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Kerala local body polls: Palakkad hits 60% polling by 2.30 p.m.
Among the seven municipalities in the district, Pattambi registered the highest polling percentage by mid-day, at 54.29%. Palakkad municipality registered the lowest polling percentage, at 40.68%
Schools To Remain Closed On These Days, Check Full List Of Holidays Here
Kerala and Tamil Nadu schools in rain-affected districts will be closed from December 11 to 14, 2025, due to adverse weather conditions.
Kerala local body polls: a swift start, half of Malappuram cast their votes in first six hours
The district has 36,18,851 voters, including 602 expatriates and 51 transgender persons. As many as 18,78,520 voters are women and 17,40,280 men. When 29,91,292 voters are in panchayats, 6,27,559 voters are in municipalities
SC asks Justice Dhulia Committee to recommend 1 name each for appointing VC in Kerala universities
The Supreme Court is intervening in the Kerala governor and chief minister's deadlock over vice-chancellor appointments. A committee led by Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia will now recommend one name each for two technical universities. This move aims to break the impasse that has persisted despite previous attempts at consensus. The court expects the committee's report soon to resolve the issue.
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan claims 'womanisers' in Congress, Ramesh Chennithala hits back
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan alleged Congress harbours 'womanisers' and 'sexual perverts'. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala retorted, urging the CM to address such elements within his own front. Chennithala accused the Left government of protecting those who insult women. He stated the Congress acted swiftly against an MLA facing allegations.
Kerala Chief Ministers remark deplorable: K. Sudhakaran
DYFI worker booked for carrying knife during Kerala poll campaign
An investigation is under way into the complaint filed by UDF workers from Omassery
EC offers statistics in response to pleas for extension of deadlines by migrant workers in T.N., students in Kerala; SC says EC must protect BLOs along with States; EC blames hostile political parties for BLOs stress
Kerala Main Normal Scene: Mans Clean & Green Bihar Highway Video Has Internet Saying AI Wala Hai
The narrator added that it felt like a sea shore and people could enjoy the view while travelling.
Replying to allegations of CM, Chennithala says Pinarayi Vijayan should first stop womanisers in CPI(M)
Kerala local body polls: BJP booth agents boycott election proceedings in Karassery
The protesters alleged that there was abnormality in facilitating more than 10 open-votes in just one hour after the polling commenced at Karamoola in Karassery panchayat
Second phase of key Kerala local body polls begins, CM confident of LDF win
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The second phase of polling in the crucial local body elections commenced in seven districts of Kerala on Thursday morning with the turnout crossing 8 per cent in the first two hours of voting. Voters began casting ballots from 7 am at the 18,274 polling stations in the districts of Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. Polling will conclude at 6 pm. People of all ages and professions, including political leaders, queued up at polling stations since early morning. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan turned up to vote along with his family in Kannur. Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, he expressed confidence about a historic win for the LDF and said that the Sabarimala gold loss issue would not affect the prospects of the Left front. He claimed that the government took stringent action in the matter and if it were any other party in power, such steps would not have been taken. Regarding the reported claims by Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief Sunny Joseph of a conspiracy behind the second complaint of sexual assault against MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, the CM hinted at the presence of a criminal gang of sexual perverts in the grand old party. Vijayan said that such persons intimidated their victims to prevent them from coming forward. VIDEO | Kannur: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan ( @pinarayivijayan ) casts his vote in the local body polls. #KeralaElections #LocalBodyPolls #Kannur (Full video available on PTI Videos https://t.co/n147TvrpG7 ) pic.twitter.com/OGQxTd91kj Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 11, 2025 Leaders of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a key ally of the Congress, like Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, P K Kunhalikutty and M K Muneer were confident of a huge victory for the UDF in the local body polls. The KPCC chief said that the Sabarimala gold issue would affect the LDF prospects in the polls as they were protecting those involved in the scam. The local body polls are viewed by many as a key indicator ahead of next year's state assembly elections. In the second phase, over 1.53 crore voters will elect representatives to 12,931 wards across 604 local bodies, including grama panchayats, block panchayats, district panchayats, municipalities and corporations. A total of 38,994 candidates are in the fray. The first phase of polling in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam districts of the state concluded on December 9 with a turnout of around 70 per cent. The results of both phases of polling will be announced on December 13.
In Kasaragod, four crude bombs found near house of an LDF candidate
Kerala local body polls: CM asserts strong prospects for LDF, defends govts stance on Sabarimala row
Responding to KPCC presidents claims that second rape case against Rahul Mamkoottathil was part of a conspiracy, Pinarayi Vijayan accuses UDF leaders of protecting wrongdoers
Actor assault case: Cultural figures & activists gather in support of survivor in Thiruvananthapuram
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The trial court verdict in the actor assault case has sparked widespread debate across the state amid calls for solidarity with the survivor. On Wednesday, people from various walks of life gathered at Manaveeyam Veedhi in Thiruvananthapuram to express support to the survivors long fight for justice. A solidarity meeting, under the banner #Avalkoppam (With Her), held there in the evening had cultural figures, social activists and students in attendance. CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam, addressing the gathering, said the survivor symbolised not just one individual but the collective conscience of society. She is not just one person. She is me, you and our society. She represents hope, truth and justice, he said. Among those who spoke were activist Beena Paul, actor Joby, filmmaker Vidhu Vincent, SEWA member Sonia George, Class 7 student Misriya of Nemom UP School, and dancer-activist Chemparvathy. Cultural activist R Parvathy Devi said solidarity gatherings would not end there. No organisation is officially leading this event. Many people with a sense of justice have responded on their own. Today is Human Rights Day, and the rights of survivors must be protected, she said. S Rahul, district secretary of the Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sangham (PuKaSa), said the survivors struggle has opened a new space in Malayalam cinema, where people can hope to work with dignity. Boycotting the art of certain individuals must also be seen as a cultural expression, he said. One of the most powerful responses came from young student Misriya, who said she felt ashamed of having once enjoyed actor Dileeps films. Letting such people walk free makes parents fear for their daughters. He is a disgrace to the film industry, she said.
Major fire at Varkala resort triggers panic among tourists, local residents
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A major fire broke out at a resort on the North Cliff in Varkala on Wednesday, partially destroying the structure and triggering panic among tourists and local residents. The blaze was reported around 1.56pm at Calaila Boutique Stay. No casualties were reported, and all guests staying at the resort managed to escape unhurt. Fire and Rescue Services personnel rushed to the spot, but the fire tender could not be brought to the site due to the narrow access route. A fire personnel said that mini-tenders were called from two nearby stations to contain the blaze. Firefighters worked until 4 pm and managed to save a portion of the building. The fire is believed to have started after workers at the resort burned garbage on the premises. Strong winds caused the flames to spread rapidly to nearby structures, resulting in extensive damage. We were able to save the ground floor of the building. We had to source water from a nearby pool to douse the flames, a Fire and Rescue official said.
Thiruvananthapuram native flies out from Australia to cast vote
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: How far will you go for a vote-- a few kilometres, a ten-minute drive? Meet Arya Sasidharan, who travelled for over 32 hours, all the way from Australia to Thiruvananthapuram to cast her vote in the local body election. Arya, who made the trip with the sole aim of exercising her franchise on Tuesday early morning, will return to Australia next Monday to continue her Geology PhD studies at James Cook University in Queensland. Initially, I was a bit sad that I couldnt be here for the elections, but when situations turned favourable, I took an impulsive decision two days before the election, Arya, who is a voter from the Mudavanmugal ward of the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, said. Flight charges were the only concern she had, but the moment her husband noted that the charges dropped for a brief time, there was nothing else to think about. Multiple layovers, five airports and a tiring jet lag later, Arya landed in her hometown, much to the surprise of her parents. I made up a story to convince my parents, and hence they were flabbergasted to see me upon opening the door, Arya said. We may have our differences with political parties, but we should never let go of our biggest right in a democratic country for that cause. People say that the country is not developing enough, but how else will the country move forward if we refrain from voting too, she asked. Aryas question remains valid in a society where at least some youngsters find apolitical stands to be cool and who dont mind leaving their native country for better living conditions.
