when TNIE spoke to her on Monday night. Nearby, her children, aged 10 and 9, watched videos on the mobile, blissfully unaware of the tragedy that had struck the family. Lalitha was at her home in Karhi, Chhattisgarh, when she received the devastating news. It was our dream to construct our own house. Brick by brick, we built it. However, we needed more money to concrete the roof and complete it, Lalitha said. On December 13, Ramnarayan, a mason who earned `250 back home, left for Kerala. That was the last Lalitha saw or spoke to him. He took the train dreaming about a job that paid better so that our house could be built swiftly, she said. Upon arriving at Kerala, Ramnarayan called his brotherLalitha doesnt have a phonesaying he had reached. I didnt even get a chance to talk to him, said Lalitha. Palakkad mob lynching: CPI(M) alleges RSS role, says victim branded Bangladeshi; BJP denies charge It took me some time to understand what had happened, says cousin The next call was from the police telling the family about what happened. The family Lalitha, children and her mother left for Kerala and reached Sunday evening. Sasikanth, Ramnarayans cousin who has been working in the construction sector in Kanjikode, said around 25 people from their village are engaged in the sector in Palakkad alone. It was why Ramnarayan also took the leap. However, for some reason, he found it hard to adjust with the lifestyle and job here. Though we didnt speak about it much, I know he was not happy. On the morning of December 17, he went out to have food while we went to work. I was later informed by the police about the incident. When I reached the MCH, I was informed about the death, Sasikanth said. He said it was the first time they had come across such an experience in Kerala. It took me some time to understand what had happened and tell the family, he said. The police have arrested seven people so far and said more will be nabbed in the coming days. Meanwhile, Revenue Minister K Rajan, on behalf of the government, has promised them at least Rs 10 lakh as immediate relief. However, with an education till Class 5, no source of income, and two children and a mother to take care of, Lalitha is clueless about what the future holds. Though Ramnarayans brothers and families live in Karhi, Lalitha remains concerned about survival. As she held her two children close and left to Karhi from Nedumbassery with her husbands body in the early hours of Tuesday, Lalitha had a thousand questions in her mind, but no answers.
Samastha doesnt support theocratic State, but advocates freedom to live as per faith: Jifri Thangal
Reception accorded to Samastha Centenary Yatra in Chavakkad, Thrissur
BJPs vote share shrank to 14.6 per cent in Kerala local body polls
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Dousing the BJPs high hopes of expanding its base in the state , the partys vote share declined in the just concluded local body polls to 14.76%, according to data released by the State Election Commission on Monday. The saffron party-led NDA had secured 19.26% of total votes polled in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, while the fronts vote share hovered around 15% this time. The Congress emerged on top with 29.17% of the votes, while CPM finished second with 27.16%. However, despite leading the field, the Congress-led UDF registered a 6.35% decline in its vote share to 38.81%, compared to the 2024 general election. The LDF, meanwhile, failed to make significant inroads into opposition strongholds, managing only a marginal 0.11% increase in vote share at 33.45%. Independents, including those fielded by the three major front especially the LDF, and smaller parties together secured 13.03% of the votes. In the run-up to the civic polls, BJP stalwart and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had set an ambitious target of securing 25% vote share. However, except for wresting the prestigious Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, the party failed to throw up more surprises. The BJP fared comparatively better in southern districts. The party recorded its highest vote share in Thiruvananthapuram district at 23.08%. In Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha it garnered around 19% votes. Among northern districts, the BJP came closest to this tally in Thrissur (19.65%) and Kasaragod (18.88%). In Palakkad, the party secured 17.05% of the total votes polled. Malappuram (5.91%) and Idukki (7.76%) were the only two districts where the party secured less than 10% votes. Among the UDF constituents, the IUML finished second, claiming 9.77% of the total votes polled. The vote shares of other Opposition front allies were Kerala Congress (1.33%), RSP (0.48%), Kerala Congress (Jacob) (0.16%) and CMP (CP John faction) (0.21%). The second best performer in the LDF was the CPI, which garnered 5.58% of the votes. The share of other constituents in the LDF were: Kerala Congress (M) (1.62%), RJD (0.72%), JD(S) (0.39%), two factions of the NCP (0.38%), INL (0.20%), Kerala Congress (B) (0.11%) and Congress (S) (0.07%). In the NDA camp, the performance of allies, except for the BDJS, was negligible. The Thushar Vellapally-led party garnered 0.26% votes.
Kudumbashree makes big impact in local body elections, bags 7,210 seats
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kudumbashree workers delivered an impressive performance in the recently concluded local body elections, with 7,210 candidates emerging victorious across the state. The results highlight the growing political presence of the states flagship womens empowerment mission at the grassroots level. According to official figures, 17,082 Kudumbashree members contested the elections to grama, block and district panchayats, municipalities, and corporations. The winners were spread across all districts, reflecting widespread public support for candidates with a background in community development and local governance. Among the districts, Kozhikode recorded the most number of wins by Kudumbashree workers, with 709, followed by Malappuram (697), Thrissur (652), Palakkad (648) and Alappuzha (643). Members emerging victorious shows how closely they worked at the local level. The entry of Kudumbashree workers into elected local bodies will strengthen decentralised governance. They will place emphasis on inclusive development, social welfare and gender-sensitive initiatives, an official with the Kudumbashree Mission said.
Rare octopus rediscovered after 50 years, off Kerala coast
KOLLAM: Arare deep-sea octopus species, believed to have vanished from scientific records for nearly five decades, has been rediscovered off the Kerala coast. The octopus, Opisthoteuthis philipii, landed accidentally at Sakthikulangara harbour in Kollam during deep-sea trawling operations. It was first spotted in the waters off Alappuzha in 1976. The original reference specimen described nearly 50 years ago was lost, and in the absence of genetic data, the species disappeared from scientific records. The latest rediscovery was established through a combination of detailed morphological examination and DNA sequencing, leading to the first molecular identification of the species in the world. Commonly known as a flapjack octopus due to its flattened appearance, Opisthoteuthis philipii inhabits deep waters and is rarely documented. Due to storage and logistical constraints, only one specimen from the latest catch could be preserved for scientific analysis. Although the species is currently listed as data deficient on the IUCN Red List, the study suggests that its rarity is due to the result of inadequate deep-sea sampling. Researchers said the finding filled a significant gap in biodiversity data from deep waters off the Kerala coast. Octopuses such as Opisthoteuthis philipii are rarely recorded because of their fragile, gelatinous bodies, which are often damaged during deep-sea trawling, said Sarlin Pathissery, head of the zoology department at Fatima Mata National College, Kollam, who led the study. Fishermen at Sakthikulangara told us similar octopuses are occasionally caught as bycatch but are discarded due to low market value and limited storage space. This is why such species remained undocumented for decades. Researchers warn that the rediscovery comes at a critical time, when deep-sea fishing has intensified in the Arabian Sea and policy decisions related to offshore resources and the blue economy are being made without comprehensive biodiversity data. Economic ambitions linked to the ocean must not outpace scientific understanding. Our policy decisions on deep-sea fishing and the ocean economy are being taken without sufficient knowledge of what lives in these waters. Systematic deep-sea biodiversity surveys and better documentation of bycatch are urgently needed, said Sarlin. The researchers acknowledged the assistance of seafood trader Jackson Kannitta in specimen collection and the taxonomic guidance provided by Tristan Joseph Verhoeff of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. The research team comprised Sancia Morris of the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology, Germany; Sandie Morris, a UG student of chemical engineering at the Government Engineering College, Thrissur; and Savio Morris, a UG student of chemical engineering at Thangal Kunju Musaliar College of Engineering, Kollam.
