Asianet Newsable

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Lukewarm polling in Kerala's hot seat of Thrissur leaves pundits puzzled

Aishwarya Nair — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 12:16:40 +0530

Thrissur: Thrissur emerged as one of the most fiercely contested constituencies in Kerala during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections that took place on Friday, April 26. The election in the Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency was characterized by a strong triangular contest. The candidates included K Muraleedharan from the Congress representing the UDF, VS Sunil Kumar from the CPI representing the LDF, and Suresh Gopi from the BJP representing the NDA. Predictions for Thrissur became increasingly challenging as the polling percentage decreased, making it difficult to forecast the outcome. All three political fronts express optimism and hope for success in the constituency.

Thrissur also experienced a decrease in polling figures, reflecting a trend observed across all Lok Sabha constituencies in the state. While the polling average in Kerala stands at 71.27%, the official figure for Thrissur is slightly higher at 72.79%. In comparison, previous voter turnouts for the Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency were recorded at 69.43% in 2009, 72.20% in 2014, and 77.92% in 2019. This time, however, there was a notable shortfall of more than five percent in voter turnout.

Despite the conclusion of polling, the competition among political fronts in Thrissur remains intense. The UDF anticipates that improved polling in minority-influenced areas will work in their favor. Conversely, the Left hopes to secure victory by leveraging VS Sunil Kumar's influence alongside their basic voter support of 32 percent. Meanwhile, the BJP is banking on the support of women voters and youth to bolster their prospects in the constituency.

The official polling figures stand at 71.27 percent in the state of Kerala, with expectations of further increase in the final tally after the inclusion of home votes and postal votes. Despite the fierce competition and extensive campaigning, there is concern among political fronts regarding the 6% decrease in polling compared to 2019. While delays in the polling process and heat have been cited as contributing factors, front leaders and candidates are striving to instill confidence by asserting that all conditions remain favorable. In the 2019 elections, UDF candidate TN Prathapan emerged victorious in Thrissur with a majority of 93,633 votes.

All About The 2021 Kerala Legislative Assembly Election

Rony Dutta — Sun, 28 Mar 2021 17:31:07 +0530

The 2021 Kerala Legislative Assembly election will be held on 6th April to elect 140 MLAs.

Here's everything you need to know about the Kerala Polls.

Assembly Election Results 2021 Live Updates: BJP wins Nandigram, but loses battle for West Bengal

Vipin Vijayan — Sun, 02 May 2021 19:00:55 +0530

The counting of votes polled in 822 assembly constituencies in Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry continues amid tight Covid-19 guidelines.

Also unfolding will be results of bypolls in 4 parliamentary constituencies and 13 assembly constituencies across 13 states.

The counting of votes will decide the fate of four chief ministers -- West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The special focus will be on West Bengal where the Bharatiya Janata Party fought an intense electoral battle against the Trinamool Congress with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda and other top BJP leaders left no stone unturned to try and dislodge Mamata Banerjee from power.

Another intense battle was fought in Tamil Nadu where the AIADMK-BJP combine is squaring off against the DMK-Congress alliance. The spotlight will also be on actor-politician Kamal Haasan's Makkal Needhi Maiam performance.

Most exit polls have predicted the return of the Left Democratic Front government of Pinarayi Vijayan in Kerala with the Congress in the runners-up position.

As for Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal will hope that Prime Minister Modi's campaign blitz in the state would get him back to power in the state. The Congress, on the other hand, had relied on its local leadership to carry the bulk of its campaigning.

The BJP will be hoping to ride to power in Puducherry with the AIADMK while the Congress-DMK alliance is looking for retribution for the downfall of their government just ahead of the election.

Catch all the latest updates on Asianet Newsable.

Bajrang Dal in Chhattisgarh Accused of Assaulting, Harassing Women During Christian Gathering

Ajay UK — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 16:39:52 +0530

Raipur: Days after the arrest of Christian nuns in Kerala stirred controversy, Bajrang Dal has once again been accused of physically assaulting and harassing women during a Christian worship service in Chhattisgarh. Among the victims was a menstruating woman who was allegedly assaulted, while others reported being groped. The police allegedly detained the pastor and several worshippers, while the attackers were allowed to walk free. Recently, two nuns affiliated with the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate (ASMI) church, were harassed by Bajrang Dal members while they were accompanying three women to Agra to place them in convents for domestic work. Visuals from the location spot a massive crowd being formed outside the congregation in protest, along with a few police personnel. Over 100 Bajrang Dal members recited Hanuman Chalisa and organised a protest alleging that the congregation involved religious conversion.

