Keralam cultural icon Jayapala Menon passes away
He was one of the early leaders of Keralams film society movement and director of Janashakthi Films
Even the scientifically minded are consulting Rahu and Ketu, says Keralam writer Vaishakhan
Writer says reading is key to nurturing imagination; calls for serious literary study and greater representation of women
UDF government will leave its mark on Thrissur, says Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan
Chief Minister promises projects to elevate citys cultural heritage; says Thekkinkad Maidan will be developed into a world-class square
IEDC Summit 2026: Sahrdaya college in Keralams Thrissur to host student entrepreneurship meet
The summit, organised around the theme Innovation Beyond the Future, will bring together more than 5,000 youngsters, students, entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders
The Vice-President was speaking at Amritapuri in Keralam during Vishwa Seva Dinam, organised on the occasion of the 73rd birthday celebrations of Mata Amritanandamayi
Minority youth training centres in Keralam to be modernised, says Samsudheen
New facilities to equip young people with skills for a changing job market, says Minister
ESA row heats up in Pathanamthitta as Keralam governments proposal offers partial relief
State govt.s move to seek exclusion of inhabited areas and farmland from Ecologically Sensitive Area regime has failed to soothe tempers in the district amid concerns that the revised proposal offers no complete exclusion for any of the seven villages covered by the Centres draft notification
ESA row heats up in Pathanamthitta as Keralam governments proposal offers partial relief
State govt.s move to seek exclusion of inhabited areas and farmland from Ecologically Sensitive Area regime has failed to soothe tempers in the district amid concerns that the revised proposal offers no complete exclusion for any of the seven villages covered by the Centres draft notification
Former Kerala Chief Secretary, Jiji Thomson claimed that in 2016, then IAS officer Gyanesh Kumar asked him to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha election as a BJP candidate from Pathanamthitta, very persuasively.
Study flags E. coli in 67% of water samples in Keralams Pala region
Study flags E. coli in 67% of water samples in Keralams Pala region
M.A. Baby meets Kejriwal ahead of INDIA bloc meeting on Election Commission
CPI(M) general secretary seeks wider Opposition coordination against SIR and invites AAP leader to join protests against alleged misuse of Central agencies in Keralam
M.A. Baby meets Kejriwal ahead of INDIA bloc meeting on Election Commission
CPI(M) general secretary seeks wider Opposition coordination against SIR and invites AAP leader to join protests against alleged misuse of Central agencies in Keralam
When the Mountains Turn Blue: Rare Neelakurinji Bloom Marks Phase 2 of
High in the rolling highlands of Kerala, a quiet transformation has taken place. The mountain slopes, typically clad in deep greens, have dissolved into a sea of blue, violet, and purple hues. This extraordinary transformation marks the blooming of Strobilanthes kunthiana, locally known as Neelakurinjia plant celebrated for its rare 12-year flowering cycle. For wildlife [] The post When the Mountains Turn Blue: Rare Neelakurinji Bloom Marks Phase 2 of Wiki Commons of the Wild appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
'He needs to resign now': Priyanka renews demand for CEC's ouster over 'political leanings'
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra continues to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. She asserts that Kumar's alleged political leanings compromise the fairness of elections in India. The Congress MP claims that recent actions by the election commission have been both illegal and unethical. Protests have already been organized across the country against Kumar's conduct. After concluding her constituency visit, Vadra engaged with local artists and farmers in Kerala.
Pinarayi Vijayan, Ramesh Chennithala cross swords over Kerala Lok Ayukta
While Pinarayi alleges that the Home Minister chaired a high-level meeting attended by Lok Ayukta, UpaLok Ayuktas and senior government officials to bring the institution under executive control, Chennithala maintains the discussion was convened to address long-pending administrative issues
Keralam researchers discover a new species of genus Begonia in Western Ghats
Species christened Begonia rajvikramanii after R. Raj Vikraman, former Head of the Garden Management Division, JNTBGRI
When a marked shorebird is sighted again, it provides a glimpse into the birds journey where it travels, its stopover site, and how different parts of its migratory range are connected, says an expert
CM Satheesan demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar
CM Satheesan demands CEC Gyanesh Kumars resignation after former Kerala CSs allegations Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Sunday demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar after former state Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson alleged that Kumar had suggested he contest a Lok Sabha election on a BJP ticket. In a statement issued [] The post CM Satheesan demands CEC Gyanesh Kumars resignation after former Kerala CSs allegations appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Keralam GAD website hacked, suspected Pakistani group claims responsibility
The Keralam governments General Administration Department website was hacked on Sunday by a group claiming to be Pakistan-based Team Blackleets, which posted a Pakistani flag and pro-Pakistan message on the site. The hosting account was suspended, while cyber teams are checking for any data breach before the website is restored.
