72,005 in the fray for local body elections in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A total of 72,005 candidates are officially in the fray across the state for the upcoming local body elections, as per provisional data released by the State Election Commission late on Monday. The final picture of the candidates became clear after the deadline for withdrawal of nominations ended on Monday. The list of candidates includes 37,786 women, 34,218 men and one transgender person. Meanwhile, all major fronts are facing the menace of rebel candidates who have refused to withdraw their candidature despite efforts by party leadership to mollify them. While the LDF and the UDF have five rebel candidates each in Thiruvananthapruam corporation, 11 rebels are causing headache to the Congress-led front in Kochi corporation. Six-time BJP councillor Shyamala S Prabhu, who turned a rebel this time, is taking on the official candidate of the saffron alliance in Kochi corporations Cherlai ward. While the UDF has six rebel candidates in the fray in Thrissur corporation, four rebel candidates are poised to play spoilsport for the LDF that rules the civic body. The BJP-led NDA too has a rebel candidate in Vadookara ward, its sitting seat in Thrissur corporation. Kannur, the lone UDF-ruled corporation, has rebel trouble for the Congress-led front in three seats. A CPM rebel candidate in Kannur corporation withdrew his candidature on Monday, offering relief to the LDF. Relief for Wayanad UDF as YC rebel withdraws The UDF in Wayanad heaved a sigh of relief after Youth Congress leader Jasheer Pallivayal, who had entered the fray as a rebel for the district panchayat, withdrew his nomination on Monday following last-minute intervention by senior party leaders. In Alappuzha district panchayats Ambalappuzha division, the conflict within the UDF over the seat has been resolved, with the IUML agreeing to withdraw its rebel candidate at the last minute. The LDF has already secured 14 seats unchallenged. In Kannur, LDF secured two additional unopposed victories in Anthoor municipality after the nomination papers of UDF candidates were rejected during fresh scrutiny on Monday. With this, five LDF candidates have been elected unopposed in the civic body.
Kerala HC for app to alert public about missing Bengaluru native
KOCHI: In a significant decision to help locate Suraj Lama, a Bengaluru native who went missing in Kochi soon after being deported from Kuwait last month, the Kerala High Court has asked the state government to develop a mobile app that can issue a unified alert containing his details to various social media platforms. The court issued the directive while considering a habeas corpus petition filed by Santon Lama, Surajs son. It noted that the app should be created in coordination with the Kerala Police Cyberdome and Meta, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram. During the hearing on November 21, the court directed the states counsel to develop an application capable of circulating a unified WhatsApp message across social media platforms, ensuring it reaches users across cyberspace, especially within Kerala, said a source with the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KeLSA), which is providing legal assistance to Santon. As per the plan, the app will send a unified alert mentioning details of Suraj, the time of his disappearance and other information to all social media platforms. The app will not be for public use. Meanwhile, Santons counsel said the state government had informed the court that missing person posters, including Surajs photograph, had been displayed at major pilgrim centres, including Sabarimala. The government also said they had arranged for public announcements about Suraj during the morning and evening sessions at Sabarimala, the counsel said. Aluva DySP T R Rajesh, who is heading the special investigation team (SIT) formed to trace Lama, said they had covered almost entire Ernakulam and Thrissur. We are once again carrying out searches focused on medical colleges, shelter homes and locations that that may have been missed earlier. We are also checking unidentified bodies, he said. Rajesh said the SIT has proposed additional measures, including issuing alerts during phone calls. When contacted, Santon told TNIE that he was thankful to all involved in the search of his father.
Parasitic leech found off Kollam a likely threat to native fish health
KOLLAM: A parasitic marine leech previously found only along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts has been reported for the first time in Indian waters off the Kollam coast. The finding has raised concern among researchers about the parasites potential impact on fish health, fisheries productivity and the marine ecosystem. The species, Pontobdella muricata, was found among the trawl bycatch that landed at Sakthikulangara harbour. The specimen was found attached to the ventral side of a ray fish, confirming a new parasite-host association for a leech previously restricted to colder European waters. Researchers say the leech poses no direct threat to humans but warn that it could severely affect native fish populations. Even a single leech can cause lesions, draw blood and create wounds that allow secondary infections reducing fish health and market value, says the study. The finding has triggered concerns about what else may be silently shifting to Keralas waters. The current detection is limited to deepwater skates, but researchers warn that the shift in parasite distribution may indicate changing ocean conditions, altered migration routes or broader ecological imbalances. Our marine ecosystem is already under extreme stress due to global warming, pollution, deep-sea fishing and declining fish stocks. With fisheries under unprecedented pressure, the emergence of a new parasite is a red flag, said Sarlin Pathissery, head of the zoology department, Fatima Mata National College, Kollam, who led the study. The new parasite could harm fish populations in the long run, especially in waters already stressed by overfishing, warming seas and species degradation. But how exactly this will affect the fishing community and the wider environment requires in-depth study, she said. If such parasites spread to commercially important species, small fishers who depend on healthy, clean catch for their livelihood will be the most affected, the study notes. Impact of parasites may be huge, need further study The exceptionally high genetic similarity (more than 99%) between the Kollam specimen and populations from the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts underscores the need for focused comparative assessments to determine whether similar ecological or pathological effects may arise in Indian waters. Researchers argue that monitoring such hidden parasites is crucial not just for biodiversity records but to understand subtle ecological shifts that ultimately influence coastal livelihoods. The discovery of the parasite is a reminder that what is hiding under the ocean will reach the market fish stall and our homes sooner than we expect. These parasites may be small, but their impact could be huge. Thats why further study is needed, said Sandie Moris, a chemical engineering student at Government Engineering College, Thrissur, who assisted the study. Savio Morris, chemical engeneering student at TKM Engineering College, Kollam, and Sancia Moris of the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology, Germany, were also part of the study. It has been published in a peer reviewed international journal, Taylor & Francis Biodiversity. First time in Indian waters Its for the first time that parasitic marine leech, Pontobdella muricata, is found in Indian waters, says the study The species was previously found only along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts The leech could severely affect native fish populations
Seat given to DCC secretary: local Congress leaders resign in protest in Thrissur
Sitting councillor resigns from party
Rebels, turncoats pose headache for fronts in Kerala local body elections
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Local body polls often act as a launch pad for new political faces, making them a keenly watched affair. These elections spawn leaders, disruptors, and at times kingmakers. Unlike general elections, voters are often kinder to those hopping from one party to another, finding fault with the policies they had espoused earlier, and contesting on a new label. The cabin of democracy during local body polls is so accommodating that there is room for turncoats and rebels. It is no different this time either. The three major political fronts LDF, UDF and NDA are having to deal with aspirants who can upset their apple cart. In Thiruvananthapuram corporation, where the LDF is locked in a seesaw fight with the NDA to retain power, intra-party feud in at least two divisions are giving the left coalition a headache. Former Desabhimani Thiruvananthapuram bureau chief K Sreekandan, a party member for the past four decades, is contesting from Ulloor ward, an LDF bastion, as an independent. He decided to throw down the gauntlet after the CPM agreed on another candidate. The bitterness prompted Sreekandan to come out against former minister and party strongman Kadakampally Surendran, accusing him of a deal with the BJP. In Chempazhanthy, former CPM local committee member Annie Asokan is contesting as a rebel candidate. The Kazhakoottam block panchayat president from 2004 to 2010, she chose to be a rebel after the party opted for Sheela Mohanan. Annies ire was also directed against Kadakampally. In CPMs sitting ward of Vazhottukonam, former CPM branch secretary K V Mohanan is contesting as a rebel candidate. His justification of going against the party is that a person having real estate interests has been picked as the candidate. For the UDF, too, which is trying to offset the previous electoral losses, is also bogged down by defections. K Maheswaran Nair, a former Leader of Opposition in the corporation and a four-time councillor from the Poojappura ward, has joined the BJP and is contesting from Punnakkamugal. Former