Kerala approaches Supreme Court to postpone Special Intensive Revision
The State said the 'cumbersome' SIR will coincide with the local bodies election and there are no human resources to conduct SIR and local bodies poll simultaneously
Kerala local body polls: Prakashan couple in electoral contest at Kochi Corporation
Kerala local body polls: Fierce three-cornered battle on the cards in Varkala
In the 2025 local body elections, the BJP will be pushing for supremacy and the LDF careful not to lose its weakened grip on the municipality. On its part, the UDF will seek to recover lost ground, but it continues to be troubled by internal issues
Kerala local body polls: Congress attempts to brush aside the Bihar election blues
Though the poll outcome of Bihar may not have any direct bearing on the Congress and its allies in the State, the electoral debacle has left a dampening effect on the enthusiasm of the party workers.
Kerala Lottery Result Today, November 18, 2025 Live: Sthree Sakthi SS-494 Winning Numbers
Kerala Lottery Result Today Live Updates, 18-11-2025: Heres Guessing Numbers for Sthree Sakthi SS-494 for Tuesday, November 18. Check the full list of winning numbers from 3 pm.
The Vande Bharat Express on the Kerala-Bengaluru route impresses passengers with clean coaches, scenic views, and quality meals. Social media users praised the modernised travel experience, while some highlighted the need for better civic awareness and maintenance along railway tracks.
SHRC orders Kerala govt to pay Rs 1-lakh aid to victim of police custodial torture
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Human Rights Commission has directed the state government to pay Rs 1 lakh as compensation to a construction labourer, who was subjected to custodial torture by a sub-inspector earlier attached with Varkala police station. The directive issued by SHRC chairperson Alexander Thomas said the government can deduct the amount from the police officer. Suresh Koyippad, a native of Chathannoor, was beaten up by then Varkala SI P R Rahul on August 30, 2022. Suresh sustained injuries on his abdomen, resulting in the blockage of urine, in the incident. The officer had alleged that Suresh was detained for illegal soil mining, but the commission observed that the vehicle used was not detained. Moreover, Suresh was booked for obstructing the duty of the police officer and not for soil mining, the commission found. Additionally, the police officer had responded that Suresh sustained injuries when he was forcefully made to enter the police jeep. But the commission rejected the allegation. It was also revealed that Suresh was detained by 3.30 pm and kept in the station till 9.30pm. The reports submitted by the home additional chief secretary, the state police chief, the SHRC investigation wing and the Kollam district police chief reckoned that the human rights of Suresh were violated.
BJP to push Sabarimala gold theft narrative amid turmoil over suicide
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Seeking to regain control of the political narrative after the suicide death of Anand Kumar Thampi and another suicide bid by a BJP woman worker triggered criticism from the Congress and the Left, the BJP on Monday kicked off a statewide signature campaign demanding a detailed probe into the Sabarimala gold theft case and alleged irregularities in other temples. The campaign was launched at the Pazhavangadi temple in Thiruvananthapuram, with the party targeting to collect one crore signatures over the next few weeks. Party sources said bringing the Sabarimala issue back to the forefront is expected to provide a strong defensive shield against the Opposition, which has intensified attacks by linking both the suicide incidents to internal BJP factionalism and denial of election seats. Some senior leaders, however, maintained that the drive had been planned well in advance. The Sabarimala gold scam, development and unemployment are among our major agendas for this election. This campaign was scheduled earlier, and we started it from Thiruvananthapuram as part of our broader strategy, a senior BJP leader said. Another leader, however, admitted that the initiative would help counter what the party alleged were attempts by the Congress and the Left to divert the campaign away from development issues. It is unfortunate that a person took his life, but he was not a BJP worker. The Opposition is spreading deliberate misinformation. Hence, we have rolled out counter-strategies, including more campaigns centred on Sabarimala and development. They are using these tragedies as political weapons, and we will expose their cynical politics, the leader added. Meanwhile, the ground-level workers acknowledged that circulating photos of Anand participating in BJP events had created confusion among cadre.
BLOs boycott SIR work across Kerala after officers suicide
The Kerala NGO Association also staged protests across the state, demanding that SIR procedures be stopped to prevent further suicides. Meanwhile, the body of George was handed over to his relatives after the postmortem on Monday
IUML moves Supreme Court against SIR in Kerala
MALAPPURAM: The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has approached the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voters list in Kerala ahead of the local body elections. Rajya Sabha MP Haris Beeran will present the partys plea before the court, making the IUML the first political party in the state to legally challenge the SIR. The petition raises concerns over the SIR notification itself, stating that conducting a radical revision of the electoral roll simultaneously with local body elections has placed unbearable pressure on field staff, including BLOs. It also alleges that the SIR is being used as a tool to remove voters, particularly non-resident electors. IUML state president Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal told reporters on Monday that the revision has dragged the public into a chronic legal tangle and created widespread anxiety. We have seen how election results were tampered with in Bihar, and there are suspicions about the Election Commission s role there. A similar situation could arise in Kerala during the local body polls, Thangal said. IUML national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty has accused the ECI of showing unholy haste in conducting the revision. He reiterated that except the BJP, all major political parties in India are demanding a free and democratic voters list.