Buon Natale celebrations to light up Thrissur on December 27
15,000 Christmas Santas, AI-powered floats, charity initiatives to mark joint event by Thrissur Archdiocese and Thrissur Pouravali
INTERVIEW| We dont treat BJP as untouchable, but concerns remain
You have been actively taking up the cause of farmers. Are you too from a family of farmers? Yes. I come from a farming family that migrated from Travancore to Malabar. There was a large migration from the Meenachil taluk of Kottayam district during my grandfathers time, when land in Travancore was controlled by feudal landlords. These migrants settled in Malabar, bringing with them their faith, lifestyle, and farming traditions, which gradually shaped the region. Since they were primarily farmers, their struggles and concerns have been part of my life from a young age. I dont need to study farmers issues academically they are my lived experiences. Parents now accompany children to school fearing animal attacks. What was it like during your childhood? There was fear in the early years of migration but direct encounters were rare. Wild boars existed then too, but they fled at the sight of humans. We never saw them attacking people. Elephants occasionally entered our land; we watched them and they returned to the forest. Serious humananimal conflict began only in the last 2025 years. The ecosystem has been disrupted. The forest department bears some responsibility large areas, especially in Wayanad, were replanted with eucalyptus and acacia, which are hostile to wildlife and drain water resources, lowering the water table. Another factor is that much farmland is now left idle. Earlier, every inch was cultivated. Today, labour shortages, migration of youth abroad, and fear of animal attacks have pushed farmers to abandon land, especially hilltops. Farmland near forests increasingly resembles forest itself, blurring boundaries and intensifying conflict. Farmers have realised agriculture is no longer a viable livelihood. There is a perception that settlers damaged Malabars ecology... That is not true. This narrative is pushed by armchair environmentalists who have not studied Malabars ecology. Historical records show that settlers protected forests. Large-scale deforestation was carried out earlier by feudal landlords in collaboration with the British who even built rail lines to transport timber. By the time the settlers arrived, much of the land they purchased from the government officially recorded as early as 1926 consisted largely of shrubs and low vegetation. Far from destroying forests, settlers converted barren land into fertile plantations of coconut, cashew, and other crops. There were isolated cases, such as the Kottiyoor land issue, where land sold by the Devaswom shouldnt have been alienated. And settlers were later evicted. But branding settlers as forest destroyers is a gross misconception. These claims are often used to portray farmers as anti-environment, which is fundamentally incorrect. Perhaps the misconception persists because the Church was at the forefront of agitations against the Gadgil and Kasturirangan reports... Whether it is the Gadgil report, Kasturirangan report, or the latest Oommen V Oommen report, our approach has always been fact-based. It is true that these agitations were often portrayed as Christian because the Church is a highly organised institution, and many priests were visible at the forefront. But in reality, people of all faiths Hindus, Muslims, and Christians were equally affected and stood together. We do not oppose scientific studies. If objective research proves a land to be ecologically sensitive, we accept it. The problem arises when experts suggest the eviction of thousands without addressing where they would go. That becomes a question of survival and identity. We reject the extremist view that the environment belongs only to plants and animals, excluding humans. Kerala has a green cover of around 30%, higher than the national average. This was created largely by farmers. You cannot brand those who maintain rubber, cashew, and coconut plantations as anti-environment. When these lands were marked as buffer zones, land values collapsed overnight, destroying the only asset many families possessed. Farmers reacted emotionally because they were never treated as stakeholders. The Christian belief that God created the world and other life forms for humans could also be the basis of such perceptions No. Thats a misunderstanding popularised in the 1960s. The Bible does not promote exploitation. Man is Gods representative on earth, entrusted with stewardship, not destruction. The Old Testament even discourages cutting trees. Christianity is inherently eco-friendly. Farmers allege overpopulation of wild animals has intensified humanwildlife conflict... It is a fact that wild animal populations have increased. Species once rare are now common and this imbalance has led to conflict. Conservation does not mean ignoring ecological balance. Just as we regulate human population, we need scientific measures to control animal populations. All developed nations do this. Failure to intervene has worsened the crisis. The Christian communitys low population growth is now seen as a disadvantage. How serious is this? It is a real concern. For population stability, the average should be 2.2 children per family. Among Christians, it is around 1.6. If this continues, the community could virtually disappear by 2080. Pastoral letters addressing this arent irresponsible, as critics claim. Our diocesan data show a sharp fall in Sunday school enrolments. But hasnt migration to foreign countries caused the drop in population? Migration is one factor, but the numbers matter. Only around 46% of people have migrated abroad. Compared to the sharp decline in student enrolment and birth rates, migration plays a relatively minor role. It cannot be cited as the primary reason for the population decline. The Christian community seems to have lost political clout. Is population decline the reason? Leaders like P T Chacko, Oommen Chandy and A K Antony are no longer there We have realised that mistakes were made. The Church failed to motivate students to see politics as a serious and dignified vocation. In fact, we consciously removed student politics from many Church-run colleges, which discouraged Christian youth from entering public life. Families prioritised education, jobs, and financial stability often abroad and politics was sidelined. There was a widespread belief that politics was unsuitable for students from respectable families, that it was meant for the lazy or indolent. This created an apolitical mindset among the new generation, especially in central Kerala. In Malabar, however, we dont support banning campus politics. Political engagement is essential to develop civic sense and democratic values. Does the Church recognise that the possibility of another Christian chief minister in Kerala is remote? The Church does not think in terms of having a Christian chief minister. We do not believe a Christian CM would automatically benefit the community. Kerala has had Christian chief ministers before. Did they do anything exclusively for Christians? No, and we never demanded such favours. We focus on our legitimate rights as citizens, irrespective of who is in power. In fact, the Church led major protests even during Antonys tenure. Our position isnt based on the religion of those in office. With the decline of the Kerala Congress after K M Mani, hasnt the communitys bargaining power weakened? That is true. From the time of the Liberation Struggle (1958-59), the Kerala Congress gradually evolved into a force that also sought social balance. There was a period when the party had as many as 25 MLAs, a strength that even mainstream political parties feared. Over time, repeated splits driven by personal ambitions weakened it. The idea that a party grows by splitting proved disastrous... today, it continues to split without growing. Some suggest the Church should unite Kerala Congress factions. We are not interested in such political exercises. If like-minded people unite on their own, we would welcome it, but the Church will not take the initiative. Was Kerala Congress (M) joining the LDF a mistake? At the time, they themselves were uncertain about whether to stay or leave. In that situation, a leader from the front (UDF) publicly stated that they had been expelled. They immediately took advantage of that statement and exited. Whether that decision proved beneficial or harmful is something they alone must assess. In the elections that followed, they did achieve certain political gains. By becoming part of the ruling front, they also gained a sense of security and political cover. The Church often intervenes in political issues. How do you view this? We dont see this as political involvement, rather as addressing survival issues. When we demanded a higher rubber price, I said I would support whoever delivered it LDF, UDF, or BJP. Many in the media interpreted this as I abandoning the LDF and the UDF in favour of the BJP. But my position was clear. Rubber farmers abandoned cultivation after trusting government assurances that later failed them. Doesnt the government have a responsibility to protect such livelihoods? The Church does not engage in party politics, but we take firm stands on existential concerns. The Liberation Struggle is often misread as anti-communist. In reality, it was about protecting educational autonomy, not ideological hostility. Historically, Christians in Kerala have never treated the Communist Party as untouchable. The Catholic Church had an anti-Left stance from the Liberation Struggle era. But in recent years, there seems to be some rethinking. Why? The Churchs earlier opposition stemmed from ideological differences. Communism is rooted in atheism and dialectical materialism, while the Church believes in individual moral transformation as the basis of social change. Over time, however, the Communist Party has liberalised and moved away from rigid positions. We welcome positive changes in the Lefts approach to religion, though it is not for me to judge whether these shifts will ultimately benefit the party. The Syro-Malabar Church has faced prolonged unrest over the Uniform Holy Mass, with even papal orders being resisted... Initially, I too believed this was defiance of the Pope. But after discussions, it became clear that the priests were not anti-Pope. Their objection was that decisions were taken without hearing them. To prevent the archeparchy from breaking apart, we adopted a reconciliation formula after consultations with the Pope and the Vaticans Dicastery for the Eastern Churches. There was no anti-papal movement here. Did the crisis alienate the youth? Unfortunately, yes. Protests and violence disillusioned many, especially youngsters. We recognise this and are working on corrective measures. There are rumours that the ErnakulamAngamaly Archeparchy may be split. Is there any truth to this? No. The redrawing of boundaries approved by the Pope is unrelated to this archeparchy. A diocese cannot exist independently outside a rite. The priests here remain loyal to the Pope. Is there a deadline to implement the Uniform Holy Mass? No deadline has been fixed. Both sides went through severe trauma. The Synod decided to allow time and move forward only through dialogue. A top-down approach would only worsen matters. The protests, including those involving priests, shocked even non-believers. Has this hurt the Churchs image? Sadly, yes. It caused embarrassment. Some incidents were instances of indiscipline rather than criminal acts. The leadership has acted where necessary and is focused on ensuring unity and preventing a repeat. Does the Church direct its members to support any political party? No. We do not tell people whom to vote for. Our role is to raise social issues like rubber prices or human-animal conflict and place them before governments. People assess parties based on how they respond. Voting is an individual right. The BJP has fielded many Christian candidates. Has it ceased to be untouchable? We do not treat the BJP as untouchable. But concerns remain about attacks on churches and nuns in north India. Friendship with Christians cannot be limited to Kerala. Equality and constitutional rights must be ensured nationally. Do Christians feel safe under BJP rule? I wont generalise, but repeated incidents raise doubts. Discrimination must be called out. Protecting constitutional freedoms is the governments responsibility. Theres talk of Christian votes shifting to the BJP, especially after the Thrissur Lok Sabha election result Electoral outcomes may reflect protest votes or anti-incumbency. Such claims often mask parties reluctance to introspect and correct themselves. There is a common narrative that whenever the BJP wins, it is because of Christian votes. This argument only highlights the failure of political fronts to introspect. If some Christians voted for Suresh Gopi, it may have been because they viewed him as a familiar and popular public figure. That cannot be interpreted as the Christian community as a whole backing the BJP. So the Church doesnt get the credit in Suresh Gopis victory? There is no data to prove that Suresh Gopi won because of Christian votes. The diocese does not claim any credit for Suresh Gopis victory. In Kerala, power alternates between the UDF and the LDF. Does the diocese see either front as more pro-Christian? We dont seek a pro-Christian stance. We only expect governments not to be anti-Christian. The Christian community has never demanded anything beyond its constitutional rights. Our position is that rights should be distributed fairly, in proportion to population, in line with court directives. It would also be better if major parties within a front handled key departments, instead of these being seen as controlled by particular communities. When the Congress or the CPM themselves handle such portfolios, decisions tend to be more balanced. Is this a reference to the education department and the IUML? Im not naming anyone. We have never demanded that a particular person be made minister. Our concern is about avoiding injustice to any section. Theres a perception that the UDF listens more to the Church, compared to the LDF... We dont receive anything illegal from any side. Earlier, some Congress leaders interacted with us more. Today, LDF leaders also maintain cordial relations. For instance, Speaker A N Shamseer frequently visits the Thalassery Bishops House. Even Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has personally spoken to me several times. These interactions show that the Left does not carry an anti-Christian mindset. During discussions on human-wildlife conflict, several proposals we submitted were included in the Wildlife Protection Bill, which I have publicly acknowledged. Has the Christian communitys traditional support for the Congress changed? There has been no drastic shift. The recent local body elections show that Christians are analysing issues independently. We dont force political choices, but the community continues to play a decisive role. Will this trend continue in the assembly elections? Unless something extraordinary happens, the general stand is likely to remain the same. While the Christian influence in politics is declining, the political clout of the Muslim community seems to be growing In a democracy, numbers matter. The Christian population has declined, while the Muslim population has grown, relatively. This naturally affects political influence and should not be viewed with resentment. Another factor is division within the Christian community, especially splits within the Kerala Congress. Political immaturity and fragmentation weakened bargaining power. Unlike Muslims, Christians dont have a unified political thought, which has both advantages and disadvantages. Your thoughts on the perception that the Muslim community decides who rules Kerala Hindus remain the majority in Kerala. Like Christians, they (Hindus) are not politically polarised. Kerala has largely resisted religion-based politics, which has benefited its social and cultural fabric. This balance is one of the states strengths. Is the Catholic Church still worried about love jihad? Our position is that love should not be used as a trap. We respect interfaith relationships in a society where communities mingle freely. The issue isnt love, but cheating and exploitation in some cases. Certain radicalised individuals misuse relationships, and we condemn that. At the same time, the word jihad is sacred for Muslims, as their own leaders have told us. They have asked us not to use the word jihad as it wounds religious sentiments. We respect that. But the social problem exists and has to be addressed. Whats the relationship between the Church and CASA? CASA represents a far-right ideological group of Christians. They dont coordinate with the Church leadership. Their activities align more with certain political agendas and arent associated with us. Your Christmas message Peace on earth to people of goodwill. Goodwill means giving space to others in our lives, just as Christ was given space in a manger. When we learn to share, empathise, and include others, peace follows. Thats the timeless message of Christmas.