Yuva morcha waves black flag at Chennithala, Priyanka Gandhi in Kozhikode
Digital Desk | Kozhikode, Sep 27 (IANS) A day after Youth Congress workers showed black flags to Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Kollam, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha activists staged separate protests against Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi in Kozhikode district on Sunday. Chennithalas convoy was confronted near Janakikadu in the Kuttiady area while he was travelling to attend public programmes. Protesters rushed towards the vehicles on a narrow stretch of road and waved black flags. Police personnel at the scene intervened, arrested the activists and removed them from the area. The second protest took place near Thambalamanna in Thiruvambady as Priyanka Gandhi Vadras convoy passed through. Activists waiting by the roadside moved forward with black flags as the vehicles approached, despite an escort comprising personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force and Kerala Police. Thiruvambady police arrested several Yuva Morcha leaders, including district president V.V. Sreehari and general secretary Nithin Madhusoodanan. The BJP had alleged that the Youth Congress protest against HM Shah in Kollam exposed a serious lapse in the Union ministers security. Yuva Morcha has since stepped up demonstrations against Congress leaders across Kerala, describing them as a response to that incident. Police intervened at both locations in Kozhikode to move the demonstrators away from the convoys. The incidents have drawn attention to security along the routes taken by political leaders, particularly when protesters approach vehicles on the road. Yuva Morcha has said it plans to intensify its protests against Congress leaders in the coming days. Its activists had earlier waved black flags at the convoy of Kerala Minister K Muraleedharan in Kollam. Tit-for-Tat: Yuva Morcha Shows Black Flags to Priyanka Gandhi, posted the Yuva Morcha on X. The successive demonstrations have widened the confrontation between the BJP and Congress workers following the protest against HM Shah. In Kozhikode, activists positioned themselves along the routes of two leaders travelling to separate engagements in the district before displaying the flags.
KSRTC To Run Special Inter-State Services for Festive Season
Special services would operate between October 14 and November 14 from various cities in Keralam to Bengaluru, Mysuru and Chennai and vice versa, in view of the Mahanavami, Vijayadashami and Diwali festivals
VACB seizes 14.10 lakh, $788 from GST officials residence in Kochi
The cash was seized from the residence of GST Joint Commissioner Prajani Rajan at Pachalam on Saturday, the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau said in a statement
Kerala Faces Power Cut Crisis: What Happened And How People Are Coping With Night-Time Outages
If you are in Kerala, chances are you have already dealt with a power cut this month, and perhaps more than once. For much of September, evening and night-time power cuts became a recurring disruption for households across the state. The
FIR cannot be lodged merely based on ED report, says Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala
Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala told the media that the State government recently ordered a preliminary inquiry into the case based on the legal advice it received on the issue
'Left' in existential crisis: From CPI-CPM rift in Kerala to Delhi rout, old fault lines deepen
Go, Protest In Kerala: Bengal CM Suvendu Attacks Mamata Banerjee, Rahul Gandhi Over SIR-EC Row
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari attacked Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and the partys political position. Adhikari questioned the oppositions public support and referred to a recent meeting in Serampore. He also claimed the party had split into several factions. On SIR, Adhikari said 27 lakh entries were rejected out of 60 lakh flagged for logical discrepancies, describing the process as judicially supervised. He urged opposition leaders to protest in Kerala over SIR.
