Two elderly women in Kerala died from snakebites, raising the recent death toll to seven. The incidents occurred in Kannur and Idukki districts, prompting investigations and warnings about snakes seeking cooler environments during soaring temperatures.
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.
The Kerala government will host an official reception for cricketer Sanju Samson to celebrate his pivotal role in India's ICC Men's T20 World Cup victory.
The Congress-led UDF has swept back to power in Kerala, sparking celebrations and discussions about forming the new government. Senior leaders are vying for the Chief Minister's post, while the defeated CPI(M)-led LDF grapples with the reasons for their loss after 10 years in power.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Malankara Orthodox Church opposes the Kerala government's decision to extend bar timings, fearing it will negatively impact the youth. The government defends the decision as a tourism-boosting measure already in place in tourist areas.
The Union Cabinet has reportedly approved the Kerala government's proposal to officially change the state's name to Keralam, following a resolution passed by the Kerala Assembly.
A police team in Kochi intervened to help a NEET candidate who was about to be denied entry to her examination centre due to a missing passport-size photograph. Their timely action, involving contacting a studio owner on a Sunday, ensured the student could sit for the crucial medical entrance test.
Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar expressed confidence in the party's future in the state, drawing parallels with the BJP's growth in West Bengal. He highlighted the party's focus on development and its commitment to addressing people's issues in the Assembly.
If current trends persist, the Congress risks becoming increasingly regionally concentrated, dependent on a handful of states rather than functioning as a truly pan-India political force.
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'.
An RSP MP has expressed strong displeasure with the delay in the Congress party's selection of a Chief Minister for Kerala, calling the situation a 'political uncertainty' that is 'unfortunate'. The MP claims the delay is creating discontent among workers and the public.
A four-year-old girl in Kerala died after being bitten by an Indian spectacled cobra while playing. The incident occurred when she tried to retrieve a ball near a burrow where the snake was hiding. Despite being rushed to the hospital and receiving ventilator support, she succumbed to the snakebite.
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.
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 Pinarayi Vijayan has expressed concern over the situation in the Gulf region following the US-Israel attack on Iran and has urged the central government to take necessary steps to ensure the safety of Indian nationals residing there.
'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.'
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.
If TVK MLAs and ministers are perceived as clean, or demonstrably cleaner than their predecessors, the credibility dividend will be enormous. The voter will feel rewarded, points out Ramesh Menon.
Kerala's Leader of Opposition, Pinarayi Vijayan, has called on the state government to implement urgent measures to prevent wildlife attacks after an elephant attack killed a woman and injured her child in Idukki.
The Congress-led UDF in Kerala has criticised the ruling LDF over the Sabarimala gold loss cases, the issue of women's entry to the shrine, and the state's health sector, where government doctors and private nurses are striking over wages.
Congress leader K C Venugopal has accused the CPI(M) and BJP of forming a 'nexus' in the ongoing Kerala election, alleging a tacit understanding between the parties. He also highlighted the UDF's promises, including free KSRTC bus travel for women and increased welfare pensions.
Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar has pledged full support and legal assistance to party councillor Sugathan, who was dramatically arrested in Thiruvananthapuram. The BJP alleges political vendetta and misuse of the police system, while police claim they fired in the air during the arrest due to BJP supporters.
'Among the leaders whose names are going around, V D Satheesan is the leader who will fit this kind of situation.'
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.
'It will take a long time to recover from the impact of this war.'
'It is going to be a negative vote against the government rather than a positive vote for the UDF.'
The IMD has issued an orange alert for heatwave conditions in parts of Kerala, prompting authorities to urge caution. Maximum temperatures are expected to reach up to 41 degrees Celsius in some districts. Strict guidelines have been issued, including the suspension of vacation classes and rescheduling of working hours.
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.
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.
A couple has approached the Madhya Pradesh High Court alleging tampering of birth records and harassment following their interfaith marriage. They seek an independent probe into the matter.
'The BJP and its allies can decide the fate of many candidates.'
The IUML, a key ally of the Congress-led UDF in Kerala, anticipates a more unified Congress party after the assembly election results are announced, expressing disapproval of internal disputes over the chief ministerial candidate.
The Kerala government has filed a statement in the High Court opposing former minister Antony Raju's plea to suspend his conviction in an evidence-tampering case, arguing it would undermine the electoral process.
Kerala PWD Minister P A Mohammed Riyas accuses UDF leaders of attempting to raise funds by falsely claiming they will form the government after the Assembly poll results.