Family refuses to accept Palakkad mob lynching victims body
THRISSUR: The family of Palakkad mob lynching victim Ramnarayan Bhayar on Sunday refused to accept his mortal remains until all those involved in the incident were brought to book. The family also demanded that the police invoke murder charges and provisions of the SC/ST Atrocity (Prevention) Act against the accused. Ramnarayans wife, two children, brother and mother-in-law arrived at the Government Medical College mortuary to identify his body. Ramnarayan, from Bilaspur in Chattisgarh, came to Kerala seeking job on December 13. He was killed on December 17, and found with severe wounds all over the body. It is alleged that a group of locals beat him to death over allegations of attempt to theft. According to Abdul Jabbar, convenor of Justice for Ramnarayan Bhayar Council, he was the sole hope of the family including two little children. The family should be compensated as their future is now uncertain. A compensation of `25 lakh should be sanctioned for the family.
Cashing in! UPI transactions soar as Keralas digital aspirations take flight
KOCHI: Its a digi-tell all! In a clear pivot from cash, Kerala is increasingly taking to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) figures reveal that 444.9 million UPI transactions were processed in the state in November, marking a 29.6% year-on-year increase. The value of these transactions rose 28.6% to `59,793 crore. Per capita usage climbed to 12.7 transactions a month, up from 9.8 a year earlier, indicating not just wider adoption but also more frequent use. Over the past three years, rising merchant acceptance, expanding smartphone penetration and a sustained, state-supported push towards cashless behaviour have together reshaped everyday money interactions in Kerala. The states performance mirrors a broader national surge. An NPCI-Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report released at the Global Fintech Festival 2025 highlights the scale of UPIs expansion across India. As of August, the country had 504 million unique UPI users nearly half of the adult population and close to 65 million merchants accepting UPI payments. UPI now accounts for 84% of all digital retail payments, with monthly transaction run rates 34% higher than a year ago. Within this nationwide expansion, Kerala contributes around 4% of Indias total UPI transaction volumes, placing it between ninth and eleventh nationally, depending on the month. Larger states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu continue to dominate the top tier with double-digit share of the pie. In several pockets, UPI is already the default mode. In others, adoption is rising sharply, said Indraneel Ajitkumar Pandit, executive vice-president and chief digital officer, Federal Bank. Kerala stands out for its exceptional engagement among senior citizens, with digital literacy among the elderly reaching near-universal levels through systematic campaigns, he added. UPI-first state ESAF Small Finance Bank executive director George K John described Kerala as a true UPI-first state, citing women-led digital participation through Kudumbashree networks, senior-citizen digital literacy initiatives and near-universal merchant QR code adoption as defining features. In urban centres such as Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Thrissur, UPI penetration is close to universal, especially for small-ticket payments across retail, transport, healthcare, hospitality and education. Merchant acceptance is extremely high, with even micro-merchants routinely using QR codes, he pointed out. According to Madhavankutty G, chief economist, Canara Bank, Keralas broader socio-economic profile also plays a role. It is a state with a high degree of consumerism. Banking penetration is very high, implying the number of bank accounts per capita is well above the national average, he said. High levels of urbanisation and internet penetration further support digital payments, while the large migrant workforce using UPI to send money to home states adds to transaction volumes, he added. Indraneel also pointed to the growing link between digital payments and credit growth. Studies show that business loan growth has a strong correlation with UPI adoption. Districts recording over 100% UPI growth reported a 4.2 times higher CAGR in business loans, he said. EMI collections and debt repayments through UPI have doubled over the past two years, underlining the rise of high-value and recurring transactions on the platform.
Stand-off at Thrissur MCH as Walayar lynching victims family refuses to receive body
Family of migrant worker Ram Narayan demands 25 lakh compensation, mob-lynching charges, and state support to transport body home
Thrissur Corporation councillors, district panchayat members take oath
All 56 councillors sworn in as first council meeting held; oath ceremony of district panchayat members held at District Planning Bhavan
The BJPs efforts to replicate the 2024 Thrissur Lok Sabha election fraud model were centred on four Assembly constituencies in Thiruvananthapuram district: Nemom, Vattiyoorkavu, Thiruvananthapuram and Kazhakuttom.
Thrissur to host 64th Kerala School Arts Festival
Five-day extravaganza to be held from January 14 to 18 across 25 venues with competitions in 239 items
Walayar mob lynching: rights activists allege bid to trivialise crime, demand 25 lakh compensation
Protest meeting in Thrissur calls the killing of Chhattisgarh native Ram Narayan a chilling reflection of growing Islamophobia in the State
African swine fever resurfaces in Thrissur, authorities step up containment measures
Fresh case confirmed in Kadangode panchayat. Farms sealed, pig movement restricted as officials stress biosecurity and public awareness
Take in rustic life: Vadakkanadu farmers novel idea to guard the crops a big hit
KOCHI: For urbanites, who want an escape from the fast and restless city life, it is a rare opportunity to recharge and rejuvenate. Enjoy the cool breeze, blend with nature, and share space with singing birds, squirrels and monkeys. If lucky, you can also sight marauding wild elephants. The novel idea launched by the farmers of Vadakkanadu in Wayanads Sultan Bathery has become a roaring hit, with youngsters from far-away cities flocking to the village to guard the crops. Paddy cultivation is labour intensive and the farmer has to stay awake during the last 30 days when the crop ripens from milk to grain. It is a tough task to guard the crop from wild elephants, deer and wild pigs during the season. Often the farmers are forced to harvest the crop before it ripens. Offering a relief to the farmers who are desperate to save the crops, Paul Mathews, chairman of the High Court-monitored task force for reporting and implementing solutions to man-animal conflict, has introduced volunteers to guard the crops. Paul Mathews posted a video on social media inviting youngsters to guard crops staying in tree huts on a daily basis. The response was overwhelming. Youngsters from Kozhikode, Ernakulam, Alappuzha and Thrissur flocked to Sultan Bathery to shoulder the responsibility. It was a mind-blowing experience, said Sunil Titto, a software professional settled in Pune. I saw the social media post and arrived in Sultan Bathery in the first week of December. There were two youngsters from Thrissur with me. We stayed awake through the night in turns, watching for the entry of elephants. Only some deer were spotted. It was cool and the weather was pleasant, he said. The scenic beauty of Vadakkanadu I have been cultivating paddy in my 4 acre farm land for the past four decades. In recent years we are unable to reap the fruits of our labour due to the increasing wild animal menace. Big herds of wild elephants enter the field and destroy the crop during night. The arrival of volunteers to guard the crop has been a big relief, said Jayamani, a farmer. Paul Mathews had moved an application in the High Court seeking direction to the forest department to step up vigil during the harvest season. As the department expressed helplessness citing lack of funds, he advised farmers to seek the help of volunteers to guard the crops. We have laid down strict guidelines for deployment of volunteers. Youngsters interested in helping the farmers should book the dates through a WhatsApp group and arrive at the spot before 5 am. They should climb atop the tree hut before dusk and should not get down before dawn break. They will not be allowed to lit fire or consume liquor. They should bring food and blankets. We will provide them with torch to keep watch over the fields. If the elephants arrive, they have to make noise and alert the farmers, said Paul Mathews. Wayanad has around 17,000 hectares of paddy fields which are surrounded by forest. There are hundreds of tree huts along the fringe areas and the farmers are planning to extend the project to more areas. After day long labour, we are not able to keep watch on the crops during night hours. So if some people volunteer to keep watch on the wild animals, it will be a big relief. We are not charging the volunteers for the night stay and will provide basic facilities, said Jayamani.
Anti-govt sentiments aided UDF, led to drop in NDA vote share, feels BJP
KOCHI: A 2% fall in the NDA vote share in the local body polls, despite year long preparations at the grassroots, has shocked the state BJP leadership. A senior leader said the party has decided to conduct a detailed evaluation of the fall in share particularly in party strongholds. As per a preliminary analysis, the party feels strong anti-government sentiments, triggered by Sabarimala gold theft and Muslim vote consolidation turned the tide in favour of the UDF. The verdict was against the LDF government. When the sole aim is to defeat the ruling dispensation, people consider the winnability factor and it created a situation favourable for UDF. In Central Travancore, NDA made gains in local bodies where we have strong support. There has been a positive change in the approach of Hindu voters and BJP is no longer untouchable for Syrian Christian community. The only setback was in Thrissur where we failed to retain a major share of Christian votes. We are studying the causes for decline in vote share, said a senior BJP leader. The NDA got a vote share of 16.4% in district panchayats, 1% higher than the 2020 elections. However, it is 3.5% lower than the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Senior leaders said the vote share in urban areas has grown to 20% while in grama panchayats it has fallen to 16-18%. According to the party, the decline in vote share was a temporary factor as voters in South Kerala considered only winnability to register their protest against Sabarimala gold theft. The support of the Syrian Catholic, Nair and Ezhava communities was evident in Kottayam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthittta, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram. Meanwhile, the churning within the Bharath Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS), the only major ally of the NDA, is causing headache to the BJP. The rift between the workers of the BJP and BDJS has widened with BDJS leaders alleging that the BJP tried to defeat its candidates. The party contested in more than 300 seats, but could win only 20 seats. With just four months left for the assembly polls, there is growing pressure within the BDJS to join either UDF or LDF, so that it can get representation in the assembly and claim minister post. The demand will be raised in the state council meeting of the party scheduled to be held on December 23. Party president Thushar Vellappally reiterated that the party will continue with the NDA. Thushar also met Nitin Nabin, the new working president of BJP in Delhi on Tuesday. Not all bad The NDA became the single largest party in 26 panchayats while it has drawn a tie in 15 panchayats While increasing its presence across the state the NDA lost 600 sitting wards but gained around 1,000 new wards
Kerala actor assault case: SIT probed if Kavya had role in Sunis madam claim
KOCHI: While the trial court observed that the prosecution was duty-bound to examine prime accused Pulsar Sunis claim about a madam, the chargesheet filed on July 22, 2022, indicated that the special investigation team (SIT) had probed the alleged role of actor Dileeps wife, Kavya Madhavan, in the 2017 actor abduction case. We dont understand why the court made a sweeping observation suggesting that the investigation team did not look into the so-called madam. In addition to investigating about the madam, we also probed Sunis relationship with Kavya, his close acquaintance Sreelakshmi, and their common friend Shiny, a top source with the probe team told TNIE . In her first statement, the survivor said that Suni told her he had received a quotation and that it was given by a woman. When the survivor asked who it was, Suni replied that she already knew the woman and added that she would certainly know who her enemies were. This itself raised suspicion that the madam could be Kavya, and further indications also emerged as the investigation progressed, the officer said. Meanwhile, crime branch DySP Byju Paulose, the investigating officer in the case, said Suni himself had given statements about his association with Kavya and admitted that he had worked as her driver. Actor abduction and rape case: Who is madam behind quotation? One of the witnesses, who functioned as a call driver for Kavya, stated that he had assigned Suni to drive her to a function in Thrissur. Suni revealed that it was not a one-time assignment and that he had served as her driver on several occasions, after being contacted by her directly, Byju said. The officer also said that after committing the heinous act, instead of contacting his close acquaintance who had called him multiple times, Suni first attempted to visit the shop co-owned by Kavya, in search of her and Dileep. However, he added that although Kavyas involvement was suspected, she was not named as an accused as no strong material evidence was found to substantiate the allegation. Further, a senior police officer who supervised the investigation pointed to a voice clip in which actor Dileep told witness Balachandrakumar, This punishment was not meant for me but for another woman. I was punished after repeatedly trying to save her. The clip was subjected to scientific examination at a forensic science laboratory, was identified by witnesses, and produced before the court. Despite its evidentiary value, the court excluded it, citing doubts over the credibility of the witness, the officer said.
