LDF MLA P V Anwar Booked by Kerala Police for Remarks Against Rahul Gandhi

Anwar has been booked for the offences under section 153A (promoting enmity between different groups) of the IPC and section 125 (promoting enmity between classes in connection with election) of the Representation of People Act

Scorching Heat Sparks Alert in Kollam, Thrissur, and Palakkad Districts

Scorching Heat Sparks Alert in Kollam, Thrissur, and Palakkad Districts The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday issued heat wave alert in Kollam, Thrissur and Palakkad districts of Kerala. The heat wave conditions would prevail in many places of these districts on April 27 and 28, the IMD said in a statement. The alert was issued in the wake of extreme heat recorded in the last few days and based on predictions that the temperature would rise up to 41 degree celcius in Palakkad and 40 degree celcius each in Kollam and Thrissur districts, it said. People should maintain extreme caution during such situations, authorities said. There are chances of people suffering sunburn and heatstroke, the statement said, adding that heatstroke can also lead to death. Authorities also advised people to take umbrellas while going out and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Among many directives, the IMD urged people to avoid going out during the day time as much as possible and postpone all public events to evening.

Southern India's Water Storage Falls to 17% of Reservoir Capacity

The Central Water Commission (CWC) recently released a bulletin regarding reservoir storage levels across various regions of India, revealing that the southern region, which includes Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, is facing a significant reduction in water storage compared to historical averages. The southern region's 42 reservoirs, monitored by the CWC, have a total live storage capacity of 53.334 billion cubic meters (BCM), but the available live storage is currently only 8.865 BCM, representing just 17% of their total capacity. This figure is much lower than the storage levels from the same period last year (29%) and the ten-year average (23%), indicating worsening water scarcity and potential challenges for irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydroelectric power generation in these states. Meanwhile, the eastern region, comprising states like Assam, Odisha, and West Bengal, has shown improvement in water storage levels compared to last year and the ten-year average. In this region, 23 monitored reservoirs with a total live storage capacity of 20.430 BCM currently hold 7.889 BCM of water, representing 39% of their total capacity. Other regions are also facing challenges. The western region, consisting of Gujarat and Maharashtra, reports storage levels of 11.771 BCM, which is 31.7% of the total capacity of the 49 monitored reservoirs. This is notably lower than the storage levels of the previous year (38%) and the ten-year average (32.1%). Similarly, the northern and central regions also show declines in water storage levels compared to historical averages. Award of 30-Year Management Contract for Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport to Indian-Russian Joint Venture NTA Ends NEET UG 2024 Correction Session Today NIA Arrests Key Figure in Violent Attack on Indian High Commission in London

Opposition leader Satheesan demands comprehensive probe by independent agency into unprecedented bad organisation of election in Kerala

Satheesan accused the Election Commission of having miserably failed in ensuring free and fair election in the State

Kerala LSS USS Result 2024 declared at bpekerala.in, direct link to download

The Kerala LSS USS Result for the year 2024 has been officially declared and is now available for download on the official website bpekerala.in. Students who appeared for the LSS and USS examinations can now access their results directly through the provided link. This announcement marks the culmination of the examination process, offering students the opportunity to view their performance and academic achievements.

Kerala Lottery Result on 27 April 2024: Check Karunya KR 651 Prize Money List

Kerala Lottery Karunya KR 651 Result today on Saturday, 27 April 2024 has been declared. Check winning details.

Congress may field candidates for Amethi, Rae Bareli in Lok Sabha Election 2024: Kharge

Congress may field candidates for Amethi, Rae Bareli in Lok Sabha Election 2024: Kharge Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday said that the names of party candidates for prestigious Amethi and Rae Bareli seats in Uttar Pradesh will be announced in a ''few days''. Addressing a press conference here, he claimed that though the BJP says the corrupt must be put in jails, when leaders facing corruption charges join the saffron party, they are ''put on the lap'' and sent to Rajya Sabha or assembly. ''You have to wait for a few more days... when the names of candidates come from people to me and I sign the notification, it will be announced,'' he said when asked about candidates for Amethi and Rae Bareli Lok Sabha constituencies. ''Those questioning Congress leaders for changing constituencies must also tell me how many times have (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee and (Lal Krishna) Advani changed their seats,'' Kharge said, when asked about the BJP criticising Rahul Gandhi for fighting the elections from Kerala's Wayanad instead of Amethi. In an apparent reference to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Kharge claimed that Congress is not affected by people who ''grew up in the party and left it later''. ''Congress is like a flowing river, it is not affected by a few persons leaving it,'' he asserted.

In Kerala's Palayam, Religious Institutions Stand As Icons Of Harmony Sharing Walls

Adding to this symbolism of co-existence, which is a hallmark of Kerala's social structure, is a church named St. Josephs Latin Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral Palayam.

UDF will get a landslide victory in Kerala: Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala

The News Mill

Kerala records 70.35 % voter turnout in Lok Sabha election

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala recorded 70.35 percent polling in the single phase Lok Sabha election covering all 20 constituencies on Friday. According to the latest data available with the State Election Commission office at 8.15 pm, Thiruvananthapuram recorded 66.43 percent polling, Attingal 69.40, Kollam 67.92, Pathanamthitta 63.35, Mavelikkara 65.88, Alappuzha 74.37, Kottayam 65.59, Idukki 66.39, Ernakulam 68.10, []

India Elections Phase 2 Sees Enthusiastic Voter Turnout

Second phase of Lok Sabha polls sees enthusiastic voter turnout from Jammu to Kerala, Maharashtra to Tripura The second phase of the Lok Sabha elections, encompassing 88 seats in 13... The post India Elections Phase 2 Sees Enthusiastic Voter Turnout first appeared on India Daily Digital .

Hyderabad man sentenced to 16 yrs in UK for stabbing ex-girlfriend

Hyderabad: A Hyderabad man has been sentenced to 16 years in jail for stabbing his ex-girlfriend at a restaurant in London, UK, on March 5, 2022. Sriram Ambarla and his ex-girlfriend, Sona Biju, 23, from Kerala met in 2017 at a college in Hyderabad. The duo was in a relationship for a few years in 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 .

Lok Sabha elections in Kerala | Voter turnout updated to 71.16%

Vadakara recorded the highest poll percentage, while Pathanamthitta remains at the bottom of the list

LIVE: Kerala Lottery result today 27.04.2024 Karunya KR-651 result

LIVE Kerala Lottery result today Karunya KR result

LDF legislator booked for DNA remarks on Rahul

Anwar, while addressing an election meeting in Palakkad district of Kerala on April 22, had also said that the Congress leader does not deserve to be called by the surname of Gandhi.

NRIs return home, line up for love of vote

Expatriates from the UAE, including Anwar Naha, returned to Kerala to vote, with chartered flights organized by KMCC. NRIs from various countries made efforts to vote in the Lok Sabha elections, some traveling to coastal states like Kerala and Karnataka, while others returned to Meerut in the north. Expatriates' participation, especially via chartered flights, drew attention in Kerala, while NRIs in Mangaluru and Bengaluru also prioritized voting. Harsha DM and Spoorthi CS flew from Sydney to cast their votes in Bengaluru's Bangalore North constituency.

LDF MLA booked by Kerala police for remarks against Rahul Gandhi

Palakkad: LDF MLA P V Anwar has been booked for the penal offence of promoting enmity between different groups due to his remarks that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was a fourth-grade citizen and that his DNA should be examined. Anwar, while addressing an election meeting in Palakkad district of Kerala on April 22, had also 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 .

Is FASTag taking a toll? Kochi might say yes

KOCHI: Are you in the habit of checking your FASTag balance routinely? If not, how would you know if youve not been remitting toll charges for travel not done? A car owner in Kochi was surprised when he realised that toll charge had been deducted from his FASTag account, though he hadnt passed through the toll gate at Kumbalam. The incident occurred last Sunday. Bijoy Chandran, a marketing executive, said he and his family were in the city the entire day and never ventured out towards Kumbalam side. I was checking the messages on my phone in the evening and was taken aback to find Rs 45 deducted at Kumbalam toll plaza at 11.32am. I logged into the application and found the amount had indeed been debited from my account. I had not travelled in that direction that day, he said. A complaint was registered and CCTV footage at the plaza was examined. This confirmed that it was another car that had passed through the plaza at the exact time when the charge was deducted. It was a technical glitch. The scanner misread the RFID number. The FASTag account of the vehicle that passed was ......3A0 and the charge was deducted from the account ....3E0, said a toll plaza employee. How can machines get it wrong? If I hadnt checked my SMS I would have never known about it, Bijoy said. The employee admits that such instances are not a one-off. There have been instances when FASTag recharges via online or through mobile apps have been credited to other accounts. And its only when drivers pass through toll plazas that they realise their accounts lack sufficient balance, he said. For whom the alarm bells toll 1) In the event of an erroneous payment record, call and register a complaint with customer care: the number is displayed on the back of the tag 2) Provide vehicle number and time of deduction of toll charge to demand chargeback 3) If you receive no reply or there has been no refund in 15 days, contact the toll plaza. (Contact number of Kumbalam toll plaza: 7025277806)

IMD confirms heatwave condition in Kerala's Palakkad district

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a first in the state, IMD confirmed a heatwave condition in Palakkad on Friday. The district recorded a maximum temperature of 41.4 degrees Celsius, which is 5.1 degrees Celsius than the normal. The maximum temperature was 41.2 degrees Celsius on Thursday. Earlier IMD issued a heatwave alert in Palakkad, Thrissur and Kollam due to the persistent high maximum temperature till April 28. Palakkad has remained the hottest place in the state for most of the days this month.

