Kerala govt moves Supreme Court for deferment of SIR exercise untill local body elections
Kerala's government has moved the Supreme Court. It seeks to halt a special revision of electoral rolls. The state fears this will clash with local body elections in December. Conducting both simultaneously could create administrative chaos. The court is asked to defer the revision until after the local polls conclude. This move highlights potential disruptions to governance and election processes.
Sabarinadhan files nomination for Thiruvananthapuram Corporation polls
Girl child found in Ammathottil
ASHAs stage dharna; demand incentive arrears pending since August
Conclave on migration ends; stressed need to address social aspects of migration
International Institute of Migration and Development chair S. Irudaya Rajan says there has been a rise in suicide cases of Indians in countries like Canada, where at least one migrant attempts suicide every week
Kerala Waqf Samrakshana Vedhi moves SC against Division Benchs Munambam order
Kerala B.Tech students develop EVM Track software for State Election Commission
Aashin C. Anil and Jeswin Sunsi were felicitated by State Election Commissioner A. Shajahan for their contribution to the electoral process
Kerala Man Arrested For Creating Viral AI-Generated Zipline Accident Video
The Wayanad Cyber Police have arrested a 29-year-old man from Kerala's Alappuzha district for creating and circulating an AI-generated video that falsely depicts a zipline accident involving a woman and child.
District School Arts Festival at Attingal from November 25
Missing candidates vexes opposing electoral campaigns
Political parties discovering their candidates missing from the voters list at the last minute is threatening to upend campaigns in at least two corporations and one municipality.
Candidates launch ward-level campaigns across Kozhikode district
Seven apartment complexes in Kochi yet to submit affidavits on STP issue
Ayyappa Seva Sangham raises alarm over crowd management
Thrissur Revenue District School Arts Festival begins at Irinjalakuda
LDF finalises plan for district panchayat in Pathanamthitta
Of the 17 seats, CPI(M) will contest in 10, CPI in three, Kerala Congress (M) in two seats while RJD and JD(S) will contest in one seat each
Drinking water scarcity worsens in Poonithura after tank collapse
School second-term exam timetable out
Houses damaged in wild elephant attack in Edamalakkudy
Three houses damaged in attack
Ernakulam Rural police record 3,328 drug cases this year, seize nearly 500 kg of suspected ganja
He was speaking at the LDF's election convention at the Putharikandam Maithanam here on Tuesday.
Transgender man approaches HC seeking right to cryo-preserve his egg cells
Shashi Tharoor Hails under-publicised Talent Ravichandran Smaran After Another Double Ton
Vijay Hazare Trophy: Shashi Tharoor has heaped praise on Karnatakas rising batting star Ravichandran Smaran, calling attention to his extraordinary domestic form and lamenting how players like him often remain under-recognised. Batting first in Hubli, Karnataka were rocked early at 13 for 2 and later 64 for 3, but Smaran once again stood tall, producing a career-best unbeaten 227 off 362 balls against Chennai on Monday. Remarkable. Important to draw attention to such under-publicised talents. No doubt he will have to excel in the IPL before the selectors will notice! Tharoor posted on X, after the 22-year-old struck yet another monumental double century in the Ranji Trophy. His innings, decorated with 16 fours and two sixes, formed the backbone of Karnatakas massive first-innings total of 547 for 8 declared. He was supported by Karun Nair, who crafted a solid 95 during a 119-run stand, followed by valuable contributions from Shreyas Gopal (62) and Shikhar Shetty (59). This knock marked Smarans second double century in three games and his third overall in first-class cricket, all inside his first 13 matches. He had earlier scored an unbeaten 220 against Kerala and a 203 against Punjab in January. With this latest effort, he has surged to fourth in the seasons run-scoring charts with 595 runs at an astonishing average of 119, trailing only Sanat Sangwan, Karun Nair and Arman Jaffer. This knock marked Smarans second double century in three games and his third overall in first-class cricket, all inside his first 13 matches. He had earlier scored an unbeaten 220 against Kerala and a 203 against Punjab in January. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Picked as a replacement by Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2025 and retained for IPL 2026, Smaran is yet to make his debut, but his domestic form continues to demand attention. His last 13 innings across formats read like a prodigys logbook: 76 in a VHT semifinal, a match-winning 101* in the final, a 203, 133*, 220*, scores in the 70s, 50sand now this unbeaten 227. Article Source: IANS
Kerala University Syndicate members accuse V-C of contempt for High Court, governing bodies
Left-backed Syndicate members decry Mohanan Kunnummals decision to postpone a Syndicate meeting scheduled for Tuesday
Fr. Jolly Vadakken appointed apostolic visitor for faithful in the Gulf
Sivankutty writes to Union Railways Minister, seek compensation, job for Sreekutty
The 19-year-old teenager sustained serious injuries after she was kicked off a moving express train by an allegedly inebriated passenger two weeks ago
Shifting loyalties continue to shake up Thrissur ahead of local body elections
Rebels emerge across parties as denial of seats and internal rifts trigger mass resignations. What began as sporadic rumblings of discontent has now grown into a district-wide wave of political realignments, setting the stage for one of Thrissurs most unpredictable and fiercely contested local body elections in recent memory
Calicut varsitys academic council to discuss regulations for FYIP again
Idukkis Gothic-style 19th century church gets a website
Kerala local body polls 2025: Strict rules for election printing
Except for handwritten materials, name and address of printer and publisher must be clearly displayed on front page of all election leaflets, posters, and notices
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The prolonged suspension of young IAS officer N Prasanth has emerged as a rare and contentious episode in Keralas bureaucratic history, with the duration stretching beyond one year. The ongoing tussle between Prasanth, a 2007 batch IAS officer, and Chief Secretary A Jayathilal has drawn significant attentionnot only within the IAS fraternity but also across social media, where Prasanth enjoys considerable popularity as Collector Bro. Prasanth was originally placed under suspension in November 2024 after he levelled serious allegations against Jayathilak, accusing him of file tampering, document fabrication within the states e-office system, and other irregularities. Several senior IAS officers say they cannot recall any other officer in the state serving a suspension period exceeding a year, a factor that has made his case particularly noteworthy. The latest twist came earlier this month, when the suspensiondue to end in Novemberwas extended for another six months. The order, issued by the Chief Secretary on November 4, just a day before the suspension was set to lapse, extends the period to May 6, 2026. The move, reportedly made with the concurrence of the Centre, surprised many within the bureaucracy. Since Prasanth continued his fight against the Chief Secretary even during the suspension by posting more allegations online, I expected some action. But I never thought the suspension would be extended for six more months, a senior IAS officer said. Under the All India Services (AIS) Rules, the suspension of an officer in cases not involving criminal or corruption charges cannot ordinarily exceed one year. Officials say the administration bypassed this limitation by citing new disciplinary proceedings initiated against Prasanth. Another senior officer said the young IAS official should have pursued his grievances through official channels. In my personal opinion, it would have been better if Prasanth had fought the system internally instead of making public allegations. If such conduct is tolerated, it sends a wrong signal, the officer said. Among younger officers, the episode is being viewed as a defining clash between junior and senior ranksone that could set a precedent for future internal disputes. I have no idea how this case will end. Since Prasanth continues his fight even after the extension of suspension, it has become unpredictable. Whatever the outcome, this will remain a lesson. Many junior officers are already being warned by seniorsremember the Prasanth casewhenever they show signs of dissent. So the outcome is crucial, a junior IAS officer said. With the confrontation intensifying, several eminent retired IAS officers feel the issue should be resolved quickly instead of dragging on as a prolonged tussle. I cant recall any IAS officer in Kerala being suspended for more than a year. I personally dont want this suspension to extend further and hope this tussle ends soon, a former chief secretary said. The loop November 9, 2024: Prasanth made serious allegations against Jayathilak on social media. November 11, 2024: Acting on a report submitted by the chief secretary, the Kerala government suspended Prasanth for alleged violations of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules. December 2024: A formal charge memo was served to Prasanth, accusing him of publicly vilifying senior colleagues and engaging in conduct unbecoming of an IAS officer. January 2025: The Suspension Review Committee (SRC) extended his suspension by another 120 days, till the end of April 2025. April 2025: The suspension was extended again for six months, up to November 2025. July 2025: The government appointed a two-member panel to carry out a detailed inquiry into the disciplinary charges. November 2025: As Prasanth completed one year under suspension, he continued to make serious allegations against senior bureaucrats. His suspension was extended further by 180 days.
