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VD Satheesan's Rise To Kerala Chief Minister After UDF Landslide Victory

Divya Danu — Thu, 14 May 2026 12:45:38 +0530

V. D. Satheesan is a lawyer-turned-politician and 6-time MLA from Paravur. After serving as Leader of Opposition, he led UDF to a landslide win in 2026 Kerala election with 102 seats. Following internal discussions, he was chosen as CM-elect.

Vattassery Damodaran Satheesan, known as V. D. Satheesan, was born on 31 May 1964. He is an Indian politician and a lawyer. He is currently the Chief Minister-elect of Kerala. He has been the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Paravur Assembly constituency since 2001. Over the years, he has built a strong political career through elections, leadership roles, and active work inside his party.

Satheesan is widely known for his strong speeches and clear debates in the Kerala Assembly. He has often spoken firmly against the ruling parties. Many people see him as a confident and aggressive Opposition leader.

Satheesan’s public life began during his student days. In 1986–1987, he served as the chairman of the Mahatma Gandhi University Union. This role gave him early experience in leadership and public work.

He also worked as the secretary of the National Students’ Union. These positions helped him understand student issues and organise public activities. His time in student politics became the base of his later political career.

VD Satheesan entered mainstream politics in 1996. In that year, he contested the Kerala Legislative Assembly election from Paravur. However, he lost to P. Raju of the Communist Party of India. At that time, Paravur was considered a strong area for the Communist Party.

Even after the defeat, Satheesan continued his political work. He did not stop campaigning or connecting with people. His persistence helped him gain support in the constituency.

In 2001, Satheesan won his first election to the Kerala Legislative Assembly from Paravur. At that time, he was working as an advocate in the Kerala High Court. His victory marked an important turning point in his political journey.

After that, he continued to win elections from the same constituency:

2006: He defeated K. M. Dinakaran.
2011: He defeated Pannyan Raveendran of the Communist Party of India by 11,349 votes.
2016: He defeated Sarada Mohan of the Communist Party of India by 20,634 votes.

He also served as the Chief Whip of the Indian National Congress in the 12th Assembly.

These repeated victories showed strong public support in Paravur.

In the 2021 Kerala Legislative Assembly election, Satheesan was elected for the fifth time from Paravur. He defeated M. T. Nixon of the Communist Party of India by about 22,000 votes.

On 22 May 2021, the Congress Working Committee named him the Leader of the Opposition in the 15th Kerala Legislative Assembly. In this role, he led the opposition party inside the House.

During this period, he became well known for his debates, especially his strong arguments against Finance Minister T. M. Thomas Isaac. His speeches were widely discussed in political circles.

The 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly election became a major moment in his career. Satheesan led the United Democratic Front (UDF) to a big victory. The alliance won 102 seats out of 140, giving it an absolute majority.

This result ended the ten-year rule of the Left Democratic Front (LDF). The victory was described as a landslide win. It created strong political change in the state.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by V D Satheesan (@vdsatheesanleaderofopposition)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by V D Satheesan (@vdsatheesanleaderofopposition)

In addition to leading the alliance, Satheesan contested from Paravur for the sixth time. He won again with a margin of 20,600 votes. He received 78,658 votes, while the LDF candidate E. T. Taison received 58,058 votes.

This personal victory showed that he still had strong support in his constituency.

Selection as Chief Minister-elect

After the UDF’s big win, there was high suspense about the next Chief Minister. Within the Congress party, there were different views. Some leaders supported Satheesan, while others backed senior leaders such as K. C. Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala.

The decision process involved discussions in New Delhi. Senior leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, held meetings. Other leaders such as Deepa Dasmunsi, Ajay Maken, and Mukul Wasnik were also part of the talks.

The Congress Legislature Party meeting took place at the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. In this meeting, Satheesan was formally elected as the leader of the CLP. This step made him the official Chief Minister-elect.

His selection ended days of internal discussion and uncertainty.

Before the official announcement, supporters gathered outside his home in Aluva. Many people celebrated even before the final decision. He left for Thiruvananthapuram with his family. Party workers wished him success.

Although he did not speak to reporters before leaving, his supporters were confident that he would receive the top post. Television reports showed cheering party workers.

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A post shared by V D Satheesan (@vdsatheesanleaderofopposition)

Role of alliance partners

After the UDF victory, alliance partners also began discussing their expectations. Kerala Congress (J) chairman P. J. Joseph said his party would ask for two ministerial positions in the new government. He said they would raise this demand in the UDF meeting.

He also stated that the allies had shared their views after being asked. This showed that discussions were taking place between partners before final government formation.

After Satheesan’s election as CLP leader, steps began for forming the new government. Reports said that the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Sunny Joseph had contacted the Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar as part of the process.

There were also plans for newly elected MLAs to visit the Governor’s office. With the leadership issue settled, the party was expected to move quickly towards cabinet discussions and oath-taking.

Political style and public image

V. D. Satheesan is known for his active role in debates. As Opposition Leader, he focused on policy discussions and criticism of government decisions. His background as a lawyer helped him in legal and policy arguments.

Over time, he became one of the main faces of the Congress party in Kerala. His steady rise from student politics to Chief Minister-elect shows long-term dedication.

V. D. Satheesan’s political journey spans nearly three decades. From losing his first election in 1996 to leading a historic alliance victory in 2026, his career shows patience and steady effort. He served as MLA for six terms, became Chief Whip, then Leader of the Opposition, and now Chief Minister-elect.

His rise follows a clear path of public support in Paravur and leadership inside the Congress party. With the UDF winning a strong majority, Satheesan now stands ready to lead Kerala’s next government.