Name deletion: Kerala HC tells SEC to consider Vyshnas plea
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Monday directed the State Election Commission to consider the appeal filed by Vyshna Suresh , the Congress candidate for the Muttada division of the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, against the deletion of her name from the voters list, and to pass an order on or before November 19. Justice P V Kunhikrishnan made it clear that a 24-year-old woman should not be denied her right to participate in the election on mere technical grounds. In these types of cases, the winner should be democracy and not technicality or party politics, the court observed. The court directed Vyshna and the complainant, Dhaneesh Kumar, of Palayam, who raised objection to the inclusion of her name in the voters list, to appear before the State Election Commission for a hearing on November 18. The order was issued on a petition filed by Vyshna challenging the deletion of her name. According to the petitioner, she and her family were included in the draft voters list published on September 29. However, she alleged that Dhaneesh, branch secretary of the CPM, raised a baseless objection after her candidature was announced, claiming she was not an ordinary resident of the Muttada ward. She stated that no documents were produced by him to support his objection. The petitioner submitted her voter ID issued by the State Election Commission, Aadhaar card, and driving licence. All these documents, she contended, clearly show that she is a resident of erstwhile ward 3 and the present ward 18.
LDF promises jobs to 20 lakh women, to take poverty eradication to next level
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Solution to stray dog menace, taking extreme poverty eradication to the next level and jobs to women are among the promises LDF made in its manifesto for local body elections released in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday. The manifesto also accused the Congress of adopting a soft Hindutva stand and joining hands with communal elements like Jamaat-e-Islami and SDPI. The manifesto said as a further step in eradicating extreme poverty from Kerala, the government would take steps to find extreme poor familiesby liberalising the indicatorsand uplift them. The government would also provide further financial aid to families already freed from absolute poverty and ensure they do not fall into that situation again. On the stray dog menace, the LDF assured people that centres would be started in each local self-government institution with the help of non-government organisations to house the canines as per the Supreme Courts directions. The manifesto said the government aims to raise women participation in jobs to 50%. Around 20 lakh women will be provided jobs. Kudumbashree aims to provide three lakh jobs before the end of this financial year. If a woman gets Rs 10,000 as monthly income, a sum of Rs 24,000 crore as additional income can reach ordinary citizens, it said. On housing, it said though the target of 5.29 lakh houses under LIFE Project will be accomplished in 2025-26, the government will build houses for any family left out of it. It will also rehabilitate those living in road purampokku with pattaya and land. Nutritious food will be ensured in anganwadis and schools. The government will convert the rest of the 20% primary health centres into family health centres with an outpatient wing working twice, the poll document said The LDF also promised that providing continuous treatment, medicine and palliative benefits to the bedridden patients would be declared as their right. As per the budget declaration, the experience of senior citizens will be used in projects like New Innings. The service pay system of Bud school employees will be revised. Financial aid will be provided to fishermen who could not venture into the sea due to climate change, it said. LDF manifesto Mini industrial parks, work near home facility in LSG bodies Destination Challenge centres in villages Co-working spaces Public spaces like Manaveeyam Veedhi A playground in each LSG Open gym Strengthen gender budgeting More One Stop Centres for women subjected to sexual assaults Special importance to investment projects of transgenders Crime mapping in all LSGs Hike in financial aid to Kudumbshree Local heat action plan Safety plan in all schools More financial aid to LSGs Funds will be collected via municipal bonds for issuing loans for projects The ISO certification to all LSGs Housing, food for all
Aneeshs suicide: BLO was under pressure from CPM, alleges Congress
KANNUR: The Congress has alleged that booth-level officer (BLO) Aneesh George, who died by suicide on Sunday, was pressured by the CPM. Releasing audio of a phone conversation between the BLO and Congress worker and booth-level agent (BLA) Vyshakh at a news conference here on Monday, DCC president Martin George said that BLAs deputed by political parties are supposed to accompany BLOs to help identify households. However, instead of sending the BLA, CPM deputed its branch secretary Chandran to accompany the BLO. On the second day, Chandran was replaced by a DYFI leader. On the third, Aneesh reportedly called Vyshakh and told him not to accompany him as there were problems. Martin said the CPM put pressure on the BLO not to take the Congress BLA along with him on house visits. But the CPM dismissed the allegation. Party local secretary T Thamban termed it politically motivated. Opposition leader in Kerala alleges CPM role in Payyannur BLO suicide case Meanwhile, rejecting the Kannur district collectors claim that Aneesh had not been subjected to any work-related pressure, his family members and those close to him said that pressure was mounting on the BLO. According to them, Aneesh had been visibly stressed in the days leading up to his death, struggling with the responsibilities assigned to him as part of the electoral list revision work. T Vijayan, the CPM candidate from Ettukudukka and a close acquaintance of Aneeshs family, shared how the latters parents had described the mounting stress he was under in the days before his death. According to them, Aneesh would often stay awake late into the night, sometimes even until 1am, overwhelmed by the stress of his BLO duties and frequently walking back and forth. Seeing him struggle, his parents would sit with him and try to comfort him, unaware that the pressure he faced was far heavier than he let on. Vijayan said Aneesh was unfamiliar with the area he was assigned to and felt he lacked the confidence needed to handle the responsibilities of BLO, leaving him increasingly distressed. Those who knew Aneesh described him as someone who kept to himself and had limited interaction with people outside his daily routine. He would go from home to school and church, rarely spending time with neighbours or the wider community. Because of this, he was not well acquainted with residents in the booth area assigned to him. This lack of familiarity added to his stress, as he struggled to carry out his duties as BLO in a place where he barely knew the people. Shyju, a relative, said Aneesh had become fully absorbed in his booth-level duties, leaving him with little to no time to spend with his family. He only wanted to complete the duty. In a statement released on November 16, the district collector noted that Aneesh had been making good progress with his form distribution work. He had distributed 825 of the 1,065 forms, with 240 pending. On the morning of the incident, around 8.45am, the BLO supervisor called Aneesh to ask if he needed any help with the remaining forms. Aneesh replied that he would complete the work on his own, the collector said.