Schools in Tamil Nadu may face closures on November 19 due to heavy rain alerts. Other states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha are expected to have normal school operations. Parents and students should stay updated with local school administrations for any changes. Weather conditions are being closely monitored for student safety.
No sign of leopard at Parakkamala; search called off
Govt. failed in Sabarimala pilgrimage preparations: Satheesan
He says TDB and government have failed to arrange basic facilities for pilgrims and the necessary preparations needed to be done at Sabarimala ahead of the pilgrimage
Ranji Trophy 2025-26 | Kerala holds all the aces going into the final day
Eden stars with a four-for as Madhya Pradesh gets bowled out for 192 in its first innings; the visitor, on the back of a 144-run stand between Baby and Aparajith, swells the advantage to 315 runs
Woman arrested for allegedly inflicting burns on 4-year-old daughter in Kochi
SIR Phase 2: Nearly 99% enumeration forms distributed to electors in 12 States, Union Territories
Among these States and UTs, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, and West Bengal will go to the polls in 2026
ECI working on 'sinister design' to 'destroy' democracy, Opposition parties through SIR: Congress
The SIR is underway in Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep
Tribespeople in Vattavada panchayat withdraw their poll boycott
Decision taken at a meeting with representatives of political parties, where it was agreed to find a solution to the tribes problems ahead of the Assembly elections
Official Suspended For Sharing Video Of Dead Deer At Newly Opened Kerala Zoo
A week after at least 10 deer were killed by stray dogs at Kerala's newly inaugurated Puthur Zoological Park in Thrissur due to a major security lapse, the state's Forest Department suspended an official for allegedly sharing footage of the dead deer
Amid heavy rush at Sabarimala, authorities to bring in more regulations
The entire stretch from Nilakkal to Sannidhanam witnessed an unprecedented inflow of pilgrims, with many devotees spending Many devotees forced to stand in queues for up to 14 hours to have darshan.
EC working on 'sinister design' to 'destroy' democracy, Opposition parties through SIR: Congress
NEW DELHI: The Congress on Tuesday accused the Election Commission of working on a sinister design to destroy democracy and opposition parties through the SIR exercise, and vowed to take to the streets by holding a protest rally at Ramleela Maidan here in the first week of December. Upping the ante over its 'vote chori' pitch, the Congress said the poll body's conduct during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process has been deeply disappointing as the exercise is aimed at deleting targeted votes and demanded that it must immediately demonstrate that it is not operating under the BJP's shadow. AICC general secretary, organisation, K C Venugopal told reporters after the meeting that the Election Commission's motive is to destroy democracy and opposition parties, which has never happened in history. We are going to the streets. During the first week of December, the Congress party is organising a massive rally in Ramleela Maidan with lakhs of people attending it, he told reporters, adding that the Congress will expose the Election Commission by organising the protest event. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who chaired a meeting with key office-bearers from 12 states and Union Territories (UTs) where the SIR is underway, alleged that the BJP is attempting to weaponise the exercise of the electoral rolls process for vote chori. Kharge, former party chief Rahul Gandhi and AICC general secretaries participated in a review meeting with state unit chiefs, Congress Legislature Party leaders and secretaries of 12 states and UTs where the SIR is underway. The states and UTs are Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep. Among these, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and West Bengal will go to the polls in 2026. Phase-II of the SIR exercise began on November 4 with the enumeration stage and will continue till December 4. The Congress party is unequivocally committed to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral rolls, Kharge said on X after he chaired the meeting. We held a comprehensive strategy review with AICC General Secretaries, AICC In-Charges, PCCs, CLPs, and AICC Secretaries from the states/UTs where the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process is underway. The Congress Party is unequivocally committed to safeguarding the pic.twitter.com/cVcjyaJGEo Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) November 18, 2025 At a time when public confidence in democratic institutions is already strained, the Election Commission's conduct during the SIR process has been deeply disappointing, he said. It must immediately demonstrate that it is not operating under the BJP's shadow and it remembers its Constitutional oath and allegiance to the people of India, not to any ruling party, Kharge said. We firmly believe that the BJP is attempting to weaponise the SIR process for vote chori. And if the EC chooses to look the other way, that failure is not just administrative - it becomes a complicity of silence, the Congress chief said. Our workers, BLOs, and District/City/Block Presidents will therefore remain relentlessly vigilant. We will expose every attempt, however subtle, to delete genuine voters or insert bogus ones, Kharge said. The Congress will not allow democratic safeguards to be eroded by partisan misuse of institutions, he asserted. Venugopal said while purification of electoral rolls is an undeniably necessary objective, it must be carried out in a bona fide manner. The ECI's conduct thus far has been to further the BJP's 'vote chori' agenda, setting aside its Constitutional obligation of impartiality. We will relentlessly fight against their attempts to manipulate voter rolls through unfair deletions or the insertion of bogus voters to create space for the BJP to carry out its nefarious activities, he said on X. It is our democracy at stake, and we will stand up to every attempt - big or small - that threatens our Constitutional framework, Venugopal asserted. After the meeting, he said that the general feeling of the Pradesh Congress Committees was that the Election Commission was purposefully trying to delete votes of some sections of the society. The design of the SIR itself is to delete targeted votes. This is what we experienced in Bihar also and now they are going to start it in 12 states, he said, adding that they announced on Monday a different 'Special Revision' for Assam. This is a sinister attempt by the Election Commission to destroy democracy in this country. It is completely unethical and completely undemocratic, he alleged. Noting that the revision of the voter list normally takes place during elections for a longer time, but it is now done within one month. Due to this, several suicides by BLOs are taking place because of pressure, he claimed, adding that they are being pressured by EC officials to complete this exercise within one month. In Kerala, he said, the BLOs have been asked to submit the final list of the SIR on December 9, the day the first phase of local body elections will be held. He said even though the Kerala Assembly passed a resolution for postponing the SIR exercise, the state's chief electoral officer asked the EC to defer the exercise, saying this is not the right time to conduct it, and all political parties except the BJP made the same demand, but the EC is not listening. It is very clear that they are working only on behalf of the BJP and (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi. It is quite surprising, he claimed. Congress leader Pawan Khera also said the party's rally at Ramleela Maidan against the SIR exercise will expose the 'mal-intention' and politicisation of the EC. The SIR is to delete names and not add new names of voters, he asserted.