Kerala LS polls: 98 cases registered for spreading canards

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

Kerala: CPI criticises BJP candidate Rajeev for not exercising franchise

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BJP candidate in Thiruvananthapuram Rajeev Chandrasekhars failure to cast his vote is snowballing into a controversy with the CPI questioning the Union ministers faith in the democratic process. It was when the media asked the minister about his vote that Rajeev revealed that he had missed the voting this time as he could not transfer his vote from Bengaluru where he is residing with family. I regret that I could not travel to Bengaluru to cast my vote. I have been voting there for years. However, this time my priority is to be here. I think this election will create history, he said. Rajeev is locked in a three-cornered fight in Thiruvananthapuram. Meanwhile, questioning the Union ministers faith in the democratic process, CPI leader and minister in the LDF government G R Anil termed Rajeev Chandrasekhars action an insult to the democratic process. Rajeev not exercising his franchise is proof of his lack of faith in democracy. It is a very serious issue. The ministers action reflects corporate interests. They have only business interests, he said.

Kerala LS polls: Cash found abandoned near polling booth

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A bundle of cash to the tune of Rs 51,000 was found abandoned near a polling booth at Machel near Malayinkeezhu on Friday. The cash was found near Machel LP School, which is a polling station. The currency bundle mostly comprised notes of Rs 500 denomination and a few notes of Rs 100 and 200 denominations, respectively. The notes were found abandoned there by a voter, who came to cast his vote by 8.15 am. The police said the currency was seized by the Election Commission squad, and since it was claimed by none, the amount was deposited in Malayinkeezhu treasury.

South India Stares At Severe Water Crisis As Reservoir Levels Plunge To Mere 17%

The southern region, encompassing states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, has significantly reduced water storage compared to historical averages at just 17 per cent of reservoir capacity.

Sweet summer success: Kerala farmers see surge in snap melon

KOCHI: The paddy fields that line the banks of the Periyar and the Chalakudy rivers are laden with golden-hued fruits. A notably warm and extended summer with sporadic rains has brought forth a splendid blossoming season for cultivators of snap melon, a fruit that grows well in humid conditions. This year has been particularly rewarding for snap melons, says Sebastian K M alias Lalu, a 54-year-old farmer from Karumalloor near North Paravoor, whos been cultivating the fruit for over a decade. The fruit is locally referred to as pottu vellari, meaning cracked cucumber in Malayalam, due to the distinctive cracks that adorn its skin. As the season starts in January, prices soar to as high as Rs 75 per fruit, gradually tapering to Rs 45 by May end. The succulent pulp of the local variety is the primary reason for its popularity, cherished for its gentle sweetness and distinct flavour. Roadside stalls and bakery owners attest that they sell like hotcakes. Historically, snap melons (cucumis melo momordica) are believed to have originated in Kodungallur, Thrissur. In ancient times, the fruit was frequently served during the renowned Meena Bharani festival at the historic Kodungallur Devi Temple. The sowing timetable for snap melons varies depending on rainfall, typically spanning from the first to the last week of January. Cultivation practices prioritise organic fertilisers such as cow dung and poultry waste. A notable advantage of cultivating snap melons is their minimal irrigation requirements. Farmers primarily rely on drip irrigation during the plants growth phase. However, once fruiting begins, the plants draw moisture from the soil. Sebastian emphasises the criticality of careful irrigation, highlighting the risk of potential crop loss within days if mishandled. Additionally, he underscores the vulnerability of snap melon cultivation to unseasonal rains, which can lead to substantial crop damage, making it a particularly risky venture. Once snap melons reach ripeness, they begin to crack rapidly, posing a challenge for transportation. To mitigate this, farmers often place the fruits onto areca nut leaves for safe transport to markets. With an exceptionally short shelf life, the fruits skin starts to crack within just six hours of ripening, earning it the Malayalam moniker pottu vellari. These fruits primarily find their way to open markets through numerous makeshift stalls that line National Highway 17 from Chavakkad to Ernakulam during the summer season. These stalls specialise in selling snap melon juice, prepared by simply mashing the fruit with a spoon and mixing it with a dash of jaggery powder or sugar. This refreshing beverage can be concocted instantly. Moreover, innovative variations of the drink, incorporating ingredients like milk, have also emerged, adding further appeal to this beloved summer refreshment. The fruit has an extremely short shelf-life, wilting within hours of cracking. Interestingly, theres a discernible difference in taste between fruits just before and after cracking. Knowledgeable consumers often prefer cracked fruits; some even venture directly to the fields to select the perfect ones, explains Suraj, a snap melon vendor in North Paravoor. Dr Shinoj Subramanian, Head of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) under the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi, has been actively involved in raising awareness about the fruits nutritional value and advocating for its consumption and juices among the public. The initiative aims to support fruit farmers and promote precision farming of snap melons. Many people are still unaware of the nutritional benefits and effectiveness of snap melons, especially during the summer season, he remarks. This fruit is an excellent source of beta-carotene, folic acid, potassium, and vitamin C, Dr Sinoj adds, highlighting its nutritional richness. As part of its awareness-cum-promotional campaign, KVK organised a mega harvest festival of snap melons cultivated in various parts of Alangad Grama Panchayat in February last year. The event, which showcased different fruit juice varieties prepared using various recipes, received an overwhelming response from the public, recalls Subramanian. Experts stress the importance of incorporating pulpy summer fruits into ones diet, highlighting their abundant microfiber content, surpassing even that of watermelons, and their role in regulating body temperature. According to Dr Narayanan Kutty, former head of the Horticulture Wing of Kerala Agricultural University in Thrissur, these fruits are exceptional thirst-quenchers, boasting 90 per cent water content and offering instant cooling effects. Notably, they are fat and carbohydrate-free, with their seeds boasting excellent digestive properties. So one can consume as much amount of the fruit they want without any fear of gaining weight or other health concerns, Dr Narayanan says. In addition to Kerala, these fruits are also grown in select regions of Tamil Nadu and other North Indian districts. Mala village, situated on the southern outskirts of Thrissur district, is renowned as the epicentre of snap melon cultivation. As summer approaches, farmers from across the state converge on the Mala-Ashtamichira region, employing precision open farming techniques to cultivate the fruit in various cycles until the arrival of the monsoon. Over the past decade, the fruits popularity has surged, inspiring young farmers to grow snap melons every two weeks to maintain a steady supply. Remarkably, the plant yields fruit within just 45 days, he says. The fruits popularity has soared in recent years due to rising summer temperatures. Despite its shorter shelf life compared to watermelons, an increasing number of farmers are venturing into its cultivation annually. The majority of the fruit grown is shipped to Kochi and its surrounding areas, such as North Paravoor. The fruit is currently facing shortage as the main cultivation season has ended. The fourth harvest is currently underway, and the supply is restricted to those farmers who planted their seeds later, emphasises Sebastian. Snap Melon smoothie Ingredients Snap Melon: 500gm (without seeds and skin) Sugar: To taste Coconut milk: 300ml Sugar (Jaggery): 80gm Method: Mix all the ingredients. Put them in a mixer jar and blend it until a thick consistency forms. Serve it chilled. Other Smoothies 1 Small banana: 2 Jackfruit ice cream: 120gm Yoghurt: 150 ml Sugar: To taste 2 Caramel ice cream: 120gm Fresh milk: 200 ml Sugar: To taste Snap melon salad Ingredients Sliced snap melon : 50gm Feta cheese : 15gm Snap peas : 25gm Pumpkin seeds: 10gm Basil leaves: 5gm Pomegranate molasses: 10ml Sliced green Apple: 25gm Olive oil: 10ml Salt to taste White pepper powder: 5gm Method: Arrange all the ingredients on a plate and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with some pomegranate molasses for that extra crunch. Pottu vellari juice Ingredients Snap melon: 1 Sugar: As per need Water: As per need Method: Peel the skin off the melon and remove the seeds. Cut the fruit into small pieces. Add water and sugar as required. Serve with chunky melon pieces.

Kochi: Drop in voter turnout does not hinder claim game

KOCHI: Although voter turnout in Ernakulam constituency declined from the previous election, several booths witnessed brisk polling. According to preliminary figures, 67.91% of voters exercised their franchise, but officials emphasise that this is not the final figure. In 2019, the polling percentage was 77.63%. The highest turnout of 72.09% was recorded in North Paravur assembly constituency, from where LDF candidate K J Shine hails. Vypin constituency came second with 70.86%, while Kalamassery stood third with 70.27%. Ernakulam and Kochi recorded the lowest turnout of 62.22% and 65.87% respectively. Long queues of voters formed at many booths in Kochi as polling began at 7am on Friday. Voter turnout crossed 6% by 8:30am. Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan joined other leaders, including candidates, in arriving at the booths early in the morning. However, a low turnout was witnessed in some booths in the city, which was attributed to scorching temperatures. Polling in the constituency reached 24.50% by 11am and around 40% by noon. By 3pm, the turnout was 47.20%. UDF candidate Hibi Eden cast his vote at Mamangalam SNDP Hall at 7am. He offered prayers at the cemetery of his father, George Eden, at Pottakuzhi Little Flower Church, before proceeding to cast his vote with his wife Anna Eden. LDFs Shine cast her vote at Kumara Vilasam LP School in Vedimara, North Paravur. NDA candidate K S Radhakrishnan cast his vote in Cheranelloor. He later visited many booths. Twin sisters and first-time voters Devika and Gopika pose after exercising their franchise on Friday. Case against 4 for circulating misinformation about EVMs The police on Friday registered a case against four persons who posted misleading messages on the credibility of electronic voting machines (EVMs) on Facebook. The Ernakulam Rural Cyber Police registered cases against Facebook account holders Anil G George, Sanu Haneef, C V A Kutty and Shihab Ali. The accused alleged that the EVMs record votes only for the BJP even if a voter presses the buttons of other candidates. The messages posted by the accused discourage others from casting votes. The accused also circulated messages that said tampered EVMs are used in Manipur. They posted abusive messages against the BJP. Based on the report of Kerala Police Cyberdome, the case was registered under IPC Section 153 for provoking riots, the police said. Cyberdome is carrying out cyber patrolling to prevent the circulation of misinformation on social media. Last week, five persons who spread fake messages about EVMs were booked. AS THINGS STAND 67.91 Polling percentage in Ernakulam Lok Sabha constituency Turnout in assembly segments: Kalamassery 70.27% N Paravur 72.09% Kochi 65.87% Tripunithura 67.14% Ernakulam 62.22% Thrikkakara 66.24% Vypin 70.86% * All preliminary figures Syro-Malabar Church Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil and Cardinal Mar George Alencherry after casting their votes at Government High School, Thengode, Kakkanad.