SIT collects gold plate samples from Sabarimala
PATHANAMTHITTA: The special investigation teams (SIT) probe in the Sabarimala gold theft case has entered a decisive phase, with officers carrying out scientific examination at the Sannidhanam on Monday. The team, led by SP Sasidharan, removed the gold-clad plates from the sanctum sanctorum as part of the scientific examination to determine the purity and quantity of gold. The process, suggested by the Kerala High Court, was carried out in compliance with court directives. Officials said the process began at 1.15pm after the deva anujna (divine permission) rituals and the temples closure following ucha pooja, and continued till 3pm when the temple was reopened for rituals. The sculptors of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) assisted the team in removing the gold-clad plates from the pedestals of dwarapalaka idols, side pillars and the door frames of the sreekovil. The removed plates will be reinstalled after the scientific tests are completed. The entire procedure was videographed and photographed. Sources said the weight of the gold plates will also be measured as part of the investigation. The plates were transferred to another room, where their weight was recorded and samples collected for forensic analysis. Forensic experts, chemical analysts part of team Besides police personnel, the SIT included 20 members, comprising forensic experts and chemical analysts. The team has been stationed at Sabarimala since Sunday. Earlier, the SIT had sought permission from the High Court to conduct a scientific examination of the gold plates on dwarapalaka idols to determine the extent of gold loss following their electroplating in 2019. The court subsequently directed the SIT to weigh the dwarapalaka idol plates and the side-pillar plates of the sreekovil. It also instructed investigators to collect samples of the gold cladding to assess purity and quality, measure the surface area of the plates, and gather copper samples from the plates and door frames. The samples are to undergo scientific analyses, including electrical conductivity, spectroscopic, and microstructure examinations.
Three-fourth of expats wives remain jobless in Kerala: Study
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While migration remittances remain one of the key contributors to the states economy, the wives of male expatriates appear to have little workforce participation within the state. A new study by independent researcher Nafeesath K A, to be presented at the Annual International Migration Conference in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday, found that not even one-fourth of the highly educated women from migrant households are taking part in the states workforce. The study, carried out in collaboration with Prof Archana K Roy of the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, ties the reason for this to patriarchy. Based on the data collected from the Periodic Labour Force Survey from 2017-18 to 2023-24, the National Family Health Survey 2015-16, and the Kerala Migration Survey 2018, the study found that only 24.9% of women, with an educational qualification of graduation or above, and their husbands abroad, are employed. The statistics gain gravitas when 42.6% of women of the state attain higher education, while men remain at 35.8%, as of 2023-24. The study also evaluates that this lack of workforce participation exists even when the wives of the NRIs exhibit decision-making skills and financial autonomy. However, this autonomy tends to increase only when the husbands are absent, and diminishes once they return, which makes this study more relevant, said Nafeesath. Suggesting that the gains through remittances come at the expense of womens lack of workforce participation, the study analyses that the womens withdrawal from workforce participation is less of their choice, and more of their domestic duties, and reduced financial pressures due to the remittance inflow. Another common trend we have seen is that some women tend to feel more respected by society when they are educated but not working, she pointed out.
Kerala trans man fighting historic legal battle to preserve egg cells
KOCHI: A 28-year-old from Attingal who was assigned female at birth, identifies as a transgender man and has undergone gender-affirming treatment including hormone therapy and double mastectomy in 2023 is currently involved in a landmark legal battle. Hari Devageeth is seeking the right to cryo-preserve his gametes (egg cells) for use at a later stage in life. In a petition filed before the Kerala High Court, Hari stated that he has not yet completed sex-reassignment surgery. Once he undergoes the procedure, he will lose all remaining feminine reproductive features and will have to undergo a complete hysterectomy, including removal of the ovaries. Before taking that irreversible step, Hari said he wishes to preserve his gametes to keep open the possibility of having a biological child in the future. However, the situation is not in his favour. The central government has informed the court that under the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Act, the procedure can only be accessed by a commissioning couple, defined as a married man and woman, or a single woman. Single men and transgender persons are not covered under the ART Act or its Rules, leaving Haris request outside the existing legal framework. The court will consider the issue on December 1. In his plea, Hari said he approached a private clinic in Thiruvananthapuram for freezing and storing his eggs. The clinic advised him to undergo an abdomen and pelvis ultrasonography, which did not indicate any significant abnormalities. After the tests, he approached the clinic again with a request for cryo-preservation. However, the private facility relayed its inability to do so, on the grounds that there is no provision under ART Act or the Rules which enables it to cryo-preserve the gametes of a transgender person. Regulatory limits arbitrary and illegal, says petitioner Hari argued that the ART Act and the Rules which limit the benefits of the act only to couples or women are arbitrary and illegal. In an affidavit, the undersecretary of the central health and family welfare ministry submitted that the transgender man cannot avail ART treatment. After undergoing sex-reassignment surgery, the petitioner can no longer avail the benefit of ART services, as for undertaking an IVF procedure, a womb of a mother is required for implantation of embryo as well as carrying the child to term. The only option available with the petitioner would be to undergo surrogacy using his eggs which is also not permitted under the provisions of the Surrogacy Regulation) Act, it said.