SHAMEFUL | RAIPUR, CG (10 AUG’25)Bajrang Dal thugs stormed a Christian worship service, assaulted a menstruating woman & groped others.Police arrested the pastor & worshippers — attackers walked free.Humanity bleeding!@hrw @USCIRF @VaticanNews @BBCHindi @AJEnglish @IJM pic.twitter.com/I1gObvYygj

— Anti Christian Tracker Watch - ACT India ✝️ (@ACTWatchIndia) August 10, 2025

Statewide protest had erupted against the arrest of Chhattisgarh nuns in Kerala earlier this month. CPIM State Secretary MV Govindan said that the violation was an attack on constitutional rights and that the police were mere bystanders when members of the Bajrang Dal harassed them. “This is not an isolated incident but part of a broader Sangh Parivar agenda being executed across the country. We’ve seen similar incidents in Maharashtra and Karnataka. At the same time, Sangh Parivar outfits are working closely with religious institutions in Kerala, attempting to influence votes. The BJP's actions don’t surprise us as they are clearly pushing a political agenda. What’s even more reprehensible is the Congress party's silence, especially in Chhattisgarh, where their leaders haven’t even raised a protest,” MV Govindan added.

The NIA Special Court granted bail after the uproar and following interventions by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders including Rajeev Chandrasekhar. The Chhattisgarh government reportedly did not oppose the bail plea filed by the nuns.

Exit Poll Results 2021: Poll pundits predict LDF's return to power in Kerala

Team Newsable — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 22:38:05 +0530

Every major news network has come up with its projection on who will emerge victorious in the Kerala 2021 Assembly elections.

Before the votes are counted on May 2, the pollsters are back in business. The exit polls were released at around 7 pm Thursday after the polling for the eighth phase of West Bengal elections concluded.

The much-awaited exit poll results predict that the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left government would return in Kerala.

In the 140-member Assembly, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) is projected to win 74 seats, UDF - 65, NDA - 1. This may be noted that in the 2016 Kerala Assembly Elections, the LDF had won 91 seats, UDF - 47, BJP and Independents - 1 each.

We have compiled a poll of polls for you to help you understand the popular choice in the Kerala 2021 Assembly election.

Other observation made by pollsters:

Times Now-C-Voter exit poll suggests the return of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left government in Kerala.

Axis-My India exit poll has predicted that LDF is to get between 104-120 seats, UDF to get 20-36 and BJP + to get 0-2 in Kerala which has a total of 140 seats.

The counting of votes for the Kerala Assembly Elections 2021 is scheduled to take place on May 2.

NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitize, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona

Kozhikode murder case: More details emerge during investigation in murder of young woman

Rashmi Kuttan — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 10:07:35 +0530

Kozhikode: The new details regarding the Perambra murder case are emerging as the investigation progresses. Anu (26), whose body was discovered in a canal at Perambra, was confirmed to have been murdered during a robbery attempt, according to police reports on Sunday. The investigative team nabbed the accused from his house, who is implicated in numerous criminal cases, including rape, in Malappuram on Saturday.

Kerala: Body of woman found half-naked in Kozhikode

The police have discovered strong evidence showing that the accused, named Mujeeb, was seen roaming in the area several times before the tragedy occurred. Mujeeb was believed to have traveled the same road multiple times on the day of the incident, with authorities first assuming theft as the primary motive.

Mujeeb traveled from Mattannur to Malappuram via the Perambra route at about 9 a.m. on the specified day. On his way, he came across a young woman who was walking quickly. The accused arrived on a stolen bike and offered Anu a ride. Within 10 minutes, Mujeeb allegedly attacked Anu, stole her jewelry, and disposed of her body in a nearby stream before departing the scene. This swift and violent action by Mujeeb has raised concerns among law enforcement officials about the dangers posed by such criminals.