Fresh instructions to restart ABC initiative amid rise in stray attacks
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the ABC programme coming to a grinding halt following the Supreme Courts recent directions, the state government has issued fresh instructions amid rising stray dog attack incidents, clarifying that the lack of animal shelters cannot be cited as a reason to stop sterilisation and vaccination drives. After the Supreme Court order of November 7, the local bodies across the state had suspended vaccination and sterilisation drives, as the direction was to move the dogs to shelters. A recent letter to the director of the Animal Husbandry Department from the government clarifies that the Supreme Courts order of November 7 mandated the local bodies to remove stray dogs from sensitive public spaces - schools, hospitals, sports complexes, bus stands, inter-state terminals and railway stations - and shift them to designated shelters after sterilisation and vaccination as per the Animal Birth Control Rules 2017. The government pointed out that the courts restriction on releasing dogs back to the same locations applies only to animals caught from these institutional premises. Routine ABC operations in public areas outside these zones should therefore continue without interruption. Until permanent shelters are established, Local Self-Government Institutions (LSGIs) have been instructed to relocate such dogs to suitable alternative locations. At present the state has around 19 ABC centres. Till September 30, this financial year, as many as 9,737 stray dogs have been sterilised and 53,401 stray dogs have been vaccinated. Following fresh directions from the government, the Animal Husbandry Department and the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) have finally launched operations of the states first-ever portable Animal Birth Control (ABC) unit at Nedumangad. The portable unit was launched on a pilot basis to overcome resistance to static ABC centres. However, the rollout comes at a time when the state is grappling with the implications of the Supreme Courts recent directive restricting the release of sterilised stray dogs back to their original locations. We launched the operations of the portable ABC unit from December 5. The Nedumangad municipality has set aside funds to sterilise around 400 stray dogs, and after this target is completed we will move the portable ABC unit to another local body, said a senior official of the Animal Husbandry Department. However, the local bodies are struggling to undertake vaccination and sterilisation drives after the Supreme Court order. People are protesting while we attempt to release the dogs in the same location from where they were caught, said an official of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.
206 films from 82 countries to be screened at the International Film Festival of Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With over 206 films from 82 countries ready to be screened across 26 categories, the Capital city is all set to welcome cinema lovers from across the world from Friday for the 30th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala. Mauritanian filmmaker Abderrahmane Sissako will be presented the Lifetime Achievement Award in the 30th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). Five of his films, including the Oscar-nominated Timbuktu and Golden Bear-nominated Black Tea, will be screened under the category The Global Griot: Sissakos Cinematic Journey as part of the festival. Annemarie Jacirs Palestine 36, which talks about the resilience of the Palestinian people, will be the opening film of the festival. Set against the backdrop of the 1936 Palestine revolt, the film had earlier won the award for Best Film at the Tokyo International Film Festival. Reflecting the struggles of the Palestinian people, three films will be screened in the Palestine package, including Cherien Dabiss All Thats Left of You, Shai Carmeli-Pollaks The Sea, and Arab Nasser-Tarzan Nassers Once Upon A Time in Gaza. Attracting the fans of acclaimed filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, the 4K restored version of his fan favourite film Pulp Fiction will also be screened in the festival. Three films of noted Egyptian filmmaker Youssef Chahine, including Cairo Station, Alexandria Again and Forever, and The Other, will be screened in the Retrospective category. In the Contemporary Filmmaker in Focus category, three films of Indian parallel cinemas stalwart Saeed Mirza and five films of Indonesian new wave filmmaker Garin Nugroho will be screened. 57 films will be screened in the World Cinema category, including queer films The Little Trouble Girls, Enzo, Mirrors Number 3, The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo. Selected films of previous Lifetime Achievement Award winners, and those which have earlier won the Golden Crow Pheasant (Suvarna Chakoram), will also be shown as part of the festival. A lorry loaded with materials for the 30th IFFK preparations enters the main gate of Tagore Theatre, the main venue of the festival being held in Thiruvananthapuram from December 12 to 19 | Vincent Pulickal Mauritanian filmmaker Abderrahmane Sissako will be presented the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 30th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala Lijomol to receive first delegate kit today State Award-winning actress Lijomol will receive the first delegate kit of IFFK at Tagore Theatre here on Thursday at 11am. Kits for other delegates will also be distributed here In solidarity Annemarie Jacirs Palestine 36 will be the opening film of the festival Reflecting the struggles of the Palestinian people, three films will be screened in the Palestine package
'Its not your shame': Chinmayi responds to morphed obscene pic
Singer Chinmayi Sripada issued a stark warning about online harassment and AI deepfakes, detailing death threats against her children and a morphed nude image incident. She urged women to shed shame and highlighted AI's use in child exploitation, advising parents to be vigilant in marriage arrangements. Sripada also supported Kerala's appeal in the Dileep acquittal case.
CM Pinarayi, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan spar over development issues
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, it was the turn of Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan to challenge Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for a public debate on his criticism against the Oppositions baseless objection towards development projects in Kerala. The chief minister can fix the date and place for the public debate, he said in a statement issued on Wednesday. Setting the agenda for the local body election for LDF, CM had unleashed criticism against UDF on issues ranging from sexual assault accusation against expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, alleged electoral understanding with Jamaat-e-Islami to Oppositions stance on development issues. In his reply, Satheesan reminded the chief minsiter that two CPM leaders are still in jail for their alleged involvement in the Sabarimala gold theft case. He also reiterated that in the case of sexual assault case, Congress had taken a stand that no other political parties in the country could take. However, later in the day, the chief minister said that leader of Opposition could not reply to any of the questions he had raised. On the other hand he has written something on Facebook as a reply to me. Unfortunately it is baseless and a tangle of mistakes. I could only describe it as pathetic, he said. The chief minister further criticised the Opposition for its stance of objecting everything. I am once again asking them what is their stand on LIFE Mission, Vizhinjam port, Wayanad Twin Tunnel, NH development, GAIL pipeline, extreme poverty eradication, Kerala Bank, K- fone, Chooralmala-Mundakkai and K Rail, he added.
ED seeks Sabarimala gold theft case documents; hearing adjourned to December 17
KOLLAM: The Kollam Vigilance Court on Tuesday adjourned to December 17 the hearing on the Enforcement Directorates (ED) plea seeking certified copies of documents related to the Sabarimala temple gold theft case. The adjournment came after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) sought more time to file its written objection. The SIT denied that the delay in filing its objection was deliberate, countering the EDs allegation that it was attempting to stall proceedings. Both the government and the SIT opposed a parallel investigation, arguing that a second probe was unnecessary until the SIT completed its inquiry. According to submissions before the court, the government also expressed concern that an ED probe could result in the arrest of more senior officials. ED Special Public Prosecutor M J Santosh told the court that the agency had sought copies of FIRs, remand reports, statements of arrested persons and seized documents. He said that while the ED could independently register a case, it approached the court believing that access to the SITs records would enable further action. In its application, the ED said its intervention was prompted by the invocation of Section 467 of the IPC in the gold theft cases, which brings the matter under the ambit of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The agency assured the court that any information obtained would not be shared with the media or used for purposes unrelated to the investigation.
Vavar mosque continues tradition of annadanam at Ambalappuzha temple in Kerala
ALAPPUZHA: Representatives of Erumeli Vavar mosque visited the Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna temple on Sunday to offer annadanam (community feast) in connection with the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrim season of Sabarimala shrine. The event marked the 21st day of the offering and sharing of food organised by the Ambalappuzha Yogam Petta Sangam at the temples ootupura. Vavar mosque has been sponsoring one days annadanam at the temple for the last 15 years, fostering a strong message of communal harmony. The practice began following a suggestion made years ago by former sangam periyon and patron Kalathil Chandrasekharan Nair, who hoped to see the spirit of unity seen in Erumeli during the Pettathullal festival reflected in Ambalappuzha as well. As part of customs observed during Pettathullal, the Ambalappuzha Sangam, which travels to Erumeli for the ritual, participates in the interfaith meet held at the Vavar mosque and receives a ceremonial welcome with chandanakkudam offerings. The group, after descending from Cheriyambalam, enters the mosque where they are greeted with floral showers and holy water. A representative of Vavar mosque accompanies the group to the Valiyambalam, where both the Ambalappuzha deitys entourage and Vavar representative are received with equal honour, a tradition believed to be centuries old. Mosque secretary Mithu Laj, representative Asad Thaazhathuveettil, and committee members Shahanas and Nasser Chakkala were at the temple for the annadanam. They were welcomed by temple committee office-bearers R Gopakumar, G Biju, K C Harikumar, and R Madhu.