Trendy parodies in vogue, rap trumps conventional music
KOCHI: Ward number 10 aane Safiya Haris sthanaarthee! The catchy line set to the tune of the hit film Lokah has become one of the most viral election parody songs ahead of the local body polls. And Safiya Haris, contesting from ward 10 of Othukkungal panchayat in Malappuram, has gained wide attention, as candidates increasingly use such songs to strike a chord with voters. Besides, parody artists and social media influencers known for their musical content are now busy creating catchy tunes and lyrics to promote candidates who approach them. Around 35 to 40% of voters in most wards are youngsters, and many of them apolitical, disinterested, or unaware of whats happening. Election parodies styled after hit movie songs, rap, and new-gen compositions grab their attention quickly, and most candidates or parties now use them to connect with this group. Also, familiar tunes and catchy rhythms leave an impact on almost everyone, said Malappuram resident Akshay T, an independent artist and co-owner of Leh Studioz, who creates election parody songs. The demand this time for election parodies and original campaign songs has been unusually high, he pointed out. Earlier, this trend was mostly popular among Congress and IUML candidates, especially within Malappuram. But this year, we have received at least 10 pre-bookings from candidates of various political parties across districts outside Malappuram a sharp rise from the usual two or three in previous years, said Akshay, whose studio created official election parodies for Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, as well as rap songs for Shafi Parambil and E T Mohammed Basheer in the last Lok Sabha polls. An independent artist from Kannur said the spotlight has shifted from conventional film music. Rap styles inspired by artists like Vedan and Fejo, along with fully original compositions tailored exclusively for each candidate, are in vogue now, he said. Aflahul Ameen, popularly known as Aflu Song Killer and famed for his mock creations in the Mappilappattu style, is also active in composing election parodies. Explaining the process, he said: For parody requests, we adapt the lyrics to fit popular tunes, often suggested by the candidate or their parties. The same goes for rap versions. For original compositions, we create fresh tunes and craft lyrics highlighting the candidates name, promises, achievements, and sometimes even the shortcomings of rivals in a humorous or satirical tone. A Youth Congress state office-bearer said election parody songs are receiving far more traction than expected this election season. Unlike posters and banners, these songs reach voters instantly and help build familiarity with candidates. Most voters are young or music lovers, so they connect quickly, he said. While all parties now use such trends, the Congress and the IUML are using them more effectively.
BJP eyes hat-trick; UDF, LDF fight for existence in Palakkad
PALAKKAD: Palakkad Municipality holds a unique place in Keralas political landscape as the first urban body to be governed by the BJP. Having won in both the 2015 and 2020, the party is now aiming for an unprecedented hat-trick. The UDF, determined to reclaim power at any cost, is tightening its organisational grip, while the LDF has begun preparing for a strong contest with renewed strategy. In the 2020 elections, the BJP won 28 of the 52 seats, improving on its 2015 tally of 24 seats and securing control of the municipality. This time, it hopes a decades worth of development projects will help it retain power. However, internal feud present a major challenge, particularly in Palayam ward. Dissatisfaction has been simmering since the assembly by-election in which the present BJP state vice-president, C Krishnakumar was fielded as the BJP candidate. His defeat, coupled with the noticeable erosion of votes in municipal areas, sparked intense discussions and factional tensions within the party. Further cracks were exposed when the current municipal chairperson, Prameela Sasidharan, appeared at a public event alongside MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who the BJP had boycotted. Sensing an opportunity, the UDF is calculating that these factors may improve its chances. In 2020, the Congress secured 12 seats while the Indian Union Muslim League won four. The UDF has already finalised seat-sharing arrangements and is prepared for the contest, though concerns linger over allegations and factional issues surrounding Rahul. The coalition fears these controversies could turn electoral liabilities. Meanwhile, the CPM aims to expand its influence by highlighting what it describes as stalled development and the saffronisation of the municipality. The party currently holds seven seats and is strategising to increase its presence.