Sex racket busted at lodge in Keralas Kasaragod
The lodge owner and the woman managing the establishment have been booked
Navy sailor arrested in Keralas Kochi for alleged sexual assault on minor girl
Responding to the incident, the Southern Naval Command says it is looking into the matter with utmost seriousness'
Kerala's Commissioner for Entrance Examinations has reopened applications for the second stray vacancy round of AYUSH NEET UG counselling 2025. New applicants can apply until November 20, 2025, to fill vacant seats in Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Siddha, and Unani programs. Eligibility requires passing Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. A revised rank list will be published post-deadline.
Kerala Mother, Stepfather Charged Under UAPA For 'Luring' Son To Join ISIS
A 16-year-old boy from Thiruvananthapuram was allegedly persuaded to join the Islamic State by his mother and stepfather, prompting police to register a UAPA case.
Shiv Sena says 'disenchanted' Kerala worker who allegedly killed self was always BJP member
Anand K. Thampi decided to cooperate with Shiv Sena (UBT) because BJP denied him a seat, but this association lasted only for one day, says Senas State secretary Peringamala Aji
Serene Communities by Columbia Pacific, Asset Homes to build senior living projects in Kerala
The partnership between Serene Communities by Columbia Pacific and Asset Homes will deliver four senior living projects across Kerala, including developments in Kottayam and Thiruvananthapuram, and a waterfront ultra-luxury project in Kochi
Lakhs queue up for Sabarimala pilgrimage; devotees complain of lack of water
Following complaints and large crowd of devotees, newly appointed TDB president K. Jayakumar says 200 additional personnel have been assigned to reach out to people in the queues and provide them with water
ICA recognises ULCCS, a Kerala cooperative society, as global cooperative cultural heritage site
KOCHI: The Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS), Keralas century-old labour cooperative famed for its transformative role in community-led development, has been honoured as a Global Cooperative Cultural Heritage Site by the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA). The announcement, made at the iconic Itamaraty Palace in BrasliaBrazils Ministry of Foreign Affairs, designed by Oscar Niemeyerplaces ULCCS among 31 globally significant sites that capture the spirit and legacy of the cooperative movement. ULCCS shares the distinction with the Dr Verghese Kurien Museum of Amul in Anand, Gujarat, making India one of the few countries with two entries on the inaugural list. These 31 founding sites span 25 countries, including landmarks such as the birthplace of modern cooperation in Rochdale (UK), the Federation of Southern Cooperatives (USA), Moshi Co-operative University (Tanzania), and the ILO Cooperative and Social and Solidarity Economy Unit (Switzerland). Unveiled alongside the announcement was the worlds first Cooperative Cultural Heritage Platform and Global Map, a digital window into how cooperatives have shaped culture, livelihoods, education, and social progress across generations. ULCCS is featured on the platforms dedicated page, introducing global audiences to its unique legacy from rural Malabar. Cooperatives are not only enterprises; they are bearers of culture, history, and identity, said Ariel Guarco, ICA President. With this global map, we celebrate cooperation as humanitys shared heritage, he said in a release. Brazilian cooperative leader Mrcio Lopes de Freitas called the sites living classrooms of solidarity, while NCDC Managing Director Pankaj Bansal highlighted Indias technical partnership in developing the platform. The ceremony in Braslia saw participation from high-level dignitaries, including Ambassador Maria Laura de Rocha and UNESCO representatives. A century of labour-led transformation Founded in 1925, ULCCS has grown into one of the worlds largest and most diversified labour cooperatives, employing over 18,000 people and recording an annual turnover of Rs 2,334 crore. Recognised globally for its ethical labour practices and engineering excellence, the cooperative was ranked the worlds second-largest in the Industry and Utilities category by the World Cooperative Monitor for three consecutive years. From building Keralas major infrastructure to creating the worlds only labour-owned IT park (UL Cyberpark), ULCCS has diversified into technology, education, crafts, agriculture, housing, disaster management, and moresetting a global benchmark for labour-driven development. A growing global movement The ICAs new heritage initiative opens nominations worldwide, guided by a Charter that prioritises authenticity, community participation, sustainability, and cultural significance. Recognised sites will be awarded the ICACCH Label. Looking ahead, the ICA plans to launch the Intangible Cooperative Heritage List in 2026, spotlighting oral traditions, rituals, and practices that embody cooperative culture. With ULCCS now on the global map, Keralas cooperative legacy steps onto the world stagerooted in solidarity, powered by workers, and recognised as a living cultural treasure.g cultural rights and decent work.
Kerala Govt Moves SC to Defer SIR Exercise Until Local Body Polls
It said that conducting the SIR simultaneously with local body elections will create significant administrative complications and potentially disrupt the smooth conduct of the local polls
KOCHI: The Cardiological Society of India (CSI), Kerala Chapter, has issued a strong statement condemning the circulation of false and misleading media reports across India that wrongly linked Dr Arif Mohammed, a young cardiologist from Kozhikode, to the recent Delhi bombing incident . Several media outlets and social media posts have misused Dr Arifs photograph and identity, causing severe distress to him and those around him. Dr Arif, who is currently working at the Metromed International Cardiac Centre in Kozhikode, completed his DM in Cardiology from Thiruvananthapuram Medical College in 2021 and has no connection whatsoever with the incident in Delhi. Terming the incident 'deeply disturbing,' Dr P K Asokan, President, CSI Kerala, said the careless publication of incorrect information has inflicted immense mental trauma on an innocent doctor, his family, and the medical community. An innocent professional has been dragged into a situation he has nothing to do with. The reckless circulation of his picture and personal details is unacceptable. We urge authorities to intervene urgently, stop the spread of this misinformation, and take strict action against those responsible, Dr Asokan said. The CSI Kerala Chapter emphasised that the episode underscores a major lapse in responsible journalism and fact-checking practices. Media houses and social media users must verify facts with utmost care. Publishing unverified information can destroy reputations and lives, Dr Asokan added. In the statement issued by Dr P K Asokan, president, and Dr Jo Joseph, secretary, the organisation has called upon all media outlets to immediately retract the erroneous reports, issue clarifications where necessary, and exercise restraint in future reporting. The public has also been urged not to share or amplify misleading content.
