News for 'udf office controversy'

Kerala Minister Admits Impropriety In Pension Distribution

Kerala Minister Admits Impropriety In Pension Distribution

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Kerala Minister K M Shaji admitted that distributing welfare pensions from a UDF political office in Malappuram's Pulpatta panchayat was improper, leading to the removal of the responsible official. The incident, which sparked allegations of rule violation, was attributed to unforeseen circumstances and bad weather, with the minister assuring steps to prevent recurrence.

EC Probes LDF's Campaign Announcement Amidst UDF's Communal Campaign Claims in Kerala

EC Probes LDF's Campaign Announcement Amidst UDF's Communal Campaign Claims in Kerala

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

The Election Commission has issued a notice to LDF convener T P Ramakrishnan following a complaint by the UDF regarding a recorded announcement from an LDF campaign vehicle, which allegedly made communal remarks against the IUML. The UDF claims the LDF is running a communal campaign, similar to a previous controversy during the 2024 general elections.

Kerala Government Forms SIT For 'Kafir Screenshot' Election Cases

Kerala Government Forms SIT For 'Kafir Screenshot' Election Cases

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

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.

Kerala CM's New Secretary Faces Political Firestorm

Kerala CM's New Secretary Faces Political Firestorm

Rediff.com24 May 2026

The appointment of senior IAS officer Rathan U Kelkar as secretary to Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan has ignited a political controversy, drawing criticism from the CPI(M), CPI, and BJP.

Kerala: CPI(M) Man Booked For Provocative Flex Board

Kerala: CPI(M) Man Booked For Provocative Flex Board

Rediff.com11 May 2026

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.

Kerala Government Orders Probe Into Periya Murder Parole

Kerala Government Orders Probe Into Periya Murder Parole

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The Congress-led UDF government in Kerala has ordered an urgent inquiry into the parole granted to the accused in the Periya twin murder case, following political concern and scrutiny.

Kerala Government Likely To Order CBI Probe Into Naveen Babu Death

Kerala Government Likely To Order CBI Probe Into Naveen Babu Death

Rediff.com31 May 2026

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.

Kerala Government Likely To Order CBI Probe Into ADM Death

Kerala Government Likely To Order CBI Probe Into ADM Death

Rediff.com31 May 2026

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.

Kerala CM's new secretary faces political backlash: Here's why

Kerala CM's new secretary faces political backlash: Here's why

Rediff.com24 May 2026

The appointment of Rathan U Kelkar as secretary to Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan has sparked a political controversy, with the CPI(M) accusing the Congress of double standards regarding appointments of election officials.

EC notice to Kerala LDF convener over hate announcement during campaigning

EC notice to Kerala LDF convener over hate announcement during campaigning

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

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.

Satheesan's use of caste surname during swearing-in sparks row

Satheesan's use of caste surname during swearing-in sparks row

Rediff.com19 May 2026

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.

Meet BJP's first-ever mayor in Kerala

Meet BJP's first-ever mayor in Kerala

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

BJP leader V V Rajesh was elected mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, marking the party's first-ever victory in a municipal corporation in Kerala. The election saw other mayoral contests across the state, with UDF and LDF also securing victories.

INDIA partners lock horns in Kerala over UDF member's lunch with Modi

INDIA partners lock horns in Kerala over UDF member's lunch with Modi

Rediff.com12 Feb 2024

Meanwhile, the Congress and RSP whole-heartedly backed the Kollam MP.

Munambam: The Politics Of Waqf Land

Munambam: The Politics Of Waqf Land

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

The specter of how the Munambam issue was exploited during the November by-elections is proof of the price Kerala is paying for its emergent politics. Controversies become the stuff of slow-burn and brinkmanship. The former promises mileage; the latter searches for an advantage, notes Shyam G Menon.

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

If as critics point out, the environmental impact assessment study was commissioned only after the auction process got underway with not all the stakeholders getting to know of it, then the government has already compromised the trust it could have enjoyed with Kerala's public including its coastal communities, points out Shyam G Menon.