Congress leader Padmini Thomas, who had joined the saffron party, is the NDA candidate in the Palayam ward. Another former Congress leader, Thampanoor Satheesh, is in the fray in Thampanoor for the NDA. In Kochi corporation, defection has been the order of the day. In the previous elections, the LDF won 33 seats and managed to garner the support of two independent candidates to grab power in the 74-member council. The UDF won 31 seats, while the NDA and independent candidates won five each. Muslim League rebel T K Ashraf, who had supported the LDF last time and was given the health standing committee chairperson post in return, has made a homecoming and has been fielded as the UDF candidate from North Kaloor. P M Harris, a League councillor and a former public workbns standing committee chairperson, is the LDF candidate against Ashraf. On its part, the LDF has fielded six former UDF councillors to retain power. In Vyttila division, CPM former area committee member V P Chandran has been fielded as an independent candidate by the UDF. In a tit-for-tat response, former KPCC member A B Sabu was fielded by the CPM as their candidate. Thoppumpady councillor Sheeba Durom, who was suspended from the Congress party in 2023, will now contest the election on behalf of the LDF from the same ward. Gracy Joseph, the LDF candidate in Kathrikadavu division, was a UDF councillor and was suspended by the Ernakulam District Congress Committee (DCC) in 2020. Another candidate, M B Muraleedharan, contesting from Vennala, was a three-term Congress councillor and was also the UDF parliamentary party secretary. Former Congress councillor Mary Calista Prakashan, who represented the Mundamveli division, is contesting from the same ward on a CPM ticket this time. Malini Kurup, a three-term councillor, has already left the Congress after being denied the Girinagar seat. This came as a shocker for the Congress which had witnessed its Vyttila councillor Sunitha Dixon joining the BJP and declared as its candidate in Ponnurunni East. Devankulangara councillor Santha Vijayan too defected. In Thrissur corporation, which has a rich history of turncoats becoming kingmakers, there is no dearth of rebels and turncoats this time too. Mayor M K Varghese himself was a Congress rebel candidate after the party denied him a seat in 2020. Varghese won the election and pledged support to the LDF, which cobbled up votes barely enough to catapult it to power. Varghese entered into a pact with the LDF and became the mayor. Former deputy mayor and LDF councillor for 15 years, Beena Murali has announced that she will contest from Krishnapuram as an independent. She had resigned from the CPI after being refused a seat. Janata Dal (S) councillor Sheeba Babu has now joined the BJP and will contest as the party candidate from Kalathode. The BJP too has to endure rebel woes as I Lalithambika, the partys councillor from Kuttankulangara, has deserted the ship. She is contesting as a CPI-backed independent from the same division. UDFs Kuriachira councillor Nimmy Rappai has left the Congress and is now contesting as an LDF-backed candidate. In Kannur corporation, the spotlight for the past 10 years was on P K Ragesh, a rebel Congress leader. He helped shape the corporations political landscape by helping to elect its first mayor, E. P. Latha of the LDF, in 2015. At the time, the UDF and the LDF had won 27 seats each in the 55-member council, while Ragesh secured a seat as an independent after breaking away from the Congress. By extending his support to the LDF, he was made the deputy mayor. However, in 2019, he shifted his stance by successfully backing a UDF-led no-confidence motion against Latha. Later that year, following compromise talks initiated by K Sudhakaran, he rejoined the Congress, paving the way for Congress leader Suma Balakrishnan to become the mayor while he retained the post of deputy mayor. He was expelled in 2023 from the party due to an internal feud. Now, he is working through the Rajivji Cultural Forum, which plans to field candidates in several wards of the corporation under the banner of Aikya Janadhipathya Samrakshana Samithi. Senior leaders who switched sides Former Congress leader K. Maheswaran Nair, ex-Leader of the Opposition in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. Now contesting as NDA candidate Thampanoor Satheesh, once a close aide of K Karunakaran, is now contesting for the NDA from Thampanoor Former rebel Congress leader P K Ragesh became deputy mayor under the LDF regime. Now, he leads Aikya Janadhipathya Samrakshana Samithi LDF candidate in Kathrikadavu, Gracy Joseph, was earlier a UDF councillor. She was suspended from Congress in 2020 Muslim League rebel T K Ashraf had supported LDF last time. He has made a homecoming and is now the UDF candidate from North Kaloor in Kochi Thrissurs ex-deputy mayor, CPIs Beena Murali, is contesting from Krishnapuram as an independent CPM former area committee member V P Chandran has been fielded as an independent candidate by the UDF in the Vyttila division of the Kochi corporation Forgiving voters Unlike general elections, voters are often kinder to those hopping from one party to another, finding fault with the policies they had espoused earlier, and contesting on a new label during local body polls
Gandhian ideals regain relevance, says Hassan
Dr. Kalpatta Balakrishnan remembrance meet held in Thrissur
LDF faces internal rift in Thrissur Corporation over seat allocation
Kerala Congress (M) fields rebel candidates in three general divisions
Trip on vintage charm with Vrischikolsavam in Tripunithura
Every year, the sleepy town of Tripunithura is jolted into a socio-cultural melange with the onset of Vrischikolsavam , the festival held in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (NovemberDecember). Held at the Poornathrayeesa Temple, this years eight-day festival began on November 19. It will conclude with the aarattu on November 26. It is believed that when the Perumpadappu Swaroopam (the erstwhile kingdom of Cochin) shifted its capital from earlier centres such as Mahodayapuram and later Thrissur to Tripunithura around the 14th century, the worship of Poornathrayeesa (Lord Krishna) acquired deeper political and familial significance, establishing the deity as the family god of the Cochin royal house. The temples annual Vrischikam festival subsequently evolved into the Rajotsavam , the official royal festival of the Cochin kingdom. Over the years, the festival has grown beyond its religious and royal origins to become a hotspot for Keralas major temple art forms, widening its popularity across communities. The temple premises transform into a vibrant 24-hour stage where performances unfold around the clock. Each day offers a curated roster featuring Panchari Melam and Thayambaka, Kathakali, Ottanthullal, and classical vocal and instrumental concerts. The ensemble Panchari Melam sets the primary auditory tone of the festival, giving the processions their momentum. This is also where a Tripunithura native often encounters a long-lost friend, a distant relative or gains new ulsavam buddies. Vrischikolsavam is anchored as much in musical rigour as in visual pageantry. Connoisseurs mark their calendars for specific melams often led by renowned maestros. Discussions on kalapramanam (tempo) and nadasoukhyam (tonal richness) continue long after the last beat of the chenda. The festival concludes on the eighth day with the aarattu at the Chakkamkulangara Temple, where the idol is taken for a ceremonial bath.
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.
164 of 165 CCTVs faulty at Viyyur prison, admits superintendent in court
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a stunning disclosure, the superintendent of Viyyur high-security prison admitted that 164 of the facilitys 165 CCTV cameras are defunct, leaving the prison without meaningful surveillance for over a year. Rajesh Kumar R S made the revelation before the Ernakulam NIA special court on Thursday. Installed on February 28, 2019, the cameras stopped working after the five-year warranty expired. The assistant engineer of PWDs electronics division in Thrissur reported that both the network switch and cameras are damaged, rendering the entire system useless. The court was hearing a petition filed by NIA case undertrial Manoj P M, in which he alleged that he and fellow inmate Azharuddin were brutally assaulted by prison staff following an altercation with the warden on November 13. When the court sought CCTV footage, the superintendent submitted that since the cameras are malfunctioning he could not produce it. The medical records submitted before the court also purported to throw light on the systematic legal and human rights violations at the facility. According to the petition, around 15 jail officials dragged the two prisoners out of their cells after 6pm, in violation of prison regulations that prohibit removal after lock-up. They were allegedly beaten, denied medical treatment, and transferred before dawn the next day -- Manoj to Poojappura central prison and Azharuddin to Kannur central prison -- though a Thrissur district hospital doctor advised further treatment for Manoj. Manoj claims that he was further beaten up by Poojappura prison staff. He was reportedly admitted to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital, after he began a hunger strike. The medical reports submitted to the court state that the patient sustained trauma to head and abdomen around 5pm on November 13. He had sustained severe injuries including subcutaneous hematoma to left premaxillary, left frontal and left periorbital region. He also alleged that while his plea to file a complaint was denied, a counter complaint was registered against him for allegedly assaulting prison staff. Unimpressed by the explanations of both the superintendents of Viyyur and Poojappura prisons after they failed to produce Manoj on a video call, the two-member NIA court on Thursday directed the superintendent of Viyyur prison to appear in person on November 24. The superintendents of central prison Poojappura shall produce the accused personally on the 24th, the order said.