Through grasslands & Shola forests, a sacred journey to Sabarimala
PATHANAMTHITTA: Feeling the chill of the Western Ghats and the lush scent of Shola forests, pilgrims to Sabarimala embark on a spiritual trek like no other, crossing over grasslands. The Satram-Pulmedu traditional forest path offers pilgrims a fusion of devotion and wilderness, where nature and faith seem inseparable. With chants of Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa echoing through the slopes of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the devotees walk under the watch of the forest department, police, and health teams. Perched at a high elevation, the route unveils the rare ecosystem of the shola-grassland mosaic. Vast rolling grasslands stretch as far as the eye can see, broken intermittently by clusters of emerald-green shola trees standing like watchers. Key halting points along the trail Seethakkulam, Zero Point, Pulmedu, and Urakuzhy offer natural waymarks and moments of pause before the final ascent to the sacred hill. The path doubles as a thriving habitat for elephants, tigers, gaurs, and several other wild species. With the region forming part of the core tiger habitat, officials maintain keen surveillance along the entire stretch. Stepping off the designated trail is strictly prohibited, and devotees acknowledge the necessity behind such vigilance. Forest guards positioned at intervals ensure safety without disturbing the fragile ecosystem. We feel safe because of the constant support of the police and forest teams. We have not faced any difficulty so far, says Jinesh, a pilgrim from Thiruvambady in Kozhikode who arrived with an 11-member group. Despite the surge in number of pilgrims this season, devotees unanimously credit the departments for improved facilities. Around 5-6 km from Satram, a resting place awaits at Odamplavu Point, a centre jointly operated by the forest department and district administration. Here, devotees are served hot rice porridge, green gram, and pickle free of cost, besides tea and light snacks. The counter closes only after the last pilgrim of the day has passed, says the official on duty. For emergencies, an off-road ambulance stands ready, offering immediate medical response along the rugged terrain. From food and drinking water to safety, everything has been taken care of. We are truly grateful, says a devotee from Tirupati while resuming his trek. Pilgrims are allowed to enter the route from Satram only between 7 am and 12 noon. To safeguard the forest, plastic products are strictly banned, with thorough checks conducted at entry points. All trekkers must reach the Sannidhanam before 6 pm; those delayed are escorted by forest teams to ensure no one walks alone after nightfall. A final round of patrolling is carried out, and only after tallying token numbers with exit records does the team end its shift -- guaranteeing that every pilgrim who entered has reached safely.
Lack of clarity clouds the future of disputed waqf properties in Kerala
MALAPPURAM: With the deadline to upload waqf property documents to the UMEED portal expiring last Saturday, uncertainty now hangs over the future of thousands of waqf property in Kerala -- particularly those mired in long-standing disputes. Waqf protection groups say most of the pending entries involve properties locked in legal or historical conflicts, some dating back decades and others to pre-Independence lease arrangements. Many mahals are unable to submit proof of ownership because original documents have been lost, destroyed, or deliberately altered over the years. In Malabar alone, thousands of acres of waqf land are under dispute -- in Thaliparamba, Mattannur, Koyilandi, Thrikkarippur, Thathoor and Kondotty. Many of these are listed with the Waqf Board, but we cannot upload them without documents. When we contacted officials, they had no clear answer on the next steps, said K P M Riyas of the Thaliparamba Waqf Protection Committee. He said some properties in Thaliparamba, leased centuries ago, have no surviving records due to internal tampering. Certain committee members destroyed documents to help their relatives obtain pattas. It is impossible to register such properties, he added. According to the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, 42,777 of Keralas estimated 50,000 waqf properties have been registered so far. Mahals that missed the deadline are now preparing to approach the Waqf Tribunal, seeking additional time, citing technical glitches, gaps in paperwork, and unresolved disputes. However, both the Kerala Waqf Board and the local management committees admit they are uncertain about the penalties or legal consequences if no extension is granted. The amended Waqf Act mandates digital registration, raising concerns that properties left off the portal could face challenges to their waqf status or become vulnerable to claims by third parties. Mustafa Mundupara of the Sunni Yuvajana Sangham said the figures rose sharply only in the final days. Until December 3, only around 17,000 properties had been registered. The sudden jump happened because many mahals rushed at the last minute. But the bulk of the remaining properties are tied up in disputes. We have no clarity from either the Tribunal or the ministry on what happens next, he said. He noted that while the ministry has allowed a three-month extension for properties facing technical issues, the relaxation does not apply to disputed land. The bigger fear is that mahals may lose their claim, allowing encroachers to gain legal rights. Without clear guidelines or immediate intervention, Kerala could face a crisis similar to Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, where disputed waqf properties are worth thousands of crores, he warned. Deadline expires Deadline to upload waqf property documents to UMEED portal expired last Saturday Most of the pending entries involve properties locked in legal or historical conflicts
Kerala local body elections: Armed with info, Chandran Chamy turned crusader on poll battlefield
PALAKKAD: For Chandran Chamy, knowing is believing. And, as an independent candidate in Palakkads Chittur Thathamangalam municipality, he redefined grassroots campaigning with his information activism. In the run-up to the second phase of local-body elections on December 11, as party cadres flooded neighbourhoods with glossy pamphlets, manifestos, and attacks on rivals, the 54-year-old went door-to-door with something far more unusual -- government orders secured through his own relentless use of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. A resident of Puthankalam, near Thathamangalam, Chamy is well-known locally as an RTI activist and social worker. Contesting ward 26 of the municipality, he has placed transparency, citizen rights, and administrative accountability at the centre of his election pitch. For him, the proof of his work lies not in promises, but in documents. Instead of the familiar political literature boasting achievements or highlighting opponents failures, Chamy hands over photocopies of official orders and newspaper clippings that trace the results of his persistent RTI battles. Each sheet is intended to demonstrate how a single citizen, armed with information and determination, can push the system to deliver. One of the government orders he showcases is related to fee reductions at Akshaya centres for SC/ST families -- a reform he says materialised after sustained follow-up and pressure supported by RTI disclosures. Another significant win was securing NFBS (National Family Benefit Scheme) eligibility for widows returning to Kerala, enabling them to receive a one-time assistance of `20,000, Chamy told TNIE. These are not claims or promises, he added. They are documents that show what information activism can achieve. Over the years, through RTI, I have managed to access several orders and files, which helped me intervene meaningfully in local governance. I want people to understand that democracy works best when citizens stay informed and vigilant.
At three per cent decline, Phase I turnout in Kerala sinks below pandemic-year levels
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Voter turnout has been slipping across successive local body elections in Kerala and the first phase of polling in the states southern districts has reinforced the trend. All seven districts posted a uniform 3% dip, offering a clear preview of the statewide trend. Notably, voter participation figure in these districts have dipped to levels lower than those recorded in 2020, a year marked by the Covid crisis. Pathanamthitta, known for its large NRI population and chronically low turnout, stayed true to pattern once again. It posted the lowest voter participation in Phase I at 66.78%, extending a trend it has held across multiple election cycles. The district also posts low turnout in assembly and Lok Sabha elections, largely because a significant share of its electorate lives overseas. Thiruvananthapuram registered the second lowest turnout that slipped to 67.47% from 70.02% in 2020. The decline was sharper when compared to the turnout of 71.9% recorded in 2015. Even more concerning was the voter participation in Thiruvananthapuram corporation, which fell to 58.29%, down from 59.96% in 2020 and 62.90% in 2015. Ernakulam, despite its largely urban profile, posted the highest turnout among the seven districts at 74.57%. However, there was also a nearly 3% dip compared to the previous election. Notably, Kochi corporation was the only major civic body to better its previous performance, inching up from 62.04% to 62.44%. Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Idukki districts also saw voter turnout fall by around 3%. State Election Commissioner A Shajahan said a clear statewide polling picture would emerge only after the northern districts also vote, on Thursday. Voter turnout in northern districts have traditionally been on the higher side compared to the south. So, when the final figures emerge, we may be able to analyse the overall trend, Shajahan told TNIE. Meanwhile, experts cite a mix of factors behind the trend. According to K M Sajad Ibrahim, psephologist and professor of political science at Kerala University, increasing voter apathy could be one of the prime factors for the dwindling turnout. Local body polls simply dont command the same seriousness among urban voters as state or national elections. Add to that the confusion over a separate civic voters list. Many find out too late that theyve been left off the rolls, he said. Also, several electors in Phase I complained that party workers were far less active in distributing voter slips compared to previous elections. Local body elections demand a well-oiled party machinery and committed cadre. We arent convinced if all parties bring the same energy to civic polls that they do to larger elections. That lack of drive may be showing up in the turnout as well, Ibrahim added.