A taste of Asia: Cafe De Bangkok

KOCHI: Inspired by their culinary travels in Southeast Asia, S Sujesh and Santhosh Baby decided to introduce the mesmerising flavours of Thailand to Kochi. The duo partnered up and started a franchise of the renowned restaurant Cafe De Bangkok, a multi-cuisine restaurant two years ago. Before we started the franchise, Thai cuisine wasnt prominent in the city. A few restaurants served the cuisine back then but the places lacked authenticity. Thats when we bumped into Thai chef Ratchadaporn Puthong who runs the Cafe De Bangkok in Chennai. After that there has been noturning back, we brought the business to Kochi, says Sujesh. Now, the restaurant is raising the bar with a pan-Asian food fest, Oishi. This addition to the restaurants repertoire, created in collaboration with Malaysian celebrity chef Kuan Lai, showcases a blend of flavours, especially from Japan, Malaysia, and China. And it is for tasting the Oishi offerings, that I entered the restaurant on a fine Monday evening. Chef Lai greeted me with a warm smile and pointed to the Japanese dishes on the special menu. There has been a surge in all things Japanese lately. From what Ive learned so far, Kochi is no different. The city has many restaurants that serve Japanese cuisine. However, knowing the soul of the food is important. Be it a bowl of Ramen, or Sushi, at the end of the day, Japanese food is an art, he says. Nyonya coconut veg curry The tasting began with the popular Salmon Maki. Unlike other sushi in Kochi, it features two types of salmon. Fresh salmon is placed on top and smoked one is wrapped in sticky rice, crispy seaweed and cheese. Instead of using just a sliver of wasabi with a touch of soy sauce, the chef showed me the proper way to prepare the dip mix a small amount of wasabi with soy sauce on a plate, then dip the sushi into the mixture. A single bite delivered an instant burst of smokey flavour, and the dual layers of salmon added a rich texture. The next on the list was the chefs signature Malaysian cuisine a brief pause from the Japanese dishes. He brought the exclusive Nyonya food to the table. The Nyonya cuisine is known for its mix of Chinese and Malay. It came into being after the descendants of Chinese immigrants started marrying native Malaysians. The cultural fusion is reflected not just in the cooking style, but also in the clothing of the people, explains the chef. The Nyonya coconut veg curry with rice is exquisite. The curry has tofu puffs, cabbage, eggplant, and a lot more veggies cooked primarily in coconut milk. The mix highlights the Malaysian flavour whereas the glass noodles in the curry hint at the Chinese influence. The curry is the standout dish. When served with rice, it is a complete meal, bursting with flavours that leave no need for any other accompaniments. Then came the beef rendang curry served with roasted bamboo jasmine rice cakes. This dish is an occasional one. It takes too long to cook and requires tremendous effort in the making. People are sure to pay a price for it, adds the chef. The beef is cooked in coconut milk and the tender pieces are easy to pull apart. The semi-gravy dish reminds one of Kerala beef, the only difference is that its less spicy. The roasted rice is wrapped in banana leaf and it can be mixed with beef and a special Nyonya achar. Its now time for the much-awaited steaming bowl of Hokkaido miso broth katsu chicken ramen. The broth is what makes the ramen special, it is cooked for almost 10 hours. The noodles are imported from Japan, adds the chef. The rich creamy miso broth with soybeans, mushrooms, sake, mirin and dried fish powder tastes refreshingly mild. Its the texture of the noodle that makes all the difference, it is smooth and slurpy. The noodle is topped with crispy sesame katsu chicken. After a hearty meal, the chef comes out with Mochi. This is a guilt-free indulgence. The dessert wont shoot up your calories. We curated this specifically keeping the concept of wellness in mind, the chef explains. I decided to wind up the session with the soft and chewy mochi. The item is coated in cocoa powder, and once cut in half, you can see the gooey centre of the banana, chocolate filling and lychee fruit. When you take a bite, the bitter taste of cocoa powder dominates for a few seconds, and then the flavour of fruits comes rushing in like a sweet melody.

Glimpses of polling day in Kochi

KOCHI: After the crescendo of campaigning that most had gotten accustomed to these past weeks, the silence that accompanied the morning of April 26, when Kerala went to polls, had an air of collectedness to it. From the early hours of polling day, thousands were seen making a beeline to the nearest booth.The groups were diverse, comprising the young and old, families, friends and colleagues. They moved together; some went solo. But all of them had a vote to cast, and, hence, a reason to celebrate. This was their right and duty. In exercising their franchise, they knew they had a say in the affairs of the country and its future. So it was no surprise that voters turned up in droves, braving the heat. The queues were seen well after sunset. Finally, the day came to an end. The votes were cast. Now starts the long wait for the result.

Kerala Police Books LDF MLA P V Anwar for Defamatory Remarks against Rahul Gandhi

Kerala Police Books LDF MLA P V Anwar for Defamatory Remarks against Rahul Gandhi LDF MLA P V Anwar has been booked for the penal offence of promoting enmity between different groups due to his remarks that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was a ''fourth-grade citizen'' and that his DNA should be examined. Anwar, while addressing an election meeting in Palakkad district of Kerala on April 22, had also said that the Congress leader does not deserve to be called by the surname of Gandhi. Following the incident, a case was registered at Nattukal police station against the LDF MLA on Friday, April 26, on the directions of a magisterial court, according to the FIR. Anwar has been booked for the offences under section 153A (promoting enmity between different groups) of the IPC and section 125 (promoting enmity between classes in connection with election) of the Representation of People Act. The magisterial court's direction came on a complaint moved by advocate Baiju Noel Rosario. Anwar's remarks against Gandhi came in the wake of the Congress leader's comments questioning why Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was exempted from being interrogated and arrested by central agencies, though several allegations had cropped up against the Left veteran. The LDF MLA's remarks were later justified by Vijayan who said the Congress leader was not someone beyond criticism.

LDF convenor met Javadekar with Kerala CMs knowledge: Congress

ALAPPUZHA/KOCHI/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior Congress leaders K C Venugopal and V D Satheesan have alleged that CPM leader E P Jayarajan held discussions with BJPs Kerala in-charge Prakash Javadekar with the knowledge of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Jayarajan admitted he met Javadekar. The CMs response revealed a clear-cut deal between CPM and BJP. Pinarayi is justifying Jayarajan. It shows he knew about the meeting. As per the deal, CPM will help BJP in 2-3 seats. In return, the Union government will drop the Lavalin case and the Karuvannur scam case. The CPM and the BJP have joined hands to destroy the Congress, said Congress general secretary and Alappuzha UDF candidate K C Venugopal. Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan said in Kochi that Pinarayi was disowning Jayarajan as the linksbetween CPM and BJP have been exposed. Congress state in-charge M M Hassan demanded Jayarajans resignation from the post of LDF convener. He was the mastermind behind the CPM-BJP deal, he said.

Ballot bash in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : Friday broke abuzz with anticipation and excitement as the 2,730 booths in Thiruvananthapuram district opened their doors from 7am to let 28,27,338 voters exercise their right to franchise to elect their representatives for the constitution of the 18th Lok Sabha. A total of 19 candidates are in the fray, 12 in Thiruvananthapuram and seven in Attingal. Probably sensing a crowd later in the day and fearing the afternoon heat, people started flocking to the voting centres right from the morning. The queues were long in some centres as early as 8.30am, especially in coastal areas. By afternoon, the turnout slowed, and the votes registered were around 65.68% in the 1,307 booths in Thiruvananthapuram and 68.84% in the 1,423 booths in Attingal. While voting was brisk, scenes at polling booths were vivid with novice voters pepped up to cast their first vote. Senior voters displayed a sense of duty as they came on chairs carried by others.

17 years of struggle later, Kerala's Chengara is still out of the polling booth

PATHANAMTHITTA: Even after 17 years of struggle for land at Chengara in Pathanamthitta, nearly 2,000 people from marginalised communities here are still deprived of the basic right to exercise their franchise. On polling day, a board titled Dr Ambedkar Smaraka Mathruka Gramam welcomed one to this rural settlement, where 598 families have been living following a major protest for land 2007. An eerie silence prevailed here, even as the rest of the state celebrated democracy. We hail from different districts, where our names were on the voters list. After the land struggle, most of our names were removed from the voters list, said T R Sasi, the president of Ambedkar Smaraka Mathruka Grama Vikasana Society (ASMGVS). About 2,000 people here cant vote. Sasi added that the community had given several applications and complaints to district and state authorities. There have been denying our fundamental right citing legal complications, he lamented. The community had also approached the BJP district committee, seeking former Rajya Sabha MP Suresh Gopis intervention, but there was no further development. Sasi said the community would vote en masse for whichever party that helps us. When asked about the issue, Konni MLA Jenish Kumar said the people were supposed to be on the voters list. I will inquire if there are any anomalies in the matter, he said.