Former Kerala Chief Secy Jiji Thomson claims Gyanesh Kumar wanted him to fight elections
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 27 (IANS) A former Kerala Chief Secretary, Jiji Thomson, has alleged that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar had asked him to contest an election on a BJP ticket and offered the possibility of a Union Ministerial berth if he won. Thomson's claims triggered a sharp political attack from CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam. Former Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson, who retired from service in 2016, said Kumar made the suggestion during a flight to Delhi when the two were travelling together. According to Thomson, Kumar asked him whether he would be willing to contest the election on a BJP ticket and said that, if elected, he could become a Union Minister. Kumar also suggested that Thomson join the BJP after his retirement as Chief Secretary, Thomson claimed. Thomson said he told Kumar that he had no interest in entering electoral politics and rejected the suggestion. He also said he was surprised that such an offer had come from Kumar. The disclosure assumes significance at a time when Kumar is facing mounting political criticism over the functioning of the Election Commission. Various parties have demanded his removal and called for protests from September 26 to October 2. Reacting to Thomson's disclosure, CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam launched a scathing attack on the CEC and demanded his immediate resignation. Viswam described the alleged offer as shameless and said it raised serious questions about Kumar's political affiliations and his conduct while in government service. The disclosure, Viswam said, showed the extent to which Kumar was prepared to go for the BJP. He alleged that Kumar had become an insider of the BJP through the successive positions he had held. Viswam demanded that Kumar resign immediately from the post of Chief Election Commissioner. The allegations come amid an escalating political confrontation over the Election Commission. Viswam had on Friday alleged that the poll panel was functioning as a tool in the hands of the BJP governments and said Left parties had a duty to protest. The Election Commission, meanwhile, has rejected claims that internal objections raised by other Election Commissioners amounted to institutional dissent, saying that queries, observations and technical suggestions are part of the normal functioning of a multi-member constitutional body. The fresh disclosure by Thomson is likely to add another political dimension to the controversy surrounding Kumar.
Gyanesh Kumar Acted as BJP Agent, Doesn't Deserve to Continue as CEC: CM Satheesan
Satheesan said the claims made by former Keralam Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson about the CEC were extremely serious
Watch: SIR sweet in Kerala, bitter in Bengal: Suvendu Adhikari mocks Congress
Four local body wards all set for by-election in Ernakulam district on September 28
A total of 10,003 voters are expected to cast their votes in the interim polls necessitated for various reasons
Consumers brace for 3-day bank strike; certain banks open on Sunday
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 27 (IANS) State Bank of India (SBI), Bank of Baroda (BoB), Punjab National Bank (PNB) and several other public sector banks are open on Sunday (September 27), giving customers an opportunity to complete their banking work before a proposed three-day nationwide bank strike from September 28 to September 30. The special Sunday opening applies to public sector banks (PSBs) and regional rural banks (RRBs), following a direction aimed at ensuring the availability of regular banking services ahead of the proposed strike. Customers who need to visit a branch for important banking work can therefore use the additional working day, subject to the operational arrangements and staffing at individual branches. The decision to open PSBs and RRBs on Sunday was taken following a meeting held on September 21 between officials from the Finance Ministry, public sector banks, regional rural banks, the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) and NABARD. The move assumes significance as September 26 and 27 fall on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. With the proposed bank strike scheduled immediately after the weekend, customers could otherwise have faced several consecutive days with limited access to physical branch services. The Sunday opening has consequently been planned to provide an additional opportunity to complete important banking transactions before the strike. Among the public sector banks operating today are State Bank of India, Canara Bank, Bank of Baroda, Punjab National Bank, Bank of India, Indian Bank, Union Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra, UCO Bank, Central Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank and Punjab & Sind Bank. The arrangement also covers 28 regional rural banks across the country. These include Andhra Pradesh Grameena Bank, Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank, Assam Gramin Bank, Bihar Gramin Bank, Chhattisgarh Gramin Bank, Gujarat Gramin Bank, Haryana Gramin Bank, Himachal Pradesh Gramin Bank, Jammu and Kashmir Grameen Bank, Jharkhand Gramin Bank, Karnataka Grameena Bank, Kerala Grameena Bank, Madhya Pradesh Gramin Bank, Maharashtra Gramin Bank, Manipur Rural Bank, Meghalaya Rural Bank, Mizoram Rural Bank, Nagaland Rural Bank, Odisha Grameen Bank, Puducherry Grama Bank, Punjab Gramin Bank, Rajasthan Gramin Bank, Tamil Nadu Grama Bank, Telangana Grameena Bank, Tripura Gramin Bank, Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank, Uttarakhand Gramin Bank and West Bengal Gramin Bank. However, the Sunday opening arrangement does not automatically extend to private sector banks. The special Sunday banking arrangement comes ahead of the proposed three-day nationwide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) and other bank unions from September 28 to September 30.
