V D Satheesan, a 61-year-old lawyer-turned-politician, has emerged as a prominent figure in Kerala politics, known for his aggressive opposition to the Left government and his role in revitalising the Congress party. His journey from student politics to a key leadership position highlights his strategic acumen and dedication to addressing local issues.
UDF Independent MLA Mani C Kappan has voiced his dissatisfaction with the proposed Cabinet allocation in Kerala, suggesting that all members of 'Team UDF' should be accommodated. He revealed that he was offered a ministerial berth for 2.5 years, after which another leader would take his place, a proposal he did not agree to.
Congress MP Shafi Parambil announced the swearing-in of the Kerala chief minister and council of ministers, marking the launch of 'Team UDF'. He highlighted the swift decision-making process and the commitment to fulfilling promises made to the people.
The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has directed the state government to pay Rs 50,000 in compensation to a man who alleged that a sub-inspector sprayed a liquid, suspected to be pepper spray, into his eyes at a police station in Thiruvananthapuram.
CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby criticised the Congress-led UDF over internal divisions and the leadership race in Kerala, mocking the frequent consultations between Kerala and Delhi.
Already, within the week of the election results it became apparent that the Congress' DNA has not changed from its traditional approach to politics as but a game of thrones, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.
Top Kerala police officers met with Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala amid speculation he will be the next Home Minister, discussing security for the swearing-in ceremony.
CPI(M) workers clashed with security personnel outside former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's residence in Kerala during Enforcement Directorate (ED) searches related to the alleged CMRL monthly payment case involving his daughter.
Newly appointed Kerala CM V D Satheesan seeks guidance from senior Congress leaders A K Antony and V M Sudheeran, receiving advice on navigating the challenges of leadership and addressing the state's financial and developmental issues.
Senior advocate T Asaf Ali has been appointed as the Director General of Prosecution in Kerala, emphasising the importance of truthful and fair prosecution.
A pregnant woman died after the car she was travelling in caught fire in Kozhikode district, Kerala. Her husband, who was driving, escaped, but she could not be rescued. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.
Congress MLA-elect A D Thomas has said strong action would be taken over the alleged assault on party workers, including himself, by gunmen of then CM Pinarayi Vijayan during the 2023 Nava Kerala Sadas, after the UDF government assumes charge.
Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala stated that the party will accept the high command's decision regarding the chief ministerial post in Kerala. He emphasised that the delay in the decision-making process is part of a democratic procedure and urged party workers to refrain from protests.
'He worked over time to become the natural claimant,' a senior UDF leader observed. 'Others had organisational stature, but Satheesan had momentum.' For the Congress, it may signal the beginning of a new leadership template -- one where performance, communication and grassroots credibility increasingly outweigh inherited power structures in deciding who leads the party into its next phase.
Kerala's new government has increased the monthly honorarium for ASHA workers by Rs 3,000 following protests demanding better pay. The decision was made during the first Cabinet meeting, raising the honorarium to Rs 12,000. ASHA worker leaders have expressed gratitude while criticising the previous government's response to their demands.
The Kerala government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to reinvestigate the alleged assault on Youth Congress workers by the gunmen of then Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during a protest in Alappuzha in 2023.
Kerala police have identified a victim in a 1986 murder case after the accused confessed to the crime last year. The victim, identified as Mohanan, was allegedly killed in self-defence by the accused, Muhammadali, who was a teenager at the time.
Amidst ongoing uncertainty regarding the selection of the next Kerala chief minister, the Congress high command has summoned key party leaders to New Delhi for discussions.
A woman and her live-in partner have been arrested in Thiruvananthapuram in connection with the death of her one-and-a-half-year-old son, with allegations of abuse surfacing against the male accused.
Kerala Blasters FC defeated FC Goa 2-1 in their final Indian Super League (ISL) match, with goals from Kevin Yoke and Fallou Ndiaye securing the victory.
Police in Kerala are investigating the potential involvement of hospitals in a racket that forged documents for organ donations. Six people have been arrested in connection with the scam, and the investigation is expanding to examine how hospital procedures may have been bypassed.
Sivagiri Mutt head Swami Sachidananda has requested greater representation for MLAs from backward class communities in the UDF government's Cabinet.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted an early onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala, expected around May 26. This marks the beginning of the crucial rainy season for India.
The BJP has made significant gains in the Kerala Assembly elections, securing three seats and marking a potential breakthrough in a state where it has traditionally struggled.
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor cited the Kerala Assembly election results as an example of communal harmony, highlighting instances where voters looked beyond caste and religion.
Kerala's voters are sophisticated, educated, and unforgiving. They have once again made it clear that no government is entitled to remain in power. The Congress would do well to remember this, points out Ramesh Menon.
Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar expressed confidence that the party would eventually capture power in the state, drawing parallels to the party's growth in West Bengal.
V D Satheesan was sworn in as Kerala's Chief Minister, with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administering the oath of office. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by prominent political figures, including Congress leaders and Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled states.
An IUML MLA has stated that the delay in the Congress party's decision on who should be the Chief Minister of Kerala has diminished the UDF's victory and is making it difficult for workers and MLAs to engage with the public.
NSS general secretary G Sukumaran Nair stated that the UDF's victory in the Kerala assembly polls was due to public dissatisfaction with the government, not individual efforts. He also mentioned ongoing differences with Congress leader V D Satheesan but denied issuing directions on whom to support in the elections.
A Munsiff court in Kerala has ordered the eviction of Dalit families living at Pariyathukavu near Kizhakkambalam by May 23, following a Supreme Court order recognising private ownership of the land.
Senior Congress leader K Muraleedharan said the party high command was likely to take a final decision on Kerala's next CM within 24 hours as lobbying intensifies among the three top contenders for the chief minister's post.
Kerala Blasters FC showcased a dominant second-half performance to defeat Mohammedan Sporting 3-1, extending their unbeaten streak to five matches in the Indian Super League. Goals from Francisco Feuillassier, Victor Bertomeu, and Sreekuttan M S sealed the victory for the hosts.
Senior Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan expressed confidence in V D Satheesan's ability to lead Kerala as Chief Minister, emphasising the need for a strong team to meet public expectations. He highlighted the importance of unity within the party and the focus on public welfare.
Senior Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan expressed confidence in V D Satheesan's ability to lead Kerala as Chief Minister, citing his vision, competence, and strength. Other Congress leaders have also expressed their views on the new CM.
Former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan acknowledges the LDF's defeat in the Assembly elections, vowing to serve as a responsible opposition and address shortcomings.
Kerala's Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan visited senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, emphasising their close relationship and seeking blessings for his new role.
Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeev dismisses claims of minority consolidation against the ruling LDF in the Assembly polls, stating minorities have no grievances and trust the Left's stance against the Centre.
The Left Democratic Front's defeat in Kerala marks a historic moment as Left parties are without power in any state for the first time in decades, highlighting their diminishing political influence across India.
A 20-year-old college student has alleged that a man molested and attempted to rape her during a party in Bengaluru, and later he and his associates assaulted her friends and threatened them with dire consequences, the police said on Thursday.