After the incident, he escaped from the scene around 10 am. He did not take off his helmet even once while reaching Edavannappara. The police apprehended the accused after his image was captured on a nearby CCTV camera. Before this, the police had already determined that Anu's death was a murder. Their investigation had centered on an individual who arrived on a red motorbike near the location where the body was discovered.

Kozhikode murder: Accused who offered lift, tried to steal ornaments nabbed from Malappuram

55 cases are pending against the accused, including a rape case. The police also started the collection of evidence at the crime location with the accused Mujeeb Rahman this morning. The bike used by the accused was found in Edavannapara. The bike was parked on the roadside at Edavannapara junction. The coat worn by the accused was also found on the bike and the accused stole the bike from Mattannur on the 11th. The police have already examined around 100 CCTV cameras in connection with Anu's murder and are now investigating whether the accused has committed more similar crimes.

Anu, a resident of Valoor, was found dead in a canal on March 11. Following her family's report of missing gold ornaments, the police launched a comprehensive investigation. Subsequent inquiries unveiled that Anu had gone missing after accepting a ride on a red motorbike.

Election Commission bans victory processions on May 2 counting day

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 10:34:27 +0530

Election Commission has banned all victory processions on or after the counting of votes on May 2.

The decision comes a day after the Madras High Court took the Election Commission to task while hearing a suo motu case concerning the management of the Covid situation in Tamil Nadu.

The bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice S Ramamoorthy observed that the Election Commission has abdicated its responsibility and threatened to stop counting on May 2 if the poll body does not put in place a proper plan to ensure adherence to Covid-19 protocol.

Observing that Election Commission officers should be booked on murder charges, Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee had said, "Your institution is singularly responsible for the situation today."

The high court lamented the inaction by Election Commission against erring political parties despite its orders.

Voting amid pandemic: Here's how Election Commission pulled it off

Vipin Vijayan — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 11:51:29 +0530

The Election Commission had made elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth progress of voting in 4 states and the Union Territory of Puducherry with adequate emphasis on maintaining Covid-appropriate behaviour. Let's take a look.

Voting is underway in states of Kerala, West Bengal, Assam and Tamil Nadu, and in the Union Territory of Puducherry amid the second wave of Coronavirus sweeping through the country.

(Above) Thermal checking being done at 111 (Purba Tapna Primary School) booth under Uluberia Dakshin assembly constituency of Howrah district, West Bengal.

Photograph of polling at a booth in Wayanad district, Kerala.

Thermal checking is being done at 139-Canning Purba assembly constituency of South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal.

Social distancing witnessed at the Mahe constituency in Puducherry. Mahe region is a small enclave of the UT, which is geographically situated in the Kannur district, Kerala on the Arabian Sea coast.

An elderly voter is being assisted to wear mask to maintain Covid-19 protocol at Polling Station No 17 (Kalikapur Adaitya F P School) of Joynagar (SC) assembly constituency of South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal.

ITBP soldier helps a senior citizen in Kulpi, Sundarbans during the third phase of West Bengal assembly polls.

Thermal check being conducted during the Phase III assembly elections in 42-LAC under Bajali district in Assam.

92-year-old voter Shri Rabha being felicitated in Dudhnoi polling station in Assam. Shri Rabha has voted in every election since independence.

Polling scene from constituency of Yanam, an enclave of the UT of Puducherry, which is geographically located in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. Note the squirrel, which is the election mascot of Puducherry.

Sanitization being done at Bharatgarh Primary School under 128-Basanti Assembly Constituency of South 24 -Parganas District, West Bengal

A glimpse of the ongoing poll at the 5 Constituencies in the Karaikal district.

Wedding Guests Fall Ill, Dulquer Salmaan Gets Notice - Here's What Happened

Divya Danu — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:56:27 +0530

Actor Dulquer Salmaan, the brand ambassador of Rose brand biryani rice, has reportedly been issued a notice by the Pathanamthitta Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Kerala for a food-poisoning complaint at a wedding. A 50 kg bag of rice allegedly lacked packing and expiry dates, and guests fell ill after eating. The hearing is set for 3 December 2025; the complaint seeks Rs 5 lakh compensation, according to a report published in ETV Bharat .