Serene Communities, Asset Homes to invest 500 crore in four senior living projects across Kerala
This collaboration is part of Serenes broader South India expansion strategy, with Kerala positioned as a key growth market due to its large NRI base, higher life expectancy, stronger health indices, and reputation as a retirement-friendly state. The combination of strong purchasing power and cultural readiness makes Kerala a natural hub for world-class senior living communities.
Migrant girl molested in Kerala; two West Bengal natives arrested
The accused entered the house when the girls parents were away at work and molested her, say police
Kerala approaches Supreme Court to postpone Special Intensive Revision
The State said the 'cumbersome' SIR will coincide with the local bodies election and there are no human resources to conduct SIR and local bodies poll simultaneously
Kerala local body polls: Prakashan couple in electoral contest at Kochi Corporation
Kerala local body polls: Fierce three-cornered battle on the cards in Varkala
In the 2025 local body elections, the BJP will be pushing for supremacy and the LDF careful not to lose its weakened grip on the municipality. On its part, the UDF will seek to recover lost ground, but it continues to be troubled by internal issues
Kerala local body polls: Congress attempts to brush aside the Bihar election blues
Though the poll outcome of Bihar may not have any direct bearing on the Congress and its allies in the State, the electoral debacle has left a dampening effect on the enthusiasm of the party workers.
Kerala Lottery Result Today, November 18, 2025 Live: Sthree Sakthi SS-494 Winning Numbers
Kerala Lottery Result Today Live Updates, 18-11-2025: Heres Guessing Numbers for Sthree Sakthi SS-494 for Tuesday, November 18. Check the full list of winning numbers from 3 pm.
The Vande Bharat Express on the Kerala-Bengaluru route impresses passengers with clean coaches, scenic views, and quality meals. Social media users praised the modernised travel experience, while some highlighted the need for better civic awareness and maintenance along railway tracks.
Teen stabbed to death amid clash near Thycaud in Thiruvananthapuram
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a shocking incident, a 19-year-old was stabbed to death after he intervened in a clash that broke out between a group of youngsters on Monday near the Shri Dharma Shastha Temple at Thycaud. The deceased has been identified as Alen, a resident of D-47, Thoppu, near Aristo Junction. Cantonment Police have taken four youths into custody following the incident. The incident took place around 5 pm. According to the police, about 30 youngsters had gathered near the temple after an argument broke out during a football match. Students from the Model School, teenagers from Jagathy and Rajaji Nagar often play together in the Model School ground. While they were playing on Monday, an argument escalated into a fight. Alen reached the spot with his friends to calm both sides, yet the situation turned violent. He suffered a single stab wound on the left side of his chest, reportedly inflicted with a pocket knife. The injury caused severe internal bleeding and damaged his heart. Two youths who were present but not involved in the fight took him on a scooter and rushed him to the General Hospital, but he succumbed to the injuries. Police said the group fled the area through a narrow lane behind the temple that opens to the main road near Sastha Gardens A Block. The location is usually busy as it lies close to C V Raman Pillai Road, the police training ground, and several houses. Residents heard the commotion and alerted the police soon after. Alens family had moved from Manikanteswaram in Peroorkada to a rented house near Aristo Junction six months ago. He had returned to the city three months ago after pursuing a job-oriented course in Kochi. His mother Manju works as a housemaid. The family had already suffered a tragedy a year ago with the death of his sister Andrea. The body has been shifted to the Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examination. Police have intensified efforts to identify and locate those involved in the fight. Further investigation is under way.
SHRC orders Kerala govt to pay Rs 1-lakh aid to victim of police custodial torture
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Human Rights Commission has directed the state government to pay Rs 1 lakh as compensation to a construction labourer, who was subjected to custodial torture by a sub-inspector earlier attached with Varkala police station. The directive issued by SHRC chairperson Alexander Thomas said the government can deduct the amount from the police officer. Suresh Koyippad, a native of Chathannoor, was beaten up by then Varkala SI P R Rahul on August 30, 2022. Suresh sustained injuries on his abdomen, resulting in the blockage of urine, in the incident. The officer had alleged that Suresh was detained for illegal soil mining, but the commission observed that the vehicle used was not detained. Moreover, Suresh was booked for obstructing the duty of the police officer and not for soil mining, the commission found. Additionally, the police officer had responded that Suresh sustained injuries when he was forcefully made to enter the police jeep. But the commission rejected the allegation. It was also revealed that Suresh was detained by 3.30 pm and kept in the station till 9.30pm. The reports submitted by the home additional chief secretary, the state police chief, the SHRC investigation wing and the Kollam district police chief reckoned that the human rights of Suresh were violated.
BLOs boycott SIR work across Kerala after officers suicide
The Kerala NGO Association also staged protests across the state, demanding that SIR procedures be stopped to prevent further suicides. Meanwhile, the body of George was handed over to his relatives after the postmortem on Monday
IUML moves Supreme Court against SIR in Kerala
MALAPPURAM: The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has approached the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voters list in Kerala ahead of the local body elections. Rajya Sabha MP Haris Beeran will present the partys plea before the court, making the IUML the first political party in the state to legally challenge the SIR. The petition raises concerns over the SIR notification itself, stating that conducting a radical revision of the electoral roll simultaneously with local body elections has placed unbearable pressure on field staff, including BLOs. It also alleges that the SIR is being used as a tool to remove voters, particularly non-resident electors. IUML state president Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal told reporters on Monday that the revision has dragged the public into a chronic legal tangle and created widespread anxiety. We have seen how election results were tampered with in Bihar, and there are suspicions about the Election Commission s role there. A similar situation could arise in Kerala during the local body polls, Thangal said. IUML national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty has accused the ECI of showing unholy haste in conducting the revision. He reiterated that except the BJP, all major political parties in India are demanding a free and democratic voters list.
Name deletion: Kerala HC tells SEC to consider Vyshnas plea
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Monday directed the State Election Commission to consider the appeal filed by Vyshna Suresh , the Congress candidate for the Muttada division of the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, against the deletion of her name from the voters list, and to pass an order on or before November 19. Justice P V Kunhikrishnan made it clear that a 24-year-old woman should not be denied her right to participate in the election on mere technical grounds. In these types of cases, the winner should be democracy and not technicality or party politics, the court observed. The court directed Vyshna and the complainant, Dhaneesh Kumar, of Palayam, who raised objection to the inclusion of her name in the voters list, to appear before the State Election Commission for a hearing on November 18. The order was issued on a petition filed by Vyshna challenging the deletion of her name. According to the petitioner, she and her family were included in the draft voters list published on September 29. However, she alleged that Dhaneesh, branch secretary of the CPM, raised a baseless objection after her candidature was announced, claiming she was not an ordinary resident of the Muttada ward. She stated that no documents were produced by him to support his objection. The petitioner submitted her voter ID issued by the State Election Commission, Aadhaar card, and driving licence. All these documents, she contended, clearly show that she is a resident of erstwhile ward 3 and the present ward 18.