Contrasting hues colour Kannurs political canvas
KANNUR: In the popular imagination, Kannur, the home turf of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, CPM state secretary M V Govindan, former state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and senior party leaders E P Jayarajan, P K Sreemathi and K K Shailaja, is almost synonymous with the communist party. Here, everything boils down to politics and all discussions invariably progress along party lines. CPM holds sway in a majority of local bodies in the district; there are even councils where its candidates are elected unopposed. And, this year has been no different. A total of 14 candidates of the party have already sailed through in Anthoor municipality and Malappattam and Kannapuram grama panchayats without a single vote cast. For its part, the UDF, which declared that things will be different this time, as usual cried foul, blaming the CPM of intimidating its workers from filing nominations. However, Kannur corporation presents a different picture. The Congress, with the strong backing of the IUML, is a force to reckon with in the urban civic body. The CPM was able to snatch power in 2015 with the support of Congress rebel P K Ragesh and ruled the council for three years before Ragesh returned to the Congress. UDF returned to power in 2020, but to its dismay, Ragesh has floated a new entity and is contesting 12 divisions in the municipality this time round. It remains to be seen whether he can upset the UDFs calculations. Pinarayi himself came forward to lead the LDF campaign in the municipality. Addressing a press conference, he said the UDF lacked a plan for development of the city. Presenting a road map for Kannurs development, he said the LDF has a clear agenda of what should be done. There was a time when the district gained notoriety for political murders involving CPM and RSS/BJP workers -- which even became grist for national media mills. But the past few years have been marked by a lull in the violence, following the intervention of senior leaders from both sides. The RSS/BJP leadership had alleged that the CPMs politics of intolerance -- that does permit other parties to function in its stronghold -- was a key reason for the political turbulence. In the 2020 election, the BJP improved its tally in Thalassery (with eight councillors), Iritty (five), and Panur (three) municipalities, and Dharmadam panchayat (three members). Attracting eyeballs The district is also playing host to some interesting contests this time. Rebels are giving the IUML sleepless nights in Kannur corporations Varam division. Interestingly, Rayeez K V, who is contesting as a rebel, is a teacher at the madrassa controlled by the Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama, a Sunni body. Many see his candidature as a reflection of the ongoing rift between the Samastha and the IUML, but Rayeez has clarified that he does not represent the religious body. I am fighting the election to uphold the sentiments of local IUML workers, who are frustrated by the imposition of a candidate from outside the division, he said. Former assistant commissioner of police T K Rathnakumar, who oversaw the case related to the suicide of ADM Naveen Babu, is the LDF candidate in Sreekandapuram municipality. CPM leader and former district panchayat president P P Divya is an accused in the controversial case. CPM leader Karayi Chandrasekharan, an accused in the murder of NDF worker Fazal, is a candidate in Thalassery municipality. He was elected municipal chairman in 2015 but resigned after he was named in the case, which was investigated by the CBI. Carry your ID Voters must present a valid photo ID to cast their vote, the State Election Commission has reminded Accepted IDs: Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) Voter slip issued by the SEC Passport Driving licence PAN card Aadhaar card SSLC certificate/book with photo Photo-affixed passbook issued by a nationalised bank (issued at least six months before polling) After-hours voting Voters who reach the station before the end of the polling at 6pm will be allowed to vote even after closing time Polling officials will mark all voters still in queue at 6 pm These voters will be issued signed slips by the presiding officer The slip will allow them to cast their vote after polling hours
Voting for Second Phase of Key Kerala Local Body Polls Begins
The local body polls are viewed by many as a key indicator ahead of next year's state assembly elections
KSRTC looks to be on song with Ganavandi
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: From exhaust notes to melodic scores, a group of KSRTC employees are looking to tune themselves up for runaway success. The 18-strong musical ensemble -- named Ganavandi will debut on Thursday at the Uchakkada Sree Durga Sree Dharmashastha temple, on the outskirts of the capital city. The musicians were assembled as part of an enterprising move to break the monotony of work and generate additional revenue for the corporation, which continues to struggle with its finances. The troupe brings together drivers, conductors and mechanics from depots as spread out as Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, Pala, Vaikom, and Edapal -- and their family members. Selected on the basis of auditions, the well-drilled groups premiere will be a two-hour programme that will be interspersed with mimicry acts. The show will open with a classical performance by Neelambari, a Class 5 student and daughter of KSRTC conductor Devadas from Idukki. The debut is crucial, says Hena P N, KSRTCs chief law officer and cultural coordinator. Its success will help us further structure the troupe. We already have a pool of talented employees across zones who have volunteered out of their passion for art, and their skills will be utilised based on programme locations. The group has already secured six bookings across the state. Transport minister had mooted the idea It was the idea of Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar, who wanted to cash in on the viral popularity of musical performances of the corporations employees. The acts at the Transport Expo held in August set the stage for the creation of the troupe. The shortlisted employees were asked to appear for auditions and those in the final list were given training at various depots. An employee even got his relative Sujin Dev, a music composer, to help put the group together. According to Hena, KSRTC is yet to finalise the remuneration for the first show. In future, the cultural committee will decide the fee. The revenue will go to the KSRTC. We have already received sponsorship and it is going to generate profit, she added. Ahead of its debut, the troupe will have its final rehearsal at Neyyattinkara depot.
2017 Kerala actor abduction case: Probe team pins hope on higher courts
KOCHI: Amid controversies surrounding the actor-abduction case verdict, the probe team that filed charges against the suspects expressed confidence that all the accused including actor Dileep who was acquitted in the case will be convicted in the higher courts when the appeals are considered. Though the trial court may not have considered some of the evidence submitted by the prosecution, we believe the higher courts will, said a top source with the SIT. As part of the investigation, we collected and submitted more than 1,500 documentary evidence along with substantial volume of digital evidence. This case is among the few in India where such an extensive amount of digital material has been produced, said the officer. Further, Byju Paulose, DySP with the Crime Branch and the investigating officer with SIT, stated, The verdict is not a setback to the prosecution or the probe team. We carried out the investigation with utmost sincerity, and we remain fully confident that the evidence we placed before the court will lead to conviction of the culprits. As affirmed by the prosecution and the government, cases will be filed before the appellate courts. 2017 Kerala actor abduction case: How conspiracy narrative fell apart When asked about the widely discussed anonymous letter linked to the verdict, Byju Paulose declined to comment, adding, We are waiting for the trial courts final order, and the authorities concerned will take appropriate action. Responding to the allegations raised by the defence against the SIT, an officer from the team clarified that claims about the investigation being led by a junior officer were baseless. At the time of probe, the investigating officer had over 15 years of service, and the team itself was constituted under the directives of the Director General of Police. These accusations are merely attempts to undermine an SIT that worked with complete unity, said the officer. 2017 Kerala actor abduction case: Chaos, cheers and questions
Voting for Phase 2 of 604 Kerala local body elections begins
Kerala Introduces Budget Bus Service In Relief For Sabarimala Pilgrims: Timings And How To Book
The journey takes around 40 minutes, and the last bus back is at 6 pm
Man Films Self Casting Vote During Local Body Polls in Kerala, Booked
The post was subsequently taken down, but the SEC shared the video uploaded by Saithali along with its statement.