The notice to actor Dulquer Salmaan

Actor Dulquer Salmaan is the brand ambassador for the Rose brand biryani rice. On 5 November 2025, the Pathanamthitta Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Kerala issued a legal notice to him. The notice directs him to appear on 3 December 2025.

The complaint was filed by caterer PN Jayarajan from Vallikode, Pathanamthitta.

He states that a 50 kg bag of Rose brand biryani rice was purchased for a wedding reception on 24 August 2025, but the bag reportedly did not display a packing date or expiry date. Guests who had biryani made from the rice allegedly suffered food poisoning.

The caterer said his business credibility suffered and several wedding bookings were cancelled.

The complaint names three accused: the Managing Director of Rose Brand Biryani Rice (first accused), the manager of Malabar Biryani and Spices (second), and Dulquer Salmaan as the third.

The claim reportedly seeks compensation of Rs 5 lakh, plus Rs 10,250 (cost of rice) and court costs.

What does the law say

Under consumer-law in India, if a product causes harm or fails to meet required standards (like missing expiry date) the consumer has a right to lodge a complaint. The Commission has issued notice for all three accused to appear. Failure to appear may lead to further legal action. Dulquer Salmaan and the Rose brand have not publicly responded yet.

Why the case raises eyebrows

Celebrities endorsing food or consumer products carry extra responsibility because consumers equate the endorsement with trust.
Missing labels (packing date/expiry date) raise serious food-safety concerns.
It’s one of the few cases in Kerala where a brand ambassador has been formally asked to appear for a food-safety complaint.

For the public, this case highlights the importance of checking product labels and brand claims, even in trusted endorsements.

In the past, the food brand Maggi noodles, endorsed by several top actors like Madhuri Dixit, Amitabh Bachchan and Preity Zinta, was found to contain excess lead and MSG in tests by the food regulator in 2015 and the government stated that even endorsers could be held liable for misleading claims.

Infected with Covid-19, but want to vote? Here's how

Vipin Vijayan — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 10:19:40 +0530

If you are a Covid-infected person undergoing home isolation in one of the four states or Union territory, here is how you can exercise your mandate.

According to Election Commission guidelines, COVID-19-positive patients can go to the polling booth to vote between 6 pm and 7 pm, provided they have not applied for a postal ballot.

Thermal checking of voters will be done at the polling station location/polling station's entry point, either by polling staff or Para Medical staff or Asha worker.

If the temperature is above the guidelines of the Union health ministry at first reading, then it will be checked twice. If the temperature remains above normal, then the elector shall be provided with a token and asked to come for voting during the last hour of the voting.

At the last hour of the poll, Covid patients will be able to vote while strictly following the related preventive measures.

Those who are Covid-19 infected and the polling officers will have to wear PPEs when the person votes.

Kerala: Court adjourns petition filed by Mathew Kuzhalnadan against CM Pinarayi Vijayan, daughter on March 27

Rashmi Kuttan — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 12:56:59 +0530

Thiruvananthapuram: The Thiruvananthapuram Vigilance Court adjourned the petition filed by Mathew Kuzhalnadan MLA, against the Chief Minister and his daughter to March 27. The Vigilance department has stated that they are unable to proceed with an investigation into the petition lodged by Mathew Kuzhalnathan against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his daughter, Veena Vijayan. The Vigilance director informed the court that the allegations outlined in the petition do not fall under the purview of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and as such, cannot be subject to investigation.

The court has accepted the petition filed by Mathew Kuzhalnathan demanding an investigation against the Chief Minister, his daughter Veena Vijayan, and the CMRL company on February 29. Several allegations are made in the petition, including that the government connived at transporting black sand from Thottapalli to the CMRL company.

Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan has leveled accusations against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, alleging his involvement in orchestrating mineral sand mining operations at Thottappally in Alappuzha. Kuzhalnadan claims that the mining activities were carried out to benefit Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL).

Mr. Kuzhalnadan alleged that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan supported action on a memorandum submitted by Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL), which claimed losses of ₹60 crore due to the Centre's import of ilmenite. The corporation also demanded that the government facilitate the delivery of the mineral within the state.