Second phase of Lok Sabha polls sees enthusiastic voter turnout from Jammu to Kerala, Maharashtra to Tripura

New Delhi, April 27 (IANS) The second phase of the Lok Sabha elections, encompassing 88 seats in 13 states/UTs, spanning Jammu and Kashmir to Kerala, and [] The post Second phase of Lok Sabha polls sees enthusiastic voter turnout from Jammu to Kerala, Maharashtra to Tripura appeared first on Sarkaritel.com .

LDF convenor backs out of joining BJP after threats from Pinarayi': Sobha Surendran

Standing firm on her revelation that senior CPM leader E P Jayarajan expressed interest in joining BJP a year ago, the partys state vice president and Alappuzha NDA candidate Sobha Surendran said he withdrew from the move following threats from the CPM leadership in Kerala. In an interview with TNIEs Manoj Viswanathan, Sobha revealed details of her talks with Jayarajan. Excerpts When did talks with Jayarajan happen? January 2023. I was working as the co-convener of BJPs five-member committee for a national membership drive. I contacted many leaders from both Congress and CPM in Kerala. I held three rounds of talks with Jayarajan. The third and final round was held in New Delhi during the second week of January. Top BJP leaders were scheduled to meet Jayarajan when he returned to Kerala abruptly without informing me. What prompted him to leave? I believe he was forced to withdraw because of the threat from the party leadership. Jayarajan had arrived in New Delhi along with T G Nandakumar, a controversial figure. I think Nandakumar leaked the information to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. I suspect he was trying to act as a double agent and extract money from both sides. When he started making demands, I told Nandakumar that BJP is not a party that takes money and gives post to people. He was trying to avoid direct talks between BJP leadership and Jayarajan. I asked him who he was to demand favours on behalf of Jayarajan. Did you hold talks with Jayarajan directly? Yes, I met him at Nandakumars house. Jayarajan and Nandakumar came to Delhi by the same flight and I went separately. Did Jayarajan withdraw because you refused to accept his demands? No. He was ready to join BJP. Meanwhile, he was under pressure from the CPM leadership. I suspect he received warning calls from Kerala. Did any other CPM leader express interest to join BJP? I met many leaders of CPM and Congress at the district and mandalam levels in Kerala. One of them was a prominent CPM leader. What prompted you to release the information on polling eve? I was locked in a three-way fight in Alappuzha and word was out that I may win. At this juncture, Nandakumar connived with CPM and tried to scuttle my chances by spreading fake news against me. A prominent news channel released an item saying BJP national general secretary in charge of organisation B L Santhosh has submitted a report to the national leadership stating Sobha Surendran is not on good terms with the Alappuzha district leadership. The news was damaging to me. I urged the reporter to withdraw the report as it was false information. The channel owner said they will withdraw the news only if I stopped raising certain issues. Nandakumar intervened and demanded I shouldnt talk about a particular issue. How can we allow such a shady character to intervene in my poll campaign? Was the revelation more damaging to Jayarajan than Nandakumar? He should have thought about the consequences. His abrupt return affected my credibility as the national leadership had trusted my words. Still, I didnt make any move to humiliate him. I was provoked by the dirty tricks they played to defeat me in Alappuzha. They targeted me as I stood with the people of Alappuzha. Did you hold talks with Jayarajan before Prakash Javadekar met him? I dont know about the talks between Jayarajan and Javadekar. I held talks with him when he was miffed as he was neglected by the leadership. Jayarajan claims he never met me and says he will file a case against me. Nandakumar has also accepted that we held talks with Jayarajan. Why is Jayarajan reluctant to file a complaint against Nandakumar? I think Jayarajan is afraid that Nandakumar may release evidence regarding the talks. What are you planning to do next? The news channel tried to ruin my chances by releasing a false report that I will be pushed to the third position. I am planning to approach a national agency demanding a probe against the people who have invested in the channel. (Though TNIE tried to contact E P Jayarajan, he did not respond to our calls.)

Kerala LS polls: Coastal votes help raise poll percentage in Attingal

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A high voter turnout in the coastal areas at the fag end of the polling time pushed the voting percentage in the Attingal constituency closer to the state average. The booths along the coastal road have seen the rush after 1pm when the overall voting percentage in the constituency was around 40%. Women and elderly chose to cast their votes in the evening in several booths in the coastal regions of Thumpa, Maryanad, Puthukurichi, Perumathura, Perunguzhi, Poothura and Anchuthengu. The women are busy with their household and other livelihood matters in the morning. But they did come to booths by afternoon, said Gerald Franklin a booth-level agent at Puthikurichy. The voter turnout in the coastal area was also closely linked to the mass or Juma being held at religious centres in the locality. At Perumathura and Perunghuzhi the rush began after the Juma at the Central Juma Masjid and Valiya Palli at 1.30pm. The boat workers in the region decided not to operate boats on Election Day to attend the Juma and cast their votes. At the booth at Government LPS Perumathura, which is a designated sensitive booth, a heavy rush witnessed since the afternoon to the last hours, forcing the officials to close the gate at the scheduled time. The seven assembly constituencies in Attingal reported brisk polling from 7am itself. However, the voting percentage dipped from the 74 % recorded in 2019. Attingal 2024: 68.84% 2019: 74.4%

Kerala LS polls: Congress pins hope on Thiruvananthapuram coastal belt

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Brisk voting witnessed in the coastal belt of Thiruvananthapuram in the early hours only gained momentum as the day wore on. Muslim women voters came out in large numbers when the booths opened as the men trooped to nearby mosques for Friday prayers. Christian voters, however, pulled their weight right from morning. This is expected to be crucial for both the LDF and the UDF. District Congress committee chief Palode Ravi and the lone Congress MLA in the district, M Vincent, exuded confidence in their candidate Shashi Tharoor improving on his 99,000-plus victory margin in 2019. At 12:30pm, Vallakadavu LP School wore a desolate look with just a handful of people lining up to vote. Polling booths at this venue were categorised as vulnerable and five policemen from Theni, Tamil Nadu, were posted here from Tuesday. Two of the officers, K Chelladurai and Thaya Ayyarsamy, told TNIE that no untoward incidents were reported. The humidity, which is worse than back home, took a toll. We think its the humid conditions that forced voters to stay away, the two echoed. Thiruvananthapuram City commissioner C Nagaraju visited almost every polling booth in the coastal areas. Everything has been hunky-dory. Polling was brisk till noon. Voters returned in large numbers later in the evening, Nagaraju told TNIE. In the majority of polling booths, women were seen waiting for long hours after voting for the men of their families to arrive. Sameen Abdul Rahim was forced to wait for her son for two hours at St Antonys Higher Secondary School. For Natasha Justin, a second-year BTech student, and her elder brother, Nevil Justin, who has been job-hunting after completing his graduation, the opportunity to cast their first vote was memorable. We are extremely happy to be part of the democratic process. Both of us voted for the candidate who our parents endorsed. We know very well that their choice will not be wrong, both Nevil and Natasha said. The constituencys coastal belt stretches from Pozhiyoor to Pallipuram, and comprises the assembly segments of Parassala, Kovalam, Neyyattinkara, and Thiruvananthapuram Central, besides portions of Kazhakoottam. Even if one of the communities votes en masse in favour of the CPM, the votes from the coastal belt will stand Tharoor in good stead, Palode Ravi said. There has been a minority consolidation in favour of the Congress, on the back of the support of the backward communities, he added. MLA Vincent said that as per preliminary reports, close to 65-70% votes have been polled in the coastal belt alone. 65-70% votes polled UDF exuded confidence in their candidate Shashi Tharoor improving on his 99,000-plus victory margin in 2019 As per preliminary reports, close to 65-70% votes have been polled in the coastal belt alone In the majority of polling booths, women were seen waiting for long hours after voting for the men of their families to arrive The constituencys coastal belt stretches from Pozhiyoor to Pallipuram

No big strides: Scorching heat, voters apathy a cause in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: Despite efforts of the election commission and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to increase voting percentages in this general election, the numbers did not make strides in Bengaluru North parliamentary constituency, which has the highest number of voters in Karnataka. While many voters braved the heat, some others did not even bother to come out and vote. Segments of voters in slums and apartment pockets opined that voting is a waste of time, as once the election is over, elected candidates would never bother to come and meet the voters and ask about their welfare. Muneer Khan, 77, who brought his 70-year-old wife on a scooter, to a polling station in HAL ward, said it is appalling to see voters not keen on exercising their rights. Mufeeda Begum, another senior citizen, after casting her vote, said she has now the right to question her MP. Aishwarya, a young voter, stated that people can expect change only if they come out and vote. Syed Raheem, a social worker who arranged free autos to pick up and drop voters, said, The scorching heat forced many voters to stay at home and avoid voting. We have arranged over two dozen autos to ferry voters to booths from areas like LBS Nagar, Jyothi Nagar, Gaffar Layout, Reddy Palya, and Islampur in HAL Ward. We also went and asked voters to come out, but the response was poor, said Raheem. Further, S Ramesh Babu, BJP General Secretary, KR Puram Assembly, said, many voters in the North segment also have families and friends in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. With the polling day, falling on a weekend, many decided to take a long break. BJP North Lok Sabha segment president S Harish held BBMP and election commission officials responsible for the low turnout as he listed anomalies like name deletion and transfer of voters to other areas.

