Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Thursday hit out at the previous Left Democratic Front government, claiming that it had left behind huge liabilities, including Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board borrowings, amounting to Rs 5.07 lakh crore.
The Election Commission has issued a notice to LDF convener T P Ramakrishnan, contesting from Perambra, following a complaint about a recorded announcement from a campaign vehicle alleging communal campaigning by the IUML.
Rahul Gandhi accuses Narendra Modi of remaining silent on the Sabarimala issue to protect the interests of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala, alleging a hidden alliance between the BJP and LDF.
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.
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.
The Congress-led UDF is set to move a no-confidence motion against the BJP-led administration in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation. This move comes as the BJP faces a fragile majority, exacerbated by a councillor's arrest and the invalidation of oaths for 20 councillors. The UDF cites administrative paralysis and mismanagement, while the LDF's stance on supporting the motion remains a key factor.
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.
'It is going to be a negative vote against the government rather than a positive vote for the UDF.'
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.
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.
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.
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.
Initial vote counting in the Kerala Assembly elections indicates a significant lead for the Congress-led UDF, suggesting a potential shift in power.
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.
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.
'What we are witnessing is a massive anti-incumbency wave that has cut across all social and political divides.'
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 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.
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.
Kerala PWD Minister P A Mohammed Riyas has accused the UDF leaders of attempting to raise funds by falsely claiming they will form a government after the Assembly poll results.
'Unfortunately the treasury is empty, in zero. So we have to first make money for the development activities of the state, and also to continue the welfare measures.'
A review of the accuracy of various exit polls in predicting the outcomes of recent assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu, highlighting the performance of different pollsters.
Kerala's 2026 assembly election will see a three-cornered contest where religion and communalism have emerged as central themes for the first time, challenging the state's long-celebrated secular fabric.
Exit polls suggest significant shifts in Indian state assembly elections, forecasting BJP gains in West Bengal and Assam, a DMK comeback in Tamil Nadu, and a tight race in Kerala.
Exit polls predict a BJP victory in Assam and an edge in West Bengal, a DMK government in Tamil Nadu, and a Congress-led UDF comeback in Kerala.
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.
'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.'
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 and its allies can decide the fate of many candidates.'
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of aligning with forces that attack minorities, during election rallies in Kerala. He also criticised the CM on other issues including alleged corruption and economic failures.
Counting of votes begins in Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and West Bengal, with significant implications for regional and national parties.
UDF candidate Usha Vijayan addresses allegations of internal sabotage within the Congress party, asserting that such claims will only strengthen the UDF alliance ahead of the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections.
'When Narendra Modi was here, he spoke only about development and what the BJP wanted to do in Kerala. That kind of sober rhetoric or argument is acceptable to the people here.'
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.
'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.
Voters in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry are voting in crucial assembly elections.
'Among the leaders whose names are going around, V D Satheesan is the leader who will fit this kind of situation.'
Kerala recorded a high voter turnout in the Assembly elections, with over 77 per cent of eligible voters casting their ballots. The election is crucial as it will determine whether the LDF secures a rare third consecutive term, the UDF stages a comeback, or the NDA makes deeper inroads into Kerala's political landscape.
Crorepati Candidates: Congress (61). BJP (52). CPM (52).
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.