Kerala leaders say grassroots politics shapes stronger ministers, legislators
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It is not the MLA or minister you call when a water pipeline ruptures or a death occurs in the locality. Neighbourhood concerns tend to be the domain of ward members or councillors. But, these representatives may not always remain the guy next door. Local-body polls have given rise to several prominent political figures in Kerala. From panchayats and municipalities, to halls of assembly and Parliament, TNIE talks to some of the key figures whose political careers began at the institutions of grassroots democracy. General Education Minister V Sivankutty, who was the Thiruvananthapuram corporation mayor from 1995 to 2000, termed the local-body polls the toughest political test. The key is in fostering personal ties with voters. Here, politics takes a back seat. People mostly vote for individuals. Your voters are your extended family, he said. Higher Education Minister R Bindu, who served as Thrissur mayor (2005-10), said the experience one gains by working as a representative in a local body is unmatched, adding that it serves as a guide for all politicians. In my ten years in Thrissur corporation, I have directly interacted with people living in slums, erstwhile colonies, and many more. When you are part of local bodies, you understand the issues of commoners. The experience has helped me in my tenure as a minister, she added. A legislator who has had a stint in a local body knows how to combine peoples issues with the development needs of the state or country, Bindu said. My tenure as mayor helped me understand the dynamics between local bodies and government, and how they plan and execute projects, she added. Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan, who was a member of the Pampady grama panchayat, in the 1988-93 period, said his days as a panchayat member taught him how people must be accorded prime priority in a democracy, and that politicians work for the welfare of these citizens. Unlike legislative assemblies or the Lok Sabha, local bodies deal directly with people, which gives its members a hands-on idea of their views and desires. Once the youngest municipal chairman in the state on being named to lead the Angamaly civic body in 1979, Congress leader K Babu recounted how others had doubts when a 28-year-old was placed in that position. People naturally expect a seasoned politician to hold the office. However, when I was elected, I decided to interact with people from diverse backgrounds, which later strengthened my political journey, he said. The Tripunithura MLA said there was the larger trend of local-body members contesting assembly or Lok Sabha polls, which has given way to fresh faces being named as candidates. Kollam MP and RSP leader N K Premachandran fondly recalled his days as the panchayat member of Navaikulam -- which according to him laid the founding stone of his political career. The best takeaway from being the member of a local body is the ability to distinguish what is good and bad for people, especially when it comes to ministerial positions, Premachandran said. Speaking of his tenure as Thiruvananthapuram mayor (2015-19), Vattiyoorkavu MLA V K Prasanth said ground work is key in politics. People should understand that we work for them, which is what I did being part of flood-relief activities. When your work is seen, they will help you help them, he remarked. The teamwork and coordination do not happen overnight, but is the result of years of effort, said Prasanth. My stint in the corporation was a mix of ground-level interaction and office work, both of which have helped me in my political journey, he added.
Thrissur Ragam theatre operator stabbed outside home
SUV driver speeds off with owner clinging to bonnet in Thrissur
THRISSUR: A shocking incident was caught on camera in Thrissur, Kerala, where a man was seen driving an SUV with its owner clinging to the bonnet in a dangerous manner. The incident took place on Friday and was widely shared on social media. The car, rented out by Aluva-based Solomon, had been taken by a Thrissur native named Backar on October 16. Backar had promised to return the vehicle but failed to do so, prompting Solomon to file a complaint with the Aluva police. On Friday, Solomon spotted the car at Erumapetty and blocked its path. However, Backar drove the SUV forward with Solomon clinging to the bonnet. Locals eventually managed to stop the vehicle after it travelled a few kilometres, and the police were alerted. Erumapetty police have registered a case and launched an investigation. Expressing his frustration, Solomon said, I had asked for my car back, but he was avoiding my calls. What could I do when he tried to drive away?
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
Beauty is most beautiful when it is simple. Trust a neurosurgeon, someone who has studied the labyrinths within the brain, saying that. The contours are difficult to manoeuvre, yet their beauty lies in their precision. Surgical precision. Immersed in one of her favourite paintings with an injured hand. Dr Usha Shajehan, who was a neurosurgeon for over two decades, probably understood the simplicity of beauty best through her profession. Her paintings, to be exhibited at the Vylopilly Samskriti Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram from November 22 to 26, will reflect this understanding amply. The 140 paintings that will be on display were created over the past year. A friend, Leela, the wife of Prof. I S Gulati, urged me to take up painting again. I had not painted for the entirety of my career, when complex brain surgeries filled up my time, says Dr Usha. During that phase, there was no mood for colours or sketches. But somewhere within me lingered a passion that had been awakened long ago, when I was 18. A friend named Sreedevi saw my biology sketches and told me I could sketch and paint. That stirred something within me. I did some artworks then, but on entering the medical world, I kept them as a cherished memory. Dr Ushas painting spree restarted last year when she was asked to touch up some prints of Jamini Roy that hung on Leela Gulatis wall. That exposed me once again to the world of paintings, she says. Some of Dr Usha's works: Quiet Majesty 'Ignite your soul' From then on, it was quite a passion unleashed. I painted relentlessly over 140 frames in a year. Some days, it used to be more than two paintings. Dr Ushas paintings reflect her penchant for simplicity, as does her attitude. What I see around me is a beautiful piece of poetry called life. And that is what strikes me the most. I want to paint it in all its lucidity. It shouldnt spark any intellectual tug-of-war, she says. Aligned with this thought, she paints an elephant basking in all its majesty, letting nature reveal itself through little nuances. So too are her watercolours of the verdant life in the woods. The gurgling ponds, stretches of greenery around softly undulating hills, and wildlife that reflects a quiet contentment in serene, simplistic environs. 'Waiting' 'Guardian Angel' It is the simple, organic happiness that I wanted to capture. Thats what most people seek. Havent you seen how works by Raja Ravi Varma or Jamini Roy even now fill souls with a unique sense of charm and calm? The beauty of nature, of life, of everything around me that naturally, seamlessly, and effortlessly stretches beyond the apparent towards the innate is what appeals to meand what I paint. I dont go looking for it. It just happens. I call it a higher influence a touch of grace or a feeling of oneness, quite Advaitic in a way, says the Kochi-born doctor based in Thiruvananthapuram. Drs Usha and Shajehan She loves working her brush inspired by the photographs taken by her husband, Dr Shajehan Shivasankara Pillai, who was also a neurosurgeon. He is an avid photographer, whose works form a body on their own. We travel quite a bit, and these journeys inspire both of us. I also take inspiration from his photographs and paint accordingly, says Dr Usha, who is also a keen cyclist, swimmer, and explorer. The couple quit medicine three years ago. We had enough of the field, although we enjoyed every bit of it. We felt it was time to delve into something that connected with our core, says Dr Usha. I learnt a lot from my profession diligence, nuanced discipline, steadfastness, and above all, fast and precise work. These now help me in pursuing my passion. Dr Ushas upcoming exhibition will be inaugurated by her good friend, Wing Commander S K G Nair (retd), who will do the honours in a very informal manner. If celebrities come to inaugurate, it becomes more of a publicity gimmick. I responded to a friends request to conduct the exhibition. Yet, to me, this is a very personal space. I wish to share it with those who want to be in the same space. The paintings selected too are that way, she says. The slow pace Dr Usha has tuned herself to defines most of her paintings, which are classified into collections such as Sunset, Waterscapes, Divine Presence, Fields, and Light and Shade. There are works in different media too watercolour, pastels, acrylic, etc. 'A Taste of the Past' I am an untrained painter who learnt the colour choreography all by myself. Training would have stripped me of my instinct. The instinct, I feel, is natures way of connecting to me, she says, pointing to her first oil pastel, painted at the Vazhalikkavu Bhagavathi Temple at Thozhupadam in Thrissur. I painted with a sling because I had injured my arm in a fall. But the entire scene created in me an undying urge to paint. I titled it Ignite Your Soul to show how the call from the soul cannot be ignored.
Spot slots cut to 5,000 to manage pilgrims rush in Sabarimala
PATHANAMTHITTA/KOCHI : A drastic reduction in spot bookings and tighter restrictions on forest routes were among the measures taken by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) on Wednesday to manage the unprecedented rush of devotees that caught authorities unawares and led to complete system collapse in Sabarimala on Tuesday, the second day of the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. The decision follows strong remarks by the Kerala High Court earlier in the day. Cautioning there was a real chance a catastrophe could occur at the hill shrine, the HC ordered assessment of Sabarimalas carrying capacity. The TDB capped spot booking to 5,000 pilgrims per day, from the earlier 20,000, until Monday, and said only 5,000 pilgrims would be allowed via forest routes, including Pullumedu. The first unit of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) also took charge at Sannidhanam. The 30-member team from the 4th Battalion of NDRFs Thrissur Regional Response Centre has been stationed along critical stretches near the Sopanam and along the Nadapanthal. Seven more booking counters were started at Nilakkal, with the base camp also serving as the first point of restriction. Preparations should have started six months ago Two hundred more staff members have been deployed at the queue complex, and another 200 will be added to manage toilet cleaning and sanitation-related work, TDB president K Jayakumar said. As many as 2,98,310 pilgrims have offered darshan at the shrine till the start of the pilgrimage season on November 16. ADGP S Sreejith said all pilgrims reaching on the date allotted in their virtual queue pass will be able to offer darshan. The HC had rapped the TDB for lapses in preparations. A Division Bench of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K V Jayakumar observed that only a controlled number of devotees should be permitted entry. Noting that the arrangements for the pilgrimage season should have started six months earlier, the bench orally remarked that though the TDB is responsible for ensuring all facilities are in place, there appears to be no coordination. Measures taken for Crowd Management Spot booking capped at 5,000 pilgrims per day until Monday. Considering rush at Sannidhanam, this can be raised to 10,000 Max 5,000 pilgrims allowed on forest routes Virtual queue cap continues at 70,000 devotees a day. NDRF unit deployed at Sannidhanam 7 new booking counters opened at Nilakkal 200 staff deployed at queue complexes; 200 more to be engaged for cleaning toilets and sanitation-related works
Engineering students develop software to track EVMs
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Two engineering students have developed a software to track the movement of more than half a lakh electronic voting machines (EVMs) to and from polling stations in the local body elections. Named EVM Track, the software was developed by Ashin C Anil and Jeswin Sunsi, third-year BTech students at SRM Institute, Chennai, under the supervision of State Election Commissions EVM consultant L Suryanarayanan. Ashin hails from Thiruvananthapuram, while Jeswin is a native of Thrissur. The software was formally launched by State Election Commissioner A Shajahan on Tuesday. EVMs that includes 50,693 ballot units and 1.37 lakh control units have already been subjected to first-level checks and are ready to use.