Community balance emerges as key factor for Mayor selection in Thrissur Corporation
E-double-deckers soon for Thrissur and Kozhikode
Kerala BJP almost settled on Sreelekha as Thiruvananthapuram mayor
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar is likely to hold crucial discussions with the partys central leadership in New Delhi on Wednesday or Thursday to finalise the BJPs mayoral candidate for the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. Sources said the state leadership has almost settled on R Sreelekha for the post, with the final call to be taken after consultations with the central leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Party insiders said projecting Sreelekha as the mayoral face would give a political boost to the BJP and strengthen its push to bring women to leadership positions. While the move earlier posed a challenge since senior leader V V Rajesh would be unable to become deputy mayor as the post is reserved for a woman councillor, sources said the party now sees it as an opportunity to place two women at the helm of the corporation and project it as a model of Nari Shakti (women power). If the central leadership gives the green signal, the BJP is expected to announce its mayoral candidate in the coming days. Alongside the decision on the mayor, the leadership is also likely to conduct a detailed review of the partys setbacks in Thrissur and other regions. By choosing Keralas first woman IPS officer as its mayoral candidate, sources said BJP also aims to send out a strong anti-corruption message. Several party leaders believe that having a former top police officer at the helm would strengthen the BJPs efforts to highlight alleged irregularities during the over four-decade-long LDF rule of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. BJP leaders have repeatedly said they would expose alleged scams during the tenures of V Sivankutty and Arya Rajendran. Sources said that if Sreelekhas candidature is approved, senior leader V V Rajesh and former Sasthamangalam councillor S Madhusoodanan Nair are likely to be entrusted with key responsibilities. Party leaders acknowledged Madhusoodanan Nairs role in Sreelekhas victory from Sasthamangalam, with some senior leaders, including Rajeev Chandrasekhar, said to be unhappy over the defeat of the experienced councillor to K S Sabarinathan. We cannot ignore the contribution of S Madhusoodanan Nair in Sreelekhas victory. The central leadership will factor this in, and many of us are expecting a major announcement by Friday or Saturday, a senior BJP leader said. Senior leaders also said the central leadership is closely monitoring developments in the state capital, as the Thiruvananthapuram mayor will be the first BJP mayor of a state capital. This mayor post will attract national attention. Every step taken in the capital will be closely watched across the country. The central leadership is fully aware of this, and the Prime Minister personally assured support to the partys efforts in Thiruvananthapuram, another senior BJP leader said. Push for Nari Shakti model Party insiders said projecting Sreelekha as the mayoral face would give a political boost to the BJP and strengthen its push to bring women to leadership positions. While the move earlier posed a challenge since senior leader V V Rajesh would be unable to become deputy mayor as the post is reserved for a woman councillor, sources said the party now sees it as an opportunity to place two women at the helm of the corporation and project it as a model of Nari Shakti (women power)
Safe Road Happy Road' project flags alarming gaps in pedestrian safety in Thrissur
Study by St. Thomas College, in collaboration with the MVD, finds only 20% of motorists stop at zebra crossings
Southern neglect in UDF leaves IUML irked
MALAPPURAM: The IUML has voiced deep dissatisfaction over what it describes as inadequate representation in southern Kerala within the UDF, warning that the issue could have wider implications for future seat-sharing arrangements. IUML state general secretary P M A Salam told TNIE that despite being denied seats in five district panchayats in the southern region, the party delivered a stronger electoral performance than several UDF constituents an apparent reference to the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP). IUML was denied seats in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Idukki and Kottayam. Instead they were allotted four seats altogether in Ernakulam, Thrissur and Thiruvananthapuram. IUML was allotted only four seats across the southern district panchayats, but we won three of them. In Kollam, another UDF constituent was given four seats but managed to win only one, Salam said. He pointed out that the party chose not to explore alternative political alignments despite what it sees as continued marginalisation. We could have entered into local alliances with other parties in the southern districts, but we chose to contest independently. That was not the approach adopted by the Congress, he said. Drawing a contrast with northern Kerala, Salam said Malappuram remains a stronghold of IUML, where the party ensured generous seat-sharing with the Congress. Our workers worked hard for Congress victories in Malappuram. Unfortunately, the same spirit of mutual respect was not extended to us in the south, he said. Salam said the party would raise these concerns at a high-level IUML meeting scheduled to be held in Kozhikode on Monday. The question of demanding a larger share of seats in the forthcoming Assembly elections will also be taken up soon in UDF, he added. He also attributed the CPMs electoral decline to what he described as a Left Hindutva approach. The CPM attempted to play communal politics by cozying up to SNDP general secretary Vellappally Natesan to consolidate Hindu votes, alienating the Muslim community. As a result, Muslims voted for the UDF, while a section of Hindu voters shifted towards the BJP, Salam said.
Grassroots reboot helps UDF break slump in Thrissur
KOCHI: The Congress-led UDFs strong showing in Thrissur, after nearly a decade of lacklustre performances, has come as a surprise to many observers. This is especially so in the backdrop of widespread speculation that the BJP would reap a lions share of anti-incumbency gains, buoyed by its impressive performance in the last Lok Sabha elections. Reports suggesting that sections of the Christian community had drifted towards NDA further fuelled expectations that the BJP would sweep Thrissur corporation, win Kodungallur municipality, and improve its tally across local bodies. DCC president Joseph Tajet attributed UDFs improved performance to the rejuvenation of the party organisation at the grassroots level. He said the party began preparations as early as AprilMay under its Mission 25 campaign. For us, the last 10 years were disappointing. The core issue was the reliability of the top leadership. This time, we sought feedback from the grassroots, which helped us nominate candidates acceptable to the public, Tajet said. UDF won 33 seats in the 56-member corporation. Dismissing claims of a Christian voter shift towards the BJP, Tajet said such narratives were exaggerated. The hype that Christian votes have drifted towards the BJP is totally false. In the Lok Sabha polls, there was a failure on our part to handle the election more seriously. BJPs victory had more to do with star appea, he said. He added that anti-incumbency and governance issues also played key roles. According to him, the governments financial mismanagement resulted in reduced spending on both revenue and plan funds, slowing development and triggering public discontent. Senior journalist N Sreekumar told TNIE that being out of power for nearly a decade had weakened the Congress organisation and dampened morale at the grassroots level. This time, the party started its election work well in advance and managed to rein in rebels who usually plague the organisation. It is important to note that the partys traditional vote base remains intact, Sreekumar said. However, Sreekumar pointed out that the UDF performance in block and district panchayats was less impressive. The better showing at the ward level had more to do with the revival of party workers and unfreezing of dormant traditional Congress votes. It failed to fully convert the anti-incumbency sentiment, and LDF continues to hold a majority of the seats, he said. On BJP MP and actor Suresh Gopis Lok Sabha victory from Thrissur, Sreekumar said it was driven largely by star appeal rather than organisational strength. If it were due to BJPs grassroots growth, it would have reflected in more seats at the local level , he added.
Revelling in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation victory, BJP ignores bruises
KOCHI: Overwhelmed by the resounding victory in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, the BJP has ignored the bruises it suffered across the state in the local body elections. The massive preparations at the grassroots level paid off as the NDA has increased its representation in local bodies, but the party failed to secure a clear majority in Palakkad , a fortress it held for more than a decade. The saffron party finished a distant third in the Pandalam municipality which it ruled in 2020. Another setback was the loss of Kulakkada panchayat ruled by BJP for the past three terms. Anti-government sentiments were strong in the southern districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Kottayam following the Sabarimala gold theft case. The election held during the peak of the Mandala season reflected the sentiments of the devotees who had started ditching the LDF after the 2018 women entry issue. However, the voters once again supported the UDF to vent their ire. As a senior BJP leader put it, the BJP led the campaign, but the UDF reaped the harvest. But the performance of the BJP in the two municipalities it held in 2020 was one factor that influenced the voters. The BJP squandered its opportunity in Pandalam municipality as councillors fought for power and the party failed to deliver. The situation was even worse in Palakkad where the municipal chairperson herself came out against the party during the peak of the campaign. Despite giving lectures on double-engine administration, the party couldnt deliver the benefits of Central projects it had promised the voters. Though the BJP had secured a comfortable lead in 71 divisions of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, it couldnt ensure a simple majority and will have to depend on independents for smooth administration. The party created an impression during the campaign that it will secure power in Thrissur Corporation but could win only eight seats. An analysis of the voting pattern in Thrissur reveals that the Christian voters who supported BJP during Lok Sabha polls have favoured the UDF this time. The eight seats won by BJP are Hindu majority wards. The results in Thrissur are not discouraging. We were hoping to win 12 to 14 seats in the corporation and got 8 of them. The party lost six seats by a slender margin. You cannot expect a verdict similar to Lok Sabha election as the charisma of Suresh Gopi made the difference, said BJP state vice president B Gopalakrishnan.