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 27 (PTI) Keralam Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Sunday said CEC Gyanesh Kumar should not continue in office, alleging that he acted as a BJP agent and sentenced Indian democracy to death. In similar social media posts on Facebook and X, the CM said the claims made by former Keralam Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson about the CEC were extremely serious. Revelations Against the Chief Election Commissioner Are Grave: Gyanesh Kumar, Who Sentenced Indian Democracy to Death, Has No Right to Continue in Office The revelations made by former Kerala Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson against Chief Election Commissioner
Keralam Govt Allows MLAs to Use ADS Funds to Procure KSRTC Buses
The government said the move was aimed at strengthening public transport services and expanding the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation's public bus fleet
Keralam Minister Sunny Joseph to Seek Inclusion of Dairy Sector in VB-G RAM G
Joseph said he would request the Centre to consider the demand, as the difficulties faced by dairy farmers were also affecting related groups and enterprises
Keralam CM Satheesan joins the chorus of political leaders calling for the CECs resignation
Former Union Minister and BJP leader V. Muraleedharan, MLA, told The Hindu that Congresss frustration stemming from the INDIA blocs continuous failures in elections had prompted the partys attacks on the ECI
IMD issues red alert in U'khand; heavy rain likely in Himachal, UP
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 27 (IANS) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday issued a warning regarding torrential rain and thunder strikes in Uttarakhand. Heavy rainfall is also anticipated in Himachal Pradesh and western Uttar Pradesh. IMD has predicted rainfall in Delhi over the next three days. As rains lashed Uttarakhand on Saturday, the Meteorological Department issued a 'red alert' for the districts of Dehradun, Tehri, Haridwar, and Pauri. The Char Dham Yatra has been suspended in view of the adverse weather conditions. Meanwhile, temperatures have dropped sharply due to snowfall in the high-altitude areas of Pithoragarh, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Uttarkashi. Due to the impact of a depression formed over north-eastern Madhya Pradesh and adjoining northern Chhattisgarh, heavy to very heavy rainfall -- and in some places, extremely heavy or exceptionally heavy rainfall -- is expected in Uttarakhand and parts of northern Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. According to the information shared by the IMD on the social media platform 'X', the depression formed over south-eastern Uttar Pradesh has moved north-northwestwards at a speed of 12 km/h over the past six hours. Consequently, it was located approximately 40 km southeast of Lucknow, 80 km east-northeast of Kanpur, 110 km south-southwest of Bahraich, and 260 km southeast of Bareilly. There is a high probability that it will continue moving north-northwestwards across eastern Uttar Pradesh and gradually weaken into a 'well-marked low-pressure area' in the same region over the next six hours. According to the Meteorological Department, the weather pattern in Delhi-NCR underwent a change following rainfall on Saturday evening. People experienced a slight chill on Sunday morning. The IMD has forecasted rain in the national capital over the next three days. Meanwhile, an 'orange alert' for rain has been issued for Jharkhand for Sunday. Additionally, a 'yellow alert' for rain has been issued for Madhya Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana, Marathwada, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu. For Monday, a 'yellow alert' for rain has been issued for Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, while strong winds are expected in coastal Andhra Pradesh.
Keralam CM urges greater social media accountability over smears
The News Mill
Systemic deficiencies on roads costing lives, says Kerala High Court
Court seeks constitution of an interdisciplinary road safety research committee, comprising traffic psychologists, behavioural scientists, engineers, and other experts, to study the behavioural factors contributing to road accidents
Beyond the objections: The realities behind India
The Election Commission of India (ECI) finds itself at the epicentre of an intense constitutional and political debate following internal dissent over decision-making protocols and voter roll revisions. At the centre of this storm stands Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, a 1988-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre whose administration faces sharp opposition scrutiny and calls for resignation. Here is an analytical look at the charges, constitutional realities, and political dynamics driving the fallout.
Kerala Chief Minister Criticizes BJPs Rajeev Chandrasekhar Over Remarks on Rahul Gandhi
Kerala CM V.D. Satheesan condemns BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhars comments on Rahul Gandhi, calling them irresponsible and malicious. Kerala Chief Minister Criticizes BJPs Rajeev Chandrasekhar Over Remarks on Rahul Gandhi
Ex-Kerala Chief Secretary Claims Gyanesh Kumar Offered Him BJP Ticket In 2016
Jiji Thomson made the claim on local media as the Election Commission and Gyanesh Kumar face massive controversy over the handling of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and allegations of differences within the three-member poll panel.
Ernakulam continues to report highest number of influenza cases in Keralam
A total of 969 cases reported in the district till September 16. The State recorded 2,205 confirmed influenza cases during the month. As many as 20 deaths were reported due to influenza in the State.
