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.
Kerala Minister Bindu Krishna has ordered a comprehensive investigation into allegations against Ashkar, arrested in connection with the death of a toddler, following claims of abuse by his first wife's family. The investigation was launched after a post-mortem examination revealed multiple injuries on the child's body, indicating severe physical abuse.
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.
Faced with criticism for delay in showing respect to slain NSG commando Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan on Sunday called on the soldier's family members here, but a depressed father of Sandeep declined to accept his condolences.
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.
BJP leaders Rajeev Chandrasekhar and B B Gopakumar have accused both the UDF and LDF governments of pushing Kerala into an economic crisis. They criticised the lack of solutions from the ruling fronts, highlighted the state's high public debt, and questioned the allocation of revenue for development versus salaries and pensions.
In a state known for high political literacy and ideological mobilisation, the Congress' inability to quickly settle on a leader after securing a massive mandate has fed a narrative that the party remains excessively dependent on Delhi, deeply faction-ridden and vulnerable to internal sabotage
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.
As the CLP meeting passed a resolution authorising the party's high command to decide the next CM, observers will file a report to the Congress national leadership, who will take the final call.
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.
Actor Unni Mukundan has praised the Kerala government and police for their ongoing "Operation Toofan," a sustained crackdown on narcotics and organised drug networks across the state. He lauded Chief Minister VD Satheesan and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala for their decisive action and highlighted the positive impact on public faith in law enforcement.
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.
The Congress party has announced VD Satheesan as the next chief minister of Kerala, ending days of speculation. The decision was revealed at a press conference in New Delhi.
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 Chief Minister V D Satheesan defended his use of the caste surname "Menon" during his swearing-in ceremony, saying he had only mentioned his father's name and saw nothing wrong in doing so on such an occasion.
The Leader of Opposition in Kerala is demanding answers from the Chief Minister regarding allegations against Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar made by his wife, questioning the government's commitment to women's safety.
The Kerala government is likely to hand over the investigation into the death of ADM Naveen Babu to the CBI, following concerns raised by his family regarding the police investigation. The decision comes after a political controversy in Kerala in 2024 surrounding the case, in which former Kannur District Panchayat President P P Divya is the sole accused.
Veena T, daughter of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate in Kochi for questioning regarding a money laundering case involving her defunct IT firm, Exalogic Solutions Private Ltd, and mining company CMRL. The probe focuses on alleged payments made without services and loans extended despite repayment failures, leading to accusations of generating "proceeds of crime."
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.
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.
Initial vote counting in the Kerala Assembly elections indicates a significant lead for the Congress-led UDF, suggesting a potential shift in power.
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 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.
Union Minister of state for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor on Thursday dismissed as "unfounded and misleading" the charges by Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan who had accused him of using public platforms to deride the Left Democratic Front government in the state.
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.
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 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.
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.
The ruling LDF in Kerala faces criticism after infidelity allegations against Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar surfaced, with the opposition UDF questioning the government's response and commitment to women's safety.
'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.
The investigation pertains to alleged irregularities in CMRL's financial transactions and its links with Veena's now-defunct company Exalogic Solutions Private Limited.
Kerala's Home Minister announces 'Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt', a comprehensive anti-narcotics campaign targeting drug syndicates, especially those operating near educational institutions, and outlines reforms to improve police functioning and public accessibility.
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's Home Minister announces 'Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt', a statewide campaign to crack down on drug syndicates, focusing on eliminating drug distribution networks, especially around educational institutions, and improving police functioning across the state.
Congress MLA A D Thomas alleges that senior police officers intervened to modify the report related to his alleged assault during the 2023 Nava Kerala Sadas. He claims an ADGP-ranked officer was involved, and the SIT should investigate this alleged intervention.
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.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the BJP and LDF in Kerala of colluding, citing the lack of action by central agencies against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan despite corruption allegations.
The BJP has condemned the attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials in Kerala during raids linked to former chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, accusing the Left and the Congress of shielding corruption.
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.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has accused the Congress party and Rahul Gandhi of acting as the 'B-team' of the BJP, alleging appeasement politics and seeking support from communal groups.