Anvars possible UDF entry has nothing to do with Trinamool
INL workers in Kasaragod allegedly threaten Independent candidate
Top leaders to cast votes in Kannur as local body polls begin on Dec. 11
LDF poised to end UDF dominance in Ernakulam, says CPI
LDF will benefit from having the upper hand from the very outset in seat-sharing, finalising candidates, and later in campaigning as a united force, says CPI district secretary
Union Minister promises action on revival of HMT Kalamassery unit
CM criticises Satheesans stance
Keralas first e-bike rental service launched in Kozhikode railway station
The service, which has received all necessary clearances, allows commuters to rent e-bikes at 50 per hour, 500 for 12 hours, and 750 for 24 hours
Bairabi-Sairang rail deepens Keralas apprehension about Centres stance on SilverLine
Recently, Union government has asked Kerala to revise the SilverLines DPR to address the technical and environmental concerns and also to integrate the project with existing broad gauge line passing through the State
Confusion over voters list, polling booths mark voting in Thiruvananthapuram coastal wards
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The coastal belt of Thiruvananthapuram City Corporation saw chaotic and uneven voting on Tuesday as thousands of residents turned out for the local body polls. Many voters struggled to find their assigned polling booths, while others discovered their names were missing from the voters list, forcing them to return home without casting their votes. Local activists estimated that 60 to 100 voters were absent from each polling booth in the coastal wards. Vishnu M, 31, who arrived at St Philomenas Girls High School in Poonthura, said he could not vote as his name was missing from the list, even though his entire family was able to cast their ballots. Similarly, 55-year-old Susamma had to check four different booths in search of her 23-year-old daughters name, but could not find it. The confusion follows ward delimitation, which reduced the number of coastal wards under Thiruvananthapuram Corporation from 17 to 14. Many families found members assigned to different booths or wards, leading to long queues at some locations while other booths remained nearly empty. Gertrude Perera, 60, said she and her daughter waited for hours at different booths due to the reallocation. CPM district secretary V Joy blamed the delay in starting the delimitation process for the confusion. Like old days, the political parties are not visiting homes for distributing slips and adding voters. These visits happen based on the political affiliation of the families and hence many people in the coastal wards were unable to cast their votes, said V Joy. Senior Congress leader K Muraleedharan blamed the election commission and the LDF government for the unscientific ward delimitation and adding bogus votes. There has been a lot of confusion in the voters list and the public struggled to take part in the elections. This will affect all political fronts, not just the UDF, he said.
Techies step out of Technopark to cast votes in Kerala local body polls
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Election fervour gripped the city on polling day, and Technopark, home to nearly 80,000 employees across more than 450 companies, was no exception. The usually bustling IT campus ran with minimal staff as many professionals left their desks to cast their votes. Most companies followed employee-friendly policies in line with Election Commission directives, offering leave, work-from-home options, or flexible hours. Client support teams were allowed to adjust schedules without worrying about biometric attendance. Employees working for Bengaluru and Hyderabad-based firms also received 'civic duty' allowances, excusing them from online meetings to vote. However, some employees from Nagercoil in Tamil Nadu chose to attend office, preferring not to travel home midweek. Many employees travelled back to their native places to vote, even though polling fell midweek, said Rajeev Krishnan, state convenor of Prathidhwani, an IT employee welfare organisation, who voted in Aruvikkara. He noted that only about 30% of those settled in Thiruvananthapuram from other districts had updated their voter registrations. For some, the connection to their hometown outweighed convenience. I shifted from Kollam to Thiruvananthapuram 13 years ago, but never updated my registration. Having a vote back home still carries value, said Vishnu V S, an employee at Technopark Phase II. Despite modest numbers, voter registrations in the Kazhakoottam constituency, which houses the IT hub, have been rising. On polling day, voters queued early at booths in Kazhakoottam, Karyavattom, Kulathoor, Chanthavila, Kuzhivila, and Poundkadavu. This is my first time voting in a local body election, though I have voted in assembly polls since shifting here 16 years ago, said Rakesh Rajan, after casting his ballot at Government UPS, Kuzhivila. He added that many of his apartment-mates were missing from the rolls. People checked the voters' list only at the last minute. I updated my name online and attended the hearing. The State Election Commission should have campaigned better to ensure inclusion. Others faced similar frustrations. IT professionals Suhail Seth and Nejma said they were excluded from the rolls despite voting in the previous local body election at Kuzhivila.
Inadequate geotechnical investigation led to NH collapse in Kollam, say experts
They point out that the site is inherently high-risk, featuring compressible soil and multiple water pathways between surrounding polders, making it highly susceptible to collapse from water saturation
24 lakh voters to reach polling booths in Palakkad on December 11
Low turnout puts parties in a fix in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation
Kerala Court Grants Anticipatory Bail To MLA Rahul Mamkootathil In 2nd Rape Case
Rahul Mamkootathil had on Saturday approached the Thiruvananthapuram sessions court seeking anticipatory bail in connection with the sexual harassment case.
Vasantholsavam to be held in city from Dec. 23 to Jan 2
A day after polling, coalitions start weighing up possibilities
Do not delay anti-ragging law, Kerala High Court tells State government
Court grants a weeks time to finalise matter and posts case for next hearing on December 17
Human rights always evolving: Minister
110 votes more than the actual number of votes polled, allege NDAcandidates
Satheesan challenges Pinarayi Vijayan to open debate; issues detailed rebuttal to CMs posers
He responds to questions raised by the Chief Minister a day ago in an extensive statement; accuses govt. of attempting to divert attention from serious governance failures
Three powerhouses in Idukki to be shut down for repairs
Repairs complete on three generators at the Moolamattom power plant of the Idukki hydel power project. The Lower Periyar, Panniyar and Pallivasal powerhouses will be shut down for repair works
No consensus on KTU, DUK V-Cs, conciliatory meeting yields no breakthrough
Law Minister P. Rajeeve and Higher Education Minister R. Bindu meet Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Lok Bhavan, but despite an hour-long discussion, both sides remain firm in their positions
Railway to probe puja on train
Thrissur all set for local body polls
Over 27.36 lakh voters, 7,208 candidates, and a tightly coordinated security-administration machinery gear up for polling day
School Holiday on December 11: Check the states where schools will remain closed & the latest update
Schools across India face potential closures on December 11, 2025. Kerala announces a holiday for local body elections. Telangana anticipates school closures due to panchayat polls. Coastal regions like Tamil Nadu and Puducherry may see local decisions based on weather. Jammu and Kashmir's hilly areas are already closed due to winter conditions. Parents should check for state and district-specific updates.
No wave, only uncertainty: Thrissur keeps parties on edge
With traditional equations shifting, all three fronts are struggling to read the citys mind
Second Phase of Local Body Polls in Kerala on Thursday
Security has been stepped up in all seven districts, especially at trouble-prone booths
New bridge, old roads on mind, Thiruvananthapuram's tribal belt casts votes
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Tribespeople of Thodumala ward in Thiruvananthapuram's Amboori grama panchayat are grateful to the government for the Kumbichal bridge. The newly-opened, but yet-to-be-inaugurated bridge has significantly cut down the travel time of the residents of the ward's 11 tribal settlements and also reduced their dependency on boats their lone mode of transport until now. However, as the capital's tribal belts cast their votes in the local body elections on Tuesday, one question lingered: Will the bridge sway voters' sentiments? Neither do we favour a party, nor do we vote based on it. However, nothing has helped us in recent times like the bridge. Earlier, we depended on boats, whose availability was always uncertain, said 20-year-old Raman, who cast his first vote on Tuesday. We have been seeing remarkable developments in our area, one of which is this bridge. However, I don't know how it will reflect in the results, said the film aspirant. Generally, tribal belts see active participation in elections. I never miss an election, said Sarasu, after casting her vote at the Government Tribal LP School in Puravimala. Initially confused upon seeing three EVMs kept together, she exercised her franchise eventually with the help of a polling officer. Election officer applying ink to tribal voter Sarasu before voting at the Government Tribal LP School, Puravimala on Wednesday. Over 50% polling at the booth was completed by afternoon, thanks to the jeeps arranged by various political parties to ferry voters. Voters who could not spot a jeep walked a few kilometres to their booth and cast their votes. Meanwhile, though people are happy with the bridge, many highlight the poor condition of roads leading to their settlements, which they say makes their journeys dreadful. Some roads were repaired recently. However, there remain places like Thenmala, located deeper in the forest, inaccessible to vehicles. If a person there falls ill, he/she will have to be carried some distance, before getting a vehicle to any hospital, said a resident. Oorumooppan Chandran Kani expressed hope that the government that built the bridge will also build good interior roads. Funds have already been allocated for this, he said. Some tribal residents are upset about losing touch with their culture. Today, our people are not aware of our old rituals or songs. We need a representative who will help us retain our identity and be available, regardless of the voter's political affiliation, said Reena, another resident. Damage caused by wild animals is another concern. We voted early in the morning and returned to work. Look at the destruction caused by the animals, an elderly farmer said as he and his wife tried to salvage what they could after wild elephants and boars damaged their crops in Amboori.