Nitin Nabin accuses Opposition of misleading public on SIR
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 27 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president Nitin Nabin on Saturday accused the Opposition of deliberately misleading the public on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and targeting constitutional institutions. In a detailed post on X, Nabin said the Opposition had once again been exposed for spreading falsehoods about the SIR. He pointed out that the Election Commission of India (ECI) had clearly stated that the full Commission took every decision relating to the SIR unanimously. Despite this clarification, he alleged, the Congress chose to build its entire narrative around a manufactured lie and launched attacks on the countrys constitutional bodies. Highlighting what he described as the Oppositions double standards, Nabin wrote that when the same electoral process delivered victories to Congress and its allies in states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, its credibility was accepted. But when the peoples mandate goes against them elsewhere, they question the very institutions that conduct those elections. Democracy cannot be respected selectively, he said. He emphasised that wins and losses are inherent to democratic politics, but resorting to malicious propaganda to discredit respected institutions was deeply unfortunate and unacceptable. Nabin asserted that those who repeatedly undermined Indias democratic framework for political survival owed the nation an honest reckoning and a public apology. His remarks come at a time when the ECI's SIR exercise has become a subject of intense political debate. Opposition parties, particularly Congress, have raised questions over the process, while the BJP has consistently defended the poll bodys independence and transparency. Nabins statement is being viewed as a sharp rebuttal to the Oppositions allegations. His post has drawn significant attention in political circles as the ruling party continues to counter claims that cast doubt on the integrity of electoral processes and constitutional institutions.
Keralam to leverage AI, cutting-edge digital tools to reshape tourism, says Minister
Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh says the govt.s aim is to see that tourists coming to the State are treated with a wholesome Keralam experience, marking a shift from the approach of promoting a few places and products separately through destination-focused packages and products
Shashi Tharoor releases IIM-K Directors first book of poetry
The book Seven Shades of Love published by Penguin Random House India brings together 57 poems
Ex-Keralam CS says CEC urged him to contest on BJP ticket
Former Keralam chief secretary Jiji Thomson said on Saturday, September 26, that Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar had suggested he contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Pathanamthitta on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket. Speaking to The Hindu, Thomson said the conversation took place on a Delhi flight in 2015-16. It was not Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Keralam Govt stays implementation of minimum marks in schools
To replace Lok Kerala Sabha, new initiative for expatriates soon By P. Sreekumaran THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The VD Satheesan-led United Democratic Front (UDF) Government has temporarily stayed an order implementing minimum marks for classes VI-II, IX and X in the 2026-27 academic year. Implementation of minimum marks was one of the most significant and debated [] The post Keralam Govt stays implementation of minimum marks in schools appeared first on Northlines .
Priyanka Gandhi Demands Resignation of Chief Election Commissioner in Kerala
Priyanka Gandhi calls for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging threats to democracy during her Wayanad visit. Priyanka Gandhi Demands Resignation of Chief Election Commissioner in Kerala
Did Gyanesh Kumar Suggest BJP Ticket To Ex-Kerala Chief Secretary? Jiji Thomson Makes BIG Claim
It has been alleged by Jiji Thomson, who was once the chief secretary of Kerala, that the then CEC, Gyanesh Kumar, had asked him to contest the Lok Sabha election in 2019 on the BJP ticket while travelling to Delhi in
Liquor Dispute Leads To Fatal Stabbing In Kerala
A 33-year-old man, Antony Varghese, was allegedly stabbed to death in Alappuzha, Kerala, by Afsal alias Appu after a dispute over Varghese consuming liquor near Appu's house. Police have taken Appu into custody and registered a murder case.