LDF promises jobs to 20 lakh women, to take poverty eradication to next level
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Solution to stray dog menace, taking extreme poverty eradication to the next level and jobs to women are among the promises LDF made in its manifesto for local body elections released in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday. The manifesto also accused the Congress of adopting a soft Hindutva stand and joining hands with communal elements like Jamaat-e-Islami and SDPI. The manifesto said as a further step in eradicating extreme poverty from Kerala, the government would take steps to find extreme poor familiesby liberalising the indicatorsand uplift them. The government would also provide further financial aid to families already freed from absolute poverty and ensure they do not fall into that situation again. On the stray dog menace, the LDF assured people that centres would be started in each local self-government institution with the help of non-government organisations to house the canines as per the Supreme Courts directions. The manifesto said the government aims to raise women participation in jobs to 50%. Around 20 lakh women will be provided jobs. Kudumbashree aims to provide three lakh jobs before the end of this financial year. If a woman gets Rs 10,000 as monthly income, a sum of Rs 24,000 crore as additional income can reach ordinary citizens, it said. On housing, it said though the target of 5.29 lakh houses under LIFE Project will be accomplished in 2025-26, the government will build houses for any family left out of it. It will also rehabilitate those living in road purampokku with pattaya and land. Nutritious food will be ensured in anganwadis and schools. The government will convert the rest of the 20% primary health centres into family health centres with an outpatient wing working twice, the poll document said The LDF also promised that providing continuous treatment, medicine and palliative benefits to the bedridden patients would be declared as their right. As per the budget declaration, the experience of senior citizens will be used in projects like New Innings. The service pay system of Bud school employees will be revised. Financial aid will be provided to fishermen who could not venture into the sea due to climate change, it said. LDF manifesto Mini industrial parks, work near home facility in LSG bodies Destination Challenge centres in villages Co-working spaces Public spaces like Manaveeyam Veedhi A playground in each LSG Open gym Strengthen gender budgeting More One Stop Centres for women subjected to sexual assaults Special importance to investment projects of transgenders Crime mapping in all LSGs Hike in financial aid to Kudumbshree Local heat action plan Safety plan in all schools More financial aid to LSGs Funds will be collected via municipal bonds for issuing loans for projects The ISO certification to all LSGs Housing, food for all
Aneeshs suicide: BLO was under pressure from CPM, alleges Congress
KANNUR: The Congress has alleged that booth-level officer (BLO) Aneesh George, who died by suicide on Sunday, was pressured by the CPM. Releasing audio of a phone conversation between the BLO and Congress worker and booth-level agent (BLA) Vyshakh at a news conference here on Monday, DCC president Martin George said that BLAs deputed by political parties are supposed to accompany BLOs to help identify households. However, instead of sending the BLA, CPM deputed its branch secretary Chandran to accompany the BLO. On the second day, Chandran was replaced by a DYFI leader. On the third, Aneesh reportedly called Vyshakh and told him not to accompany him as there were problems. Martin said the CPM put pressure on the BLO not to take the Congress BLA along with him on house visits. But the CPM dismissed the allegation. Party local secretary T Thamban termed it politically motivated. Opposition leader in Kerala alleges CPM role in Payyannur BLO suicide case Meanwhile, rejecting the Kannur district collectors claim that Aneesh had not been subjected to any work-related pressure, his family members and those close to him said that pressure was mounting on the BLO. According to them, Aneesh had been visibly stressed in the days leading up to his death, struggling with the responsibilities assigned to him as part of the electoral list revision work. T Vijayan, the CPM candidate from Ettukudukka and a close acquaintance of Aneeshs family, shared how the latters parents had described the mounting stress he was under in the days before his death. According to them, Aneesh would often stay awake late into the night, sometimes even until 1am, overwhelmed by the stress of his BLO duties and frequently walking back and forth. Seeing him struggle, his parents would sit with him and try to comfort him, unaware that the pressure he faced was far heavier than he let on. Vijayan said Aneesh was unfamiliar with the area he was assigned to and felt he lacked the confidence needed to handle the responsibilities of BLO, leaving him increasingly distressed. Those who knew Aneesh described him as someone who kept to himself and had limited interaction with people outside his daily routine. He would go from home to school and church, rarely spending time with neighbours or the wider community. Because of this, he was not well acquainted with residents in the booth area assigned to him. This lack of familiarity added to his stress, as he struggled to carry out his duties as BLO in a place where he barely knew the people. Shyju, a relative, said Aneesh had become fully absorbed in his booth-level duties, leaving him with little to no time to spend with his family. He only wanted to complete the duty. In a statement released on November 16, the district collector noted that Aneesh had been making good progress with his form distribution work. He had distributed 825 of the 1,065 forms, with 240 pending. On the morning of the incident, around 8.45am, the BLO supervisor called Aneesh to ask if he needed any help with the remaining forms. Aneesh replied that he would complete the work on his own, the collector said.
SIT collects gold plate samples from Sabarimala
PATHANAMTHITTA: The special investigation teams (SIT) probe in the Sabarimala gold theft case has entered a decisive phase, with officers carrying out scientific examination at the Sannidhanam on Monday. The team, led by SP Sasidharan, removed the gold-clad plates from the sanctum sanctorum as part of the scientific examination to determine the purity and quantity of gold. The process, suggested by the Kerala High Court, was carried out in compliance with court directives. Officials said the process began at 1.15pm after the deva anujna (divine permission) rituals and the temples closure following ucha pooja, and continued till 3pm when the temple was reopened for rituals. The sculptors of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) assisted the team in removing the gold-clad plates from the pedestals of dwarapalaka idols, side pillars and the door frames of the sreekovil. The removed plates will be reinstalled after the scientific tests are completed. The entire procedure was videographed and photographed. Sources said the weight of the gold plates will also be measured as part of the investigation. The plates were transferred to another room, where their weight was recorded and samples collected for forensic analysis. Forensic experts, chemical analysts part of team Besides police personnel, the SIT included 20 members, comprising forensic experts and chemical analysts. The team has been stationed at Sabarimala since Sunday. Earlier, the SIT had sought permission from the High Court to conduct a scientific examination of the gold plates on dwarapalaka idols to determine the extent of gold loss following their electroplating in 2019. The court subsequently directed the SIT to weigh the dwarapalaka idol plates and the side-pillar plates of the sreekovil. It also instructed investigators to collect samples of the gold cladding to assess purity and quality, measure the surface area of the plates, and gather copper samples from the plates and door frames. The samples are to undergo scientific analyses, including electrical conductivity, spectroscopic, and microstructure examinations.