First-time voters excited to step into polling booth
Staff shortage hits MVD special drive in Kozhikode
The appointment of the Regional Transport Officer (Enforcement) has been pending for several months, disrupting the overall coordination of flash inspections and other administrative functions
Actor rape case: survivors advocate alleges cyberattack by actor Dileep and his gang
Mini T.B. says she wont be cowed down by the cyberbullying
Thalassery municipality employee found dead
Electoral fault lines sharpen as north Kerala goes to the polls on Thursday
Seven northern districts vote on Thursday in a decisive second phase that will shape Keralas civic landscape. The LDF and UDF face intense contests across local bodies, while the BJP seeks urban breakthroughs amid polarising campaigns, community alignments, controversies influencing voter sentiment.
Operation D-Hunt: Kollam City police arrest 968 persons in 2025
Police say they focus on tracing the source of the seized drugs to effectively dismantle the entire network
Enhanced security measures to be in place in panchayats that have reported the presence of suspected Maoist supporters or activists
Revealing identity of rape survivor: court sends YouTuber Rahul Easwar in police custody
KPCC general secretary Sandeep Varier, Mahila Congress Pathanamthitta district general secretary Renjitha Pulickan and lawyer Deepa Joseph are the other accused
Kerala MLA Rahul Mamkootathil gets anticipatory bail in second rape case
Court directs Mamkootathil to present himself before investigating officer and cooperate with probe. Court also requires MLA to surrender his passport and not leave the country without Magistrates permission
New menus, and festive popups in Bengaluru to try this December
A Kerala Sunday breakfast, hearty Asian meals, and a winter thali to explore this festive season
Row erupts over allegations that Suresh Gopi voted in Thrissur and Thiruvananthapuram
CPI, Congress question how the Union Minister voted in Thrissur for Lok Sabha polls and in Thiruvananthapuram for Kerala local body polls
Rahul Mamkootathil granted anticipatory bail in second rape case
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major relief for Rahul Mamkootathil- MLA, the additional district and sessions court has granted him anticipatory bail in a second rape case registered against him on the complainant of a 23-year-old woman. Rahul's counsel had swiftly moved the pre-arrest bail after the High Court granted him protection from arrest in the first rape case till a verdict is given on his anticipatory bail plea, which is scheduled to be heard on December 15. The pre-arrest bail plea was moved on Saturday after the High Court gave Rahul an interim protection from arrest. Rahul's counsel argued that the allegation was politically motivated and there was no mention of the complainant's name, and place and time of occurrence of the alleged crime in the complaint. The complainant did not approach the police directly when she had all the options to do so and instead mailed it to the KPCC chief, which showed that there was something fishy in the move, the counsel argued. His lawyer also highlighted the High Court order and sought a favourable verdict. The prosecution countered this by arguing that the complainant has already given a detailed statement before the police and the allegation was serious in nature. The anticipatory bail plea was moved in the second case after the police appointed a special team to probe the case. The department had appointed AIG G Poonkuzhali to lead the team to investigate the complaint filed by a 23-year-old woman, who is a resident of Bengaluru. Poonkuzhali, who is now attached with the police headquarters, had recorded the statement of the complainant. The complainant had testified that she was raped after being given fake marriage promise. The offence took place in a homestay where she was brutally assaulted.
Anonymous letter on Kerala actor rape case order: advocates association writes to HC Chief Justice
Kerala High Court Advocates Association cites potential breach of confidentiality regarding order by Ernakulam District and Principal Sessions Court
Rahul Mamkootathil gets anticipatory bail in second sexual assault case
Thiruvananthapuram: A court here on Wednesday granted anticipatory bail to expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in a second case of sexual assault against him. The MLAs lawyer, advocate Ajithkumar (Sasthamangalam), confirmed the grant of relief to the legislator by the sessions court here. Mamkootathil had already got an interim protection from arrest from the Kerala 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 .
Rahul Mamkootathil Gets Anticipatory Bail in 2nd Sexual Assault Case
Mamkootathil had already got an interim protection from arrest from the Kerala High Court in the first case of sexual assault and forced abortion against him.
Sunny Joseph says Adoor Prakashs statement created confusion, prompting him to clarify the partys position that Congress firmly stands with the survivor
Saving the Gentle Giant: How Indias Fishers Are Leading a Whale Shark Revival
Once targeted for oil and meat, the whale shark is now being saved by fishers along Indias Arabian Sea coast. What began as a Gujarat-led conservation movement has reached Lakshadweep and Kerala. With awareness drives and rescue compensation, fishers are learning safe disentanglement techniques. Yet, inadequate support and social security gaps continue to challenge the people risking their livelihoods to protect this gentle giant. Mongabay India correspondent K A Shaji reports On a March morning in Poonthura, near Keralas capital [] The post Saving the Gentle Giant: How Indias Fishers Are Leading a Whale Shark Revival appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
From Colonial Kitchens to Kerala Plantations: The story of Indias first Christmas cake
In 19th-century Kerala, families in Pala and Kanjirappally adapted European plum cakes with local spices and rum-soaked fruits. Today, young bakers are reviving heirloom recipes, baked in small batches in borma ovens
Sabarimala gold theft case: SIT defers recording Ramesh Chennithalas statement
SIT was slated to record Chennithalas statement at Kerala Police Crime Branch office at 11 a.m. The MLAs office said SIT contacted them at 10 a.m. and informed that investigating officer was indisposed without citing any reason
Will not accept 'Veer Savarkar Award' nor attend the ceremony: Shashi Tharoor
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday categorically stated that he would not accept an award named after VD Savarkar, nor attend a related event, even as a senior party colleague wanted the Congress MP to not accept any honour named after the ideologue whom he claimed owed before the British. Tharoor said that he will not accept the Veer Savarkar Award and also won't attend the event where it will be presented in the absence of clarifications about its nature or the organisation presenting it. Tharoor, the MP from Thiruvananthapuram, also said that it was irresponsible on the part of the organisers to announce my name without my having agreed to receive it. Earlier in the day, Congress leader K Muraleedharan told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram that no party member, including Tharoor, should accept any award in the name of Veer Savarkar as he had bowed before the British. Muraleedharan said that he does not believe that Tharoor will accept the award as doing so would insult and embarrass the Congress party. Tharoor later told reporters in the national capital that he heard about the award on Tuesday and that he was not going for the ceremony. I heard about it yesterday only. I am not going. I am not here, he said in response to a question on Wednesday on his participation in the award ceremony. Subsequently, in a post on social media platform 'X', the Congress MP said, In the absence of clarifications about the nature of the award, the organisation presenting it or any other contextual details, the question of my attending the event today or accepting the award does not arise. I have come to know from media reports that I have been named a recipient of the Veer Savarkar Award, which is to be presented today in Delhi. I only learned about this announcement yesterday in Kerala, where I had gone to vote in the local self-government elections. There in Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 10, 2025 He further said that he learned from media reports that he was named as a recipient of the award when he went to Kerala to vote in the local body polls on Tuesday. He said he had clarified then that he was neither aware of, nor had accepted, such an award. Despite that, today in Delhi, some media outlets continue to ask the same question. Therefore, I am issuing this statement to clarify the matter unequivocally, Tharoor added. Following Tharoor's statement, Aji Krishnan, the secretary of the Highrange Rural Development Society (HRDS) India which is presenting the award, told a TV channel that the Congress MP was informed about the matter well in advance. He said that representatives of HRDS India and the chairman of the award jury had met Tharoor at his residence to invite him and the MP had asked for a list of the other recipients of the award. We gave him the list. He has not yet informed us that he will not come for the event. Perhaps he is scared as the Congress has made it an issue, Krishnan claimed. Kerala Law Minister P Rajeev said it was Tharoor's decision whether to accept the award or not. Tharoor was chosen as one of the recipients of the inaugural Veer Savarkar International Impact Award 2025, instituted by HRDS India, on Wednesday in New Delhi. On Tuesday, he had said that he heard about the award through the media and that he was not aware who was giving it. I am not aware of anything related to the award. Let me find out what it is, he had said.
