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.
A 10-year-old boy died and three other children were injured in Kerala while playing with leftover firecrackers from political celebrations.
The Sabarimala Ayyappa Seva Samajam (SASS) has voiced strong dissatisfaction with the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the Sabarimala gold loss cases, urging the Kerala government to transfer the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The organisation also highlighted severe issues faced by pilgrims during the Mandalakala-Makarvillakku season, including poor crowd management and long waiting hours, and offered to provide free services to devotees.
Following the UDF's victory in local body polls, KPCC Chief Sunny Joseph suggests Kerala Congress (M) consider rejoining the UDF. He also discusses expanding the UDF base and potentially including Trinamool Congress leader P V Anvar.
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.
Sivagiri Mutt head Swami Sachidananda has requested greater representation for MLAs from backward class communities in the UDF government's Cabinet.
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.
The Kerala government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe two 'kafir screenshot' cases that caused a political storm during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign in Vadakara constituency. The cases involve alleged communal polarisation and the circulation of fake messages against LDF candidate K K Shailaja, with the new SIT reopening a previously inconclusive investigation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated VD Satheesan on becoming the Chief Minister of Kerala and pledged central government support.
The Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), a key ally in the United Democratic Front (UDF) coalition, has voiced its discontent with the Congress party over the prolonged delay in selecting a Chief Minister for Kerala, describing the situation as a 'political uncertainty' that is 'unfortunate'.
Intense lobbying is underway in Kerala as V D Satheesan, K C Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala vie for the chief minister's post, with their camps citing popularity, MLA support, and experience as key factors for the Congress high command's decision.
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.
The Congress-led UDF government's decision to appoint a defence lawyer for the accused in the Sabarimala gold loss case as a Devaswom advocate has drawn strong criticism from the opposition CPI(M), which alleges the move is an attempt to sabotage the ongoing probe and protect political figures.
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has expressed his displeasure over the incomplete rendition of 'Vande Mataram' in the state Assembly during his presence for the UDF government's policy address, emphasising the importance of adhering to proper protocol.
Alappuzha MLA A D Thomas and five others have identified former security personnel of then Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as alleged assailants of Youth Congress workers during the 2023 Nava Kerala Sadas programme. The identification occurred at the Crime Branch office, with Thomas expressing concerns about the investigation being derailed despite a new SIT being formed under the Congress-led UDF government, which has invoked a more serious charge of attempt to commit culpable homicide.
Kerala Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph has defended the appointment of his brother-in-law, Benny Thomas, as his Additional Private Secretary, citing Thomas's public service record and political experience. The appointment has sparked controversy, with the opposition CPI(M) accusing the minister of nepotism and hypocrisy, demanding his resignation.
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has voiced its support for V D Satheesan as the potential Chief Minister of Kerala if the Congress-led UDF alliance wins, drawing criticism from SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan, who suggests this indicates the IUML would effectively rule the state.
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.
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.
'Among the leaders whose names are going around, V D Satheesan is the leader who will fit this kind of situation.'
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.
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.
Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan addressed the controversy surrounding the full rendition of Vande Mataram during the UDF government's swearing-in ceremony, stating that neither he nor his colleagues were informed beforehand. The issue has sparked political debate, with the CPI(M) criticising the move and the BJP accusing the Communists of insulting the national song.
Congress leader P T Ajay Mohan has discouraged discussions on who should be the CM before the Assembly poll results, expected on May 4.
'They will have to adjust themselves to the new reality. Because if they don't understand this changed political perception, their future will be difficult.'
The UDF government in Kerala is likely to hand over the probe into former ADM Naveen Babu's death to the CBI, with a Cabinet decision expected soon in this regard.
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.
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.
A CPI(M) worker in Kerala has been booked for allegedly installing a flex board expressing support for Congress leader KC Venugopal in the Kerala Chief Minister race, sparking a political row.
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.
'What we are witnessing is a massive anti-incumbency wave that has cut across all social and political divides.'
Political parties in Kerala are making preparations for celebrations as the Assembly election results are set to be announced. Congress and UDF workers are preparing food and cultural programmes, while the BJP is also planning celebrations with laddoos and placards.
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.
A man named Sony Thomas has been arrested in Kerala for allegedly making phone calls threatening to kill Chief Minister VD Satheesan and his family. Police tracked the calls made to the Thiruvananthapuram City District Police Command and Control Centre. In a separate incident, Thaliparamba MLA TK Govindan also received a death threat call, with the caller identified by police.
Kerala is facing increased inflationary pressure due to recent hikes in petrol and diesel prices, according to Chief Minister V D Satheesan. The state's economy is also impacted by the decline in remittances from the Gulf and higher oil prices.
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.
Senior Congress leader K Sudhakaran stated that the amicable resolution of portfolio-sharing issues has given the party a 'new image'. Discussions on cabinet portfolios are underway within the Congress and among UDF allies in Thiruvananthapuram. The swearing-in ceremony of the CM and 20 other ministers is scheduled to be held on Monday.
The Congress party in Kerala has expressed a lack of faith in the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged misappropriation of gold from the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple, stating that a thorough investigation will be conducted if the UDF comes to power.
'The most enduring part of Satheesan's personality is he is good at heart. That is the reason why everybody, from the old to small children, get attracted to him.'
CPI(M) leaders R Bindu and P V Sreenijin visited the Dalit colony and told reporters that the disputed area of around 2.5 acres was part of 19 acres of government land. They also claimed that the government was unaware of the litigation over ownership of the 2.5 acre land between two private individuals.