Brisk voting at urban, suburban polling stations in Kerala's capital

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite the scorching heat, citizens turned out in large numbers at urban polling centres in the state capital to cast their votes in the Lok Sabha elections on Friday. Almost every polling centres witnessed brisk voting during the morning hours in the urban and suburban polling stations in the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency. Despite the intense heat, the flow of voters remained steady during the afternoon hours and dipped later during the evening hours. The Government LP School at Kanjirampara in Vattiyoorkavu, which had five polling booths, witnessed heavy turnout of voters during the morning hours. 74-year-old Arifa Beevi, who was seen leaving the polling station, was dissatisfied with the arrangements. I had to wait in the line for more than one hour to get my turn to vote. They set up three polling booths in the same building and the entire corridor was cramped with voters. I am old and have ailments, I felt suffocated, said Arifa, who was one among the many elderly citizens who had to go through harrowing experience to exercise their right to vote. The police and the volunteers had a hard time managing the queue and providing assistance to the elderly and people with disabilities who came to vote at Kanjirampara polling station. Thiruvananthapuram constituency accounts for 14,30,531 voters comprising 7,41317 women voters and 6,89,155 male voters and 59 transgender voters. When the voting concluded, which extended even after the 6pm deadline, Thiruvananthapuram recorded around 66.43 per cent voting. People irrespective of age came to the polling stations along with their families and children to cast their votes. 75-year-old K Vilasini came all the way from Neyyattinkara to cast her vote at Government Model Higher Secondary School for Girls at Pattom. I live with my son in Neyyattinkara and I didnt want to miss my opportunity to vote this time. We are struggling because we are not getting pensions on time. A lot of people depend on pension for survival and the government and the elected representatives often forget this. I dont care who wins or loses in this election. It doesnt make any difference for people like us, lamented Vilasini. A senior citizen, Kamala, 92, after casting her vote at Govt Cotton Hill HSS. Many voters expressed their grievances and aired their concern about the ruling governments in Kerala and at the Centre. 82-year-old Prabhakaran P, who was seen resting at Government LPS Chackai after voting, expressed dissatisfaction with the claims of the ruling political parties at the Centre and the state. They are fooling us. Even now, on my way to the booth, I was intimidated by the LDF party workers. They demanded that I vote for LDF candidate Pannyan Raveendran or else they wont give me my welfare pension. This is the attitude of our government which is deeply disappointing, said Prabhakaran. Unemployment is a major issue faced by todays youth and we vote hoping that things will change for the better, said 29-year-old Vishnu S, who came to vote at a polling station at Anchamada in Vattiyoorkavu.

Lok Sabha elections: 65% turnout in 2nd phase

NEW DELHI: In a relatively improved showing, the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections recorded over 65% voter turnout covering 88 seats across 13 states. The highest voting percentage was recorded in Tripura at 78.53% while the lowest was in Uttar Pradesh at 54.85%. Kerala, Karnataka and Rajasthan accounted for more than half the seats. Elections to 14 seats were held in Karnataka, 13 seats in Rajasthan, 8 seats each in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, 6 seats in Madhya Pradesh, 5 seats each in Assam and Bihar, 3 seats each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, and 1 seat each in Manipur, Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir. All eyes are on the high stakes battle in Kerala, where the BJP has been aggressively working to open its account. The contests in Wayanad, where former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi is contesting, and Thiruvananthapuram where Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar is pitted against sitting MP Shashi Tharoor, are keenly watched. Other top guns in the fray include actor-turned-politician Arun Govil in Meerut, Karnataka deputy CM D K Shivakumars brother D K Suresh in Bangalore Rural, and former Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy (JDS) in Mandya. BJPs Hema Malini, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat are seeking a hat-trick of wins from Uttar Pradeshs Mathura, Rajasthans Kota and Jodhpur, respectively. With the conclusion of the second phase, voting has been completed in 14 states/UTs.

Reservoir levels dip to 10-yr low in South India

NEW DELHI: Southern India faces a grim situation as water in reservoirs dips to a 10-year low. Indias ongoing general election campaign coincides with an excruciatingly hot summer season, compounded by a serious water crisis, especially in Southern India. Major reservoirs in the region hold less water compared to the previous year, during the corresponding time of 2023, and the storage level is even lower than the average storage of the last ten years during the corresponding period. According to the latest data from the Central Water Commission (CWC) released on Friday , Southern India faces a water crisis as reservoir levels plunge to just 17% capacity. The storage during the corresponding period last year was 29%, and the average storage of the last ten years during the corresponding period was 23% of the live storage capacity of these reservoirs. The Southern region has 43 reservoirs, which include the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. As per the latest CWC data, the current water level is 82% of the corresponding time in 2023 in the countrys 150 reservoirs. Last year, there were 64.775 billion cubic meters (BCM) in 150 major water reservoirs, while this year, it is 53.775 BCM as of April 25, 2024. The current water level is 96% higher than the average of the last 10 years. The average of the last 10 years of live storage is 55.523 BCM. Besides the Southern region, water in Western and Central India reservoirs has a larger deficit of live storage capacity compared to the North and Eastern regions reservoirs. In the Northern region, there is a slightly lower water level than the corresponding period last year and is also less than the average storage of the last ten years during the corresponding period. In the Eastern region, storage during the current year is better than the corresponding period last year and is also better than the average storage of the last ten years during the corresponding period. Meanwhile, meteorologists foresee the water crisis as temporary, with the El Nino climatic phenomenon nearing its end, while the La Nina phenomenon is expected to bring bountiful southwest monsoon rainfall during June-September. El Nio Southern Oscillation (ENSO) or El Nino is a climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean. It is synonymous with the weakening of the Indian southwest monsoon. La Nina is the cyclic counterpart to El Nino, known for cool phases of a recurring climate pattern across the tropical Pacific, causing good rainfall in India.

Kerala LS polls: Idinjar tribals never miss a vote

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Girls, eat what you want, the elder brother told his sisters, pointing at the display case at a thattukada. They were out together after a long time, thanks to the Lok Sabha elections. Lakshmanan Kani, 90, and his sisters Parukutti, 83, and Subhadramma, 77, had come to the Government Tribal High School in Idinjar to vote. Though they hail from Kallana tribal settlement in Idinjar forest, some 40km away from Thiruvananthapuram, the siblings rarely travel together. Even on Friday, they met by accident. Party workers had arranged vehicles to take us to the polling booth. We happened to be in the same jeep, said Parukutti. Subhadramma said her children, who usually take her to the booth, were busy and hence, she opted for the partys vehicle. The Idinjar forest has over half a dozen settlements all connected by concrete roads. However, the settlements are turning uninhabitable due to increasing wildlife attacks and drinking water shortage, said Suma, a voter in her thirties who lives in Kidarakkuzhi settlement. Still, people here vote in every election, she said. About 4km from Kidarakkuzhi is Muttippara settlement on a hilltop. Having cast their votes as soon as polling began, couple Pradeep and Sobhana are feeding their cattle at home, situated in the valley facing Varayadumotta, known for the presence of endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Pradeep, 49, said they previously farmed on leased land and turned to cattle rearing just six months ago, after wild animal attacks made farming unsustainable. Drinking water shortage is another problem. We depend on a neighbours well, but the water level is depleting, said Sobhana, adding, Voting is my right and every time, Im excited to do it. We wish peoples representatives showed the same enthusiasm to solve our problems.

Awareness drives have no impact, Kerala's Malapandaram tribals skip voting

IDUKKI: Malapandaram tribals of Idukkis Vandiperiyar, a dwindling semi-nomadic population living inside the forests in Sathram, Vallakkadavu areas of Vandiperiyar panchayat, didnt exercise their franchise in the Lok Sabha polls in the Idukki constituency on Friday. Of the 20 registered voters in Ward 12 (Mount) of Vandiperiyar, only three came to the polling booth. Ward member Guneshwari A told TNIE that though four tribal community members came to the booth, one had lost his voter ID following which he was not allowed to vote. Chellamma, 79, Sarada, 30, and her husband Madhavan voted at booth 186 at Government LP School in Arnakkal. This time, however, hopes ran high as the district administration along with the district election department through Nanka Vote campaign had distributed identity cards to 10 new voters. Field-level awareness was given too. Officials even promised to arrange transportation for residents, said Peermade tribal extension officer Jovy Varghese. Tribal member Sarada said that though she urged other tribals to cast their votes, they were reluctant to come out of the forest. She said that this was the second time that she was exercising her right to vote. Dollies come to voters rescue in PThitta again For the ninth year straight, dollies came to the help of the elderly and persons with disabilities eager to exercise their franchise in the Lok Sabha elections in Pathanamthitta on Friday. More than 80 people engaged the four palanquin-type carriages operated by 12 porters, to carry them past the 48 steps, to the three booths at Sree Narayana Satha Valsara Memorial LP School at Mundukottackal in Pathanamthitta municipality. Since relocating the booths was not possible owing to the unavailability of facilities and absence of roads nearby, dollies were the lone option for voters. The government had started the dolly service in 2015 following the High Courts intervention. Saji K Simon, a local Congress leader, had moved the plea that reached HC and resulted in the favourable order.