With 450 buses, KSRTC gears up for Sabarimala pilgrimage season
KOCHI: The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will operate three buses every minute on the Pampa-Nilakkal route during periods of heavy rush for the ongoing Sabarimala pilgrimage season. It has deployed a total of 450 buses in the first phase, focusing on both the critical chain service and long-distance routes. A total of 202 buses have been brought to Pampa for the chain service, a fleet which includes both low-floor AC and low-floor non-AC buses. As the pilgrim count increases, KSRTC is prepared to induct more buses onto the circuit, said Roy Jacob, special officer, KSRTC Pampa. To manage this high-volume operation, 350 drivers and 350 conductors have been specifically assigned to the route. Furthermore, 95 personnel have been designated for the coordination and control of all operational activities at Pampa. The management has also made provisions to ensure adequate rest for all staff to maintain service quality and safety. In addition to the high-frequency chain service, KSRTC will operate 248 long-distance services to Pampa from various major depots across Kerala. These services will link vital urban centres and transport hubs directly to base camp, providing seamless connectivity for pilgrims arriving from outside the state. Direct services are available from key locations such as Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Chengannur, Kottayam, and Ernakulam. Special shuttle services have been arranged to ferry pilgrims arriving by train at key railway stations including Chengannur, Tiruvalla, and Kottayam directly to Pampa. The KSRTC has established several support services to maintain the fleet and ensure pilgrim well-being. A fully functional mechanic garage is operational at the Pampa bus stand for immediate maintenance and repair of buses. Additionally, mobile workshops have been strategically placed at Pampa, Nilakkal, Plappally, and Perunad, to address any mechanical issues on the route. For emergency situations, KSRTC has also set up an ambulance facility at Pampa. Authorities have promised to increase the number of services as the crowd size grows. Pilgrims can contact the KSRTC Pampa at 9497024092 for inquiries and assistance. In large numbers Over 1.36 lakh pilgrims have had darshan since beginning of Mandala-Makaravilakku festival season on Sunday Around 55,000 devotees visited on opening day alone 18,000 police personnel to be deployed for pilgrimage season; 3,500 officers currently posted A maximum of 90,000 pilgrims to be allowed darshan per day -- 70,000 via virtual queue, 20,000 through spot booking
Three-fourth of expats wives remain jobless in Kerala: Study
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While migration remittances remain one of the key contributors to the states economy, the wives of male expatriates appear to have little workforce participation within the state. A new study by independent researcher Nafeesath K A, to be presented at the Annual International Migration Conference in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday, found that not even one-fourth of the highly educated women from migrant households are taking part in the states workforce. The study, carried out in collaboration with Prof Archana K Roy of the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, ties the reason for this to patriarchy. Based on the data collected from the Periodic Labour Force Survey from 2017-18 to 2023-24, the National Family Health Survey 2015-16, and the Kerala Migration Survey 2018, the study found that only 24.9% of women, with an educational qualification of graduation or above, and their husbands abroad, are employed. The statistics gain gravitas when 42.6% of women of the state attain higher education, while men remain at 35.8%, as of 2023-24. The study also evaluates that this lack of workforce participation exists even when the wives of the NRIs exhibit decision-making skills and financial autonomy. However, this autonomy tends to increase only when the husbands are absent, and diminishes once they return, which makes this study more relevant, said Nafeesath. Suggesting that the gains through remittances come at the expense of womens lack of workforce participation, the study analyses that the womens withdrawal from workforce participation is less of their choice, and more of their domestic duties, and reduced financial pressures due to the remittance inflow. Another common trend we have seen is that some women tend to feel more respected by society when they are educated but not working, she pointed out.
Trendy parodies in vogue, rap trumps conventional music
KOCHI: Ward number 10 aane Safiya Haris sthanaarthee! The catchy line set to the tune of the hit film Lokah has become one of the most viral election parody songs ahead of the local body polls. And Safiya Haris, contesting from ward 10 of Othukkungal panchayat in Malappuram, has gained wide attention, as candidates increasingly use such songs to strike a chord with voters. Besides, parody artists and social media influencers known for their musical content are now busy creating catchy tunes and lyrics to promote candidates who approach them. Around 35 to 40% of voters in most wards are youngsters, and many of them apolitical, disinterested, or unaware of whats happening. Election parodies styled after hit movie songs, rap, and new-gen compositions grab their attention quickly, and most candidates or parties now use them to connect with this group. Also, familiar tunes and catchy rhythms leave an impact on almost everyone, said Malappuram resident Akshay T, an independent artist and co-owner of Leh Studioz, who creates election parody songs. The demand this time for election parodies and original campaign songs has been unusually high, he pointed out. Earlier, this trend was mostly popular among Congress and IUML candidates, especially within Malappuram. But this year, we have received at least 10 pre-bookings from candidates of various political parties across districts outside Malappuram a sharp rise from the usual two or three in previous years, said Akshay, whose studio created official election parodies for Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, as well as rap songs for Shafi Parambil and E T Mohammed Basheer in the last Lok Sabha polls. An independent artist from Kannur said the spotlight has shifted from conventional film music. Rap styles inspired by artists like Vedan and Fejo, along with fully original compositions tailored exclusively for each candidate, are in vogue now, he said. Aflahul Ameen, popularly known as Aflu Song Killer and famed for his mock creations in the Mappilappattu style, is also active in composing election parodies. Explaining the process, he said: For parody requests, we adapt the lyrics to fit popular tunes, often suggested by the candidate or their parties. The same goes for rap versions. For original compositions, we create fresh tunes and craft lyrics highlighting the candidates name, promises, achievements, and sometimes even the shortcomings of rivals in a humorous or satirical tone. A Youth Congress state office-bearer said election parody songs are receiving far more traction than expected this election season. Unlike posters and banners, these songs reach voters instantly and help build familiarity with candidates. Most voters are young or music lovers, so they connect quickly, he said. While all parties now use such trends, the Congress and the IUML are using them more effectively.
BJP eyes hat-trick; UDF, LDF fight for existence in Palakkad
PALAKKAD: Palakkad Municipality holds a unique place in Keralas political landscape as the first urban body to be governed by the BJP. Having won in both the 2015 and 2020, the party is now aiming for an unprecedented hat-trick. The UDF, determined to reclaim power at any cost, is tightening its organisational grip, while the LDF has begun preparing for a strong contest with renewed strategy. In the 2020 elections, the BJP won 28 of the 52 seats, improving on its 2015 tally of 24 seats and securing control of the municipality. This time, it hopes a decades worth of development projects will help it retain power. However, internal feud present a major challenge, particularly in Palayam ward. Dissatisfaction has been simmering since the assembly by-election in which the present BJP state vice-president, C Krishnakumar was fielded as the BJP candidate. His defeat, coupled with the noticeable erosion of votes in municipal areas, sparked intense discussions and factional tensions within the party. Further cracks were exposed when the current municipal chairperson, Prameela Sasidharan, appeared at a public event alongside MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who the BJP had boycotted. Sensing an opportunity, the UDF is calculating that these factors may improve its chances. In 2020, the Congress secured 12 seats while the Indian Union Muslim League won four. The UDF has already finalised seat-sharing arrangements and is prepared for the contest, though concerns linger over allegations and factional issues surrounding Rahul. The coalition fears these controversies could turn electoral liabilities. Meanwhile, the CPM aims to expand its influence by highlighting what it describes as stalled development and the saffronisation of the municipality. The party currently holds seven seats and is strategising to increase its presence.