Kerala local body poll results: Young viral candidates turn the tide
KOCHI: It has been a virtual balancing act for many! This local self-government election has seen several young candidates who gained social media popularity surge to victory. The streak began with UDF candidate Vyshna Suresh, who won the Muttada ward of Thiruvananthapuram corporation considered a Left stronghold by a margin of 397 votes. Vyshna secured 1,607 votes, dealing a major setback to Kesavadasapuram sitting councillor Amsu Vamadevan. The victory assumed as it followed a dramatic controversy in which her name was removed from the voters list after she was announced as the UDF candidate. Following suit, IUMLs Fathima Thahiliya won the Kuttichira division of Kozhikode corporation, securing 3,740 votes against INL candidate V P Rahiyanath. Another League candidate, Najma Thabsheera, emerged victorious in the Valamboor division of Perinthalmanna with a margin of 2,612 votes over CPMs Hema. UDF candidate Arathy Pradeep won the Mangalam division of Malappuram district panchayat, defeating CPM candidate C M Jaseena by a massive margin of 11,876 votes, and Mumthaz Vahab won the Kannamkulangara division of Thrissur corporation. In Payyannur municipality, C Vaisakh, a former CPM branch secretary and DYFI leader who contested as a rebel against the official LDF candidate, registered a notable victory in the Kara division. Additionally, UDF candidate Riya Cheerankuzhi, a well-known offroader, who contested from Kaveekunnu division of Pala municipality, CPM candidate Sneha K from Shantipallam ward of Kumbala panchayat, and Soumya S from the Emily Thadam division of Kalpetta municipality who earlier made headlines for chasing down chain snatchers, an incident later portrayed in the 2022 Malayalam film Oruthee were also among those who secured victories. At the same time, there were several candidates with a strong social media presence who failed to translate the attention into votes. Topping the list was Amritha R, the young CPM candidate who lost in the Sasthamangalam division of Thiruvananthapuram corporation. Despite attracting wide attention, Amritha was defeated by NDAs S Sreelekha, who also commanded significant social media visibility. Other defeated social media faces include TV personality Maya V alias Mayavi (Edayar West), UDFs Navya Mohanan P (Kottapady), Afeefa Nafeesa (Kadalundy), NDAs Adheena Bharati (Karinkunnam), and CPMs Reshma Mariam Roy who, in 2020, at 21, became the youngest person to head a local body in the state. She lost the Malayalapuzha division of Pathanamthitta panchayat. Commenting on the emerging trend, M R Ajayan, a political analyst, said the strategy worked. Nearly 80% of candidates with strong social media popularity won. Regional and electoral dynamics also contributed. There is still uncertainty over whether this trend will persist, Ajayan said.
Four of six former MLAs win in Kerala local body polls
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Six former MLAs who stepped back into electoral politics through the local body polls this time delivered a mixed verdict for their parties, combining clear wins, narrow margins and close defeats. Drawing on long legislative and grassroots experience, four candidates won, while two fell short by slim margins. Former legislators R Lathadevi, K C Rajagopal, K S Sabarinadhan and Anil Akkara secured wins in their respective wards and divisions, while A V Gopinathan and E M Augusthy tasted defeat. Among the winners, CPIs R Lathadevi registered the most decisive victory, winning the Chadayamangalam division of the Kollam district panchayat by a margin of 26,546 votes. Calling the win a fresh start, Lathadevi said, I will begin by understanding the welfare needs and strengths of the area. UDFs K S Sabarinadhan, who contested from the Kowdiar ward of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, won by 1,235 votes. Anil Akkara won the Sanskrit College ward of Adat grama panchayat in Thrissur district by 655 votes and veteran leader K C Rajagopal secured a narrow win of 324 votes from the Maramon ward of Mezhuveli grama panchayat in Pathanamthitta district. Among the winners, CPIs R Lathadevi registered the most decisive victory.
Amid UDF wave in Kerala local body polls, record ties in panchayats spark curiosity
KOCHI: Amid the UDF wave across the state, the local body elections have seen an unusual surge in tied contests, necessitating a draw of lots to decide the front that would take the reins in dozens of local self-government institutions. According to the State Election Commission data, a total of 64 grama panchayats and 10 block panchayats ended in a deadlock, where more than one front secured an equal number of wards. This unprecedented number of ties means a significant chunk of local bodies will begin their term through a lucky draw than a majority mandate. At the same time, none of the corporations, municipalities, and district panchayats had ties. The reliance on chance, while a constitutional provision, raises questions about the closeness of the contest, at least at the panchayat and block levels, even amid what is being hailed as a UDF sweep. Actually, its an unfair practice. If two fronts obtain an equal number of wards in a panchayat, one party should rule for the first two and a half years and the other for the rest of the term. This holds true in the case of candidates as well. If the top two candidates secure the same number of votes, then the winner is decided by a draw of lots. In fact, both enjoy equal backing of the public and should represent the ward for an equal period of time, said Ramesh Mathew, a political observer. However, the draw of lots can still be avoided in the event of defections of winning candidates, which would change the political equation in that particular local body. None of the corporations, municipalities, and district panchayats had ties. The draw of lots is applied to resolve a tie in votes for individual ward members and can also be applied to decide the outcome when two major political fronts have an equal number of total wards, especially when it comes to forming the governing body and electing the president/vice-president of the panchayat, said Gireesh Kumar, a government official who was earlier deputed as a booth level officer. Palakkad district emerged as the hotbed for these photo finishes, recording the highest number of such tie scenarios. As many as nine grama panchayat wards and a block panchayat division ended up in a tie. Alappuzha has eight such wards, besides one block panchayat, while Thrissur has seven. The razor-thin difference in voter preference suggests that while the UDFs statewide strategy has paid off, the LDF and, in some pockets, the NDA, managed to mount formidable opposition locally. The prevalence of these ties will likely prompt all major fronts to conduct a detailed postmortem, especially concerning micro-level booth management and candidate selection, as they gear up for the crucial 2026 assembly elections. The results present a mixed picture: a clear mandate for the UDF at the macro level but a fragmented and highly competitive political environment at the grassroots, where every single vote counted.
Kerala local body poll results: Pinarayis invincibility myth breaks as LDF strategy falters
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For the LDF, the defeat in the local body election represents a fall from the political height the CPM had reached over a decade. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, long considered unassailable, now faces questions over his political invincibility. CPM state secretary M V Govindan would also face some tough questions over his capabilities in organising the party machinery. The UDF secured a sweeping mandate across both rural and urban areas, reflecting widespread voter dissatisfaction with the LDF government. The verdict is a strong sign of anti-incumbency against the government, said political analyst Ajith Sreenivasan. The LDF treated peoples sentiments with contempt. Their focus on a third term exposed faultlines within the CPM and the government, he said. The LDF, which previously held five corporations, could retain only one this time. For the first time since 2010, when UDF registered a landslide victory in local bodies, LDF lost influence in grama panchayats, block panchayats, and municipalities. The only consolation for the CPM is its victory in seven district panchayats, which is proof of the partys enduring political base. Having been in power for almost a decade, the LDF failed to leverage the advantages of incumbency. Large-scale development projects and the last-minute welfare measures, announced just days before the election declaration by the CM in the form of a mini budget did not sway voters. Welfare pensions or kits did not deliver the LDFs historic win in 2021, said a social observer. Despite Christian communitys bonhomie with the BJP, the results in Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kottayam and Idukki indicate the return of Christian votes to UDF. The setback in Kottayam will pose a question on Kerala Congress (M)s credibility. The result also shows that the Sabarimala gold theft issue worked as a catalyst in the anti-incumbency factor.
UDF surge confined to Corporation limits as Left front maintains dominance across rural and semi-urban Thrissur. LDF retains district panchayat, wins in five out of seven municipalities
Kerala local body polls: UDF reclaims Thrissur Corporation after a decade
LDF suffers urban setback while no visible Suresh Gopi wave registered. UDF wins 33 seats, LDF is limited to 11 seats. NDA registers victory in eight seats in the Corporation
UDF sweeps four Corporations, LDF reduced to one, BJP opens score
The UDF secures 46 out of 76 seats in Kochi and gains ground in Thrissur and Kollam, highlighting a changing political landscape. The LDF retains Kozhikode Corporation, while the NDA celebrates its first municipal victory in Thiruvananthapuram.
Kerala local body polls: BJPs Muslim candidate registers surprise win
Thrissur: In a significant political development, the Bharatiya Janata Partys Muslim candidate, Mumtaz, has won the Kannankulangara ward in the Thrissur Corporation elections, wresting the seat from the Congress. The victory is being viewed as a notable success of the BJPs strategy to make inroads into Congress-held wards in the corporation. While the party had 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 .
