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.
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.
The current situation in Kerala politics is perhaps best described as a case of the state's traditional two front politics now seeing a third front (the BJP) muscling in with the potential outcome being either a messy three front affair or a renewed endorsement of the two front pattern but with one of the old fronts compromised or quashed, observes Shyam G Menon.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
'What we are witnessing is a massive anti-incumbency wave that has cut across all social and political divides.'
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 Congress party is still undecided on who will be Kerala's next Chief Minister, even after discussions between party leaders. Several leaders are vying for the position, and the high command is waiting for the political climate to calm down before making an announcement.
'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.'
Kerala is set to hold its Assembly election, with the ruling LDF aiming for a historic third term, the UDF seeking a comeback, and the NDA striving to gain a foothold in the state's political landscape.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
'The BJP and its allies can decide the fate of many candidates.'
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.
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 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.
'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.'
Police in Kannur, Kerala, recovered two steel bombs and a country-made explosive from an isolated plot of land. The Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad defused the explosives, and police have intensified surveillance in the politically sensitive area ahead of the Kerala Assembly election results.
'Among the leaders whose names are going around, V D Satheesan is the leader who will fit this kind of situation.'
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 has filed a complaint with the Election Commission alleging that UDF candidate Reji Cheriyan engaged in cash-for-vote practices during the Kuttanad Assembly election campaign.
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.
Sivagiri Mutt head Swami Satchidananda has voiced concerns over the lack of adequate representation for backward communities in elections by political parties in Kerala, India. He also welcomed the Kerala High Court decision disqualifying the leadership of the SNDP Yogam.
'It is going to be a negative vote against the government rather than a positive vote for the UDF.'
Initial vote counting in the Kerala Assembly elections indicates a significant lead for the Congress-led UDF, suggesting a potential shift in power.
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.
A Kerala court has requested a report from Madhya Pradesh Police regarding allegations of an underage marriage involving a woman who gained attention during the Kumbh Mela and later married her friend at a Kerala temple.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has accused the CPI(M)-led LDF in Kerala of striking a secret deal with the BJP for the upcoming Assembly elections, alleging suppression of dissent and targeting of minorities by both the state and central governments.
Kerala's General Education Minister V Sivankutty has criticised former DGPs R Sreelekha and T P Senkumar for their alleged adverse remarks against the police, questioning the timing and appropriateness of their statements.
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's interaction with a young landslide survivor during a township inauguration has ignited a political debate, with CPI (M) leaders contrasting it with PM Modi's earlier interaction with the same girl.
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's interaction with a young landslide survivor during a township inauguration has ignited a political debate, with CPI (M) leaders contrasting it with PM Modi's earlier interaction with the same child.
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.
Former CPI(M) leader G Sudhakaran, now an independent candidate, has denied claims by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan that the CM attempted to contact him, sparking a political controversy.
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.
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