According to the MLA, in 2018, the Chief Minister, as Chairman of the State Disaster Management Authority, convened a meeting to discuss the firm's difficulty in obtaining official approval for its mining lease. As a result of the choices reached at this meeting, the District Collector of Alappuzha approved sand removal from Thottappally under the garb of flood mitigation measures. This move was supposedly sanctioned by the Chief.

Kerala Election Results 2021: Hope opposition will accept mandate with humility, says Pinarayi Vijayan

Team Newsable — Sun, 02 May 2021 19:31:13 +0530

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan briefed the media after winning the election but started with Covid-19 figures of the state.

The ruling Communist Party of India (M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) set to retain power in Kerala as the alliance secured a lead in 92 seats. If the lead continues and the party secures a re-election, the victory will mark the first time any coalition will form its government for the second time in over four decades in Kerala.

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan won Dharmadam assembly constituency in a clean sweep, while Congress retained Palakkad and defeated Metro Man E Sreedharan by 1000 votes.

Addressing a press meet, “Kerala has given a verdict in favor of the LDF. But this is not the time to celebrate with great joy as Covid-19 continues to spread in the state. This is the time to continue the fight against Covid-19,” Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan said.

"It is a historic win. We are indebted to people. This victory will empower us to take more people friendly measures," he said.

“Kerala is not the breeding ground for communal forces. This is a victory for the policies of the LDF govt. I hope the opposition will accept the mandate with humility,” Pinarayi added.

"Top BJP leaders had announced that they were moving towards forming a government. At that point, we were told that their current account here would be closed in this election. BJP leaders, including the PM, Home Minister and Chief Ministers, had come here to campaign," said Pinarayi Vijayan.

Meanwhile, he also cleared the air about the swearing-in ceremony tomorrow.

"The news that the swearing-in ceremony will take place tomorrow is not true. The resignation will be submitted when I reach Thiruvananthapuram tomorrow. The rest will be decided after discussion with the party and the Front," said Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Kerala Local Body Elections: NDA Victories in Thiruvananthapuram and Munambam Lift BJP

Divya Danu — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 16:05:52 +0530

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has secured key wins in Kerala’s local body elections, including Munambam ward and the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to call the result a 'watershed moment' in the state's politics. The Munambam victory comes amid a long-running waqf land dispute involving Christian families, while the Thiruvananthapuram result signals growing support for the BJP-led alliance in a state where it has traditionally struggled.

PM Modi expressed gratitude towards party workers after NDA's victory in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. He wrote on X:

My gratitude to all hardworking BJP Karyakartas who have worked among the people, which has ensured a spectacular result in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. Today is a day to recall the work and struggles of generations of Karyakartas in Kerala, who worked at the grassroots,…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 13, 2025

My full address on the BJP/NDA’s historic performance in Kerala’s local body elections.#Vikasitakeralam #PoliticsOfPerfomance pic.twitter.com/jPpOUCdAkv

— Rajeev Chandrasekhar (@RajeevRC_X) December 13, 2025

NDA scores decisive win in Munambam

The NDA secured a strong victory in Munambam, located in Ernakulam district. The ward had earlier been held by the Congress, making this win significant for the BJP-led alliance.

Kerala BJP general secretary Anoop Antony Joseph called the result “historic”. In a post on social media, he said the Modi government and the BJP stood with the people of Munambam in their fight against the Waqf Board. He added that voters had now returned that support through the ballot.

Why Munambam matters

Munambam has been at the centre of protests and legal battles since 2019. That year, the Kerala Waqf Board declared more than 404 acres of land in the area as waqf property.

Around 500 families live on this land. Most of them are Christians. Many families say they have legal documents and have paid land tax for years. They fear eviction if the Waqf Board’s claim is upheld.

To protect their homes, residents formed the Munambam Land Protection Council and began protests that have continued for over 400 days.