Hammer, sickle and star missing in Malappuram
MALAPPURAM: The ruling party in a majority of local bodies, the CPM faces a dramatically different reality in Malappuram. In this Muslim-majority district, where the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) maintains an unshakeable hold, the CPM is not merely weak, it lacks even a single official party member in 14 local bodies. The organisational vacuum runs so deep that the party often struggles to field candidates on its own symbol. Across several panchayats and municipalities, CPM-backed candidates now contest as independents, deliberately avoiding the iconic hammer, sickle and star. Of the districts 10 municipalities, the party has no official councillors in Tanur and Tirurangadi. In Tanur alone, six councillors aligned with the LDF are independents. We reversed our negligible presence in Tanur by contesting as independents, securing six seats in 2020. All of us are CPM activists or sympathisers, said P T Akbar, councillor of ward 13. Remarkably, Tanur elected seven BJP councillors, all under the lotus symbol. The crisis is starker in block panchayats. The CPM failed to win even a single seat, officially or through independents, in two of the districts 14 block panchayats. In Areacode, KC(M) and RMP have representation, but CPM has none. In Vengara, IUML swept 14 of 15 seats. One seat went to the Congress. At the panchayat level, the party continues to rely heavily on independents. Of the districts 94 panchayats, CPM has no official representation in 10. CPM district secretary Anil V P maintains this is intentional. We admit that CPM is weaker in Malappuram compared to other districts. So we need to be tactical to win more seats. Fielding independents is our tried-and-tested formula here, he said. In certain panchayats, our symbol simply doesnt work. There, we choose popular local figures who are party sympathisers or workers and allow them to contest as independents. We will continue this strategy in upcoming elections as well, he said.
Harithas ousted leaders make powerful return as IUML picks
MALAPPURAM: In a remarkable shift within the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the young women of Haritha once pushed out of Leagues political arena have now returned as some of the partys most prominent candidates in the local body election. Three former Haritha leadersFathima Tahiliya, Mufeeda Thesni, and T Najma Tabsheerawho were sidelined after they filed a sexual-harassment complaint against MSF state president P K Nawas in 2021 are now being fielded by the IUML in key wards. Once blacklisted and removed after the party dissolved the Haritha state committee for taking their complaint public, the trio has now re-emerged at the very centre of the Leagues new political messaging. Fathima Tahiliya is contesting from the Kuttichira division of the Kozhikode corporation, where the party is even considering her for the deputy mayors post. Mufeeda Thesni has been fielded from the newly formed Tharuvana division of the Wayanad district panchayat, and Najma Tabsheera is contesting from Valampuram in the Perinthalmanna block panchayat, where she is the presidential candidate. This change began after Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal took charge as state president. The party made a conscious decision to ensure more representation for women across all wings, said Fathima. This transformation is organic -- it would have happened even without the protests. Najma, who previously won from Tirurkkad and now serves as chairperson of the block standing committee, calls this shift historic. If you look closely at the IUML list this time, many highly educated women are being considered for chairperson and president posts. That itself is a big message, she said. For Mufeeda, the 2021 crisis was the turning point. It changed the trajectory of the Muslim League, she said. We were not the only ones who fought -- many Haritha members stood with us and pushed the party to rethink. The results are visible now: young candidates are everywhere in the list. Two years after the party action, in 2024 Harithas members were given key positions in the party. Fathima was selected as Youth League state secretary, Mufeeda is the national vice president, and Najma is the national secretary. From dissolution to elevation, their return signals not just personal vindication but a deeper ideological shift within the Muslim League itself.
A Musical tribute to Kishore Da in Kochi
Songs have the power to transport listeners to different worlds, stir memories and alter moods. Few voices have done this as effortlessly as Kishore Kumar, and his songs are considered the masters of it. The playfulness of Roop tera mastana , the pain in O majhi re , and the unfiltered romance of Pal pal dil ke pass are just a few examples of his repertoire that spans emotions still influential decades after his passing. A maverick in every sense, Kishore Kumar was not merely a playback singer; he was an actor, composer, director and comic genius who redefined what versatility in Indian cinema could sound like. Celebrating this legendary voice and the moods he mastered, Kochi will play host to a special tribute concert titled Many Moods of Kishore Kumar. The event, presented by Voice of India in association with the Kerala Fine Arts Society, will be held at 6 pm on November 22, Saturday, at the Fine Arts Hall, Kochi. Kishore Kumar Leading the evening will be K T Anilkumar (IRS), who is known for his moving renditions of Kishore Kumars classics. It was the audience who pointed out that I sounded very similar to him, he shares, recalling an experience. I also sing songs by other renowned singers such as SPB, Jayachandran sir, Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh and Yesudas as well, depending on the audiences requests. But a simple humming in Kishore Kumars style is captivating; there is a heaviness in his voice that no other singer has, and this is why I keep coming back to him. Anilkumar has been performing tribute programmes across the country this year to commemorate the 96th birth anniversary of the legendary playback singer. The upcoming performance is a part of the same. Joining him on stage are singers Rijiya and Beena Murali, each bringing their own distinct vocal style to complement the tribute. The musical arrangements and orchestra will be led by Susanth, who is based in Kozhikode. He is a master himself, informs Anilkumar. Talking about the range of songs that one can perform when it comes to Kishore Kumar, Anilkumar remembers an incident, I once performed 81 songs in a night, at a performance in Delhi, and still the audience came up and requested four more. We ended up performing 85 songs in total that night. I will never forget it, he smiles. Having performed in different cities, Anilkumar recalls having come across both positive and negative comments when singing in Kishore Kumars style. Some appreciate that I can bring his magic to the stage, and some complain that I only sing his songs majorly, he chuckles. Whatever the moods of the audience, he makes sure to tweak his playlist depending on the city he is performing in. One of my favourite places to perform in Kerala is Kozhikode, the audience there is very receptive and loving. They stay on till the end of the concert every time. Kochi does not disappoint either, Anilkumar shares. With a mix of unforgettable melodies, talented performers and the timeless charm of Kishore Kumars music, Many Moods of Kishore Kumar will bring back the celebration and nostalgia that lovers of classic Hindi film music will not want to miss. Many Moods of Kishore Kumar @ FIne Arts Hall November 22, 6pm. Entry is free. For details: 9388663345