Kerala local body polls: As Kochi Corporation awaits new council, experts flag core urban challenges
Peoples opinions range from outright criticism to cautious optimism, and concerns about the lack of clarity on the direction Kochi city should adopt for future development
Drift with 'Cloud Dancer': Pantone's Colour of the Year
Pantones Colour of the Year is usually a global signal, a preview of what shades people may gravitate toward. But 2026s pick, a billowy, balanced white called Cloud Dancer, feels unusually intimate. It arrives at a moment suspended between overstimulation and exhaustion, a shade that feels like a welcoming, clean canvas amid complex times marked by grim, jarring notes. Yet, choosing white has triggered one of the most polarised reactions Pantone has seen in years. Recent selections carried mood and emotion: Mocha Mousse (2025) offered elegance, Peach Fuzz (2024) centred tenderness and connection, and Viva Magenta (2023) pulsed with rebellious joy. This years choice belongs to a different lineage one probably shaped by burnout, minimalism and the craving for sensory relief. Pantone calls it a conscious statement of simplification, a lofty white neutral whose aerated presence acts as a whisper of calm and peace in a noisy world. The cacophony that surrounds us has become overwhelming, making it harder to hear the voices of our inner selves, reads Pantones introductory note. A conscious statement of simplification, Cloud Dancer enhances our focus, providing release from the distraction of external influences. After years of shades that asked us to feel something, this one simply asks us to pause and breathe. The reveal, however, split the internet instantly. Reactions swung from this is just laundry white to allegations of white supremacy. This backlash simply mirrors a world more prepared for intensity than for quiet. From an un-coloured perspective, however, it seems the Cloud Dancer offers stillness and stillness isnt always exciting at first glance. Actor and designer Poornima Indrajith was, in her own words, surprised when she first saw the announcement. Coming off a year that tilted toward maximalism, she feels the shift will test the industry. Its going to be hard on designers, she says. The sudden shift might be challenging. The colour has raised too many eyebrows. For her, the challenge lies in its quietness. The colour screams minimalism, she says. This means designers will have to work harder to make it compelling through texturing, layering and subtle drama that adds depth without disturbing its restraint. Yet, she believes Kerala may be more receptive than most. In our state, Poornima adds, shades of white have always been our traditional colour, and hence we are less resistant, I feel. However, thoughtful construction will be needed. It surely needs extensive homework on surface and texture details, especially for people who prefer maximalism, Poornima notes. Even so, she sees an advantage: Indian wardrobes, unlike Western ones, rarely confine themselves to a single trendy colour. We Indians are quite conditioned to colours. Our wardrobe is blessed with not having to stick to any particular shade even if thats the colour trend and thats a saving grace for designers, she smiles. Stylist and creator Veena Surendran reads the Pantone pick as a reset point the colour you reach for when the mind craves clarity in stillness. To her, Cloud Dancer isnt a flat white but a diffused softness that behaves almost like a filter on the skin, emotionally minimal rather than clinical. Its versatility lies in how it brightens soft warm complexions, balances muted undertones and even suits high-contrast features. That adaptability makes it not loud innovation, but quiet evolution. It also leans naturally gender-neutral, opening space for structured co-ords for men, fluid drapes for women, and minimalist unisex silhouettes where form and texture do the talking. In India, Veena believes, the shade is far more intuitive than its online reputation suggests. Our climate has always favoured breathable whites, she notes. And this softer tone lifts the complexion rather than washing it out, especially against warm-neutral undertones common across the country. To keep it compelling, Veena says she would opt for texture over contrast recommending combinations like linen with raw silk, matte cotton with organza, tone-on-tone embroidery. In Kerala, it feels both familiar and updated: traditional handlooms and kasavu already live in this palette, but this softer white sheds the heavier yellow undertone, bringing a contemporary, editorial clarity, says Veena. Going beyond fashion Artist Shalini Menon sees the Cloud Dancer as a blank canvas that invites exploration. The shade, she says, opens up a lot of opportunities and possibilities because it complements rather than competes with other colours. In a world crowded with stimuli, she values how the shade offers balance: There is a bombardment of colours this neutral shade does not influence you, but you can influence it. Shalini, too, finds it culturally familiar visible in Keralas saris, mundu and pottery and emotionally uplifting, a tone that takes away from the darkness and brings calm, much like the highlights an artist uses to create relief in a painting. Poet and academic Syam Sudhakar approaches it philosophically. The name sounds soothing and peaceful. I believe the hue was always here among us, long before Pantone declared it, he says. Syam reflects on how meaning shifts for colour. Red may symbolise danger to some, whereas a red rose symbolises love. I would stress this shade carries no racial reading. White is not a white mans colour. In his view, its role is simple and almost meditative: a presence that can restore peace, even if briefly. Nithya Mariam John, a poet and assistant professor of English, has a different take. The very concept of assigning one particular colour to express a fresh start may also be homogenising, she says. Can one shade be considered an umbrella colour that paints millions of feelings about serenity, clarity, mindfulness and close reflection, all across the globe? White or not VIBGYOR, let us start afresh. Thats the bottomline. Inside homes, colour certainly takes on yet another function. Designer Midhun Babu finds serenity in the cosiness the Cloud Dancer offers. It has a soft, airy warmth that diffuses light gently, he says, noting that unlike harsher whites, it stays stable in Indian lighting. Interior designer Ebin Francis calls it a timeless colour that goes with most of the other elements, especially in Kerala homes where it pairs seamlessly with both traditional and contemporary palettes. It never overpowers a room. Textures and layering can elevate it easily ultimately delivering what they see as a feeling of calm and comfort, he says. What ties these perspectives together is the shades ability to step back rather than stand out. Instead of demanding attention, it creates room for interpretation, for texture, for quiet. And across fashion, art, design and culture, most voices converge on one idea: its power lies in what it allows rather than what it imposes. Maybe thats the quiet shift the world needs at this point. Why soft white feels calming? Soft whites reduce visual noise, helping the brain process environments with less effort. Environmental psychology links low-saturation neutrals to lower sensory load and a steadier emotional state. Even light reflection in warm whites supports cognitive ease and reduces eye strain. Neutrals function as emotionally non-directive shades, letting surrounding colours and textures set the mood. In fashion and interiors, muted whites act as balance tones, anchoring palettes without drawing attention. Whats the controversy? The Cloud Dancer has stirred up the internet for the wrong reasons. Some believe the choice is politically loaded, given global conversations around far-right white nationalism.A viral comment slammed it, calling the choice painfully tone-deaf during a time when white supremacy is resurfacing loudly in national leadership and policy. Some accused Pantone of whitewashing global colour culture by choosing a neutral white.Pantone has issued a clarification, stressing that Cloud Dancer is all about relaxation, reflection, and creativity. It explains that the colour was chosen for its emotional and creative resonance, while emphasising that the institute does not assign political narratives to colour.
Coastal outskirts keep democracy moving in Thiruvananthapuram amid low turnout
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For a city long shadowed by its reputation for lacklustre polling, Thiruvananthapuram seemed to slip deeper into that pattern on election day. In the citys upscale neighbourhoods, where voter apathy has become almost ritual, the silence was unmistakable. By noon, turnout still hovered stubbornly below 30%, a telling sign of the indifference that had marked the morning. At the Kowdiar LP School, nestled in one of the citys quietest upscale pockets, the polling station wore a unhurried look through the morning. Only a handful of voters trickled in at a time, the queue seldom growing beyond two or three people. Then, just before 10.45am, the hush lifted. The arrival of Governor Rajendra Arlekar briefly transformed the otherwise languid booth into a flurry of activity, drawing curious glances. Although the governor arrived prepared to wait his turn, the sparse early-morning turnout meant his time in the queue was fleeting. But as the sun climbed higher, the scene began to shift. Slowly, elderly voters emerged, some leaning on canes, others guided by family. Retired college teacher Johny K John and his wife Elizabeth Thomas have treated every election like an unbreakable family ritual since settling in the capital three decades ago. Their sons John and Thomas, working in Kochi and Kozhikode respectively, boarded overnight trains just to make it home in time to vote alongside their parents. There is definitely a sense of apathy, especially among the younger generation, Elizabeth said. However there are still many who realise that their vote matters, she said. Aparna V P, a first-time voter in the local body polls, echoed that sentiment. My vote is for development and for a city with better, more reliable infrastructure, the BCom student said. Coastal wards told a very different story. By afternoon, polling stations in Beemapally, Valiyathura and the Port wards were buzzing, with queues that refused to thin even after the 6pm deadline. For us, our daily bread comes first. Food first, democracy later, said Jeremias, a 59-year-old fisherman from the Port ward. He had stepped out to get his fishing net repaired but sprinted back as the clock neared closing time. At Kachani ward, voting flowed steadily from early morning. But not everyone arrived in calm spirits. Senior citizen Krishnankutty stood fuming outside the Kachani Government High School booth, where the premises had been dug up for construction. Moments earlier, he had nearly stumbled over the debris while trying to navigate his way to the entrance. No wonder people stay indifferent, he said, frustration unmistakable in his voice. We are already tired of pothole-ridden road. Now, even the polling station is a mess. My vote will definitely reflect my resentment. he said.
