Political parties in Kerala, including the ruling LDF, opposition UDF, and BJP-led NDA, have reacted to the exit poll predictions for the Assembly elections, with varying degrees of confidence and skepticism.
The CPI(M) will attend the INDIA bloc meeting on Monday, with its MP John Brittas expected to raise concerns about allegations made by Congress leaders during the Kerala Assembly elections. The Left party is awaiting a clarification from the Congress regarding claims of a CPI(M)-BJP understanding, which it views as inconsistent with alliance cooperation.
Leaders from several opposition parties within the INDIA bloc convened in New Delhi, stressing the critical need for unity to safeguard democratic values and address pressing issues like people's livelihoods, despite recent internal differences and electoral setbacks.
The Congress party in Kerala has demanded an apology from Health Minister Veena George and the CPI(M) leadership for allegedly spreading false claims about an attack by KSU activists. The KPCC president alleges that the minister's claims led to violence against Congress offices and workers.
SNDP Yogam leader Vellappally Natesan has claimed that the IUML's support for V D Satheesan as chief minister indicates the League will hold significant power if the UDF wins the Kerala Assembly polls.
Veteran Congress leader P J Kurien stated that the party has several qualified candidates for the Kerala CM post if the UDF wins the upcoming Assembly elections, but only three names are currently under consideration.
'Secularism or social development or social justice is no longer part of development, according to the youth in Kerala.' 'They are concerned about material wellbeing and material welfare, and they believe that Narendra Modi is capable to giving them that kind of development.' 'So, they don't have any ideological hesitation in voting for him.'
Congress leader P T Ajay Mohan has discouraged discussions on who should be the CM before the Assembly poll results, expected on May 4.
The Congress party in Kerala has strongly criticised the state government's Public Relations Department (PRD) for publishing advertisements in major newspapers that highlight alleged shortcomings of the previous Oommen Chandy administration, accusing the government of misusing public funds for political gain ahead of upcoming elections.
The Congress party in Kerala has strongly condemned the heckling of its MLA, T Siddique, during the inauguration of a government township project in Wayanad, alleging a conspiracy by the CPI(M). The party claims that hired individuals disrupted the event, and criticizes the Chief Minister's silence during the incident.
Kerala Speaker A N Shamseer defends his decision to hospitalise Health Minister Veena George after she allegedly sustained injuries during a protest by KSU activists. He clarifies that he never claimed a weapon was used and that the decision was based on her condition.
The LDF convenor T P Ramakrishnan announced that the Left front would seek public input to address shortcomings after their defeat in the Kerala Assembly elections, where they won only 35 out of 140 seats.
An Alappuzha court has reserved its order on the anticipatory bail petitions of three gunmen of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who are accused in an assault case involving Youth Congress workers during the Nava Kerala Sadas programme in December 2023. The incident led to the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) by the new UDF government.
Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala expresses confidence in the UDF's victory in the Kerala assembly elections, attributing it to Rahul Gandhi's leadership and a strong anti-incumbency sentiment.
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a key ally of the Congress in Kerala, has criticised the public discussions and arguments regarding who should be the chief ministerial candidate of the United Democratic Front (UDF). IUML leader P M A Salam stated that such debates could lead to discontent among party workers and the general public.
A court in Kerala dismissed a petition filed by the accused in the Mattannur Shuhaib murder case, seeking to transfer the trial to another court. The Thalassery Additional Sessions Court also rejected a separate plea to stay the trial proceedings in the high-profile 2018 murder case of Youth Congress leader S P Shuhaib.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said there are some parties that have expressed their inability to attend this particular meeting for their own reasons.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has questioned the necessity of playing all five verses of Vande Mataram at the beginning and end of official events, calling the practice "unnecessary and burdensome". He highlighted the practical difficulties and lack of legal basis for mandating the full version at every function.
Crorepati Candidates: Congress (61). BJP (52). CPM (52).
BJP leader V Muraleedharan dismisses claims that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would strike a deal with the Congress to target the CPI(M), stating Modi has 'better things to do'. He also questioned Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's concern over ED raids if he has done nothing wrong.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed confidence in the Left Democratic Front's (LDF) victory in the upcoming Kerala elections, dismissing allegations of a CPI(M)-BJP understanding and criticising the Congress party's approach.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expresses confidence in the Left Democratic Front's (LDF) prospects in the upcoming Kerala elections, predicting a stronger mandate and criticising the Congress and BJP.
Voters in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry are voting in crucial assembly elections.
'It is going to be a negative vote against the government rather than a positive vote for the UDF.'
A political controversy has erupted in Kerala surrounding the marriage of a young woman, who gained attention during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, to a Muslim man at a temple. Claims that she was underage at the time of the marriage have led to investigations and accusations of political motives.
Migration from Kerala has become a significant issue in the upcoming Assembly elections, with political parties promising to create more opportunities within the state to discourage emigration for studies and jobs. Experts suggest focusing on 'brain gain' strategies to attract talent back to Kerala after gaining experience abroad.
Senior Congress leaders V D Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala criticize the CPI(M) and Health Minister Veena George over alleged violence and a 'shameless drama' surrounding the minister's reported injury during a KSU protest. They demand an end to the violence and withdrawal of charges against KSU activists.
Congress leader K Muraleedharan criticises blaming communities for voting choices in Kerala, responding to BJP leaders' remarks about the Catholic church. He also expresses confidence in the UDF's prospects in the upcoming election and criticises the Election Commission's arrangements.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi has accused the ruling LDF in Kerala and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of being Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "B-team" and of secretly joining hands with the BJP, alleging a compromised leadership and lack of accountability.
Top leaders of opposition parties including Congress' Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, TMC's Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav of Rashtriya Janata Dal and Uddhav Thackeray of Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, besides Left leaders and those from smaller parties, are likely to attend the meeting at the Constitution Club in the national capital.
K V Thomas, Kerala's Special Representative in New Delhi, forecasts a third term for the CPI(M)-led LDF government, attributing the UDF's potential failure to internal conflicts and criticising the BJP for introducing 'consumerism' into Kerala politics.
Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has accused the BJP of attempting to intimidate bishops and church leaders in Kerala to gain their support, asserting that such tactics will not succeed in the state.
IUML leader Sayyid Munavvar Ali Shihab Thangal stated that while the party deserves the deputy chief minister's post, it would not stake a claim for it if the UDF comes to power in Kerala. He also denied allegations of IUML candidates seeking votes on religious lines.
The Congress-led UDF is closely monitoring CPI(M) leader G Sudhakaran's decision to contest as an independent candidate in the upcoming Assembly election. UDF leaders are considering supporting Sudhakaran, while the CPI(M) expresses disappointment and denies mistreatment.
The CPI-M and Congress in Kerala have raised concerns over the delay in the release of detailed polling data from the recent assembly elections.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for alleging his involvement in the attack on nuns in Chhattisgarh, calling the remarks ignorant and excessive.
Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan faces criticism for using his caste surname 'Menon' during his swearing-in ceremony, igniting a debate on caste identity and political messaging.
'The BJP and its allies can decide the fate of many candidates.'
The BJP has defended its leader Shone George's criticism of a Malayalam newspaper, Deepika, alleging it was favouring the UDF ahead of Kerala's Assembly elections. The party claims it respects all religions and aims for equal treatment.
Kerala's Chief Minister-designate, V D Satheesan, has announced his new ministerial team, emphasising social and regional balance within the coalition. Senior leaders like Ramesh Chennithala and K Muraleedharan are set to be inducted, with Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan nominated as Speaker.
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