Panel suggests repair of damaged Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple idol
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The High Court-appointed expert committee has reported damage due to wear and tear for the moolavigraham, the main idol at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The idol is made of a concrete-like mixture called kadusharka-rayogam. The damage includes those to the right chin of the idol, foot finger and reinforcement between the idol and the anantha. There are wear and tear to the lotus that grows from the idols navel and Lord Brahmas idol on top of the flower. The alankarangal or decorations on the idol including the tholvala, kaivala, poonool, and earrings too suffered damage. The use of nails to adorn golden and silver robes on the idol also caused damage. The expert co mmittee members were temple thantri Tharananellor Satheesan Namboodiripad, Kanippayyoor Krishnan Namboodiri, Pazhangaparambu Unnikrishnan Namboodiri, and Cheruvalli Easwaran Namboodiri. Climatic changes are a major reason for the wear and tear to the idol, according to Satheesan. A moderate climate is required for the idol to remain in good condition. Over the years, the temperature has risen. The tremendous increase in the number of devotees has made the sanctum warmer in recent years, he told TNIE. Idols made of kadusarkarayogam should not be exposed to water. Hence, the customary abhishekam is performed on a representative idol. The speedy decaying of tulsi leaves makes the idol wet which thereby affects the texture. Years ago, the flowers would remain dry until the next morning. But these days they start decomposing soon, maybe due to the climatic changes, he said. Kadusharkara is an indigenous concrete-like mixture prepared out of about 48 materials ranging from small conch shells to herbs and sand. Idols in kadusharkarayogam are noted for their stunning finish when compared to those in metal or stone, the thantri said. Only about fifteen temples in Kerala have such idols. The repair works, to be done by master craftsmen, would be expensive and time-consuming. It will be a challenging task to source materials for the preparation of the mixture. For example, the soil requires certain qualities, and they have to be sourced from distant places. The processing involves different phases, including grinding and baking the soil in herbal concoctions, he said.
52 candidates submit nominations in Kozhikode district
Poll petition: M. Swaraj withdraws appeal before SC
Mr. Swaraj had earlier approached the Kerala High Court, alleging that his rival candidate had canvassed votes on religious grounds
Cashew scam: Kerala HC slams State govt for denying nod for CBI probe
The High Court asked if the governments stance on combating corruption was undermined by its protection of those facing serious allegations.
IUML declares candidates for Kochi Corporation, district panchayat
The party is contesting in six seats in the Corporation and two in the district panchayat
BLO given tearful farewell in Kannur
Kerala to observe World AMR Awareness Week
Bid to improve awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance and encourage best practices among the public
Car Gets Stuck Between 2 Sections Of Under-Construction Bridge In Kerala
A Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire got stuck between two sections of an under-construction bridge and was left hanging mid-air in Kerala's Kannur district on Sunday after its driver entered the flyover while drunk.
Garment exporter-backed political outfit gears up to ruffle LDF, UDF in Keralas local body polls
Political party Twenty20, founded by Kitex Garments promoters, plans to contest in half of Kerala's districts for upcoming local body polls. The party aims to replicate its successful governance model, which has turned panchayats into revenue surplus entities, despite the chairman facing alleged harassment in Kerala.
Sabarimala gold theft case: HC refers ED plea to Chief Justice
Conference on international migration begins in Thiruvananthapuram
'Special revision' of electoral rolls to commence in poll-bound Assam soon
GUWAHATI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday ordered Special Revision (SR) of electoral rolls in Assam which is expected to go to elections in March or April next year. The Commission has directed a Special Revision u/s 21 of the Representation of the Peoples Act 1950 with reference to 01.01.2026 as the qualifying date in the State of Assam, the Commission instructed Assams Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). The SR stands between the annual special summary revision and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, officials said. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who was away in London on Monday, posted on X, The Govt of Assam welcomes the Election Commission of Indias decision to undertake a Special Revision of the electoral roll with 01.01.2026 as the qualifying date. He was confident the exercise would help ensure clean, updated and accurate electoral rolls for all eligible citizens. Assam will extend full cooperation to the @ECISVEEP to complete the revision in a transparent and time-bound manner, he further wrote. The ECI said Electoral Registration Officer of each Assembly segment would be responsible for ensuring that no eligible citizen is left out while at the same time, no ineligible person is included in the electoral roll. Any person is entitled to be an elector and on application to be registered in the electoral roll for that constituency if that person is a citizen of India, not less than 18 years of age as on 01.02.2020, ordinary resident of the constituency, not disqualified under any law, and not of unsound mind, the ECI instructions to the Assam CEO read. The Commission had last month ordered the SIR for 12 states and Union Territories Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Puducherry, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep. Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and West Bengal will go to elections in 2026. As Assam is also going to polls next year, its exclusions from the SIR raised questions. However, the ECI clarified that separate provisions of the Citizenship Act apply in Assam where the Supreme Court-monitored exercise to verify citizenship was about to be concluded.