Survivor turns author: Satyan Warriers CanSwar aims to end cancer taboos in Kerala
THRISSUR: Even though there are numerous campaigns across the country sharing survival stories of people diagnosed with cancer, in Kerala it still remains a taboo to talk about the disease. Whether within extended families or among close friends, there is an aversion to speak openly about cancer diagnosis and treatment. For Satyan Warrier, an IT professional residing in Athani, this became clear when he had to face the situation himself. This experience inspired him to write the book CanSwar , detailing his diagnosis, treatment and survival of a life-threatening disease. It was in December 2015 that Satyan first consulted a doctor in Bengaluru after suffering from fever. Though he took the medicines prescribed by the doctor, the fever didnt subside and dengue was initially suspected. Blood tests revealed a low platelet count, prompting further investigations. When indications of a possible cancer appeared, Satyan resigned from his job in Bengaluru to pursue advanced medical care. After consultations, the diagnosis at Aster Medcity confirmed Stage IV Aggressive T-cell Lymphoma. T-cells are usually produced in our bone marrow, but in my case, they were turning cancerous at the production stage and invading other cells in my body. Hence, the only practical solution was a bone marrow transplantation. However, we did explore potential treatments in the US, where clinical trials for new medicines were underway, he said. However, he decided not to experiment with unproven therapies and chose to proceed with bone marrow transplantation. Fortunately, his twin brother Vijayan was a perfect donor match. After undergoing chemotherapy, Satyan returned to life following the bone marrow transplantation procedure. The chemotherapy just before the surgery was too intense. To mentally prepare for the transplant while enduring such harsh treatment was an incredibly difficult phase. Yet, when I look back, I feel confident, he said. Life gradually returned to normal, but one day Satyan had to be admitted to the hospital again with a fever. It was an eye-opener for me. Now I respect my body and lead a life taking care of myself. From my eating habits to my daily routine, surviving cancer has transformed me as a person, Satyan added. Satyan wrote the book with the aim of encouraging people to talk openly about cancer survival and treatment. He began writing about his journey while undergoing treatment in the hospital. Even though his handwriting was shaky and the process was difficult, he was determined to document his thoughtscontinuing to write even on days when getting out of bed was a struggle. I had decided to write about my experience during the treatment itself. After surviving, many people began sharing their journeys with me. Yet, few are willing to talk about it publicly. Some feel ashamed of their illness, while others are simply afraid. This mindset must change, people should feel free to share their experiences, Satyan opined. The book captures his thoughts, experiences and the ways he fought back the disease. Satyan was diagnosed with a rare form of T-cell Lymphoma with fewer than 1,000 reported cases worldwide. It is the first such case reported in India. As per Dr Arun Warrier, Senior Consultant (Medical Oncology) at Aster Medcity, even diagnosing such a condition was challenging.
56-day-long murajapam festival to begin November 20
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Murajapam-Lakshadeepam festival, held once in every six years, will begin at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple on Thursday (November 20). The inclusion of Atharva Veda in the murajapam, the ritualistic chanting of vedas, will be a novelty this year. The 56-day-long festival involves the recital of vedas culminating with the Lakshadeepam, lighting of one lakh lamps, on the Makar-Sankranti which falls on January 14. In the past editions, only Rigveda, Samaveda and Yajurveda were recited. Vedic scholars from across the country attend the event which was started during the reign of King Marthanda Varma. This year monks from the Sringeri, Uduppi, Uttaradi and Kanchi Kamakodi mutts and Chinna Jeeyar Swami from Hyderabad will participate. Keralite scholars include Azhvanchery Thambrakkal, vadhyans from Tirunavaya and Thrissur, vaidiks from Kaimukku, Pandal, Kaplingad and Cherumukku. During murajapam, vedas are chanted in seven cycles or muras, each lasting for eight days. Each cycle ends with a colourful procession named muraseeveli in which the priests carry the festival idols of Lord Sree Padmanabhaswamy, Lord Narasimha Swamy and Lord Thiruvambadi Sreekrishna Swami in decorated vahanas. The procession will be accompanied by Moolam Tirunal Rama Varma, head of the erstwhile Travancore royal family. Poojas will be led by thantris Govindan Namboodiripad, Pradeep Namboodiripad, Satheesan Namboodiripad and Saji Namboodiripad. Vedamandapas will be set up on the four nadas of the temple. Pushpanjali Swamiyar Oravankara Achutha Bharathi will light the deepam on the vedamandapam on the east nada at 4.30pm on Wednesday, temple administration committee members said on Tuesday. Cultural programmes will be held during the festival days. Telugu actor Rana Daggubati will inaugurate the cultural programmes titled Vande Padmanabham at 5pm on Thursday.
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
Indefinite traffic ban on Kerala's key interstate highway
KOCHI: Traffic movement will be completely banned on the crucial interstate Anamala Road (SH 21) from Vazhachal to Malakkapara from Monday. The restriction is necessitated by the perilous condition of a culvert along the road. The closure would last for months as the public works department (PWD) is struggling to secure a contractor for the repair work in the deep forest region. The culvert, located approximately 17km from Vazhachal in the forest area, is in a dangerous condition and can collapse at any time, said Rakesh C, executive engineer, Road Division, Thrissur. A portion of the culvert has already collapsed, and cracks have reappeared even after the repair work. The engineer emphasised the gravity of the situation, noting that its complete failure would sever connectivity between the two regions. Despite securing an administrative sanction of Rs 40 lakh for the repair work, the PWD is still unable to find a contractor. A significant hurdle is the culverts location in the forest area with a high threat from wildlife, specifically from elephants. We couldnt get a contractor there despite our best efforts, the official said. The bans duration remains uncertain. The PWD has written to the forest department seeking permission to build a temporary road nearby, which would allow single-vehicle passage and help restore some traffic flow. If we get the nod, well construct a temporary road so that the traffic could be restored. However, we are yet to get the permission from the forest department, said Rakesh, adding that failure in securing the permission would mean that the traffic may not be restored until the completion of the entirely new culvert, a process that may take three months. The PWD is now preparing to float new tenders for demolishing the existing structure and constructing a new culvert. To expedite this, the department has written to the district collector seeking a relaxation from the election norms currently in place. Meanwhile, the ban would result in bus services between Chalakudy and Malakkapara, operated by both the KSRTC and private operators, getting cancelled. The PWD is yet to inform us. We have four services to Malakkapara from Chalakudy, besides the budget tourism trips. With the traffic ban in place, they will be cancelled indefinitely, said a senior KSRTC official. The Anamala Road (SH 21), also known as the Chalakudy-Malakkappara Road, is a vital 86-km-long route known for passing through the picturesque rainforests and linking Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Thrissur Revenue District School arts festival from Nov 18 to 21 in Irinjalakuda
Equal representation drive demands action, not excuses, from Keralas political leadership
State convention of Thulya Pradinithya Prasthanam organised at the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Hall in Thrissur
Back-to-back exits haunt the Congress in Thrissur
Two district-level leaders quit the party, unhappy with denial of party ticket in the local body election. Another leader resigns from all party positions
Rajeev Chandrasekhar launches NDAs Kerala local body poll campaign in Thrissur
KSRTC rolls out 72 temple-connect packages for Sabarimala pilgrims
KOCHI: Pilgrims embarking on spiritual journey to the Sabarimala hill shrine this pilgrimage season have an enriched experience awaiting them, thanks to the novel initiative of the KSRTC Budget Tourism Cell (BTC). The corporation has rolled out an extensive set of 72 temple-connect packages for the mandala season, designed to allow devotees to offer prayers at major temples en route, weaving together a more holistic pilgrimage circuit. The initiative is being carried out in association with the Travancore Devaswom Board. We have introduced 72 chartered packages, involving 1,600 trips, for the first phase of the pilgrimage season. More trips will be conducted depending on the demand. The temple-connect packages, especially those from northern parts, will be of two-day trips, while those from comparatively nearby places like Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta will be one-day services, a senior BTC official told TNIE. The seats of a BTC bus can be booked by a single group or multiple groups. A chartered bus will ply if 90% of the seats are booked. A standout offering among the 72 packages is the Ayyappa Darsanam pilgrimage circuit, which connects four historically and mythologically significant temples Kulathupuzha Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, Aryankavu Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, Achankovil Sree Dharma Sastha Temple and Pandalam Valiya Koyikkal Sree Dharma Sastha Temple associated with the life of Lord Ayyappa. Pampa depot facilities to be free for BTC travellers This circuit is a meticulously curated route tracing Lord Ayyappas journey through various life stages as cited in legends. Apart from this, the BTC has listed a wide array of other packages. For instance, pilgrims from the northern parts of Kerala can opt for packages that include the Guruvayur temple, while those from the south can choose packages featuring the Kottarakkara Ganapathy temple. The final schedule for these chartered trips will be tailored to the specific interests of the travelling groups, the official said. The authorities promise that these tours will be offered at reasonable rates, with fares for packages originating from destinations like Thrissur ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 700 per person. To encourage pilgrimage groups, we are offering a commission for bulk bookings. A 3% commission will be given to the groups leader if the booking is done on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and 2.5% on weekdays. The order in this regard has been issued, the official said. For the first time, the KSRTC is enhancing pilgrim amenities by offering dedicated luggage space and refreshment facilities at the Pampa depot free of cost for travellers availing BTC packages. Also, BTC coordinators will be stationed at Sannidhanam to provide direct assistance to pilgrims. The pilgrims will be taken back to their origin destination in the BTC bus. For enquiries, contact BTC coordinator Pathanamthitta (9188938524) and BTC coordinator Chengannur (9188938525).