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Pinarayi admonishes LDF convenor for meeting BJPs Javadekar

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

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Heat wave takes toll on voter turnout in Kerala

Though officials are in process of compiling data, info as of Friday evening put the voter turnout at 70.22 per cent

Kerala LS polls: Wayanad votes amid fear of wild Animals

KALPETTA: Amidst the fear of wild animal attacks, residents of Meenangadi and Thirunelly in Wayanad district cast their votes on Friday. On Thursday, Amaldev, a class VIII student from Moonnanakuzhi, miraculously survived a tiger attack here. He was on his way to his school to attend a holiday camp when he spotted a tiger approaching from a nearby coffee plantation. As there was a fence near the plantation, the boy had time to escape from the tiger and seek help from nearby residents. Due to the commotion, the tiger went back into the coffee plantation but was spotted again by a woman the same day. There was widespread fear among the residents to step out and cast their votes. Since nobody dared to walk to the polling stations, representatives of political parties here arranged special transportation facilities for the voters. The public also requested to cast their votes before evening considering the attacks, said Binu K T, a coffee plantation worker in Mylambadi. He further said that in the last two months, two tigers were caught in Kaloorkunnu and Mylambadi areas in Poothadi and Meenangadi panchayats. The intermittent presence of tigers in Mylambadi, Pullumala and Munnanakuzhi areas has increased the concern of the people living in here. Meanwhile, two car passengers had also spotted a tiger in Thirunelly on Thursday. The forest department carried out inspections in the area where the tiger was spotted but could not find it. Despite the threat of wild animal attacks, polling took place peacefully in forest booths, especially in Kurichiyad and Chettiyalathur areas. Apart from the election officers, Thunderbolt, police and forest department officials were assigned for the security of these booths. Out of 74 voters from about 30 families in Kurichiyad, 70 cast their votes at the polling station no. 83 of Sultan Bathery assembly segment. Meanwhile, 110 out of 139 voters in Chettiyalathur village cast their votes. A presiding officer, three polling officers and police officials were deployed at the polling station. The big hurdle before the officials was to reach the polling booths in both villages without being attacked by wild animals. Wild animals such as wild elephants, tigers and bison were likely to disrupt voting. In 2019, a wild elephant had destroyed the polling station in Chettiyalathur. Two days ago, a team of election officers who visited Kurichiyad to assess the polling preparations also spotted a bison.

Karnataka: Gowda slams Congress for manifesto promises

PADUVALAHIPPE(HASSAN): Hitting out at Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge for allegedly misleading people by releasing a bogus manifesto,JDS supremo HD Deve Gowda said on Friday that there is no sanctity for promises made. He also questioned whether Rahul and Kharge are the PM or CM to make such promises. They are only ordinary Congress members, he told reporters after voting. Gowda also termed the guarantee card an ordinary pamphlet. The Congress has fooled poor people by distributing the pamphlet, fearing defeat, Gowda said, adding that the party had not released the pamphlet in Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, or any other state. The pamphlet should have the signatures of the CM or his deputy, and educated people do not believe in such a manifesto, he said. Gowda also alleged the Congress had distributed the pamphlet with the aim of defeating JDS HD Kumaraswamy and Prajwal Revanna. The JDS has lodged a complaint with the authorities concerned for misleading people, he added. Taking exception to Kharges statements in Kalaburagi that people can put mud and materials used for final rituals on his body instead of defeating the Congress candidate, he said there was no necessity to make such emotional statements at a public function.

Kerala LS polls: Low voter turnout leaves Left on a high

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The low turnout in the Lok Sabha elections, despite the high-decibel campaigning in the state, has left the three major fronts confused. Going by conventional theory, the CPM believes the drop in turnout hints at a lack of anti-incumbency sentiment against the state government. According to the CPMs internal assessment, only 370 UDF votes were polled in a polling booth at Kollam town, where the opposition front enjoys a majority of 1,200 votes. Its not an isolated incident, the party noted. The substantially low voter turnout of 70.35% has given fresh hopes to ruling Left, while it has left the UDF and the NDA a tad disappointed. Poll statistics of the last four general elections show whenever there has been a huge voter turnout, it has proven to be a washout for either LDF or UDF. In 2004, when the state recorded 77.77 polling percentage, the Left romped home with 18 seats. Similarly, in 2019, when the poll percentage was 77.84, the UDF won 19 of the 20 seats. As per the Lefts calculations, there was considerable leakage of UDF votes in its strongholds. In some places, it believes, the NDA poached UDF votes. The reluctance on the part of UDF voters was evident from low voter turnout in even assured seats like Ernakulam. The unexpectedly low poll percentage in Muslim League strongholds Ponnani and Malappuram indicated a visible reluctance among minority voters, too. The CPM claimed there was no dip in the Left votes, most of which were polled in the first half of the day itself. By around 5pm, 95% of the Left votes were polled. There was a visible dip in voter turnout in many UDF strongholds. The Left has considerable winning chances in many seats, said a CPM state committee member. The CPM leadership said there was a split in Muslim votes, and that would prove beneficial to the Left. Most political votes seem to have been polled, while the majority of the fluctuating voters didnt turn up, observed political commentator N M Pearson. Avida Saleem shows her ID card after voting at Government UP School at Valluvalli near Paravoor on Friday. The moderate voters who usually cast their franchise in favour of or against the governments have not been polled, he said. The absence of pro- or anti-state government votes show that the Left could well improve its performance. Meanwhile, the NDA maintains high hopes. In some constituencies, all the CPM votes havent been polled, said a senior BJP leader. Also there was considerable lag from the part of polling officials. This has also led to delay in polling and many voters returning without casting their votes. The UDF also claimed reluctance to vote among LDF supporters. Contrary to general perception, the dip in poll percentage was not due to absence of UDF voters, said CMP general secretary C P John. There was visible reluctance by LDF voters. The last minute issues around the E P Jayarajan episode might have contributed to this reluctance.

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

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

Lok Sabha polls: Voting delayed in some constituencies of Kerala due to extreme heat

The News Mill

Lok Sabha elections phase 2 witnesses 70.21 pc voting in Kerala; Wayanad records 72.70 pc turnout

The News Mill

Kerala CPM neta cosying up to BJP? 'Friendly chat' triggers buzz

As Kerala votes, Left leader says he met BJP leader, sparks Opposition outcry

As Kerala votes Left leader says he met BJP leader sparks Opposition outcry

Wrong message in L-Gs Kerala church parleys

Delhi Lieutenant-Governor V K Saxenas sudden visit to Kerala, just ahead of polling in the state, was odd enough to raise suspicions. He sought meetings with the heads of various churches and met a couple of them, triggering speculation that the visit was linked to the elections. Considering how the BJP has been aggressively wooing Christians in a desperate bid to achieve an electoral breakthrough in the state, the suspicion was only natural. The Congress took objection, choosing to call the meetings intimidation tactics ahead of the polls. The party then approached the Election Commission, accusing Saxena of violating the model code and seeking action against him for trying to garner votes for the BJP. Saxenas office sought to dismiss the speculation with the explanation that it was a personal visitto participate in a hospital function on an invitationand that he has been frequently visiting Kerala. Its hardly convincing, mainly for two reasons. One, the timinghe arrived Wednesday, just when the Lok Sabha campaign in Kerala was winding up and the last-minute luring of voters was on. Two, he wanted to meet only the heads of Christian churches and, more significantly, all of them. Whatever the nature of his visit, there is no denying that the L-G is an appointee of the Union government, and his actions can be linked, loosely or otherwise, to the intentions of the party in power at the Center. However, what is admirable is that, though Saxena was able to meet some church heads, most refused to give him an audience. The office of the Archbishop of the Latin Archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram, Thomas J Netto, clearly said such a meeting on election eve would send confusing signals. Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, Major Archbishop of Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, also sent out a similar message. The Syro-Malabar Church, whose head, Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil, and former head, Major Archbishop Emeritus George Alencherry, met Saxena, clarified that the visit was not political and that the church does not follow the wishes of any political party. It is undeniable that elections should be devoid of interventions that hamper the exercise of the voters free will. Developments such as this send out the wrong message. The meetings should have been avoided in the interest of preserving the credibility of the ongoing electoral process.

LS polls: Kerala records 70.22 per cent turnout

Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 26: Despite heightened political fervour and anticipation about the general elections for the 20 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala, the process concluded on Friday with a notable decrease in voter turnout, as the figure stands at 70.22 per cent. This figure, while significant, is quite a drop from the polling percentage of the [] The post LS polls: Kerala records 70.22 per cent turnout appeared first on Northlines .

Third Eye: Kerala poll a boiling cauldron, Rahul Gandhi criticises Bachchan family again and PM Modi's Malda rally

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has once more taken aim at Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai, suggesting they are perceived as serious figures compared to his own 'non-serious' political image. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at a rally in Malda, expressed deep emotion at the enthusiastic reception, musing that he might have been a son of Bengal in a past life. In Kerala, scorching heat and humidity are adding to the challenges of election campaigning, turning the poll season into a grueling ordeal for candidates and campaigners alike.

Election Will Be different: Anil Antony Expresses Hope For BJP in Kerala

Anil Antony, the son of senior Congress leader AK Antony and the BJP's candidate from Pathanamthitta, insists the election this time in Kerala would be different.

2nd Phase of LS Polls Witnesses 61 Per Cent Voter Turnout Amid EVM Glitches

NEW DELHI: The second phase of polling for Lok Sabha elections saw nearly 61 per cent voter turnout as people avoided venturing out of homes in the summer heat and voted largely in the morning and evening. Polling in the second phase covered 88 seats across 13 states and UTs amid complaints of EVM glitches and bogus voting in some states. The Election Commission of India (ECI) said polling remained largely peaceful though incidents of intimidation were reported from Manipur in the second phase too. The ECI data showed the highest voting percentage was recorded in Tripura which registered 79.25 per cent polling, followed by Manipur 77.32 per cent, while the turnout in Uttar Pradesh was at 54.85 per cent and Maharashtra at 56.63 per cent. Rajasthan registered 64.07 per cent, West Bengal 71.84 per cent, Assam 71.11 per cent, Bihar 55.08 per cent, Chhattisgarh 73.55 per cent, Jammu and Kashmir 71.91 per cent, Karnataka 68.26 per cent, Kerala 65.78 per cent, and Madhya Pradesh 57.76 per cent. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the morning urged people to cast their votes in record numbers and said a high voter turnout strengthens democracy. Stressing on the importance of each vote, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi issued impassioned appeals asking people to step out and exercise their franchise. After the end of polling, Modi in a tweet said, Phase Two has been too good! Gratitude to the people across India who have voted today. The unparalleled support for NDA is going to disappoint the Opposition even more. Voters want NDAs good governance. Youth and women voters are powering the strong NDA support. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Shashi Tharoor, Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and actor-turned-politician Arun Govil, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumars brother D.K. Suresh (Congress), and former Karnataka chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy (JDS) are among the key candidates while BJPs Hema Malini, Om Birla and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat seeking a hat-trick of wins from their respective constituencies. Polling was held in all 20 seats of Kerala, 14 of the 28 seats in Karnataka, 13 seats in Rajasthan, 8 seats each in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, 6 seats in Madhya Pradesh, 5 seats each in Assam and Bihar, 3 seats each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, and 1 seat each in Manipur, Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir. After Fridays phase, polling is over in Kerala, Rajasthan and Tripura. In the first phase on April 19, polling was completed in all seats of Tamil Nadu (39), Uttarakhand (5), Arunachal Pradesh (2), Meghalaya (2), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1), Mizoram (1), Nagaland (1), Puducherry (1), Sikkim (1) and Lakshadweep (1).