CWRDM gets nod to test water samples to check presence of free-living amoeba
Special Intensive Revision: Congress will approach Supreme Court, says KPCC President Sunny Joseph
Youth killed amid clash of school students at Thycaud
Stray dog menace leaves walkers worried
Full-fledged infrastructure, proper vaccination of dogs, consistent ABC, resources and manpower are needed to control dog population, say experts
RPF nabs four Haryana Gang members who stole jewellery worth 50 lakh in a coordinated operation
The accused who had stolen the valuables on Chennai-Mangaluru Mail in Kerala, were caught on Mangaluru-Mumbai Matsyagandha Express at Madgaon
SIR: only 0.13% voters submit enumeration forms online in Ernakulam
As of 12 noon on November 17, 2025, only 3,503 voters in the district had submitted their enumeration forms online, according to official data
Event in memory of V.S. Achuthanandan in Kozhikode
AIUDF chief Maulana Badruddin Ajmal announced the party will contest 35 seats in the 2026 Assam assembly polls, aiming for better results than Congress. Talks are underway with AIMIM and UDF, despite the Congress having previously resolved to sever ties with AIUDF after the 2021 elections.
Cusats official website faces technical glitch
Suspended IAS officer N. Prasanth files complaint against Chief Secretary A. Jayathilak
Cardiologists condemn false media reports implicating doctor from Kozhikode in Delhi blast case
Kerala University V-C postpones Syndicate meeting, citing lack of security on campus
Kunnummal criticises the police for allegedly yielding to political pressure and failing to provide him adequate protection during a confrontation where his car was obstructed by protesters
Tickets on trains to Kerala sold out well ahead of Christmas-New Year season
When the booking site is opened, a regret message pops up prompting the user to explore other means to transportation
LDF replaces candidate for Padivattom division
Sini George, who withdrew citing ill health, has been replaced by Shiny Anilkumar, an Area Development Society chairperson active in the division for 15 years
IMD begins weather forecast for Sabarimala amid limitations
Special weather forecasts and nowcasts being issued for the pilgrims arriving as part of the two-month-long annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku
121 nominations filed in Kannur for local body polls on day 1
KSCSTE, SCTIMST to jointly organise Dr Valiathan memorial lecture on Tuesday
LDF manifesto commits to advancing its ongoing poverty eradication programme
While Kerala-bound trains run almost to normal timing, Mangaluru-bound trains, running on the same Konkan Railway network, always get delayed
UDF finalises seat-sharing in Kannur Corporation; candidate list released
RSS workers death: police investigate possibility of abetment
In their formal statements, Anands relatives told the investigators that he faced no family or financial difficulties and he had been deeply distressed after being denied the seat
14.5 lakh compensation in 29 hit-and-run cases in Malappuram
18th Russian Language and Literature Festival begins in Thiruvananthapuram
18th Yesenin Award was presented to C.S. Suresh for his contribution to promoting Russian literature through translation
Congress candidate in Muttada ward in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation says her and her parents names were deleted from the voters list of the ward after her candidature was announced. HC says since she has produced documents as address proof, the SEC must consider her plea and pass appropriate orders. The last date to file nomination is November 21
ICAR Deputy Director General stresses need to promote diversified food systems
20th International Symposium of the International Society for Tropical Root Crops gets under way in Thiruvananthapuram
Man arrested for illegally selling Kerala lottery tickets
Kottayam to host Disha higher studies expo from Nov. 20
International career conclave will also be held at 32,000-sq ft venue in Kottayam
Scrapping of Senior Professor posts sparks outcry in Keralas universities
Govt. cites financial constraints for not including the post in its pay revision schemes. Academics say move could destabilise the States higher education ecosystem and undermine long-term academic leadership
Kerala speedsters put M.P. on the backfoot with early strikes
Flash inspections under way to track unaccounted money transfers ahead of local body polls
SIT begins to collect samples of gold-plated casings from Sabarimala
BLOs suicide should not be politically exploited, says CPI(M)
Sathram route to Sabarimala Sannidhanam witnesses heavy rush of pilgrims
788 devotees trek through the forest path on first day. A Forest department team is ensuring the safety of the devotees
Man set ablaze after alleged clash between street dwellers in Kochi
GRP to seek custody of four Haryana natives held in train gold theft case
Literary awards for Shanmughadas, Induchoodan
Elections 2026: Which State, Local Bodies Will Go To Polls
Assam will go to the polls for all 126 seats, Kerala for 140 seats, Tamil Nadu for 234 seats, West Bengal for 294 seats, and the Union Territory of Puducherry for 30 seats -- all in 2026.
Yellow alert for six Kerala districts on November 18
Kerala local body poll: Ruling LDF manifesto promises house, food and education to all
As per the manifesto, an action plan is being formulated and implemented by the Left regime to create employment opportunities in Kerala in line with the expectations of the youth.