Youth League takes SIR protests to streets across Malappuram
The protests centred on a demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
KM-1 capture operation nears final stage; Kumki elephants reach Aralam
The operation involves tranquilising the elephant and safely moving it to the kraal at Muthanga in Wayanad
Vigilance case registered over alleged irregularities in KINFRA land acquisition in Kannur
VACB alleges compensation was sanctioned for land held without valid documents and land tax was accepted for property already acquired by the government
'Catastrophic assault on democracy': Shashi Tharoor on ECI row
Digital Desk | Kozhikode, Sep 26 (IANS) Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday called reports of differences within the Election Commission of India (ECI) a catastrophic assault on democracy, urging all citizens, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), to fight it. Speaking to reporters in Kerala's Kozhikode, Tharoor said: This is an incredibly grave assault on the functioning of Indian democracy. Meanwhile, the ECI issued a press release after its meeting on Saturday afternoon to quell reports of internal differences and clarify the context in which ECI functionaries wrote a letter to the Cabinet Secretary. The Congress MP claimed that a large number of Indian citizens have been deprived of their democratic right to vote, apparently based on many irregularities, including an illegal modification of Form 6 requiring data that has not been required in the past. They (ECI) have actually gone ahead and made some changes without the consent of two of the three Election Commissioners, which itself is a violation of the procedures of the Election Commission. Days earlier, a report by a leading newspaper claimed differences within the poll panel, with decisions being taken allegedly without the knowledge of the two Election Commissioners. Tharoor further said: On top of that, we have a situation where, shockingly, we are seeing software that has been imposed over the heads of the electoral officers. And as a result, for example, one instance that has been found is that in Goa, 97 people have not only been deprived of the right to vote, but because of that they've also been deprived of the right to have dialysis treatment and other medical assistance and so on. The Congress leader was referring to the ECINet software, which the media reported had blocked access to Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) on the ground. This is not anything minor or routine; it's not political, it's not administrative. It is a fundamentally untenable, catastrophic assault on our democracy, he said while urging parties to unite in the fight against the challenge. There is no question anymore that our country is facing a very severe challenge. If the integrity of our elections is in doubt, then how will our democracy stand? If people in this country feel that even their identity is subject to the whims of some low-level officers and a software that has not been verified, tested or based on anything logical, then how on earth can our country proudly stand itself in front of the world and call itself the world's largest democracy? Tharoor questioned. Mentioning that the Congress has called a party Working Committee meeting on September 29, he said, I'll be going there to Delhi for that. Moreover, Shashi Tharoor urged BJP leaders to unite with the Opposition to defend democracy. I feel that on this matter every citizen of India, even members of the BJP, should be united with us. Our democracy is larger than any individual, any party. It's for everyone to defend, he stated.
Kerala High Court to Decide on FIR in CMRL-Exlogic Case Amidst EDs Recommendations
Kerala High Court questions state governments decision on FIR in CMRL-Exlogic case, involving former CM Pinarayi Vijayan and others. Kerala High Court to Decide on FIR in CMRL-Exlogic Case Amidst EDs Recommendations
Do not spread fears over ESA notification: Minister
Inaugurating the 87th annual general body meeting of the Association of Planters of Kerala, Forest Minister Shibu Baby John says the government remains firm in its stand to exclude all inhabited areas from the final notification
Do not spread fears over ESA notification: Minister
Inaugurating the 87th annual general body meeting of the Association of Planters of Kerala, Forest Minister Shibu Baby John says the government remains firm in its stand to exclude all inhabited areas from the final notification
Arrangements complete for September 28 local body ward bypolls in Keralam: SEC
Pinarayi Vijayan questions ED probe into Exalogic-CMRL transaction
The Keralam Leader of the Opposition alleges that the agency was using the case to target him and his daughter
Gyanesh Kumar Offered Me BJP Ticket: Ex-Kerala CS Jiji Thomson
Former Kerala Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson alleged that Gyanesh Kumar offered him a BJP ticket to contest from Pathanamthitta in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
Swell waves reach west coast; red alert continues along Keralam coast
According to KSDMA, swell waves with a period of 20 to 24 seconds and a height of up to 1.5 metres reportedly hit parts of Kanyakumari on September 26, while precursor waves began reaching the Keralam coast
Keralas Pinarayi Vijayan Criticizes UDF for Undermining Lokayuktas Independence
Pinarayi Vijayan condemns a meeting called by Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, claiming it undermines democracy and the Lokayuktas autonomy. Keralas Pinarayi Vijayan Criticizes UDF for Undermining Lokayuktas Independence
Keralam government will extend all support to tech-driven enterprises: Kunhalikutty
Artificial intelligence could help small rural enterprises identify global markets, the Minister says, calling the confidence of young people a major strength of the State
One dead, three injured as car plunges into river near Keralams Kuttikkanam
According to police, the vehicle plunged into the river as the driver lost control of the car when it approached the bridge over the Chinnar river after 10 p.m. on Friday
Govt. benefits are rights, not charity: Keralam Minister
K.A. Thulasi was speaking at a function held in Attappady to inaugurate projects completed by the Scheduled Tribe Development department and the Integrated Tribal Development Project, Attappady
This comes after former Kerala Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson claimed that Gyanesh Kumar urged him to contest Parliamentary elections on a BJP ticket in 2016.