Key suspect in organ trafficking case in NIA custody
KOCHI: The NIA Special Court, Ernakulam, has granted custody of Madhu Jayakumar of Ernakulam, the key accused in a case related to the alleged trafficking of people to Iran for illegal organ donation, to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) till November 19. The NIA suspects that Madhu is the mastermind behind an organ-trafficking network operating in Iran, allegedly coordinating with hospitals there. It suspected that around 20 Indians have been taken to Iran under his leadership since 2019. The organ-trade racket came to light when Immigration Bureau officials questioned Sabith Nasar, a Thrissur resident, who arrived from Iran in August 2024. He had been taken to Iran to donate a kidney after being promised a large sum of money. Apart from Sabith, Sajith Shyam and Bellamkonda Ramaprasad who were intermediaries in Madhus network were arrested last year.
Colourful rally marks Childrens Day in Thrissur
Childrens president, prime minister, and speaker take part in festivities. A special stamp released on the occasion
Home and away Can Twenty20 up its game?
KOCHI: When Twenty20 swept 17 of 19 seats in Kizhakkambalam grama panchayat in 2015 barely two years after its formation it was seen as a political anomaly. This corporate-backed civic experiment had unexpectedly evolved into a hyperlocal movement. Its subsidised Bhakshya Suraksha Market, welfare and infrastructure interventions, and the much-discussed Gods villas seemed to signal a new model of local governance, one that voters rewarded again in 2020. That election also marked the partys first major expansion: it retained Kizhakkambalam and extended influence to three neighbouring panchayats Aikaranad, Mazhuvannoor, and Kunnathunad. Now, a decade into its dramatic entry, Twenty20 is attempting its most ambitious leap yet. The party has announced plans to contest in 55 local bodies, including key municipalities such as Maradu, Tripunithura, and Thrikkakara, as well as Kochi corporation. The pitch is clear: Positioning itself as the alternative for voters tired of the traditional UDF-LDF binary. But can a hyperlocal movement built around a corporate ecosystem scale into a statewide political force? Political observers say the answer is almost certainly no. In the beginning, the party had possibilities. But it could not keep up with its promises. The founders political statements affected its image as an independent force. The party does not have a clear roadmap or agenda to grow in Kerala, and many early leaders have left, said senior journalist and political analyst M G Radhakrishnan. The party has selected panchayats across Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Ernakulam, where it currently holds two district panchayat seats, to further its ambitions. But analysts argue that geographical spread alone does not guarantee political depth. According to Dr D Dhanuraj, founder of the Centre for Public Policy Research, a Kochi-based think tank, expansion beyond a local cluster requires the organisational muscle of alliances. In Kunnathunad and nearby areas, Twenty20 can operate independently. But to win assembly or Lok Sabha seats, you need a strong institutional framework, clear policies, and committed cadre. That is a continuous and long-term process, he said. Twenty20s immediate impact, however, cannot be dismissed. In the 2021 assembly election, it contested eight seats in Ernakulam and significantly dented the UDFs prospects in Kunnathunad, Kochi, Kothamangalam, and Vypeen. Its founder, Sabu Jacob, maintains that Twenty20 is the only force willing to address chronic civic failures. LDF and UDF have failed to tackle even basic issues like mosquito menace, waterlogging, drinking water scarcity, waste disposal, and traffic congestion. These are areas ripe for corruption, which is why established parties hesitate. Only Twenty20 can take these issues head-on, he earlier told TNIE. But even Sabu acknowledges setbacks. The Kitex Groups decision not to invest further in Kerala, he admits, curtailed the states development potential a move widely seen as politically charged. Political observers unanimously agree: Twenty20 may retain Kizhakkambalam and its neighbouring strongholds, and may even snatch a few more local bodies. But a pan-Kerala presence remains unlikely. They may win in pockets. But expanding even within Ernakulam -- let alone the state is going to be difficult, Radhakrishnan said. Dhanuraj echoed this point, noting that the partys influence is heavily concentrated. People in panchayats around Kizhakkambalam may elect them. But building presence in districts where they have no history or local grounding is an entirely different challenge, he said. As Kerala heads into local body elections, Twenty20 appears poised to disrupt and potentially spoil the prospects of the major fronts, particularly the UDF. But the broader question remains: Is it an emerging political alternative or simply a hyperlocal outlier with limited room to grow? For now, analysts say its future is firmly tied to where it began: Kizhakkambalam and its immediate neighbourhood. In a league of its own Twenty20s performance over the previous two local-body elections in Kizhakkambalam and neighbouring panchayats Local body Seats won /total seats Kizhakkambalam 17/19 Kizhakkambalam 18/19 Aikaranad 14/14 Mazhuvannoor 14/19 Kunnathunad 11/18
Road works likely to worsen logjam amid pilgrimage rush
KOCHI: The annual Mandala pilgrimage season to the revered Sabarimala Ayyappa temple is set to commence in a week, bringing with it the customary massive influx of devotees from across South India. However, this year, the sacred journey threatens to devolve into a chaotic ordeal, thanks to the unfortunate timing and sluggish pace of major road works that are creating severe bottlenecks across Central Kerala. The convergence of heavy traffic and widespread construction is set to test the patience of pilgrims and local commuters alike. NH 544 bottleneck at Amballoor One of the most immediate and critical gridlocks is forecast for the Thrissur-Angamaly section of NH 544, specifically at Amballoor. The construction of an underpass here is progressing at a snails pace. The work should have been completed before the pilgrimage season began. A heavy traffic congestion is being experienced at Amballoor now. Neither have they readied any alternative roads nor any traffic diversion plans have been formulated so far. Most of the alternative roads are in a dilapidated condition, said lawyer-cum-Congress leader Shaji J Kodankandath. He warned that the issue will turn much worse with the impending arrival of vehicles from neighbouring states, highlighting a serious lack of foresight in planning. A top NHAI official, however, refuted the charges, maintaining that measures are in place. In Amballoor, the police have identified diversion roads to help ease traffic congestion. Additional traffic marshals have also been deployed, and necessary traffic signboards have been installed, the official said, placing the responsibility for traffic management squarely on local law enforcement. Elevated highway woes on NH 66 Further south, the construction of the elevated highway on the 12.75-km-long Aroor-Thuravoor section of NH 66 presents another critical choke point. The dilapidated Ezhupunna-Kumbalangi road through which heavy vehicles are being diverted from Thuravoor due to highway construction The dilapidated condition of alternative routeslike the Thuravoor-Thycattussery and the Thuravoor-Ezhupunna-Kumbalangi Coastal Roadwill force most vehicles onto the main highway, where construction is heavily under way. While a slight, temporary relief has been felt following court intervention, which led to the deployment of traffic wardens and the start of tarring work on marshy stretches, the overall situation remains precarious, said Sanoob Aziz, a member of the Janakeeya Jagrata Samiti. Aziz emphasised the need for authorities to hasten the process before the pilgrimage starts and to immediately clear construction waste and rebuild roads where work is complete, demanding a war-footing response. Responding to the concerns, a senior NHAI official claimed significant progress, stating, Weve already completed 80% of the construction works in the Aroor-Thuravoor section. The official promised to complete structural elements like piers by January but shifted blame for immediate delays to another agency. A major hurdle is the setting up of high tension power lines at two locations. The KSEB is going slow on the same, he said. Tough ride on MC Road, and a distant solution The anguish is not confined to the National Highways. The MC Road from Angamaly to Muvattupuzha will also suffer due to existing works, with heavy congestion expected around Kalady and Muvattupuzha town. While the finance department recently sanctioned a significant Rs 377.8 crore for the renovation of 82 roads, this relief will not materialise in time for the current pilgrimage. Regarding the perpetually clogged Muvattupuzha Junction, a senior NHAI official offered a future solution, confirming that the tender for the detailed project report for a Muvattupuzha bypass has been awarded to a consultancy firm, HEC Pvt Ltd, which has been given six months to prepare the report. For the thousands of pilgrims set to arrive in the coming days, however, this promise of a bypass is a far-off hope. The acute traffic congestion at Amballoor junction
Kerala HC suggests state move Supreme Court against ECs Special Revision drive
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Thursday suggested that it would be appropriate for the state government to approach the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commission of Indias decision to conduct the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Kerala. During the hearing of the petition filed by the state government, Justice V G Arun said it would be better to approach the Supreme Court, as several other states have also filed Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) against the SIR. The court will pass an order on Friday on the states petition seeking deferment of the SIR until the local body elections are over. Advocate General K Gopalakrishna Kurup argued that the state has not questioned the validity of the Election Commissions SIR and that the writ petition is confined solely to seeking its deferment within the state until the local body elections are concluded. The state government contended that conducting the SIR simultaneously with the local body elections would hinder their smooth conduct. The general elections to the LSGIs are a massive exercise requiring the deployment of 1,76,000 personnel from government and quasi-government services for election-related duties, along with an additional 68,000 police and other security personnel for election-related security duties. The state pointed out that elections to the LSGIs in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, and Ernakulam have been scheduled for December 9, while those in Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod are scheduled for December 11. The election notification will be issued on November 14. The last date for filing nominations is November 21, scrutiny will be on November 22, and withdrawals will be allowed until November 24. Counting will be held on December 13, and the last date for completing the election process is December 18. The guidelines show that the SIR involves a comprehensive and cumbersome procedure. The state would face an administrative deadlock if it conducted the LSGI elections and the SIR simultaneously, the Advocate General submitted. Senior Advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, counsel for the Election Commission of India, submitted that the SIR exercise was announced as early as October 27. BLOs were appointed and trained, and the SIR began on November 4. By now, 55 percent of the enumeration work has been completed, and the entire process is to be concluded within one month, ending on December 4. This exercise involves only obtaining the electors signature. The enumeration forms are pre-filled with the Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers, addresses, and other details. These forms are taken door to door by BLOs and agents of political parties, who obtain electors signatures before uploading the completed forms. More than half the exercise has already been completed, and the process is underway. The state should have approached the Supreme Court, Dwivedi submitted, adding that any intervention at this point by the High Court would interrupt the process mid-way.