Historic victory for NDA in the Munambam ward in local body elections, where 500 Christian families face the threat of eviction due to illegal claims by Waqf. Modi ji's govt and BJP stood with the Munambam people in fighting the Waqf, and they have now chosen BJP as their… pic.twitter.com/6h4n9ux1hO

— Anoop Antony Joseph (@AnoopKaippalli) December 13, 2025

The families have demanded that their revenue rights be restored. At one point, the government stopped accepting land tax from those living on the disputed land. This deepened fears that their ownership rights were being taken away.

The protest site became a symbol of resistance, drawing support from political leaders and civil society groups from across the country.

Court rulings shape election mood

The dispute took a major turn when the Kerala High Court ruled that the land in Munambam was not waqf property. This decision was seen as a big relief for the families and encouraged them to take part in the local elections.

Earlier, the residents had planned to boycott the polls as a sign of protest. After the High Court ruling, they changed their decision and voted.

However, the legal battle is not over. On Friday, the Supreme Court paused the High Court’s ruling and ordered status quo. This means the final ownership of the land is still undecided.

National attention and Waqf Amendment Act

The Munambam protests gained national attention earlier this year after the Centre passed the Waqf Amendment Bill. The new law increases the government’s role in regulating waqf properties.

Protesters said the issue showed how land claims by waqf boards can affect ordinary families. The NDA’s stance on the issue appears to have helped it gain support in Munambam.

Political impact in Kerala

The Munambam win is seen as a morale boost for the BJP in Kerala, a state where the party has struggled to make electoral gains. The result could help the NDA build momentum ahead of the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections.

The BJP is also leading in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, a seat represented in Parliament by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor.

Counting of votes is still underway in districts including Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Malappuram and Kottayam. Final results are expected later in the day.

The NDA's victory in Munambam reflects how a local land dispute has shaped political choices. While the court battle over the land continues, the election result sends a clear message of support from families who say they are fighting to protect their homes and rights.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Vote Pitch: PM Narendra Modi Vs Rahul Gandhi

Asianet Newsable English — Sat, 03 Apr 2021 15:47:50 +0530

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday countered Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's allegation that the Centre had turned a blind eye towards fishermen.

Addressing a gathering in Kanyakumari, Prime Minister Modi listed the measures adopted by his government to benefit the fishing community.

PM Modi even reminded the Wayanad MP that there was a separate ministry catering to the fishermen's needs.

Watch the video

Why Congress and Co. spectacularly failed in Kerala

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 03 May 2021 15:03:19 +0530

The defeat in the Kerala assembly election has plunged the Congress into crisis and put senior state leaders Ramesh Chennithala, Oommen Chandy and Mullapally Ramachandran in a spot of bother.

Historically, Kerala has witnessed political fortunes changing every five years. That is why, perhaps, the 2021 Kerala assembly election verdict assumes significance. The Left Democratic Front's return to power in the state is unparalleled.

The defeat has plunged the Congress into crisis and put senior Kerala leaders Ramesh Chennithala, Oommen Chandy and Mullapally Ramachandran in a spot of bother. Chandy may have won from Puthupally for the eleventh successive term as MLA, but the difference of votes was just 8504.

The Congress-led United Democratic Front fared poorly with the grouping not even reaching its 2016 tally of 47 seats (41 seats in 2021). Overall, the verdict heralds the possibility of a generational change in the Congress party.

Will faith no longer be the saviour?

If anything, the 2021 Kerala assembly election verdict has put to rest any misconceptions among political parties that faith and faith organisations can influence voting.

On the Sabarimala issue, which was a very widely debated issue in the campaign phase, Congress and the BJP believed that targeting the Left government over its stand on allowing women into the shrine could be an effective strategy.

Their leadership assessed that the emotive issue had an impact on the Lok Sabha elections. Assuming that a similar impact could be achieved in the assembly election, the UDF went all-out to turn Sabarimala into an important political weapon.

However, the assessment spectacularly backfired with the voters not only rejecting it but handing over the mandate to the LDF. In Pathanamthitta, the flashpoint of the Sabarimala protests, the Left won all the seats.

Unable to capitalise on issues

Pinarayi Vijayan government faced a series of crises that no earlier government had encountered. These range from a barrage of natural calamities to allegations of corruption.

During the two floods that inundated parts of the state, the opposition criticised -- often more than needed -- when the government did in fact take steps to alleviate people's concerns and hardships.