The results mark a sharp reversal from the 2020 civic polls, when the UDF narrowly missed power in a dramatic finish
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress-led United Democratic Front showcased a thumping victory in both rural and urban civic bodies, as the counting of votes for the 2025 Kerala local body elections came to a close. The UDF has won in four out of six corporations: Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur, and Kannur. The LDF retained Kozhikode, whereas the NDA has wrested Thiruvananthapuram from LDF. The UDF also won 59 district panchayats, 1063 block panchayats, and 7451 grama panchayats; the LDF won 30 district panchayats, 823 block panchayats, and 6137 grama panchayats; while the NDA won just one district panchayat, 50 block panchayats, and 1363 grama panchayats. LoP in Kerala Assembly and Congress leader V D Satheesan called the UDF's sweeping victory a warning against the state government and a protest of the people against those who misgoverned Kerala. KPCC president Sunny Joseph said on Saturday that the front's results indicated the people had rejected the LDF government. LDF convenor T P Ramakrishnan said the results would be closely examined. Why such a verdict happened will be examined at the micro level. People's opinion will be considered and further steps will be taken, he said. Kerala local body polls: Public anger against Pinarayi govt fueled UDF momentum, says VD Satheesan NDA secures 50 seats in Thiruvanathapuram Corporation In the biggest gain for the BJP in the local body polls, the NDA secured 50 seats in the 101-member Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Council. Kerala is fed up of UDF and LDF. They see NDA as the only option that can deliver on good governance and build a #VikasitaKeralam with opportunities for all, wrote Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media platform X. A few of BJP's remarkable wins include its possible mayor candidates, ex-DGP R Sreelekha in Sasthamangalam and VV Rajesh in Kodunganoor wards. However, one of the BJP's star candidates, Padmini Thomas, faced a bitter result in the Palayam ward. The election results come as a shock for the LDF, having lost half of its seats from its previous tenure. The LDF secured only 29 seats. Ajin SL, Left candidate from Thrikkannapuram ward, is becoming one of the party's 'saving graces'. A BJP worker had died by suicide in the work. The UDF improved its status in the corporation, gaining six seats this term, a total of 19 seats. Vaishna Suresh, who fought a legal battle to secure her candidature, won from the Muttada ward with a lead of 393 votes. Ex-MLA KS Sabarinadhan, who was UDF's mayoral candidate from Kowdiar, also made a remarkable win. Thiruvananthapuram Corporation stands different from the pro-UDF wave across the State. Congress candidate who moved Kerala HC for name reinstatement in electoral roll, wins Muttada ward Kollam Corporation: UDFsecures 25 seats UDF candidates secured victories in a majority of divisions in Kollam Corporation. UDF candidate Xavier Mathias won in Shakthikulangara Harbour Division. NDA candidate Shiji won the Shakthikulangara Division by a margin of 1,385 votes. UDF candidates B Deepu Gangadharan won Meenathuchery by 2,166 votes. and Radhika Saji won Kavanad by 1,732 votes. Vallikkeezhu Division was won by LDF candidate Vidya Manoj with a margin of 1,459 votes. LDF candidate A M Mustafa won in Kureepuzha West Division, while UDF candidate B Ajith Kumar won in Kureepuzha Division. Neeravil Division was won by LDF candidate Mahesh R by a margin of 1,751 votes. UDF candidate Richa Sugunan won in Anchalumood West Division, while in Anchalumood East Division, UDF candidate Adv. M S Gopakumar won. UDF candidate Dhanya Raju won in Kadavur Division. LDF candidate B Prashanth won in Mathil Division. NDA candidate B Shailaja won in Thevalli Division, while BJP candidate C Suresh Kumar won in Ashramam Division. UDF candidate Shaima won in Pallimukku Division. Ayathil Division was won by LDF candidate Jariath by a margin of 1,467 votes. UDF candidate T Lailakumari won in Kilikollur Division, while P Rajendran Pillai (UDF) won in Pandalathazham Division. NDA candidate R Destimona won in Palathara Division, while UDF candidate Sadakath A won in Manakkad Division. Thrissur Corporation: UDF leads The UDF has made a historic comeback in Thrissur Corporation, securing 33 out of 56 divisions. The Left Democratic Front (LDF), which ruled the corporation for two terms, won 11 seats. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won 8 seats. The UDF's victory is attributed to voters' disappointment over the LDF's development projects. Suby Babu, former deputy mayor of Thrissur Corporation, has won in the Gandhinagar division. Raghunath C Menon, who led the campaign works of Suresh Gopi in the Lok Sabha election, has won in the BJP's stronghold, Poonkunnam. The LDF has won 21 out of 30 divisions in Thrissur district panchayat, a clear majority. The UDF has increased its presence from 7 to 9 seats, while the NDA has failed to win any seats despite fielding prominent leaders. The LDF continues to dominate municipalities too, securing five out of seven. Kerala local body polls: UDF makes a strong comeback in Alappuzha, sweeps Malappuram Kottayam district panchayat: LDF, KC (M) defeated in Pala The UDF, this time, reclaimed power in the Kottayam district panchayat, all sixmunicipalities, and a majority of gram and block panchayats. The LDF faced a significant setback this year. In the 2020 local body polls, the LDF had secured the district panchayat, 51 out of 71 block panchayats, 10 out of 11 block panchayats, and three out of sixmunicipalities. Notably, the LDF faced a significant defeat in Pala municipality, traditionally a stronghold of the Kerala Congress (M), suggesting a shift in the party's corevoter base. Speaking to media persons, KC (M) chairman Jose K Mani stated that the party respects the people's mandate and will conduct a 'thorough' analysis ofthe reasons behind the electoral defeat. In 2020, the UDF lost Pala municipality for the first time ever,after KC (M) left the UDF to join the LDF. UDF leadersbelieve this victory will provide a substantial boost to the coalition in the lead-up to the upcoming Assembly elections, scheduled for April-May 2026. Meanwhile, the NDA did not perform as expected. Although they secured Poonjar Thekkekkara panchayat, the BJP lost its existing panchayats, Pallikkathodu and Mutholi. Post-poll arithmetic pushes UDFLDF talks in Palakkad municipality to block NDA
KOCHI: Over eight years after the chilling actor abduction and rape shook Kerala, the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court witnessed another emotionally charged day on Friday though without the overwhelming frenzy that had gripped it on Monday. Earlier in the week, the entire state waited with bated breath to see whether actor Dileep would be convicted. But on Friday, with the spotlight turning to the sentencing of the six found guilty, a smaller but steady crowd gathered still tense, still angry. They stood shoulder to shoulder outside the gates as the bus carrying the convicts made its way from Viyyur Central Jail in Thrissur. Their numbers may have been fewer than on Monday, but the intensity in the air had not dissipated. Judge Honey M Varghese arrived just before 10am, composed in her crisp white saree a visual reminder of the justice many hoped would prevail. Public prosecutor V Ajakumar followed shortly after, acknowledging the press before entering. At 10.52am, the convoy appeared. Under tight police protection, the fifth and sixth accused Pradeep and Vadival Salim stepped out first, their faces masked and heads hung. Prime accused Pulsar Suni walked in next, strangely self-assured, followed by Vijeesh, and finally Martin Antony and Manikandan, who avoided the cameras entirely. T B Mini, counsel for the survivor, arrived later, visibly shaken by the weeks events particularly Mondays shock acquittals and the cyber bullying that followed. All that matters to me now is the judges decision on the memory card, she said softly, encapsulating the strain and pain of years of relentless legal battle. Notwithstanding their numbers, the opinions voiced by the crowd were sharp and unfiltered. Philomina Joy, a retired postmaster from Kochi who had come to court on personal work, watched the accused being escorted in and shook her head in dismay. I dont believe justice is delivered here anymore. That girl waited eight years eight years! and for what? Justice delayed is justice denied. Completely denied. M V Thomas Mangalam from Aluva echoed a sentiment shared by many: Yes, the court depends on evidence. But what about the origin of the crime? Has the survivor actually received justice? I dont think so. Prakashan Thekkechira from Alappuzha was openly cynical: Evidence can be made and destroyed. All it takes is money. In the court, anticipation grew as the hours dragged on. The sentencing, expected at 3:30pm, was delayed. Offices closed, the corridors emptied, and the sun softened but a determined group stayed behind, unwilling to leave without witnessing the outcome. At 5pm, the judgment was finally pronounced: 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. Not life. Not the toughest penalty available. Just 20 years for gang rape, abduction, and a chain of crimes that had horrified the state. For the few dozen still waiting, it felt like a second blow. Murmurs pierced the quiet: Only twenty? After all this? Media crews scrambled to capture the convicts being taken back to prison as disappointment settled thickly across the courtyard. From the veranda of an adjacent building, Saif, a young man from Ernakulam observing the chaos, summed it up bluntly: I respect the court. But this? This is not justice not for her. And the punishment is shockingly light. How can a rape case end like this in Kerala? The lower court may have delivered its verdict, but the public anguish remains unresolved. Eight years later, Kerala is still asking: Where does justice stand for a rape survivor?
Local body polls: Results to reveal Keralas political mood ahead of assembly election
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Clouded for months by sexual assault allegations involving expelled MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, Keralas political climate is set for a decisive shift as the local body election results roll in on Saturday. For the LDF which has enjoyed close to a decade in power, the numbers will be unforgiving. Any slide in corporations, district panchayats, municipalities and grama panchayats will be read either as a verdict on its governance record or a clear sign of anti-incumbency. The result will be decisive in shaping its course towards the next assembly election for the UDF, which has been out of power for almost 10 years. Compared to the two fronts, the result will be an indicator of the future of NDA which strives to achieve a reliable third force position in the state. CPM sources said the party had approached the election with utmost caution considering the anti-incumbency factor. Our focus remains on development politics and welfare measures implemented by our government, said a senior leader. Reports from some district committees suggest cross voting by BJP supporters for the UDF in certain wards where the former is not strong. The CPM leadership also believes the Sabarimala gold theft case will have only minimal impact, especially after the arrest of two former Travancore Devaswom Board presidents. A setback for the LDF would force the CPM to undertake a serious introspection on governance and strategies to counter anti-incumbency. The polls also mark the first significant election test for state secretary M V Govindan since assuming office. For the UDF, the results will serve as a litmus test of its revival prospects. Congress leaders are confident of improving on their earlier dismal performance in 2020. They also reject the CPM claim that the Sabarimala issue will not influence voters. Despite the KPCC declaring the matter irrelevant after taking action against Rahul, many within Congress and the UDF fear the handling of the controversy and the public sparring among senior leaders may hurt the fronts prospects. There is a strong anti-government wave in the state, said a Congress leader. However, several leaders within the party warn that a poor performance could force the UDF into a position that would be difficult to recover from. The election is also a critical test for KPCC president Sunny Joseph and three working presidents who are leading the first major election. The BJP, meanwhile, has set an ambitious target of 25 per cent vote share in this election, following a directive from Union Home Minister Amit Shah. BJP will be the true beneficiary of the Sabarimala issue. In Christian-dominated areas too, we will do better, said a BJP leader. For state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the election is a test of his emphasis on development politics, a marked shift from the partys Hindutva approach. Failure to capture power in Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur corporation or retain power in Palakkad and Pandalam municipalities will be viewed as a significant setback for both the party, and Chandrasekhar personally.
Kerala local body polls: Migration, disillusionment drag voter turnout to 20-year low
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Keralas local body election delivered a sobering statistic. The state logged its lowest voter turnout in two decades, slipping to 73.69%, down 2.26 percentage points from the previous poll in 2020 -- which was held nine months after the Covid outbreak was declared a global pandemic. In line with long-standing trends, the seven northern districts once again outperformed the south, drawing over five percentage points more voters to polling booths from Thrissur to Kasaragod. An indication of the poor voter participation across the state was evident when the first phase of polling was completed in districts from Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam. Only a little over 70% of voters chose to exercise their franchise in the southern districts, compared with over 75% in the north. The first phase saw Ernakualam and Alappuzha clocking the best turnout figures of 74.57% and 73.82% respectively. Pathanamthitta and Thiruvananthapuram were at the tail end of the pack with turnouts of 66.78% and 67.47% respectively. In the second phase, Wayanad and Malappuram were the top performers in terms of voter participation at 78.29% and 77.37% respectively. Voter apathy in the north was evident in Thrissur and Kasaragod that registered turnouts of 72.48% and 74.89% respectively. Across the state, the credibility of mainstream political parties and their leadership are under scrutiny, observed Prof G Gopakumar, political scientist and psephologist. A sizeable section of Keralas electorate is disillusioned. Even when voters wish to register an anti-incumbency sentiment, they are unsure about handing the reins to an inactive opposition or to the so-called third alternative, he noted. In the previous assembly election, nearly one lakh voters opted for none of the above (NOTA) option on EVMs. With no NOTA provision in local body polls, many disillusioned voters simply prefer to stay home, Gopakumar said. He added that political parties must undertake serious introspection on rising voter apathy, despite having mounted high-octane campaigns. S Irudaya Rajan, chair of the International Institute of Migration and Development, stressed that the effect of Keralas population shift on voter turnout should not be overlooked. In fact, migration is the major contributor for the decline in voter turnout. This includes inter-district, inter-state and international migration, he elaborated. Interestingly, a sizeable share of the missing voters are those who are registered in one district but reside in another for work. Many of them are unlikely to travel back just to vote in a civic poll, he explained. Also to be noted is a large chunk of young voters who have migrated overseas for higher studies. In districts such as Pathanamthitta and Kottayam, the overseas migration of entire families, coupled with a steady population decline, has pushed turnout figures sharply lower, he added. Irudaya also linked the higher turnout in northern districts to migration patterns. In north Kerala, migration is mostly to Gulf countries and usually limited to the familys breadwinner. In the south and central regions, migration to Europe and the United States often leads to whole families relocating. That disparity is reflected in voter participation region-wise, he said. Meanwhile, State Election Commissioner A Shajahan noted that this years local body polls saw the highest-ever number of voters at booths. Nearly 74,000 more votes were cast this time compared to the previous election, he said. However, it is notable that the 2020 election had 2.76 crore voters on the electoral roll compared with 2.86 crore this time.