e-Health project rolled out in 1,001 medical institutions in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The health department has achieved a milestone by bringing 1,001 medical institutions under the e-Health project. This includes 19 medical college institutions, 33 district/general hospitals, 87 taluk hospitals, 77 community health centres, 554 family health centres, 99 urban family health centres, 15 specialty hospitals, 3 public health laboratories, and 114 other health facilities. So far, over 2.63 crore people have obtained permanent UHID registrations through e-Health. More than 6.73 crore people have sought medical care using temporary registration, and 16.85 lakh patients have been admitted through the e-Health system. Digital technology has been effectively implemented in the health sector, with recent initiatives including digital payment options, online OP ticketing, the MeHealth app, and Scan and Book facilities, said Health Minister Veena George. Through e-Health, patients can now book OP tickets in advance. The system also allows patients who need follow-up treatment to take advance tokens directly from the hospital. Advance tokens can be booked via the e-Health portal or the MeHealth app, significantly reducing waiting times. e-Health project district-wise TPuram: 150 Kollam: 61 PThitta: 37 Alappuzha: 65 Kottayam: 57 Idukki: 32 Ernakulam: 100 Thrissur: 99 Palakkad: 68 Malappuram: 106 Kozhikode: 89 Wayanad: 37 Kannur: 62 Kasaragod: 38
Capture myopathy caused by scare behind death of 10 deer at Puthur Zoo
THRISSUR: The postmortem examination of the 10 spotted deer, that were found dead inside their enclosure at the Zoological Park at Puthur, found capture myopathy as the cause of the death. Capture myopathy is a condition in which the animals experience acute pressure when they get scared. It should be the attack of stray dogs that scared them and resulted in their death, said veterinary surgeon Arun Zacharia. Meanwhile, small bite marks were found on the body of three spotted deer during the autopsy of the carcasses. The deer were found dead in the morning on Tuesday. Stray dogs had trespassed into the enclosure where spotted deer were accommodated. While all other animals are kept inside the kraal, spotted deer are left to wander around in their enclosure, considering their habits. Chief Wildlife Warden Pramod G Krishnan said that the zoo authorities had identified the way through which stray dogs had entered the enclosure. Steps have been taken to close any such passages that could allow stray dogs into the zoo campus. Waste management will also have to be taken care of seriously, as it is the main factor that attracts stray dogs, he added. Meanwhile, Forest Minister A K Saseendran had sought a report on the incident within two days and a detailed report within 2 weeks. Friends of Zoo, an informal organisation that played a crucial part in setting up of Puthur Zoo, had sought a safety audit into the entire zoo to avoid any unlikely incidents that risk the lives of animals in the future.
BJP looks to progress with professional edge
KOCHI: With a technocrat at the helm of affairs, the BJP is banking on professionalism and development to upset the decades-old bipolar politics in Kerala. Understanding the pivotal role of panchayats in expanding its support base at the grassroots level, the party has been persevering for the past six months -- reorganising booth-level committees, forming election-management committees at ward level and preparing panchayat-specific development agenda. Besides, its cadre has been actively enroling new voters, an exercise done by only the CPM in the past. The party has added around 8 lakh new voters over the past few months. The BJP studied long-pending projects and explored central initiatives that can be utilised in each local body. Based on the effort, a development agenda has been prepared that will be presented before voters along with the party manifesto. The projects proposed for corporations such as Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram have been sent to a Mumbai-based agency to be repackaged in a professional manner. We have prepared development plans for each local body diligently by identifying projects and discussing with local leaders and professionals. Our teams will visit houses and expose the long forgotten projects and the possibilities of unexplored central projects. There has been a shift in the outlook of voters and we believe this will lead to change, BJP state general secretary Anoop Antony said. Among the six corporations, the BJP is focusing on Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur. In the capital, the party topped the vote count in 71 corporation ward segments in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. In the Thrissur assembly constituency, Suresh Gopi posted a 14,117 vote advantage over his nearest rival. In Ollur, Suresh Gopi led by 10,000 votes. The BJP believes the last Lok Sabha election has transformed the election scenario, that will allow the party to post major gains in the local-body polls. The BJP is expecting discontent among Hindu voters over the Sabarimala gold theft to work in its favour in the south. In the central districts, the party is banking on its appeasement of the Christian community.
First-off-the-blocks UDF looks to press advantage in local body polls
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After a gap of nearly 15 years, a sense of renewed hope appears to be sweeping through the ranks of the Congress-led UDF. Workers believe the alliance is finally poised to reemerge as a formidable force before the assembly election in 2026. According to senior leaders, the last time the UDF stormed the local bodies was in 2010. Since then the front has consistently disappointed, especially in 2015 and 2020 when the LDF consolidated its position. With these polls being viewed as a do-or-die battle, the Congress and allies see it as a curtain raiser to the assembly election. Despite a series of setbacks in recent years, the Congress has succeeded in energising its workers and local leadership. The end justifies the means, a Congress political affairs committee member said. We will not settle for nothing less than success, he said. At its Wayanad chintan shivir, the party unveiled Mission 2025, detailing its strategies and road map for local-body polls. Our workers visited homes before our opponents even began preparatory work, said KPCC working president P C Vishnunadh. We distributed leaflets highlighting the failures of the state and central governments, and for the first time, ward committees were authorised to collect funds from the public through coupons, he said. The UDF also focused on ensuring that voters affiliated to the front are added to the voters list. For the first time in decades, the Congress candidate selection process was uneventful. In Thiruvananthapuram corporation, the party released its list while both CPM and BJP were still finalising candidates. In the 2020 local-body election, the UDF lost Kochi and Thrissur corporations as rebels played spoilsport. This time, we were able to fix issues that arose at the grassroots level, Vishnunadh said. KPCC leaders were named to oversee activities in 14 districts, while senior party leaders were given charge of the six corporations. The leaderships decision to leave candidate selection to ward committees resulted in lowering the number of defectors. The UDF will raise the Sabarimala gold-theft controversy as a key issue this election. The opposition front will also look to milk any anti-incumbency against the LDF government. It will also focus on unemployment, the states financial strain and setbacks in the health sector, besides local issues.