Yet the biggest failure of the opposition came in its ineffectiveness in pinning the LDF government to the mat in the backdrop of back-to-back scandals. Be it the solar scam or gold smuggling scam or the scandals involving backdoor Public Service Commission appointments and deep-sea fishing agreement with an American firm, the UDF was unable to capitalise of any of these and translate them into votes.

Grand Old Party is not 'social' enough

The Congress is power in only five states in India. Many allies admit behind the scenes -- some openly -- that the Congress cannot be strong opposition to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.

The party's ineffectiveness in actively opposing the Centre's policies makes many wonder if they indeed are a political alternative. At a time when social media influences national political discourse, Congress has come across as, simply put, lacklustre.

Although young leaders like VT Balram and Shafi Parambil are active on social media, the Congress in Kerala as a party does not have a significant presence on social media as the CPM or the BJP. Many of the comments made by senior Congress leaders on certain issues were often circulated as troll videos.

Time for a generational change

Group politics has been the Congress party's biggest pitfall this election. In an existential battle, Congress needs to liberate itself from group politics.

The strong message sent across by the electorate to the Congress party needs to undergo a generational change and that younger leaders need to be handed over the baton.

For decades, Congress party has resisted organisational change. Perhaps now is the time to reconsider.

Kerala Election Results 2021: LDF gains lead in early trends; Metro Man E Sreedharan leads in Palakkad

Team Newsable — Sun, 02 May 2021 10:47:25 +0530

As counting of votes began, LDF is leading in majority constituencies across the state. Currently, the postal ballots are being counted, in which, traditionally, LDF scores better than UDF.

Initial trends in Kerala show that of the 39 constituencies, the LDF is leading in 27 seats, the Congress-led UDF in 11 and the NDA on one seat. Congress-led UDF is leading in Tripunithura, Piravom, Aruvikkara, Kovalam assembly constituencies and Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF is leading in Vattiyoorkavu, Attingal, Kannur, and Kazhakuttam seats.

'Metro man' E Sreedharan leading Palakkad in postal vote counting. He is the BJP's star candidate in Kerala this year. He leads in Palakkad by 1,425 votes.

In Kerala the incumbent LDF has an edge in a close fight with the Congress-led UDF. The LDF is hoping to buck a 40-year tradition and win re-election.

The fate of 957 candidates is in the fray as votes are being counted for 140 assembly seats in Kerala today.

Various pre-poll and post-poll surveys have predicted victory for the ruling Communist Party of India (M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF).

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan refrained from making any prediction before the results. "Let's wait till tomorrow. Everything will be clear. After that, I will comment," he said.

Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is also confident that it will form its government in the state. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is hoping to increase their seat counts this time. In the last assembly elections, the NDA opened its account in the state by winning one seat. It had a vote share of 14.96%.

Prominent candidates that are in include Pinarayi Vijayan, opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, former CM Oommen Chandy, Metro Man E Sreedharan, actor Suresh Gopi.

Assembly election 2021: High voter turnout recorded in all states as polling ends; prominent faces vote

Team Newsable — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 18:37:42 +0530

Voting was witnessed in more than 750 constituencies spread across four states and one union territory on Tuesday, sealing the fate of the candidates who are locked in direct or triangular contests from their respective seats.

At 6 pm, the polling percentage recorded in the following states is — Assam (78.94%), Kerala (69.95%), Tamil Nadu (65.08%), West Bengal (77.68%), and Puducherry (77.90%).

Despite the rising temperatures, long queues were seen in various constituencies in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

First-time voters in all the four states displayed their enthusiasm by queuing up in large numbers before polling stations and even flaunted their inked fingers after voting proudly. The polling has largely been peaceful across the four states and scores of senior leaders and celebrities came out to vote during early hours.

However, in Bengal, the Election Commission suspended a sector officer after three EVMs and four VVPAT machines were found at TMC leader Goutam Ghosh’s residence. Meanwhile, the TMC has accused BJP workers of chasing and hurting party leader Sujata Mondal near a polling booth and urged the EC to take cognisance of the issue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a rally in Cooch Behar on Tuesday, attacked Mamata Banerjee saying she lost the election the day she did ‘Khela’ in Nandigram. Mamata, on the other hand, said the BJP workers were forcibly occupying polling booths and attacking TMC activists.