Congress was biased against Hindus for vote bank, today they're exposed: PM Modi in Bihar's Araria

Congress was biased against Hindus for vote bank, today they're exposed: PM Modi in Bihar's Araria In a fresh attack against Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed on Friday that the grand old party was iased against Hindus for vote bank. The first right on the resources of our country lies with the poor of this country irrespective of religion. The way Congress was biased against the Hindus of India for their vote bank, today they have been exposed, PM Modi said while addressing a public rally in Bihar's Araria. The Prime Minister attacked the INDIA bloc over the Supreme Court decision rejecting the plea for 100 per cent VVPAT verification of EVM votes and said every leader of the opposition grouping has committed the sin of creating doubts in the minds of people about Electronic Voting Machine and heir dreams have been shattered. They did not let people exercise their right to vote for decades. Booth capturing was very common. They did not even let the people step out to vote. Now when the poor and honest voters have the strength of EVM, they are trying all they can to get rid of the EVM. Today, the Supreme Court has given a strong verdict saying that the old system of ballot paper voting will not come back, he said. He said opposition parties should apologise to the people for creating doubts about the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Today, the whole world praises India for its democracy, for its election process, and its use of technology in the election process and these people for their own self-interest were defaming the EVMs. These people have continuously tried to betray democracy, he said. PM Modi said the verdict of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections is to make India strong economically and people of Bihar have an important role to play. Today, there are two main streams in politics. One stream is BJP-led NDA which wants to strengthen the people of India. On the other side is the INDI alliance which wants to fill their own pockets by seizing the property of the people, he said. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister addressed a public rally in Bihar's Munger in which he attacked the opposition coalition accusing it of appeasement. There is an NDA model on one side and there is an INDI Alliance model on the other. INDI alliance model is appeasement (tushtikaran) and NDA's model is satisfaction (santushtikaran). We have to ensure that no one is left behind. We gave toilets, gas, electricity connections, and water facilities to our mothers and sisters. We gave free ration and free medical treatment, PM Modi said in Munger. We never asked anyone about the religion or caste of the beneficiaries...anyone who is eligible will get the benefits. This is true secularism and true social justice, he added. The Prime Minister said that the Congress party has set its eyes on the wealth of people and wants to conduct an x-ray, adding that it will seize more than half of the properties inherited by the people. The INDI alliance is using all its might for appeasement. The 'Shehzada' of Congress has said something which will bring a problem for everyone. He has said that a survey would be conducted for every family. The families have small properties and savings, women have some jewellery. The 'Stree Dhan' is considered sacred. Congress, which looted the country with corruption, has now set its eyes on your properties, PM Modi said. Congress wants to impose an inheritance tax. They say they will conduct an x-ray of every family. Today, you are able to pass on your properties to your children. But, Congress is planning... the guru of Shehzada (veiled jibe at Sam Pitroda) has said that they will seize more than half of your property. Now, two out of four-room houses, five acres out of 10-acre land, you will have to give to the government. The INDI alliance has come up with this dangerous plan, he added. The Prime Minister also addressed a public meeting in West Bengal's Malda today, where he attacked the ruling Trinamool Congress and its ally Congress. He said the ruling TMC and the Congress, which are partners in the INDIA bloc but are contesting the ongoing Lok Sabha separately in the state, are competing with each other in their 'appeasement' politics and attempts to woo a 'certain' community. The Congress wants to grab your properties and the TMC hasn't spoken a single word against it. They are competing with each other for appeasement and attempts to win over a certain community or vote bank. While the TMC government has worked to grant permanent residency to infiltrators from Bangladesh, the Congress is talking about redistributing your assets among a certain vote bank, PM Modi added. The only glue that holds the TMC and the Congress together is appeasement. These parties can go to any lengths to advance their appeasement politics and reverse any decision taken in the national interest, he added. Amid a verbal assault from PM Modi over its alleged wealth survey and redistribution pitch, the Congress has clarified that neither did it make any promise in its manifesto nor did Rahul Gandhi make any such assurance to voters. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said his party was in favour of a comprehensive socio-economic caste census. Senior party colleague and Lok Sabha candidate, Shashi Tharoor, too, waded into the matter, saying there was no mention of wealth redistribution in the Congress manifesto, adding that it was a desperate attempt by the BJP to divert public attention from the burning bread-and-butter issues affecting the people. Nowhere does it (manifesto) talk about wealth redistribution. Nowhere does it say anything about taking anybody's gold and snatching the mangalsutra of women. These are preposterous claims by the BJP and show their desperation. They know that they are losing these elections and will fling muck at us as much as they can, Tharoor said. PM Modi wrapped up the day's electioneering with a mega roadshow in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly. The day witnessed the voting in 88 constituencies across 13 states/UTs in the second phase today. According to the Election Commission, the overall turnout was registered at around 60.9 per cent. The voting was held in 13 seats in Rajasthan, 20 in Kerala, eight in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, five each in Assam and Bihar, six in Madhya Pradesh, three each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, and one each in Tripura, Manipur, and Jammu & Kashmir. The first phase of voting in 102 constituencies across 21 states/UTs were held on April 19. The third phase of the seven-phase parliamentary elections will be held on May 7 and the final phase will be on June 1. The results will be announced on June 4. (ANI)

Archaeologists unearth 5200-yearold Harappan settlement in Gujarat's Kachchh district - Kerala Kaumudi

Archaeologists unearth 5200-yearold Harappan settlement in Gujarat's Kachchh district Kerala Kaumudi

Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose casts vote in Kerala

Vote Vimanas, Special Trains Bring Voters Home In Kerala

If elsewhere, voters seem reluctant to step out into their neighbourhood to cast their vote, in Kerala 'vote vimanas' and special trains are bringing home non-resident Keralites keen to vote. Uma Sudhir reports.

BJP candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar counters LDF allegations on not casting vote

BJP candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar counters LDF allegations on not casting vote The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) on Friday came out against union minister and BJP candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar for not casting his vote during the Lok Sabha polls, saying that his action was an insult to democracy. Earlier in the day, Chandrasekhar, who seeks his electoral luck from Thiruvananthapuram constituency, said he did not go to Karnataka to exercise his franchise as the seat he is contesting from was his top priority. ''I didn't go to cast vote. This is my top priority. It is my duty to be present here on the election day,'' he told reporters here. The BJP leader further said he didn't get time to transfer his vote to Thiruvananthapuram and would surely take necessary steps to exercise the franchise in the constituency in future elections. Both the CPI(M) and CPI, the major coalition partners in the LDF, slammed Chandrasekhar and said exercising franchise is not only a person's fundamental right but also a responsibility of every citizen. Senior CPI(M) leader and General Education Minister V Sivankutty said Chandrasekhar was a person who was capable of going to his respective place, where he has the vote, by a helicopter and return here. ''Chandrasekhar's decision to abstain from voting is an insult to the democratic process,'' he said. The minister further said the BJP candidate's action raises questions about his commitment to the democratic principles and his accountability to the electorates. Sharing similar views, Civil Supplies Minister G R Anil said Chandrasekhar's abstinence from voting was a ''grave'' issue and amounts to cheating the people of Thiruvananthapuram constituency. ''This reflected the BJP candidate's lack of trust in democracy,'' he added. The elections for the 20 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala concluded on Friday with a notable decrease in voter turnout, as the figure stands at 70.22 per cent. The polling percentage during the 2019 general elections was 77.84 per cent.

CPM in a Tight Spot Over LDF Convenor E P Jayarajans Meeting With Javadekar

Congress alleges BJP-CPM tie up in Kerala

ISL 2023-24: Kerala Blasters Part Ways With Head Coach Ivan Vukomanovic

The 46-year-old proved to be a fan-favourite as he rallied the team to the playoffs of the elite Indian football competition in all three years of his tenure.