Hammer, sickle and star missing in Malappuram
MALAPPURAM: The ruling party in a majority of local bodies, the CPM faces a dramatically different reality in Malappuram. In this Muslim-majority district, where the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) maintains an unshakeable hold, the CPM is not merely weak, it lacks even a single official party member in 14 local bodies. The organisational vacuum runs so deep that the party often struggles to field candidates on its own symbol. Across several panchayats and municipalities, CPM-backed candidates now contest as independents, deliberately avoiding the iconic hammer, sickle and star. Of the districts 10 municipalities, the party has no official councillors in Tanur and Tirurangadi. In Tanur alone, six councillors aligned with the LDF are independents. We reversed our negligible presence in Tanur by contesting as independents, securing six seats in 2020. All of us are CPM activists or sympathisers, said P T Akbar, councillor of ward 13. Remarkably, Tanur elected seven BJP councillors, all under the lotus symbol. The crisis is starker in block panchayats. The CPM failed to win even a single seat, officially or through independents, in two of the districts 14 block panchayats. In Areacode, KC(M) and RMP have representation, but CPM has none. In Vengara, IUML swept 14 of 15 seats. One seat went to the Congress. At the panchayat level, the party continues to rely heavily on independents. Of the districts 94 panchayats, CPM has no official representation in 10. CPM district secretary Anil V P maintains this is intentional. We admit that CPM is weaker in Malappuram compared to other districts. So we need to be tactical to win more seats. Fielding independents is our tried-and-tested formula here, he said. In certain panchayats, our symbol simply doesnt work. There, we choose popular local figures who are party sympathisers or workers and allow them to contest as independents. We will continue this strategy in upcoming elections as well, he said.
Harithas ousted leaders make powerful return as IUML picks
MALAPPURAM: In a remarkable shift within the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the young women of Haritha once pushed out of Leagues political arena have now returned as some of the partys most prominent candidates in the local body election. Three former Haritha leadersFathima Tahiliya, Mufeeda Thesni, and T Najma Tabsheerawho were sidelined after they filed a sexual-harassment complaint against MSF state president P K Nawas in 2021 are now being fielded by the IUML in key wards. Once blacklisted and removed after the party dissolved the Haritha state committee for taking their complaint public, the trio has now re-emerged at the very centre of the Leagues new political messaging. Fathima Tahiliya is contesting from the Kuttichira division of the Kozhikode corporation, where the party is even considering her for the deputy mayors post. Mufeeda Thesni has been fielded from the newly formed Tharuvana division of the Wayanad district panchayat, and Najma Tabsheera is contesting from Valampuram in the Perinthalmanna block panchayat, where she is the presidential candidate. This change began after Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal took charge as state president. The party made a conscious decision to ensure more representation for women across all wings, said Fathima. This transformation is organic -- it would have happened even without the protests. Najma, who previously won from Tirurkkad and now serves as chairperson of the block standing committee, calls this shift historic. If you look closely at the IUML list this time, many highly educated women are being considered for chairperson and president posts. That itself is a big message, she said. For Mufeeda, the 2021 crisis was the turning point. It changed the trajectory of the Muslim League, she said. We were not the only ones who fought -- many Haritha members stood with us and pushed the party to rethink. The results are visible now: young candidates are everywhere in the list. Two years after the party action, in 2024 Harithas members were given key positions in the party. Fathima was selected as Youth League state secretary, Mufeeda is the national vice president, and Najma is the national secretary. From dissolution to elevation, their return signals not just personal vindication but a deeper ideological shift within the Muslim League itself.
A Musical tribute to Kishore Da in Kochi
Songs have the power to transport listeners to different worlds, stir memories and alter moods. Few voices have done this as effortlessly as Kishore Kumar, and his songs are considered the masters of it. The playfulness of Roop tera mastana , the pain in O majhi re , and the unfiltered romance of Pal pal dil ke pass are just a few examples of his repertoire that spans emotions still influential decades after his passing. A maverick in every sense, Kishore Kumar was not merely a playback singer; he was an actor, composer, director and comic genius who redefined what versatility in Indian cinema could sound like. Celebrating this legendary voice and the moods he mastered, Kochi will play host to a special tribute concert titled Many Moods of Kishore Kumar. The event, presented by Voice of India in association with the Kerala Fine Arts Society, will be held at 6 pm on November 22, Saturday, at the Fine Arts Hall, Kochi. Kishore Kumar Leading the evening will be K T Anilkumar (IRS), who is known for his moving renditions of Kishore Kumars classics. It was the audience who pointed out that I sounded very similar to him, he shares, recalling an experience. I also sing songs by other renowned singers such as SPB, Jayachandran sir, Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh and Yesudas as well, depending on the audiences requests. But a simple humming in Kishore Kumars style is captivating; there is a heaviness in his voice that no other singer has, and this is why I keep coming back to him. Anilkumar has been performing tribute programmes across the country this year to commemorate the 96th birth anniversary of the legendary playback singer. The upcoming performance is a part of the same. Joining him on stage are singers Rijiya and Beena Murali, each bringing their own distinct vocal style to complement the tribute. The musical arrangements and orchestra will be led by Susanth, who is based in Kozhikode. He is a master himself, informs Anilkumar. Talking about the range of songs that one can perform when it comes to Kishore Kumar, Anilkumar remembers an incident, I once performed 81 songs in a night, at a performance in Delhi, and still the audience came up and requested four more. We ended up performing 85 songs in total that night. I will never forget it, he smiles. Having performed in different cities, Anilkumar recalls having come across both positive and negative comments when singing in Kishore Kumars style. Some appreciate that I can bring his magic to the stage, and some complain that I only sing his songs majorly, he chuckles. Whatever the moods of the audience, he makes sure to tweak his playlist depending on the city he is performing in. One of my favourite places to perform in Kerala is Kozhikode, the audience there is very receptive and loving. They stay on till the end of the concert every time. Kochi does not disappoint either, Anilkumar shares. With a mix of unforgettable melodies, talented performers and the timeless charm of Kishore Kumars music, Many Moods of Kishore Kumar will bring back the celebration and nostalgia that lovers of classic Hindi film music will not want to miss. Many Moods of Kishore Kumar @ FIne Arts Hall November 22, 6pm. Entry is free. For details: 9388663345
Panel suggests repair of damaged Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple idol
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The High Court-appointed expert committee has reported damage due to wear and tear for the moolavigraham, the main idol at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The idol is made of a concrete-like mixture called kadusharka-rayogam. The damage includes those to the right chin of the idol, foot finger and reinforcement between the idol and the anantha. There are wear and tear to the lotus that grows from the idols navel and Lord Brahmas idol on top of the flower. The alankarangal or decorations on the idol including the tholvala, kaivala, poonool, and earrings too suffered damage. The use of nails to adorn golden and silver robes on the idol also caused damage. The expert co mmittee members were temple thantri Tharananellor Satheesan Namboodiripad, Kanippayyoor Krishnan Namboodiri, Pazhangaparambu Unnikrishnan Namboodiri, and Cheruvalli Easwaran Namboodiri. Climatic changes are a major reason for the wear and tear to the idol, according to Satheesan. A moderate climate is required for the idol to remain in good condition. Over the years, the temperature has risen. The tremendous increase in the number of devotees has made the sanctum warmer in recent years, he told TNIE. Idols made of kadusarkarayogam should not be exposed to water. Hence, the customary abhishekam is performed on a representative idol. The speedy decaying of tulsi leaves makes the idol wet which thereby affects the texture. Years ago, the flowers would remain dry until the next morning. But these days they start decomposing soon, maybe due to the climatic changes, he said. Kadusharkara is an indigenous concrete-like mixture prepared out of about 48 materials ranging from small conch shells to herbs and sand. Idols in kadusharkarayogam are noted for their stunning finish when compared to those in metal or stone, the thantri said. Only about fifteen temples in Kerala have such idols. The repair works, to be done by master craftsmen, would be expensive and time-consuming. It will be a challenging task to source materials for the preparation of the mixture. For example, the soil requires certain qualities, and they have to be sourced from distant places. The processing involves different phases, including grinding and baking the soil in herbal concoctions, he said.