Kerala's action hero makes a dashing entry into govt

Kerala's action hero makes a dashing entry into govt

Rediff.com9 Jun 2024

He was trolled during the Lok Sabha poll campaign, but despite the tactics by his rivals, action hero Suresh Gopi rose to national stardom in cinema style on June 4, winning the Thrissur seat on a BJP ticket and scripting history for the saffron party in Kerala.

The Woman Who Lost Everything

The Woman Who Lost Everything

Rediff.com13 Nov 2024

When the landslide hit, Sruthi's house was washed away, along with its inhabitants. She lost her entire family and some relatives. All she had left for a close confidante was her fiance Jenson. Days after the landslide and the loss of her family, Jenson died in a road accident that also left Sruthi with serious injuries. News of the accident and Sruthi's backdrop as the lone surviving member of a family wiped out in the July landslide, was picked up by the media, and people rushed to help.

Vadakara: The Most Important Contest In Kerala

Vadakara: The Most Important Contest In Kerala

Rediff.com16 Apr 2024

Shailaja Teacher, arguably the most famous Covid warrior in India, versus former student leader Shafi Parambil who defeated 'Metro Man' E Sreedharan in the last assembly election. Shyam G Menon reports from the Vadakara Lok Sabha constituency, which some feel is the most politically important contest in Kerala this election.

Congress ex-MLA booked for 2nd hate speech in a week

Congress ex-MLA booked for 2nd hate speech in a week

Rediff.com10 May 2022

A week after he was arrested and released on bail for making controversial remarks against the Muslim community, another case was registered against senior politician P C George by the police on Tuesday, on charges of hate speech.

Tharoor says he is not upset or angry with anyone in Kerala Congress

Tharoor says he is not upset or angry with anyone in Kerala Congress

Rediff.com27 Nov 2022

Regarding Satheesan, he said that "if we see each other at the venue, then we will see".

Rubber Prices, The Church, BJP's Kerala Ambitions

Rubber Prices, The Church, BJP's Kerala Ambitions

Rediff.com10 Apr 2023

With elections elsewhere in India showing that multi-pronged contests usually work to the BJP's favour, the party can gain if it hangs on stubbornly. In the meantime, any additional support helps. That is why the archbishop's comment attracted political traction in Kerala, observes Shyam G Menon.

Sexual abuse: CBI clean chit to Oommen Chandy; Cong seeks Vijayan's apology

Sexual abuse: CBI clean chit to Oommen Chandy; Cong seeks Vijayan's apology

Rediff.com28 Dec 2022

The CBI also submitted another referral report in the court exonerating Bharatiya Janata Party leader AP Abdullakutty in the sexual exploitation complaint by the woman.

In soup for criticising Constitution, Kerala minister resigns

In soup for criticising Constitution, Kerala minister resigns

Rediff.com6 Jul 2022

Kerala Minister Saji Cheriyan on Wednesday announced his resignation amidst mounting criticism from various quarters, including the Opposition, over his controversial remarks against the Constitution recently.

Guess who won't share stage with PM during Kochi Metro launch

Guess who won't share stage with PM during Kochi Metro launch

Rediff.com14 Jun 2017

The state asked the PMO to accommodate three more dignitaries, including DMRC Principal Advisor E Sreedharan.

Kerala, TN, Assam, WB, Puducherry to vote on Tuesday

Kerala, TN, Assam, WB, Puducherry to vote on Tuesday

Rediff.com6 Apr 2021

More than 750 constituencies spread across four states and one union territory will go to the polls on Tuesday

How will Chandy fight the solar scam's eclipse on Kerala?

How will Chandy fight the solar scam's eclipse on Kerala?

Rediff.com20 Jul 2013

While even the Opposition doesn't believe that Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy is personally involved in the solar scam, the Congress leaders reputation has been tainted. And while he tells Indulekha Aravind that it is only a conspiracy, it may have a bearing on the coming general elections

Kerala, TN, Puducherry ready to vote as campaigning ends

Kerala, TN, Puducherry ready to vote as campaigning ends

Rediff.com14 May 2016

The last leg of poll campaign saw many national leaders canvassing for their parties.