Kerala records 70.35% voter turnout for LS polls

Nilgiri Tahr census: IUCN joins as third party observer, Kerala gives full support

CHENNAI: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) will be joining the three-day synchronised Nilgiri Tahr census , scheduled to commence on April 29, as a third-party observer. The IUCN Country Representative Yash Veer Bhatnagar, who is known as mountain man and former coordinator for the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Programme, had agreed to be the observer and visit Tamil Nadu on April 29. Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Forests and Climate Change Department, told TNIE: This is the first time, population census was being done for a mountain ungulate. So, I have requested the IUCN country head to come and share his expertise, which will be invaluable for the field staff. Take the pledge: Online awareness campaign launched to protect Nilgiri Tahrs Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu forest department has managed to convince Kerala forest department to join the synchronised census. More emphasis will be given to the areas sharing borders with Kerala. The Grass Hills National Park and Mukurthi National Park shares its boundary with Eravikulam National Park and Silent Valley National Park of Kerala respectively. In order to finalise the methodology for synchronised census, a pilot survey was conducted at Grass Hills National Park of Anamalai Tiger Reserve. The results revealed that, bounded count method and double observer method are well suited for population estimation. Hence, the bounded count method is uniformly adopted all over the entire area in both the states. Also, for unbiased results, double observer method is also adopted additionally in large contiguous landscapes having major population in two areas like Grass Hills National Park and Mukurthi National Park and one block in Silent Valley National park and 2 blocks in Eravikulam National Park, a forest department press release said on Friday. More than 700 field staff, officers and researchers are involved in carrying out this exercise and the entire process will be monitored directly by Project Nilgiri Tahr team in 13 Divisions. Authorities said Project Nilgiri Tahr, launched by Chief Minister MK Stalin, has nine components including biennial synchronised survey across divisions, reintroduction of Nilgiri Tahr in the historic habitats, disease and diagnosis of lump affected individuals, radio collaring of Nilgiri Tahr, ecotourism etc. Successful radio-collaring of one saddleback male was done recently and another round of radio-collaring will be carried out post census for such necessary arrangements are being made, Sahu said. Go-a-t idea! 1st synchronised census of Nilgiri Tahr in TN, Kerala on anvil Meanwhile, field kits containing field manuals, data sheets, zip lock covers for pellets collection have been distributed in all the 140 blocks where the census will be conducted. The team has also documented habitat flora and fodder species of Nilgiri Tahr. The collected pellet samples will be sent to Advanced Institute of Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) for molecular studies and creation of DNA repository. The results of the synchronised survey will provide the baseline data for the conservation planning and management of Nilgiri Tahr population. As per the last assessment done in 2015 by WWF-India, there are 3,122 Nilgiri Tahr in the wild in Tamil Nadu and neighboring landscapes of Kerala. Except for the large herds in the Nilgiris and Anamalai Hills, other populations are fairly small from single digit to less than 100 individuals and isolated. Many of these habitats exist outside Protected Areas and have been getting further fragmented due to linear infrastructure, plantations and the spread of exotic plant species. Conservationists warn there is a high probability of local extinctions of these isolated populations. This makes Nilgiri Tahr Project all more important considering it aims to stabilise and grow the current populations and pave the way for further range expansion by the species. Nilgiri Tahrbecome locally extinctin 14% of historic shola-grassland habitat, revival efforts on

Only two votes cast at Pachakkanam booth in the heart of Periyar Tiger Reserve

Only two of the 28 registered voters turned up to cast their vote at the booth.

Phase 2 of Lok Sabha elections sees active participation across 13 states and UT; Here's a recap of the day

The second phase of the Lok Sabha elections has begun, with voters in 13 states and union territories casting their votes for 88 seats. Over 1200 candidates are contesting, including prominent figures like Rahul Gandhi and Shashi Tharoor. Kerala is witnessing intense contests in constituencies like Wayanad and Thiruvananthapuram. Amid the polls, a 91-year-old woman in Karnataka passed away shortly after voting. Leaders like Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi have called for high voter turnout. Meanwhile, Bengaluru hotels are offering freebies to encourage voting.

ISL | Kerala Blasters FC parts ways with head coach Ivan Vukomanovic

While thanking the Serbian gaffer for his efforts, the club said the search for a new head coach would begin immediately

Unkept promises take sheen out of tribespeoples lives at Puravimala

Tribespeople say that nothing has changed over the past 50 years in the 11 tribal settlements in Amboori, where people are still making a living as forest dwellers, despite the settlements being hardly 40 km away from the capital of Kerala

Lok Sabha polls 2024 | Phase 2: Brisk voter turnout in Kerala

E.P. Jayarajan puts LDF in a spot on polling day

Controversy over LDF conveners reported meeting with BJPs Kerala in-charge Prakash Javadekar in the company of self-styled power broker T.G. Nandakumar

Nearly 61% Turnout Till 5 pm As 88 Seats Vote In Lok Sabha's Phase 2 Today

Voting was held in 88 constituencies across 13 states and Union Territories amid a furious row between the Congress and the BJP over manifesto and inheritance tax. For Kerala, Rajasthan and Tripura, polling is over.Polling for the second phase was held for 20 seats in Kerala, 14 seats in Karnataka, 13 in Rajasthan, eight each in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, seven in Madhya Pradesh, five each in Assam and Bihar, three each in Bengal and Chhattisgarh and one each in Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur and Tripura. An average turnout of 60.7 per cent was recorded till 5 pm.

LS Polls 2024 Phase 2: 39% Turnout Till 1 PM

Polling for the second phase is being held for 88 seats in 13 states: 20 seats in Kerala, 14 seats in Karnataka, 13 in Rajasthan, eight each in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, seven in Madhya Pradesh, five each in Assam and Bihar, three each in Bengal and Chhattisgarh, and one... The post LS Polls 2024 Phase 2: 39% Turnout Till 1 PM appeared first on HW News English .

Kollam records 67.97% voter turnout

The voting percentage dropped around 5 percentage points from 2019.

How Half Of Karnataka And All Of Kerala Voted

Catch GS Prashanth of the BJP, Smrudh Hegde of the Congress, Sandeep Shastri and Uma Sudhir decode the voting patterns in Karnataka's 14 seats and all of Kerala as phase 2 voting comes to a close.

Malayalam actors Aparna Das and Deepak Parambol marry in Kerala

CSB Bank's Q4 Net Profit Dips by 3% to Rs 151 Crore

CSB Bank's Q4 Net Profit Dips by 3% to Rs 151 Crore Private sector lender CSB Bank on Friday reported a 3 per cent decline in its net profit to Rs 151 crore for the fourth quarter ended March 2024, mainly due to a rise in bad loans. The Kerala-based lender had earned a net profit of Rs 156 crore in the year-ago period. During the quarter, the bank's total income increased to Rs 991 crore against Rs 762 crore a year ago, CSB Bank said in a regulatory filing. The interest income grew to Rs 795 crore during the period under review from Rs 636 crore in the corresponding quarter a year ago. On the asset quality side, the bank's gross non-performing assets (NPAs) rose to 1.47 per cent of gross advances as of March 31, 2024, from 1.26 per cent at the end of March 2023. Net NPAs also rose to 0.51 per cent of the advances from 0.35 per cent at the end of 2024. As a result, provisions for bad loans rose significantly to Rs 29 crore compared to Rs 3 crore in the same quarter a year ago.

LS polls phase 2: Over 60% turnout till 5 pm

New Delhi: Over 60 per cent polling was reported till 5 pm in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections covering 88 seats across 13 states amid complaints of EVM glitches and bogus voting in some booths in Kerala and West Bengal. Voters in some villages of Uttar Pradeshs Mathura, Rajasthans Banswara and Maharashtras Parbhani []

Kerala turnout on par with 2019, may benefit UDF

Anti-incumbency:Perceived voter fatigue against the ruling LDF may ensure a final turnout figure on par with, if not beyond, what it was in 2019

LS polls concludes in Kerala, voter turnout at 67.27 per cent

The huge queues in some places were due to delays caused by technical glitches and breakdown in the electronic voting machines (EVMs) as well as instances of bogus voting. In other places, the lines were due to people turning up in large numbers in the last couple of hours to cast their votes.

There has been no development in Kerala, this will certainly change: BJPs Sobha Surendran

The News Mill

Police team camping in Kerala to nab escaped undertrial

LS Elections 2024: Actor Mammootty casts his vote in Ernakulam, Kerala

Mangaluru: Bird fever in Kerala - Vehicle checking in border areas rise in DK - Daijiworld.com

Mangaluru: Bird fever in Kerala - Vehicle checking in border areas rise in DK Daijiworld.com

Lok Sabha election phase 2: 50% voter turnout in Karnataka, 51% in Kerala till 3 pm - India Today - India Today

Lok Sabha election phase 2: 50% voter turnout in Karnataka, 51% in Kerala till 3 pm - India Today India Today

CM Vijayan loses cool when asked if elections would be assessment of his governance

CM Vijayan loses cool when asked if elections would be assessment of his governance Kannur (Kerala) : Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday lost his cool while speaking to the media after casting his vote at home base Kannur. Kerala is voting to elect 20 new Lok Sabha members. Asked by the media on [] The post CM Vijayan loses cool when asked if elections would be assessment of his governance appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Kerala records healthy voter turnout amid scorching heat

Thiruvananthapuram, April 26: Voters in Kerala on Friday braved the scorching heat with 50 per cent of them casting their vote, according to official figures. In the fray are 194 candidates. Voters in the state number 2,77,49,159, including 1,43,33,499 women, 1,34,15,293 men and 367 transgenders. They are eligible to elect 20 Lok Sabha members. For [] The post Kerala records healthy voter turnout amid scorching heat appeared first on The Shillong Times .

50% Turnout Till 3 pm As 88 Seats Vote In Phase 2 Today

Voting is on in 88 constituencies across 13 states and Union Territories amid a furious row between the Congress and the BJP over manifesto and inheritance tax. Election will be held on all seats of Kerala, a chunk of Rajasthan and UP. Polling for the second phase is being held for 20 seats in Kerala, 14 seats in Karnataka, 13 in Rajasthan, eight each in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, seven in Madhya Pradesh, five each in Assam and Bihar, three each in Bengal and Chhattisgarh and one each in Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur and Tripura. An average turnout of 50 per cent has been recorded till 3 pm.

Lok Sabha Election 2024: 50% Turnout Till 3 pm As 88 Seats Vote In Lok Sabha Phase 2 Elections Today

Polling for the 2nd phase is being held for 20 seats in Kerala, 14 seats in Karnataka, 13 in Rajasthan, eight each in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, seven in Madhya Pradesh, five each in Assam and Bihar, three each in Bengal and Chhattisgarh and one each in Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur and Tripura. An average []