The Congress-led UDF secured a decisive victory in Kerala's local body elections, dealing a blow to the LDF, while the BJP gained significant ground, including winning control of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.
24 hours before campaigning ends in Thiruvanathapuram, Archana Masih/Rediff.com discovers Shashi Tharoor and his BJP rival Rajeev Chandrasekhar are busy getting their message across to voters.
Whether Rajeev Chandrasekhar wins or not, Thiruvananthapuram will likely never see such an interesting contest again.
'It concerns the sea and the security of the nation. What has happened is a big tragedy.'
M A Baby faces several significant challenges: Helping the CPI (M)-led Left Democratic Front secure a third consecutive term in Kerala's 2026 assembly elections, and regaining ground lost in the party's traditional strongholds of West Bengal, Tripura, and other regions.
'The launch of Nila, our very first satellite was very emotional as well as nerve wracking. We tried to calm ourselves by cracking some poor jokes!'
'I will win the election. The Congress and BJP are fighting for second place.'
'Maybe this has created some minor issues which can happen in any party.'
The dramatic moves of Donald Trump, which have shaken up the global order, dominated the discussion. A sense of bewilderment prevailed, but there was also expectation that President Trump would settle down to a more traditional style of governance after a time of shock and awe, observes Ambassador T P Sreenivasan, an attendee at literary festivals in Calicut, Jaipur, Kochi, Sharjah and Thiruvanathapuram.
'The Congress wants to distort the very fabric of Indian society because they are obsessed with vote bank politics.'
'Initially, I didn't think much of him. But when I walked alongside him, I realized he has what it takes.'
As the Men in Blue emerged from the airport terminal, a sea of passionate fans erupted into chants of 'India! India!'
These delightful idlis are great for breakfast or nashta.
As the curtain falls on the campaign for the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha seat on Wednesday, April 24, a ringside view of the closing ceremonies.
Shashi Tharoor's remark was a dilution of the points he made in the Weekly cover story, where he denounced Sunny's captaincy in more vivid terms.
'All those who participated in the agitation were branded as anti-nationals.'
The Lok Sabha contest in Thiruvananthapuram is shaping up to be a significant battle involving key candidates like Shashi Tharoor, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, and Panniyan Ravindran. This three-cornered fight highlights the political dynamics in Kerala's capital city, with each candidate bringing their own vision and promises for the region's development, notes Rajeev Srinivasan.
'When I bought this flag yesterday and gave it to my 4 year old, she asked me "What is Independence Day?" and "Why does our flag have only three colours?"'
In many ways, Shashi Tharoor pointed out, COVID-19 saved the country as the Narendra D Modi's entire legislative momentum was stalled by the urgent need to tackle the pandemic.
'I want the country to know what's happening to our daughter.'
A couple of scenes outside Parliament as the Houses adjourned for the summer.
Can you identify the gentlemen in Rajasthan Royal colours and a red mask taking a selfie?
'Delighted to hear from Sri Lanka that @IamSanjuSamson has recovered from his strained knee ligament and that Thiruvananthapuram's finest will again be available for India! All the best, Sanju!'
'I started looking at the raw images put out by NASA 10-12 years ago.'
Dominic Xavier offers his take on the fall of the sole Congress government in south India.
'The situation in India is much more grave and serious than all of us think.' 'That's why it's important to defeat the BJP in 2024.'
'Oommen Chandy always had time for his people and valued their voices.' 'There was no rest for him as long as the betterment of his fellow citizens was at stake.' Ambassador Venu Rajamony, who knew the former Kerala chief minister for half a century, salutes a beloved leader who worked tirelessly for the welfare of its people.
Swapna is among the four accused booked by the NIA in the smuggling of 30 kg of gold through diplomatic baggage which arrived at the Thiruvanathapuram International airport.
'What The Kerala Story is trying to do is take the fake hate propaganda which we saw earlier only on WhatsApp to the big screen now.'
'He was truly an athulya abhinaya pratibha (exceptionally talented actor),' director Fazil tells Divya Nair/Rediff.com, as he mourns his friend's loss.
The Opposition also seems to be in a disarray as far as floor coordination is concerned with no meeting held to discuss the strategy to corner the government on key issues.
'I will miss you, dear Venu. You reached the pinnacle with your talent,' recalls K Kunhikrishnan who knew the legendary actor well.
'This obsession with 'one' is not good for a country like India.'
The Congress candidate from Thiruvanathapuram said that the Centre has ignored the concerns and aspirations of southern states and that Rahul Gandhi's decision to contest from the south has made a very effective outreach.
"The panel's report is awaited. The committee has been given a guideline to prepare the mission before the end of next year," a senior ISRO official said. "There is a good launch window in November".
'We don't have any more time.' 'We should close down, and vaccinate as many people as possible.'
Interview with Toonz Animation India CEO P. Jayakumar.
After prayers and ceremonies, the Pope presented beret (Cardinal's cap) and the ring to Cleemis,elevating him to the highest strata of the Catholic hierarchy vested with the voting right to elect the Pontiff, when a situation arises.
'Unless some serious steps like complete closedown are taken, it will have disastrous consequences.'
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