Kerala Election Results 2021: Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF set for return, BJP secures zero seats

Team Newsable — Sun, 02 May 2021 17:17:01 +0530

The Bharatiya Janata Party has faced a crushing defeat in the state of Kerala after it secured no seats in the 2021 Lok Sabha Elections. The party has trailed behind in Nemom, its only sitting seat as well as the constituency of Pallakad, where ‘Metro Man’ E Sreedharan was leading till the afternoon.

The LDF, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, looks all set for a comeback in Kerala as counting to the 140-seat Assembly is underway.

The election is crucial for both alliances as Vijayan is looking to continue in the CM’s chair and the Congress tries to win back power in the state.

Since Kerala is the only Left-ruled state in the country and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi led the Kerala campaign for his party, the outcome of this election is important for the political future of both the camps.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal congratulated Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for winning Kerala elections 2021.

Heartfelt congratulations @vijayanpinarayi sir. People of Kerala have reposed faith in you becoz of ur pro-people governance.

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 2, 2021

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor congratulated Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for "remarkable re-election" in Kerala assembly.

My congratulations to @CMOKerala @vijayanPinarayi for his remarkable re-election, a first in 44 years. It is our duty to respect the confidence the people have shown in him & his government. In the fight against #Covid & communalism, he should have our support.

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) May 2, 2021

Meanwhile, BJP candidate E Sreedharan, popularly known as ‘Metro Man,’ lost the Palakkad assembly seat by 7,403 votes against Congress candidate Shafi Parambil. Sreedharan had joined the BJP recently with a much-celebrated event among the party lovers in and out of the state.

Left Democratic Front’s Pinarayi Vijayan will be back as the Chief Minister of the state for the second term, breaking the trend of governments changing in every five years. It has secured 99 out of the 140 seats and Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has managed to retain 41 seats till now.

'This is how fascism operates': Pinarayi Vijayan says CAA-NRC will lead to Myanmar-like scenario

Asianet Newsable English — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 12:34:35 +0530

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has painted a doomsday picture of India post the implementation of the Citizens Amendment Act and the National Register of Citizens.

The Communist Party of India Politburo member even drew a parallel with Myanmar.

Interacting with media persons, Pinarayi said, "If CAA-NRC is implemented, some people think that the detention camps will have members of a particular community. It is natural to assume that. But there is a peculiarity to fascism. We are now seeing it in Myanmar. We don't have to take Germany's example. When Rohingyas were being attacked in Myanmar, the majority thought the targets are minorities and that it won't impact us. Look at what has happened. Now the majority is being targeted. This is the way fascism operates."

"If CAA-NRC happens, don't think it will be limited to a minority community. It will become a camp for whoever is not preferred by the ruling dispensation. Such things should be handled carefully. Every possible step must be taken to protect secularism. That is what UDF and Congress have been unable to do," he added.

Kerala Election Results 2021: LDF maintains lead as first round of counting concludes

Team Newsable — Sun, 02 May 2021 11:14:18 +0530

First round of counting concluded in Kerala and as per early trends LDF is leading in 80 seats, UDF 57 and NDA 3.

The LDF in Kerala has just crossed the halfway mark in leads - 78 - while the UDF is leading in 57. The BJP is leading in 2 seats. As counting continues, the LDF will hope their vote share - and seats - increases ensuring an unprecedented victory in that state where historically, the incumbent is voted out.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who contested from the Dharmadam Assembly constituency, is leading.

BJP's Kummanam Rajashekharan is ahead in Nemom where Congress leader K Muraleedharan is at number 3 now. In Palakkad, E Sreedharan has a good lead over Shafi Parambil of the Congress, according to Election Commission (EC) data.

Kerala ministers J Mercykutty and K T Jaleel are the only two who are trailing at present from the Pinarayi cabinet.

Kerala health minister KK Shailaja is leading by 9,060 votes.

The ruling Left-led LDF front is hoping to end a four-decade trend by retaining power in the state - its only remaining fort in the country.