LDF is banking on its welfare plank, history to retain edge in Kerala local body polls
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: One of the trolls doing the rounds on October 29, the day Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan rolled out a slew of welfare measures, was a tale of shared lament of two CM-hopefuls in the opposition UDF. It served to highlight, in no uncertain terms, how the out-of-the-blue dole outs would weigh on the upcoming local-body polls. Eyeing no less than a convincing win in the election to the three-tier bodies -- which is being viewed as a semi-final, coming as it does a few months ahead of the assembly election -- the LDF hopes to ride the wave of its welfare push. Determined to repeat the fronts success in previous elections, Pinarayi seems to have left no stone unturned. Over the past decade, the Left has held a upper hand in local-body polls. Moreover, being the ruling front has its advantages, as the very fact that it controls the levers of policy making can convert into votes. With this in mind, the front is opting for a multi-pronged approach, in which highlighting the state governments initiatives and how they reflect at the grassroots level is key. On the other hand, sufficient attention has been accorded to candidate selection by fielding a judicious mix of known faces, youngsters and women. What could, however, go wrong for the LDF would be a backlash on two fronts: Sabarimala and human-wildlife conflict. The gold theft controversy linked to the hill shrine and subsequent allegations could spell doom in the assembly election, if not the local-body polls. Countering the public perception over Sabarimala at the macro-level and fighting the human-wildlife narrative at the micro-level could be major challenges before the front. CPM secretariat member M Swaraj exuded confidence that the LDF governments development and welfare initiatives would reflect positively in the polls. The CPM feels that Congress early announcement of candidates may not yield the desired results. Even while the Left projects the UDF as its primary opponent, it perceives the challenge posed by the BJP, especially in corporations such as Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur. At a time when it is nurturing hopes of a third consecutive assembly term, nothing short of a compelling win will do for the LDF!
SIR enumeration forms distributed to 42 per cent in Kerala: Electoral officer
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Eight days after the launch of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Kerala, over 1.15 crore enumeration forms have been distributed among the 2.78 crore voters who figure in the electoral roll as on October 27, 2025. With SIR reaching nearly 42% of voters by November 11, Chief Electoral Officer-Kerala Rathan U Kelkar exuded hope that the first phase of the exercise, that includes distribution and collection of enumeration forms, would be completed by November 25. Meanwhile, as part of SIR, the District Election Office, Thrissur, in collaboration with online food delivery partners, launched an innovative voter awareness initiative. Pamphlets providing guidance on filling the enumeration form will now be delivered along with every food order. The initiative is aimed at informing and engaging urban voters about the SIR process. The initiative was inaugurated by Thirussur District Election Officer & District Collector, Arjun Pandian, who handed over the first set of pamphlets to an online delivery partner. Electoral Registration Officer & Sub Collector Thrissur Akhil V Menon, Additional District Magistrate Murali T, Assistant Collector Swathi Mohan Rathod, ERO & Deputy Collector (LA) Manoj, and Deputy Collector (Election) Krishnakumar K were present at the event.
10 deer killed by stray dogs in Thrissur Zoological Park
THRISSUR: Ten spotted deer were found dead inside their enclosure at the newly inaugurated Thrissur Zoological Park at Puthur on Tuesday. Preliminary investigation revealed that the animals were attacked by stray dogs that might have entered the deers enclosure at night. The incident has raised questions on the security of animals at the 336-acre zoological park that was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on October 28. Forest Minister A K Saseendran has ordered a probe into the incident, while Chief Wildlife Warden Pramod G Krishnan visited the zoological park for a preliminary assessment of the situation. The stray dogs would have scared the deer and while running away from the dogs, they might have hit the walls. However, the exact cause of death will only be known after postmortem examination, said zoo director B N Nagaraj. Call to conduct safety audit at zoological park Nagaraj said the possibility of stray dogs entering the enclosure was low and only a proper investigation could give a clear picture. According to sources, while all other animals were taken back to their kraal by evening, the spotted deer were left to wander inside their enclosures as these animals prefer it. Shifting of spotted deer from the old zoo at at Chembukkav was one of the challenging tasks that the authorities faced as these animals succumb to stress immediately. Despite the challenges, the shifting was done successfully and they were seemingly adapted to the environment at Puthur. Puthur zoo currently has about 63 species of animals and birds that were shifted from the old zoo. A hippopotamus was set to be shifted to Puthur soon. However, the transfer of animals is likely to be delayed further in the wake of the latest development. In the wake of the death of deer, Friends of Zoo, an informal organisation that played a crucial part in implementation of Puthur Zoo, urged the forest department to conduct a safety audit at the zoological park before proceeding with the transfer of animals from the old zoo. M Peethambaran, secretary of the organisation, urged the authorities to form a team of zoo designers and evaluate the completed facilities to avoid any such incident in future. The organisation also urged the authorities to obtain a certificate of fitness from Central Zoo Authority before allowing more people into the park.
Why MVD cant act on illegal online taxi aggregators in Kerala
KOCHI: Despite the Kerala transport minister openly labelling the operations of multinational online taxi aggregators like Uber and Ola as illegal for their failure to register under state regulations, the motor vehicles department (MVD) is unable to take specific punitive action. The core issue, as articulated by traffic experts and legal professionals, is a critical gap between policy and law. To be precise, policy exists but specific rules do not. The Union government, through amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Act, 2019 (specifically, Sections 93 and 193), made it mandatory for aggregators to hold a licence from the respective state to operate. Following this, the Kerala government framed a policybased on central guidelinesrequiring registration with the State Transport Authority (STA). However, as former Ernakulam Regional Transport Officer (RTO) B J Antony noted, the state has not yet formulated the rules necessary to implement and enforce the policy. Though the Central Act is there, the lack of specific rules, to be framed by the state, are rendering the authorities powerless to act against the online taxi services. These rules would define key administrative aspects such as who should be the licensing authority, the exact licensing system and fee structure, the process for penal action if rules are violated, and so on. Without legally binding rules, the states aggregator policy lacks the legal backup required for the MVD or the transport commissioner to issue formal notices or register cases against the companies, despite the ministers strong statements, Antony pointed out. The situation is further complicated by the popularity of these services, which, according to experts, serve the aim of public transportation. The governments aim too is to provide sufficient travel facilities. Instead of terming their operations as illegal, the authorities should bring in a legal framework that allows for their smooth functioning, but in a controlled way. For instance, the state rules should have clauses that the data of online taxi drivers should be provided to the MVD, which driver is attached to which vehicle, whether the cabs have undergone pollution test, etc, said transport expert G P Hari, former additional general manager (urban transport), Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. Backlash and demand for comprehensive law Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumars illegal tag has ignited a backlash from the Online Taxi Drivers Union (OTDU). Citing recent incidents in Kozhikode and Thrissur, the union charged that the irresponsible statements have escalated violence and physical assaults against online cab drivers by local taxi and autorickshaw unions. OTDU, which is seeking clarity on the legal status of online taxis from the Kerala High Court, is demanding a comprehensive law to govern the sector. The current central and state aggregator policies are too vague for effective implementation. We challenge the government to register cases if the operations are truly illegal. So far, no official notice has been served to Uber or Ola to cease services, said OTDU legal advisor T R S Kumar.
10 Deer Killed By Stray Dogs At Newly Opened Kerala Zoo
A major security lapse was reported at Kerala's newly inaugurated Puthur Zoological Park in Thrissur, where at least 10 deer were killed by stray dogs.
SIR: Thrissur District Election Office collaborates with food delivery partners
Twenty20 to contest in 60 local bodies, focus on Kochi corporation
KOCHI: Twenty20, the political outfit promoted by the Kitex Group, will contest local body elections to 55 panchayats, four municipalities, and Kochi corporation. The party will be in the running for selected panchayats in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad districts, but the focus will be on Kochi corporation and neighbouring municipalities, Kitex chairman Sabu Jacob said on Monday. Speaking to TNIE , he said Twenty20 will battle it out in all wards of Kochi corporation and the municipalities of Maradu, Tripunithura and Thrikkakara. Despite holding the reins of Kochi corporation, the LDF and the UDF have been unable to address even basic issues such as mosquito menace, waterlogging, drinking water, water disposal, and traffic congestion. Political parties are not keen to solve problems that offer room for corruption. Only Twenty20 can take these issues head on. We will transform Kochi into a vibrant city. We will conduct a study and implement a Rs 5,000 crore project to make Kochi a high-tech hub, he said. According to Sabu, Twenty20 will cross swords in Thrikkakara, Tripunithura, and Maradu as the development of these municipalities is linked to the development of Kochi. We will offer more opportunities to women candidates. In the panchayats of Poothrikka and Thiruvaniyoor, all our candidates will be women. Nearly 80-90% of all our candidates in the seven panchayats under Kunnathunad assembly constituency will be women. Generally, political parties sideline women, but we believe women better understand the problems of the common man. While political parties are not keen to field women candidates, we promote them, Sabu said. Twenty20 has transformed the panchayats of Kizhakkambalam, Kunnathunad, Aikaranad and Mazhuvannur by introducing good governance, he said. These panchayats have set an example. We study social issues and manage the local bodies professionally. Kizhakkambalam panchayat has posted a budget surplus of Rs 32 crore over the past 10 years. In our first term, savings averaged Rs 2.5 crore per annum. In the second term, this rose to Rs 4 crore. We aim to raise annual surplus to Rs 6 crore in our third term. Aikaranad panchayat saved Rs 14 crore over five years. We achieved this without compromising on development, Sabu added. Local bodies in Kerala lose Rs 4,000 crore - Rs 5,000 crore every year to corruption. Our motto is to ensure development by ending graft, he said.