Vulture survey begins in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Survey aims to document the status and distribution of vultures in Wayanad and aid conservation efforts for the ecologically important scavengers
Call to propose innovative ideas for development in Kozhikode
District Collector asks officials to submit practical projects that can be implemented jointly by departments without delay
Keralam pushes key road projects; Centre signals support
The State has submitted an initial proposal to upgrade the Thiruvabharana Patha and to renovate the MC Road under the PM Gati Shakti scheme
Shop auction at Keralams Sabarimala cancelled over leak of bidder details
Travancore Devaswom Board directs Devaswom Vigilance and Chief Security Officer to investigate how the confidentiality of the tender process was compromised
Project Zero to be launched in Kozhikode on September 28
Home and Vigilance Minister Ramesh Chennithala will inaugurate the initiative and distribute badges to Vigilance Commandos at the function scheduled for 2 p.m.
IHRM urges International IDEA to remove Gyanesh Kumar from chairmanship
In a letter to International IDEAs Secretary-General, IHRM State president Felix J. Pulludan called for replacing Gyanesh Kumar as Indias representative in the chairmanship, or for the organisation to take any other measure legally available under its statutes and rules of procedure pending an independent review
MG varsity Syndicate in Keralam triples sitting fee to 3,000, triggers row
Haematology dept. at Kozhikode MCH: rights panel seeks action
The officials asked to submit a detailed report on the present condition of the project outline and the follow-up steps being planned
Life Mission flats in Keralams Chittur to undergo safety check
Sumesh Achuthan, Chittur MLA, raises the issue at the Palakkad District Development Committee meeting held at the Collectorate on September 26
Life Mission flats in Keralams Chittur to undergo safety check
Sumesh Achuthan, Chittur MLA, raises the issue at the Palakkad District Development Committee meeting held at the Collectorate on September 26
Amit Shah urges Keralam to leverage cooperative network for agriculture and blue economy growth
Union Home and Cooperation Minister urges Keralam to harness its strong cooperative network to drive agricultural and blue economy growth. He invited the State Cooperation Minister to Delhi to formulate a comprehensive strategy for integrating various central schemes.
Amit Shah urges Keralam to leverage cooperative network for agriculture and blue economy growth
Union Home and Cooperation Minister urges Keralam to harness its strong cooperative network to drive agricultural and blue economy growth. He invited the State Cooperation Minister to Delhi to formulate a comprehensive strategy for integrating various central schemes.
'BJP protecting Gyanesh Kumar': Priyanka Gandhi says INDIA Bloc united on ECI row
Digital Desk | Malappuram, Sep 26 (IANS) Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday accused the BJP leadership of shielding Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, claiming that someone can't commit crimes against democracy without support of the leadership. Vadra also said the INDIA Bloc parties are united over the allegations against the Election Commission of India. Vadra's remarks come days after a media report claimed differences within the poll panel, with decisions being taken allegedly without the knowledge of the two Election Commissioners. Speaking to reporters during a visit to Kerala's Malappuram, Vadra said: The INDIA alliance is very clear. Every single leader of the alliance, every single party is in full agreement that what is going on is absolutely illegal, anti-constitutional, and against our nation and democracy. Those who are doing it have to be taken to task. They have to be held responsible. I strongly believe that the legal safeguards provided to the Election Commissioner, which this BJP-led government instituted, need to be removed. If anybody is committing illegal acts against our nation, against this Constitution, they need to be tried, she added. Meanwhile, the INDIA Bloc parties are likely to meet on September 30 over the ECI dissent row and other issues. Accusing CEC Gyanesh Kumar of committing reason, the Congress MP added: He needs to be tried for treason. The BJP is protecting the Chief Election Commissioner, but importantly, they are protecting their leadership. If the CEC is committing such a serious crime against democracy, it is practically impossible that he is doing it without the full support of the leadership, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra claimed. Echoing the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi's demand, she too sought CEC Kumar's resignation. Moreover, Vadra reiterated her previous allegation against the BJP, calling the party overconfident. People have seen their (BJP's) overconfident statements before every election, predicting the exact number of seats they're going to get. Where are they getting that overconfidence from? The people of India are not that happy with them...What you hear on the ground from people is something, and what you're seeing as the election result is something else, she claimed.
Kottarakkara natives organs donated after brain death
While the liver and one of the kidneys were allocated to end-stage patients undergoing treatment at KIMSHEALTH hospital, the other kidney was allocated to an end-stage renal patient at Government Medical College Kottayam
Priyanka Gandhi calls for speedy completion of development projects in Keralams Wayanad
Meeting reviews implementation of various projects, including the role of elected representatives, State-government support, and approvals and funds required from the Centre
India-West Indies ODI: Free drinking water, curbs on prices for snacks at stadium
Union Home Minister Amit Shah faces Youth Congress black-flag protest in Kollam
Moments after the Home Ministers helicopter landed, demonstrators surged toward the moving motorcade. Security personnel cleared the route. The protest also sparked a standoff between protesters and local BJP workers.