All set for vote counting across 25 centres in Thrissur
LDF banks on a decade of development; UDF senses anti-incumbency wave; NDA claims edge in low-turnout Corporation battle
Kerala actor abduction case: All six accused sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment
KOCHI: In a significant setback for the prosecution, the Ernakulam District and Sessions Court on Friday sentenced all six convicts, including prime accused Pulsar Suni, to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment in the 2017 actor abduction and rape case. The prosecution had strongly argued for life imprisonment for all the accused, particularly Suni, but the court held that this was not a case warranting the maximum sentence. All six convicts will now be shifted to Viyyur Central Jail in Thrissur. Delivering a judgment running over several pages, District and Sessions Judge Honey M Varghese noted that although the case attracted intense public attention, sensationalism has no bearing on sentencing. She emphasised that all the convicts are below 40 years of age and, except for Suni, none have a prior criminal record. The time served during the pendency of the trial will be set off against the conviction period. Taking this into account, Suni and Martin, who have each spent nearly seven years in custody, will now serve around 13 more years, while Manikandan and Vijeesh, who have served about three and a half years each, will spend roughly 16 and a half more. Salim and Pradeep, who have each spent about two years in jail, will serve approximately 18 more years. The courts sentencing remarks underscored the balance required in criminal justice. While awarding the sentence, the court must take into account the impact the crime has had on the victim and on society. Sentencing should be balanced in a way that ensures justice both to society and to the accused. The court must also consider the history of the offence, the possibility of reforming the accused, and the objectives of punishment. The court should not be swayed by emotions or act with bias while imposing the sentence, the court said. Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Conspiracy or not, many questions need answers At the same time, the court cannot ignore the fact that the acts of the accused questioned the dignity of the woman. The victim's right to safety was violated, and she was subjected to fear, humiliation, and helplessness. This also caused her psychological trauma. It should also be considered that she was attacked while on her way to a friends house, and that the incident was unexpected.However, the court also considers the age of the accused, their family circumstances, and the argument that, except for the first accused, the others have no other criminal background. All the accused are below 40 years of age. The observations made by the Supreme Court in the Nirbhaya case (Mukesh v. State of Delhi) are relevant here. Crimes against women affect not only their dignity but also the progress of society. The judgment also mentions the need to raise public awareness regarding gender justice.In light of the circumstances mentioned above, the court finds that this is not a situation requiring the imposition of the maximum punishment, the order said,awarding the sentence. The court also noted mitigating factors: the age of the accused, their family circumstances, and the fact that, except for Suni, none of the others had any other criminal background. Earlier in the day, the courtroom witnessed tense scenes as the judge, prosecution, survivors counsel TB Mini, and defence teams assembled at 10.15 am The accused, brought under heavy escort from Viyyur, heard the prosecution call for a life term, describing the assault as a gang-rape case that required the strongest possible message. The defence argued that sentencing must reflect the different roles played by each accused. The judge also questioned the demand for a uniform sentence, asking whether one accused should receive the maximum and others the minimum based on background and involvement. Several of the accused broke down while pleading for leniency. Suni said his mother was his only support, while others insisted they had no role in the crime and cited dependent families and lack of criminal history. The court acknowledged that only Suni committed the rape, but noted that the actions of the others had a facilitating role.Judge Honey Varghese also cautioned the media to report the case responsibly and noted that several contempt petitions related to public commentary on the case would be heard on December 18. Public prosecutor Advocate Ajakumar, after the judgment, expressed total disappointment in the verdict.It is a highly disappointing judgment from the trial court. The punishment awarded for the rape charge is the minimum prescribed under our parliamentary system, and this could send a wrong message to society. A detailed reading of the full judgment is required before offering further comments. Overall, this is not a setback for the prosecution, he said. Meanwhile, Malayalam actor Dileep, who had been acquitted earlier by the Principal Sessions Court, through his counsel, sought the return of his passport surrendered during bail. The court said it would consider the request after roll call. The 2017 assault had triggered an unprecedented reckoning in the Malayalam film industry, prompting several women to speak publicly about harassment, discrimination, and institutional apathy. The incident ultimately led to the formation of the Hema Committee, whose report, released last year, called for wide-ranging reforms to ensure safer and more equitable workplaces for women in cinema. 2017 Kerala actor abduction case: How conspiracy narrative fell apart
Prosecution to demand three life terms for actor assault convicts in Kerala
KOCHI: The prosecution is set to seek three life terms for accused numbers one to six, who were convicted in the 2017 actor abduction case, with the Ernakulam Principal and Sessions Judge scheduled to conduct the sentencing hearing and pronounce the quantum of punishment on Friday. On December 8, the trial court found the first six accused, Sunil aka Pulsar Suni, Martin Antony, Manikandan B, Vijesh V P, Salim H aka Vadival Salim, and Pradeep guilty. The court acquitted actor Dileep, stating that the prosecution failed to establish the conspiracy charge against him. It also acquitted Charly Thomas, who had been charged with harbouring the offender; ninth accused Sanil Kumar alias Mesthiri Sanil, charged with conspiracy and aiding the crime; and 15th accused Sarath G Nair, charged with causing the disappearance of evidence. The prosecution will seek the maximum possible punishment for the accused, which is life imprisonment. The convicted accused could get life imprisonment for three major offences criminal conspiracy, gangrape, and abetment, Special Public Prosecutor V Ajakumar told TNIE. The court convicted them under sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 342 (wrongful confinement), 354 (outraging modesty), 354B (assault with intent to disrobe), 357, and 376D (gangrape) of the IPC, as well as sections 66E and 67A of the Information Technology Act. According to the prosecution, on the night of February 17, 2017, six men abducted the actor while she was travelling from her home in Thrissur to Kochi. The men held her captive in her car and drove around Kochi, while Pulsar Suni, a history-sheeter, allegedly assaulted her. Suni recorded the act on his mobile phone. Later, the accused abandoned the actor near the house of film director Lal, who helped her contact the police. An FIR was registered the same day. Ajakumar said that he would cite the Supreme Court verdict in the case Nipun Saxena vs Union of India, as it accurately reflected the prevailing social reality. The 2018 judgment stated: Unfortunately, in our society, the victim of a sexual offence, especially a victim of rape, is treated worse than the perpetrator of the crime. In the State of Punjab vs Ramdev Singh case, the Supreme Court had observed that sexual violence, apart from being a dehumanising act, is an unlawful intrusion into the right of privacy and sanctity of a female. Ajakumar added that this argument is being put forward to ensure the maximum punishment for the convicts. When asked about filing an appeal before the Kerala High Court, Ajakumar said the prosecution is awaiting a copy of the final verdict, which will be released on Friday. Once the judgment is received, they will examine the reasons for acquittal and identify grounds for appeal. 2017 Kerala actor abduction case: Probe team pins hope on higher courts Verdict letter posted from Ernakulam The police have obtained information about the sender of the anonymous letter alleging a leak of details from the 2017 actor abduction and sexual assault case. According to the police, the letter, sent via Speed Post, was posted by a man from a post office under the jurisdiction of the Ernakulam police station. CCTV visuals show the man, wearing a mask, arriving at the post office at 1.42 pm on December 3. He had sent 33 Speed Post envelopes. The from address on the letter was given as Ramkumar.https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2025/Dec/10/actor-abduction-and-sexual-assault-case-conspiracy-or-not-many-questions-need-answers Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Judgment comes after eight years, justice not yet Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Conspiracy or not, many questions need answers
Row over quality of Kerala medicine
NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha on Thursday witnessed a protest during Zero Hour from the CPI(M) over allegations of spurious and substandard medicines in Kerala. The protest began when Congress MP Jebi Mather Hisham launched a blistering attack on Keralas drugs control department, claiming that recent raids across the state had exposed the widespread availability of counterfeit and poor-quality medicines. As soon as Congress MP Hisham made her allegations, CPI(M) MP John Brittas and others sharply objected. Despite their protests, the Chair allowed the Congress member to complete her speech. Hisham said raids conducted in Kozhikode, Thrissur and Thiruvananthapuram had revealed a shocking truth about the extent of counterfeit medicines circulating in Keralas pharmaceutical market. No member can mislead the House. All spurious medicines were produced elsewhere and brought to Kerala, Brittas said in reply crediting the state for its efficiency in detecting counterfeit drugs. He objected to what he called nasty aspersions cast on the CM and demanded that those comments be expunged from the record. Please delete that, he urged the Chair. This is not a small lapse. These raids expose the utter failure and shameful inefficiency of the states drug control department. Its negligence has allowed an unregulated network of manufacturers and marketing companies to push substandard medicines from outside Kerala, the Congress MP added.
76.08% vote in second phase of local body polls, Kerala records overall turnout of 73.69%
Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod went to the polls on Thursday (December 11) and 1.16 crore of the 1.53 crore voters in these districts exercised their right to vote.
Despite minor scuffles, technical delays, and isolated complaints, voter response remained strong across 111 local bodies
Thrissur all set for local body polls
Over 27.36 lakh voters, 7,208 candidates, and a tightly coordinated security-administration machinery gear up for polling day
No wave, only uncertainty: Thrissur keeps parties on edge
With traditional equations shifting, all three fronts are struggling to read the citys mind
All arrangements in place for local body polls in Thrissur: Collector
Over 27.36 lakh voters to cast votes; there are 54,204 are first-time voters.
High-octane finish to Thrissurs local body poll campaign
A total of 7,284 candidates are in the fray for 2,204 seats in the district. The LDF aims to retain its dominance, while the UDF seeks to reclaim crucial seats, Meanwhile, the NDA hopes to make a significant impact.