After 40-day futile search for missing father, Bengaluru man leaves Kochi
KOCHI: After nearly 40 days of relentless search for Suraj Lama a Bengaluru resident who went missing in Kochi soon after being deported from Kuwait across every corner of the city, from crowded streets to quiet bylanes and almost every shortcut in between, his son Santon finally returned to Bengaluru late on Saturday. The junior Lama, known among friends and colleagues as Sunny, ended his final search along the inner routes of Aluva and Kalamassery on his rented bike, before quietly handing it back to its owners and leaving Kochi. Santon, though, is still holding on to a fragile hope of a call about his missing father. Something in my mind kept saying I should stay longer in Kochi, that my father was somewhere just within reach. But I had almost run out of money, and I needed to return to take care of my mother the only person I have left in this world, Santon told TNIE. As days went by with no progress from my search or the authorities, I told the police, my advocates, and the migrant worker friends who helped me that I am returning to Bengaluru. But I will remain just a phone call away because I still believe a positive call could come any moment, he said. He said, as the only son, he had to search for his father while also being mindful of his mother, who remains hopeful of Surajs return. Im going through a phase that most people cant even imagine, said Santon, his voice heavy with anguish. Expressing gratitude to his company and colleagues in Bengaluru, where he works as a marketing and SEO professional for Google Ads, Santon said, I could continue my search only because of the incredible support from my team. They helped me in so many ways, and I cant thank them enough. But I dont want to burden them any further, so Ive decided to rejoin the team this week. At the same time, he said none of the authorities concerned, including embassy and airport officials, gave a proper response regarding his fathers disappearance. The 59-year-old Suraj Lama, who had spent nearly 30 years in Kuwait running a restaurant, had landed at the Kochi airport on October 5, reportedly deported due to memory loss caused by methanol poisoning. But he went missing on October 10 after the police had admitted him to the Government Medical College Hospital in Kalamassery.
52 candidates submit nominations in Kozhikode district
Cashew scam: Kerala HC slams State govt for denying nod for CBI probe
The High Court asked if the governments stance on combating corruption was undermined by its protection of those facing serious allegations.
IUML declares candidates for Kochi Corporation, district panchayat
The party is contesting in six seats in the Corporation and two in the district panchayat
BLO given tearful farewell in Kannur
Kerala to observe World AMR Awareness Week
Bid to improve awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance and encourage best practices among the public
Car Gets Stuck Between 2 Sections Of Under-Construction Bridge In Kerala
A Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire got stuck between two sections of an under-construction bridge and was left hanging mid-air in Kerala's Kannur district on Sunday after its driver entered the flyover while drunk.
Garment exporter-backed political outfit gears up to ruffle LDF, UDF in Keralas local body polls
Political party Twenty20, founded by Kitex Garments promoters, plans to contest in half of Kerala's districts for upcoming local body polls. The party aims to replicate its successful governance model, which has turned panchayats into revenue surplus entities, despite the chairman facing alleged harassment in Kerala.
BJP gives rest to speculations, announces candidates in Palakkad
NDA announces names of BJP candidates for 46 of the 53 wards of the municipality
Sabarimala gold theft case: HC refers ED plea to Chief Justice
Conference on international migration begins in Thiruvananthapuram
'Special revision' of electoral rolls to commence in poll-bound Assam soon
GUWAHATI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday ordered Special Revision (SR) of electoral rolls in Assam which is expected to go to elections in March or April next year. The Commission has directed a Special Revision u/s 21 of the Representation of the Peoples Act 1950 with reference to 01.01.2026 as the qualifying date in the State of Assam, the Commission instructed Assams Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). The SR stands between the annual special summary revision and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, officials said. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who was away in London on Monday, posted on X, The Govt of Assam welcomes the Election Commission of Indias decision to undertake a Special Revision of the electoral roll with 01.01.2026 as the qualifying date. He was confident the exercise would help ensure clean, updated and accurate electoral rolls for all eligible citizens. Assam will extend full cooperation to the @ECISVEEP to complete the revision in a transparent and time-bound manner, he further wrote. The ECI said Electoral Registration Officer of each Assembly segment would be responsible for ensuring that no eligible citizen is left out while at the same time, no ineligible person is included in the electoral roll. Any person is entitled to be an elector and on application to be registered in the electoral roll for that constituency if that person is a citizen of India, not less than 18 years of age as on 01.02.2020, ordinary resident of the constituency, not disqualified under any law, and not of unsound mind, the ECI instructions to the Assam CEO read. The Commission had last month ordered the SIR for 12 states and Union Territories Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Puducherry, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep. Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and West Bengal will go to elections in 2026. As Assam is also going to polls next year, its exclusions from the SIR raised questions. However, the ECI clarified that separate provisions of the Citizenship Act apply in Assam where the Supreme Court-monitored exercise to verify citizenship was about to be concluded.
CWRDM gets nod to test water samples to check presence of free-living amoeba
Special Intensive Revision: Congress will approach Supreme Court, says KPCC President Sunny Joseph