Kerala: Pinarayi slams Chennithala over Lokayukta meeting
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 26 (IANS) Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday hit out at Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala over a meeting he convened with the Lokayukta and UpaLokayuktas, terming it highly serious and antidemocratic. Vijayan accused the United Democratic Front (UDF) government of attempting to bring an independent institution under executive control. The meeting was attended by the Lokayukta, UpaLokayuktas, Director General of Prosecution Asaf Ali, Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department and the Law Secretary. Calling the Lokayukta and UpaLokayuktas directly by a Minister is against the basic principle of separation of the executive and judiciary, Vijayan said. He added that the move undermined the spirit of the Constitution and the Kerala Lokayukta Act. The Lokayukta is empowered to investigate allegations against public servants, including corruption, nepotism and abuse of power. The Chief Minister, Ministers, legislators and government officials come within its ambit. Vijayan said the Home Minister should not summon the heads of an institution expected to function independently. He also questioned the presence of senior government officials and the prosecution chief at the meeting, saying such a gathering could raise doubts about the Lokayukta's impartiality. He noted that the Lokayukta had powers to receive evidence, summon witnesses, conduct investigations and submit reports against public servants. He alleged that the government had adopted an improper approach towards the institution. Recalling the UDFs earlier stand, Vijayan said its leaders had strongly defended the autonomy of the Lokayukta when in Opposition. They had opposed amendments brought by the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government and even approached the Governor, alleging the changes would weaken the institution. Vijayan pointed out that Chennithala himself had approached the Kerala High Court against the amendments, arguing they amounted to an intrusion into the Lokayukta's judicial powers. The High Court later dismissed the petition. He said the latest meeting was therefore particularly significant and accused the government of dragging Lokayukta judges into a controversy. The government should not repeat such a move which damages the credibility of the Lokayukta, he said, adding that the institution must be allowed to function independently. The remarks are likely to trigger a fresh political confrontation between the LDF Opposition and the UDF government over the Lokayukta's functioning and autonomy.
Kerala: Priyanka Gandhi, Venugopal demand CECs resignation and prosecution
Digital Desk | Wayanad, Sep 26 (IANS) Congress general secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday demanded the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, asserting that the legal safeguards available to the CEC should be removed. Speaking to the media during her visit to Wayanad, Priyanka said the Opposition INDIA bloc was united on the issue. She alleged that the developments surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls amounted to an attack on the Constitution and the democratic process. The immediate demand is that Kumar should resign. We are all together. The INDIA bloc is united. Whatever is going on is anticonstitutional, she said. Priyanka said she strongly believed that the safeguards protecting the Chief Election Commissioner should be removed in cases involving alleged illegal acts. She added that the CEC should be tried if it was established that he had knowingly allowed violations of the electoral process. Her remarks came amid controversy over reports that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections on several occasions to decisions relating to the SIR exercise and electoralroll procedures. The Election Commission has rejected suggestions of a split within the poll panel, maintaining that its decisions, including those concerning SIR, were unanimous. Priyanka alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was protecting both the CEC and the party leadership. The BJP is protecting the leadership and the CEC. The leadership has given full support to this man, the CEC, she said. She had earlier alleged that the reported deletion of around 13 crore names from electoral rolls, if established as unlawful, would constitute a criminal act against democracy and the Constitution. She also said that anyone who knowingly interfered with the democratic electoral process should face criminal prosecution. Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal also stepped up the attack, warning of a massive protest against the CEC. Describing Kumar in highly critical terms, Venugopal said it was a matter of shame that he had been a Keralacadre official. This is the biggest earthquake. If democracy is threatened, this government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are illegitimate, Venugopal said. He questioned the Centres silence over the allegations and said the BJPled government owed an explanation to the people. Venugopal also pointed to the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Kerala and said he owed a reply at a time when, according to him, democracy was being threatened. The Congress leaders statements come against the backdrop of an escalating political confrontation over the SIR exercise and allegations of irregularities in preparing and revising electoral rolls. The Election Commission has maintained that differing views and observations during internal deliberations are part of the institutional process and that its final decisions have been unanimous. Priyanka, however, insisted that the issue could not be treated as a routine administrative dispute, arguing that the integrity of the electoral process was central to the functioning of democracy.