SFI, KSU clash at Thrissur college over SIR banner
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Elections to local self-government bodies in Kerala will be conducted in two phases on December 9 and 11, State Election Commissioner A. Shajahan announced at a press conference on Monday. With the announcement, the model code of conduct has come into effect. Nomination papers can be filed until November 21, with scrutiny scheduled for November 22 and withdrawals allowed until November 24. Polling will be held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Idukki, Ernakulam, and Kottayam districts on December 9, while Thrissur, Palakkad, Wayanad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod will vote on December 11. A total of 23,576 wards across 1,199 local bodies will go to the polls. Votes will be counted on December 13, and the entire election process will conclude by December 18.
Kumki elephants brought in to drive away rogue tusker in Kerala's Thrissur
The wild elephant has been frequently straying into Irumpupalam region at Kuthiran for past two weeks, creating panic among residents
Woman with muscular dystrophy to appear for equivalency exam at home
Permission given considering the 32-year-old Thrissur natives case as a special one, says Sivankutty
Remand prisoner escapes police custody in Thrissur
Kerala State Awards 2025: From Mammootty to Shamla Hamza, here's all the winners!
The Kerala State Film Awards 2025 brought together Malayalam cinemas finest, honouring talent, creativity, and powerful storytelling. The event, also known as State Film Awards 2025, was filled with anticipation and excitement as industry icons gathered in Thrissur.
Rajan exhorts all to be part of the journey towards Nava Keralam
Minister inaugurates the Vision 2031 Cultural Seminar organised by the Department of Culture in Thrissur
BJP invites Thrissur Mayor M.K. Varghese to its fold
Mayor had said that he would not contest the upcoming elections or campaign for the Left Democratic Front. He also said he was open to working with those who shared his vision
Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian will announce the awards for 2024 at a press conference in Thrissur at 3.30 p.m.
Thrissur completes preparations for SIR of voters list
The Election Commission has scheduled the form distribution and collection period from November 4 to December 4.
Over 10,000 families get land titles across the State
Revenue Minister K. Rajan inaugurates a State-level Pattaya Mela in Thrissur. A total of 1,349 pattayams distributed across Thrissur district and 225 handed over personally by the Minister at the Town Hall.
Vision 2031 cultural seminar in Thrissur on November 3
Discussions to focus on Keralas secular, humanist and cultural vision for the future
Cultural fete of Bhavans schools in Thrissur on November 1
Higher secondary students from 25 Bhavans schools across the State will compete in 23 on-stage and off-stage events across 15 venues. Around 450 students will participate.
CM opens countrys first designer zoo and Asias second largest at Puthur
Built on 338 acres, the world-class Thrissur Zoological park redefines the idea of a zoo from cages to coexistence. Designed by Australian architect Jon Coe, the park boasts nine zones that showcase diverse ecosystems.
Old Facebook post on Kochi Metro link to Thrissur resurfaces as Suresh Gopi denies earlier claim
Never said AIIMS will come to Thrissur, says Suresh Gopi
He clarifies that he never promised a metro rail service forThrissur
Thiruvananthapuram makes a big splash at State School Sports Meet.
Thiruvananthapuram garnered 649 points to finish way ahead of Thrissur (149 ponts) and Ernakulam (133) in the points table.
Major robbery on ThrissurPalakkad National Highway; bus owner robbed of 75 lakh
Gang arrived in a car and escaped with the cash; police suspect insider involvement
Rains Batter Kerala, Trigger Mudslides and Dam Alerts
Heavy downpour continues across Palakkad, Idukki, and Thrissur; authorities open dam shutters as water levels reach danger marks
Rains continue in Kerala, causing mudslides, rise in water levels of dams
Kerala is experiencing heavy rainfall. This has caused dam water levels to rise in Palakkad, Idukki, and Thrissur districts. Authorities have opened dam shutters. Tamil Nadu will release surplus water from Periyar Dam. This will increase the water discharge significantly. Minor mudslides have also occurred in Thiruvananthapuram.
CM to inaugurate Thrissur Zoological Park on Oct. 28
Thrissur declared free from extreme poverty
A total of 5,013 families in Thrissur district have now been officially declared free from extreme poverty
State governments stand on PM SHRI scheme a disgrace, says AISF
AISF stages protest in Thrissur against the State signing the PM SHRI agreement
Celebrating the theme Diversity and Resistance, the week-long festival will showcase over 52 films
Video: Teen Jumps Signal, Hits Senior Citizen With Bike In Kerala, Arrested
A 19-year-old man was arrested after his two-wheeler knocked down a 68-year-old woman when he tried to jump the traffic signal, in Kerala's Thrissur last week.
11 districts in Kerala brace for intense rains on October 21
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad
BBA student in Bengaluru ends life allegedly due to harassment by her senior
Based on the complaint filed by Abdul Nazeer, a civil contractor at Virajpet in Kodagu district, the Bagaluru police have registered a case of abetment to suicide against the accused, identified as Refaas, a native of Thrissur, Kerala., for further investigation.
Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple Has A New Chief Priest
Prasad E D from Thrissur has been selected on Saturday as the new 'melsanthi' (chief priest) of the famed Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple.
Sabarimala Temple gets new 'melsanthi'
Prasad E D from Thrissur has been appointed as the new chief priest of the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple ahead of the annual pilgrimage season. Manu Namboothiri M G will serve as the melsanthi for the Malikappuram shrine. The selections were made through a traditional draw conducted by children from the Pandalam royal family.
Petitioners disappointed at HC decision to lift toll collection ban at Paliyekkara
Petitioners plan to explore scope of moving Supreme Court and say suspension period had been a lesson for both the National Highways Authority of India and the contractor. The order came even as the Thrissur-Angamaly stretch of the NH continues to witness heavy congestion
Customs to release seized cars of Dulquer, Thrissur native
Ouseppachan, Fakruddin Ali share stage with BJP leader B. Gopalakrishnan at Thrissur rally
Film composer praises national unity; BJP leader invites them to join party and contest Assembly polls
Water bottle row: Kerala High Court sets aside KSRTC drivers transfer
The transfer (from Kottayam to Thrissur) can only be treated as a colourable exercise of power, a Bench of Justice N. Nagaresh said and allowed a petition filed by Jaimon Joseph
Kerala is set to witness a new approach in zoo management. Ending the traditional practice of confining animals in enclosures, Thrissur Zoological Park, which will be opened soon, will offer animals a dignified and near-natural life. Mini Muringatheri visits the park to get a view of the facilities there
Exit of southwest monsoon, onset of northeast monsoon likely to be on October 16
Orange alert issued for Idukki and Kottayam on Thursday; yellow alert in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Malappuram
Exit of southwest monsoon, onset of northeast monsoon likely to be on October 16
Orange alert issued for Idukki and Kottayam on Thursday; yellow alert in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Malappuram
Thrissur Revenue District School Sports Meet from October 16 to 18
Over 3,600 young athletes to compete in 98 events at Kunnamkulam
KPCCs Faith Protection March to tour Thrissur district on October 15
Bomb threat prompts search of century-old Mullaperiyar dam
An email, threatening to blow up the reservoir, received at District Collectorate in Thrissur district, say police
Congress Leader Anil Akkara Seeks ED Action Against Kerala CMs Son
The Life Mission scam involves the construction of apartments in Wadakkancherry, Thrissur, funded by the UAE Red Crescent for families affected by the 2018 Kerala floods
Cops identify 24 suspected abusers from visuals during training
Police personnel identified the perpetrators of child sexual abuse during the victim identification task force training conducted at the Kerala Police Academy in Thrissur between September 29 and October 9
Thrissur will get KSRTC double-decker bus: Minister K. Rajan
Open-top electric double-decker bus expected to boost tourism
The new Vande Bharat Express between Bengaluru and Ernakulam, launching in mid-November 2025, will drastically improve travel time and comfort. With stops at key cities like Coimbatore, Thrissur, and Salem, it aims to boost connectivity and economic activity in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
True care emerges only from a heart that feels anothers pain: Sara Joseph
At World Hospice and Palliative Care Day observance in Thrissur, author Sara Joseph calls for greater empathy and collective reflection on dignified end-of-life care
Efforts under way to bridge skill gap between education and employment: Minister R. Bindu
Minister inaugurates Skill Pooram at Government Engineering College, Thrissur
Former Plus Two teacher held in Thrissur with 70 g of MDMA
Ragil, who lost his job after a previous drug arrest, was caught again while on his way to court for trial