BPCL contract tanker drivers launch flash strike in Kerala
Over 250 fuel tank drivers who have gone on strike demand immediate implementation of favourable terms
Kerala Booth Officers Boycott SIR Work After Colleague Dies By Suicide
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Kerala was affected across the state on Monday as booth-level officers (BLOs) boycotted work following the suicide of an officer allegedly due to work strain.
OTT platforms bet big on regional originals. But is viewership catching up?
Regional Indian language web shows and movies are gaining traction in OTT budgets, with significant viewership for titles like Suzhal and Kerala Crime Files. However, Hindi originals still dominate viewership.
Kerala BLOs stage Statewide protests demanding postponement of SIR by ECI
Police block marches taken out to office of Chief Electoral Officer (Kerala) outside Kerala Legislative Assembly
Amid protests over work pressure, anganwadi teacher on BLO duty collapses during SIR in Kerala
N. Sreeja (45), a BLO in Kanhangad Assembly constituency, reportedly fell ill and collapsed while carrying out SIR work at a house. She was rushed to a private hospital in Konnakkad where she is undergoing treatment
IUML leader P.K. Kunhalikutty alleges unholy haste by ECI in conducting SIR in Kerala
IUML raises various issues, including death of Kannur booth level officer allegedly due to work pressure, as reasons for seeking a halt to SIR in Supreme Court
After DMK, IUML moves SC against SIR
SIR on a collision course with local body polls, says the Kerala-based party
Kannur BLOs death linked to work pressure, claims panchayat president
Kankol-Alappadamba panchayat president M.V. Sunil Kumar says Aneesh George was under extreme pressure adding that he repeatedly told superiors he was unable to cope with the responsibilities assigned
Kerala MVD detects suspected State government-scrapped vehicle re-registration fraud
MVD recently posted details of the fraud on its Facebook page
Congress candidate moves Kerala HC against deletion of her name from voters' list
KOCHI: Vyshna Suresh, the Congress candidate for the Muttada division of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, approached the Kerala High Court on Monday challenging the deletion of her name from the voters list. The court will take up the case today at 1.45 pm. Senior advocate George Poonthottam will appear for the petitioner. According to the petitioner, she and her family were included in the draft voters list published on 29 September. However, she alleged that the Branch Secretary of the CPM raised a baseless objection on 5 November, after her candidature was announced. Pursuant to the objection, the Election Commission issued a notice and conducted a hearing on November 12. At the hearing, she produced all relevant documents proving her residence at Building No. 18/564 (old 3/564). Despite the complainant's absence and without proper recording of proceedings, the Commission, acting arbitrarily and under the influence of the complainant, deleted the names of the petitioner and her parents from the voters list without issuing any order. The final voters list, due to be published on November 12, was not released. However, the petitioner was able to view an online preview showing her deletion, which later disappeared. Consequently, she filed an appeal before the competent authority under Rule 26 of the Kerala Municipalities (Registration of Electors) Rules, 1994. However, she was not able to produce the deletion order as it was allegedly withheld. The SIR enumeration notice received thereafter again showed her residence as 3/564, confirming her rightful inclusion. With the last date for filing nominations being November 21, she has sought a direction to consider her appeal and ensure the inclusion of her name in the voters list of Division 27, Part 5, Muttada. She further stated that the deletion of her name is illegal and politically motivated, violating her statutory and constitutional rights to vote and contest in the upcoming election.
Kerala solar prosumers seek revision of rates fixed for net banked energy
Petitioners say APPC cut to 3.26/unit contradicts KSERCs own calculation of 4.34/unit
Isolated heavy rain forecast for Tamil Nadu as low persists
Upgraded to fairly widespread to widespread rain for Tamil Nadu, Kerala, islands later this week
Woman killed, four injured as cars collide on highway in Keralas Kasaragod
BLO ends life in Kerala; SIR-related stress blamed
PTI | Kannur (Kerala) A school employee, who was working as a Booth Level Officer (BLO) as part of the upcoming local body elections, was found hanging in his house in this north Kerala district on Sunday, police said. Local people and his family members alleged that Aneesh George (44) took the extreme step due []
Sabarimala Witnesses Heavy Rush On First Day Of Annual Pilgrimage Season
Sabarimala (Kerala), Nov 17: Hundreds of devotees thronged the famed Lord Ayyappa Temple here early on Monday, the auspicious first day of the Malayalam month of Vrichikam, which marks the beginning of the annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. Dressed in the customary black attire and carrying the irumudikkettu (sacred bundle) on their heads, pilgrims from inside and outside the state queued for hours to offer prayers to Lord Ayyappa. As the newly appointed melsanthi (chief priest) E D Prasad Namboothiri, opened [] The post Sabarimala Witnesses Heavy Rush On First Day Of Annual Pilgrimage Season appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Kerala local body polls: A decade of turmoil and defections for Koothattukulam municipality
Koothattukulam has had six different chairpersons, including two in the just-concluded term, in the 10 years since it was elevated to a municipality. All three fronts are busy finalising their candidates, hoping to bring in some stability
Kerala local body polls: RMP strives to retain Left party tag remaining as UDF associate
Party is planning to field its candidates in more seats in the 2025 local body polls. Political rivals say the number of grama panchayat members belonging to the RMP has been declining in its birthplace, Onchiyam