Local body polls: Diluted ink, faulty EVMs cause chaos in Sasthamangalam ward
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The first phase of local body elections began on Monday amidst crises and uncertainties across the capital district. In a critical incident, election ink applied to voters forefingers at the Sasthamangalam ward of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation faded within minutes. Sources from Booth 2 of the Raja Kesavadas NSS Higher Secondary School polling station reported that the ink was diluted, causing it to disappear quickly. In the same ward, a female voter was not permitted to vote due to discrepancies in the electoral roll. Vasantha Gokulam, 84, whose name appeared as Vasantha Gokul with incorrect age and photograph, was denied voting at Booth 3. Meanwhile, the voting machine at Booth 2 of Karavaram Panchayat Ward 20 was found to be non-functional. A replacement was provided two hours later, sources said.
Thrivananthapuram records 67.42 per cent polling
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Election to local self-government institutions in the district was largely peaceful. An exception was a clash between CPM and BJP workers at Vanchiyoor. Police intervention helped in preventing untoward incidents at Vanchiyoor where BJP accused CPM of bringing bogus voters. In the morning, polling booths in rural areas were busier than those in urban areas. The districts polling percentage was 67.42 as per the data released by the State Election Commission around 7.50pm. 19.63 lakh of the 29.12 lakh persons in the voters list cast their votes. Of the total 13.53 lakh males, 9.14 lakh voted. Their polling percentage was 67.56. Of the 15.59 lakh females, 10.49 lakh cast their votes, 67.29%. 17 of the 32 transgenders in the list voted. 58.24% polling was recorded in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. Among the municipalities, Neyyattinkara recorded the maximum polling, 70.36 and Varkala, the lowest, 66.39%. Among block panchayats, Pernkadavila registered the highest polling percentage, 73.94, and Varkala block the lowest, 68.65%. Governor Rajendra Arlekar cast his vote at Jawahar Nagar School. Shashi Tharoor, MP, cast his vote at Cotton Hill School, Education Minister V Sivankutty at Fort, Food and Civil Supplies Minister G R Anil at NSS College Neeramankara, State Election Commissioner A Shajahan cast his vote at St Marys HSS, Pattom, BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar at Jawahar Nagar LPS, Senior Congress leaders A K Antony and M M Hassan at Jagathy UPS, V M Sudheeran at Kunnukuzhy UPS, former KPCC president K Muraleedharan at Jawahar Nagar LPS, BJP leader and former DGP Sreelekha at Cotton Hill School , and K S Sabarinadhan at RKDNSS, Sasthamangalam. turnout in district (%) Poll percentage 67.42 Male 67.56 Female 67.29 Transgenders 53.12 City corporation Polling percentage 58.24 Males 59.73 Females 56.89 Transgenders 66.67 Municipalities Attingal 68.87 Nedumangad 70.28 Varkala 66.39 Neyyattinkara 70.36 Block panchayats Nemom 71.69 Pothencode 69.98 Vellanad 72.45 Nedumangad 69.74 Vamanapuram 70.11 Kilimanoor 71.06 Chirayinkeezhu 69.09 Varkala 68.66 Perumkadavila 73.94 Athiyannoor 73.47 Parassala 71.17
Kerala Lottery Result Today, December 10, 2025 Live: Sthree Sakthi SS-497 Winning Numbers
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Mollywood split as Mollywood push back against the rush to reinstate Dileep
KOCHI: A swift pushback is emerging in the Mollywood against the urgency shown by major industry bodies to reinduct actor Dileep, who was acquitted in the 2017 actress abduction and assault case on Monday. Several from the industry, particularly women, have criticised the haste with which organisations signalled their willingness to reinstate the actor, terming it a betrayal of the survivor and a continuation of an unsafe culture within Malayalam cinema. Senior dubbing artist Bhagyalakshmi was among the first to react, resigning from the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) in protest. Bhagyalakshmi said the federations eagerness to welcome Dileep back clearly showed that the organisations will never stand with survivors. She said the major bodies were backing those with money and power instead of taking a principled stand. Scriptwriter and Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) member Deedhi Damodaran also questioned the sincerity of those claiming solidarity with the survivor while continuing to remain members of AMMA, the association the survivor had quit in protest. Real solidarity would mean stepping away from organisations that maintain status quo, she said. The backlash comes after FEFKA, the Kerala Film Producers Association, and the Association of Malayalam Movie Actors (AMMA), signalled support for Dileep within hours of the verdict. FEFKA general secretary B Unnikrishnan said the actor would be reinstated as soon as he submitted a request letter. Kerala Film Producers Association president B Rakesh echoed the view, saying there were no hurdles in taking Dileep back. AMMA, meanwhile, put out a post on social media welcoming the verdict. Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Judgment comes after eight years, justice not yet Actor-filmmaker Lal, a key witness in the case, said he was satisfied the accused had been convicted. He, however, declined comment on the conspiracy charge. I will continue to help the case at every stage, even in the Supreme Court if required, he said. Interacting with reporters after casting his vote in the local body polls in Idukki, actor Asif Ali said he welcomed the verdict and reiterated that the survivor must get justice. He, too refrained from making a detailed comment, citing contempt of court. As the industry recalibrates in the wake of the verdict, the divide between those rushing to reinduct Dileep and those insisting on standing firmly with the survivor has once again exposed the fault lines in Malayalam cinemas institutions. Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Conspiracy or not, many questions need answers
Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Conspiracy or not, many questions need answers
KOCHI: The trial court has acquitted actor Dileep in the actor abduction-assault case on the ground that the conspiracy charge against him could not be established. However, the fact that the conspiracy angle was not proved doesnt mean there was no conspiracy in the attack. The verdict, that convicted six persons and acquitted Dileep and three others, has left many questions unanswered. Hopefully, there will be more clarity when the court pronounces the sentence for those convicted and the details of the judgment are available in public domain. As of now, the question thats foremost on peoples minds is: if Dileep is indeed not guilty, who was behind the attack? And what about the justice for the survivor if all those involved arent made to face the consequences? Underlining the conspiracy angle, legal experts ask why a six-member criminal gang would target this particular actor and orchestrate a plot to assault her. The High Courts observations in the past on Pulsar Sunis financial capacity to repeatedly file bail pleas also suggest that someone may have been supporting him from behind the scenes. While rejecting Pulsar Sunis bail plea in June 2024, Justice P V Kunhikrishnan noted that the accused had filed ten different bail applications through multiple lawyers. The court observed: If the petitioner has financial difficulties, he can approach the Legal Services Authority to engage a lawyer. But he chose to engage his own lawyers, which is his right. However, from the petitioners conduct, filing bail application after bail application before the High Court and the Supreme Court, it is clear that either he is financially fit or there are some others behind the curtain helping him file these bail applications. Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Judgment comes after eight years, justice not yet Regarding the trial courts rejection of the prosecutions conspiracy charge, Advocate Raghul Sudheesh, a lawyer at the Kerala High Court, pointed out that any crime of this nature must involve a clear conspirator and motive. If it was for blackmailing, then the question arises: for whom was this act committed? he said. In the 2017 actor abduction and sexual assault case, the prosecution may have failed to present sufficient evidence to incriminate the eighth accused, Dileep. The final verdict, which is to be pronounced by the District and Sessions Court, Ernakulam, on December 12, may shed light on the doubts of common people regarding the acquittal, Raghul added. A High Court lawyer who wished to remain anonymous said several crucial questions still need answers, particularly why Pulsar Suni and the five others, who were found guilty by the trial court, would take such risks to target a specific actor. According to him, the survivor may have been singled out as part of someone elses plan. The offence committed by the six-member gang was a pre-planned act, carried out as part of a quotation given by somebody, the lawyer said. He also pointed out that the financial backgrounds of the convicted accused are extremely poor, suggesting that someone else was likely coordinating and funding the operation. He added that in criminal cases of this nature, the efforts taken by the police to establish conspiracy must be carefully evaluated.