Red-necked Phalarope spotted for the first time in Thrissurs offshore waters
Pelagic Bird Survey 2025 documents 37 species during deep-sea expedition
Never had links with Jamaat-e-Islami, did not seek their votes: Kerala CM
Thrissur: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday claimed that neither the CPI(M) nor the LDF has ever had any association with the Jamaat-e-Islami, rejecting opposition UDF allegations that the Left party and the Muslim outfit were political partners for decades. Vijayan said that the Left Front never had the misfortune of seeking votes from Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Kerala local body polls 2025: National weightlifting champion steps into a new arena
Chitra Chandramohan to contest as the LDF candidate in the Valarkavu division of the Thrissur Corporation
Thrissur emerges as overall champions at State Special School Arts Festival
District Collector felicitates students, cash awards for all A-grade winners
Thrissur Collector submits that works on the congested corridor, which began in September 2024, was not progressing as expected and that safety issues prevailed in the form of insufficient street lighting and inadequate hazard sign boards
Key accused in major MDMA case in Kerala arrested at airport while attempting to flee abroad
Manjeswaram police take into custody Thrissur native Shamsudheen who has been wanted for over a year
NDA manifesto for Thrissur Corporation promises major development push
Suresh Gopi releases document outlining five key projects
NEP a 'weapon' to expose lies in compilation of history, says Union Minister Suresh Gopi
Interacting with people and party workers in his Lok Sabha constituency, Thrissur, Suresh Gopi alleged that the country's history had been distorted and portrayed in a wrong manner
LDF manifesto for Thrissur Corporation unveils vision for green city
With emphasis on environmental harmony and heritage protection, the manifesto positions the next phase of governance as one that can turn Thrissur into a nationally recognised model city
Rights panel tells govt. to disburse travel aid to HIV patients
The Commission issued the directive after an HIV patient from Malappuram complained that travelling to Thrissur to collect medicines was difficult without financial support
Labour Codes an attack equivalent to genocide on workers: Rajendran
Protest organised against Labour Codes in Thrissur
Leader of the Opposition calls upon workers to recapture the Thrissur Corporation with a commanding majority
How A Missing Gold Chain Led Cops To Kerala Woman's Killer - Her Daughter
A 75-year-old woman was murdered, allegedly by her daughter and her partner, over a gold chain in Kerala's Thrissur. Incidentally, it was the missing chain that led the cops to the daughter.
Kerala local body polls: Can Lok Sabha wave meet local body reality in Thrissur?
Can the Suresh Gopi effect that reshaped Keralas electoral story redraw the political map of the Thrissur Corporation and his much-publicised outreach sessions build political capital; can BJP replicate its Lok Sabha breakthrough like his unprecedented strides across the Corporation divisions dominate political chatter as controversies shadow the actor-ministers image
Rebels set to spoil party for all three fronts
Hundreds of political leaders appear to have taken their cue from M.K. Varghese, a Congress rebel-turned-Independent, who became Mayor of the Thrissur Corporation with the support of the Left Democratic Front, and have thrown their hats into the ring against the official candidates of their own parties
SIR: over 50% of enumeration forms collected, 35% of them fully digitised in Thrissur
District Election Officer and Collector Arjun Pandian visits the dedicated camp set up for receiving and digitising these forms
Seat given to DCC secretary: local Congress leaders resign in protest in Thrissur
Sitting councillor resigns from party
Gandhian ideals regain relevance, says Hassan
Dr. Kalpatta Balakrishnan remembrance meet held in Thrissur
Clashes erupt after wedding procession blocks road in Thrissur
LDF faces internal rift in Thrissur Corporation over seat allocation
Kerala Congress (M) fields rebel candidates in three general divisions
Established under a strategic collaboration between Starbucks Coffee Company & Tata Starbucks, the FSP aims to empower 10,000 Indian coffee farmers by 2030 Starbucks will open its 500th coffeehouse in India this week in Delhi NCR a Starbucks Reserve location offering a premium and immersive coffee experience Reaffirming its long-term commitment to India, and its plans to deepen its coffee leadership in the market, Starbucks Coffee Company today announced the establishment of a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP). In collaboration with Tata Starbucks Private Limited, the FSP will connect local agronomists and farmers to global farming best practices through open-source agronomy. Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Starbucks re-affirm coffee leadership and announce a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP) to strengthen the coffee value chain from Bean to Cup Strengthening Indias coffee value chain from bean to cup Starbucks Coffee Trading Company, SARL (SCTC), Starbucks global procurement and trading subsidiary, will collaborate closely with Tata Starbucks to empower 10,000 farmers by 2030. The FSP based in Karnataka will combine Tata Starbucks deep local knowledge, Indias coffee-growing heritage, and decades of Starbucks global agronomy expertise. It will support farmers from Indias key coffee growing states including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala to strengthen connections with Starbucks global network, drive innovation, and share best practices in farming and sustainability to ensure a sustainable future for India coffee. The FSP will set up technical model farms in partnership with farmers in India, incorporating global learnings, to embed best practices in coffee agronomy and test sustainable solutions. The FSP in India will serve as a hub for testing new varietals, provide knowledge on innovative farming techniques aligned to Indian practices and conditions, and share insights about other agroforestry initiatives to improve coffee quality, productivity and climate resiliency. The goal is to build upon traditional methods to help farmers improve both the quality of their crops and their profitability. The FSP will work closely with existing centers of excellence within the Starbucks global network. This includes partnering with Farmer Support Centers (FSC) in coffee-growing regions around the world, where agronomists collaborate directly with farmers on research, and learning from existing model farms within Starbucks supply chain. This network includes FSCs in the APAC region in North Sumatra, Indonesia and Yunnan, China and Hacienda Alsacia in Costa Rica, Starbucks first company-operated coffee farm and headquarters to the Starbucks Costa Rica Farmer Support Center and Starbucks Global Research and Development team. Through the FSP, Indian farmers will also benefit from Starbucks 2026 global digital training tools, which will offer detailed online modules on agronomy, coffee quality, and C.A.F.E. (Coffee and Farmer Equity) practices to foster ethical sourcing and ultimately enhance productivity and sustainability. It will also educate farmers about Regen-Ag (regenerative agriculture) practices and methods to reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints, and contribute to agroforestry and social development initiatives. The FSP will develop projects across the key Starbucks commitments of unlocking coffee productivity, increasing farm profitability and building climate resiliency over the next 5 years. To build capability and strengthen Indias entire coffee value chain, Tata Starbucks will also donate one million high-yield variety Arabica seedlings to farmers over the next five years. During his visit to India this week, Brian Niccol, chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks said, India is one of our fastest-growing markets. Were partnering with Tata to shape the future of coffee in India, including supporting farmers, empowering communities, and delivering the highest quality offerings to our customers. Its a long-term commitment to build a stronger, more sustainable coffee ecosystem that benefits everyone, from bean to cup . Sunil D'Souza, Managing Director & CEO at Tata Consumer Products said, Through the past decade, together, Tata Consumer Products and Starbucks, have helped shape Indias thriving coffee culture and industry. With this new initiative, we are pleased to pair Starbucks global agronomy expertise with Tatas footprint in India to drive tangible impact and pave the way for the future of responsible coffee farming in India . Re-affirming Starbucks coffee leadership through differentiated and elevated experiences Since its inception in 2012 as a joint venture between Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Consumer Products, Tata Starbucks has been dedicated to delivering the unique Starbucks Experience to customers in India. This has set the stage for Indias ever evolving and dynamic coffee culture. This week, Tata Starbucks will celebrate the opening of its 500th coffeehouse in India, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey and reaffirming its long-term commitment to the market. As one of Starbucks fastest-growing international markets, India remains central to the companys plans for strategic and sustainable expansion, with continued focus on job creation and meaningful development opportunities for its partners (employees). The 500th coffeehouse will be the second location to offer a Starbucks Reserve coffee experience in Delhi NCR, engaging coffee enthusiasts with an immersive experience that showcases Starbucks coffee craft, heritage, and storytelling. The coffeehouse and its Starbucks Reserve experience underscore Tata Starbucks commitment to elevating Indias coffee craftsmanship through elevated store design, handcrafted beverages, and locally inspired innovations. As part of the global strategy to make Starbucks a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather to enjoy the finest coffee handcrafted by skilled baristas, Tata Starbucks will continue to focus on creating a differentiated and elevated coffee forward experience in India. It invites customers to experience the full flavor profile it offers - serving the worlds finest coffee and elevated offerings in a welcoming coffeehouse environment that has made it a beloved part of Indias coffee landscape. Sushant Dash, chief executive officer of Tata Starbucks said, As the largest specialty coffee player in India, we are proud to bring the Farmer Support Partnership in collaboration with SCTC, a meaningful step toward strengthening Indias coffee-growing community and securing the future of high-quality Arabica. Our commitment to India extends beyond growth, to investing in farmers, partners (employees) and customers to continue building a vibrant coffee culture. We will continue to serve the finest Arabica coffee from India and around the world, brought to life through the warm, welcoming third place experience that defines Starbucks . About Starbucks Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 40,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at about.starbucks.com or starbucks.com . About Tata Starbucks Private Limited Starbucks entered the Indian market in October 2012 through a 50/50 Joint Venture with Tata Consumer Products Limited and currently operates more than 497 stores in India across 81 cities, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Alibaug, Amritsar, Anand, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhatinda, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Faridabad, Gandhinagar, Ghaziabad, Goa, Guntur, Gurgaon, Guwahati, Gwalior Haridwar, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Indore, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolhapur, Kolkata, Lonavala, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mangalore, Meerut, Mumbai, Mussoorie, Mysore, Nagpur, Nashik, New Delhi, Noida, Pathankot, Patiala, Pondicherry, Pune, Raipur, Siliguri, Sonipat, Surat, Thrissur, Trivandrum, Udaipur, Vadodara, Vapi, Varanasi, Vijayawada, Varanasi and Vizag are cities in India. through a network of over 4,437 passionate partners (employees). Starbucks stores are operated by the joint venture, Tata Starbucks Private Limited, and branded as Starbucks Coffee - A TATA Alliance.
Thrissur Ragam theatre operator stabbed outside home
Kerala local body polls: UDF poised for a comeback in Thrissur, says Rajan J. Pallan
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Thrissur Corporation says a strong and unmistakable wave is rising in favour of the Congress and voters are ready to correct what he calls the slip between the lip and the cup in the last election
Thrissur Revenue District School Arts Festival begins at Irinjalakuda
Shifting loyalties continue to shake up Thrissur ahead of local body elections
Rebels emerge across parties as denial of seats and internal rifts trigger mass resignations. What began as sporadic rumblings of discontent has now grown into a district-wide wave of political realignments, setting the stage for one of Thrissurs most unpredictable and fiercely contested local body elections in recent memory
Official Suspended For Sharing Video Of Dead Deer At Newly Opened Kerala Zoo
A week after at least 10 deer were killed by stray dogs at Kerala's newly inaugurated Puthur Zoological Park in Thrissur due to a major security lapse, the state's Forest Department suspended an official for allegedly sharing footage of the dead deer