(With inputs from agencies)

'Don't Stop Our Roads': Viral Open Letter Urges New Kerala CM To End Traffic Disruptions For Public

Asianet Newsable English — Wed, 06 May 2026 21:21:16 +0530

Thiruvananthapuram: An open letter urging the new Chief Minister of Kerala to make sure his official travel doesn't cause trouble for the common person is going viral. Prashanth Vasudev Nair, the former Deputy Director of the Tourism Department, has made this request, urging the new leader to stop the practice of massive traffic restrictions and oversized convoys. Prashanth in his Facebook post says that the routine of switching off traffic lights on the CM's route must end.

He argues that the Chief Minister's travel should not come at the cost of the public's freedom of movement. He suggests that one pilot and one escort vehicle are enough, and there's no need for a long line of officials' cars. He also questions the need for a jammer vehicle within Kerala and a permanent ambulance in the convoy, assuming the new CM is in good health. Prashanth also called for removing the excessive security cordon around Cliff House, the CM's official residence, saying, "Nobody is going to attack you here."

Full text of the letter

"This is for the new Chief Minister of Kerala.

Sir,

I have been a resident of Thiruvananthapuram city for over 15 years. This means I have lived in the city when the great humanitarian Oommen Chandy was Chief Minister, and also when Pinarayi Vijayan was the Chief Minister.

Sir,

For the last ten years, we city residents have often been denied our freedom to travel. Suddenly, the traffic lights would be switched off, our roads would be blocked, and then the Chief Minister's convoy would speed past, terrorising all of us who voted these people into power. We were too scared to say anything. If we did, we would have been in trouble!

Sir,

There was an unnecessary police guard at the Devaswom Board Junction, which leads to Cliff House. Some poor policemen also stood guard in the biting cold on the side road to Charachira. I don't know who was afraid of whom, Sir. And yet, nothing happened to anyone.

Sir,

When you travel through these city streets, please do not switch off the traffic lights. I know your time is more valuable than ours. There must be ways to manage it, but it shouldn't be by denying us our right to travel.

Sir,

The security cordon around Cliff House should be removed, Sir. Nobody is going to attack you here. And even if some terrorists show up, these four or five policemen won't be able to do anything. I don't know if the people who lost power will now try to scare you! They will surely try to justify the old ways by getting the intelligence department to give you a report about a fake threat, forcing you to accept the same excessive security. You must be careful about that. That was all just a delusion of power, Sir. Please do not fall for such delusions of power and luxurious comforts. The people will be watching. And someday, what happened now will happen again.

And Sir,

Let's talk about travel outside Thiruvananthapuram. One pilot and one escort vehicle in the front and back are enough. We need to rethink if a jammer is really needed within Kerala, Sir. Whoever you are, I don't think you are in such poor health. In that case, I don't think a permanent ambulance is needed either. The vehicles of other officials should not be part of the escort.

Sir,

A Chief Minister's dignity should not be compromised at all. But the convoy should be such that it allows us to see you as one of us. We have many such hopes. Let's hope they are not broken."

How people reacted to the open letter online

People strongly supported the letter and said it reflects the feelings of ordinary citizens. Many agreed that traffic should not be blocked for VIP convoys and that public time must be respected. Several users called the suggestions practical and hoped the new Chief Minister would follow them.

Some criticised past governments for causing inconvenience, while others stressed that leaders are not above the people. Overall, the reactions showed wide public frustration with convoy culture and a clear demand for simpler, people-friendly governance

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.

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.

Kerala Election 2026 Results: Inside The Stunning Fall Of LDF And UDF Rise

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 04 May 2026 22:22:41 +0530

Thiruvananthapuram: While there are many factors that worked in the UDF's favour, the truth is that the LDF, which was aiming for a continuous term, gifted the victory to the UDF with its own mistakes. The LDF was confident of a third term, but the UDF scored big in every area where the Left faltered. The Left front's decision to dilute its core policies and compromise its secular image for a few extra votes led to this humiliating defeat. The election result is also a tight slap on the face of the CPM leadership for its organizational arrogance. The answer to why LDF lost, or why UDF won, isn't a simple one.

LDF leadership

While the LDF claimed ten years of continuous rule brought development, its own party structure suffered serious damage. The leadership was arrogant, thinking power was the only solution. Their working style became disconnected from the people, and they suppressed any voice of dissent. The Left's hallmark was always secularism, but this time, their leaders' speeches were found attacking minority religious leaderships in public. Whenever these allegations surfaced, the leaders would just double down and justify their stance. The UDF, however, did its homework and managed to convey the seriousness of this shift to the public without losing its intensity.

Community leaders like Vellappally Natesan made hateful speeches against minorities, and despite claiming to be on the Left, the CPM leadership didn't even bother to correct him. As a result, when forces like Jamaat-e-Islami tried to convert the public sentiment that arose after the CAA protests into votes, the Left front walked right into the trap. On top of all this, the leadership's greed for parliamentary posts created deep cracks even in the party's strongholds. M.V. Govindan did not ask Syamala to step aside, even when there were clear signs of dissent among the party workers.

The leadership also failed to pacify senior leaders who expressed their grievances with the party's methods. In the end, the very people who were sidelined and mocked for their 'parliamentary ambitions' became a thorn in the party's side in its own forts. Coming to the campaign issues, the government's achievements didn't click with the voters, and even controversies like Sabarimala didn't have a major impact on the voting. Even Pinarayi Vijayan had to sweat it out in his own constituency. If you look at the leaders who won easily, you'll see they weren't just party faces. Their victory had more to do with their personal merit and influence in the constituency than any major contribution from the party or the front.

Left's politics

The Left's politics was born from protests, but its government's attitude towards recent protests, like the ASHA and nurses' strikes, disappointed even its core supporters. This created a lot of sympathy for the protesters among women who interact with these groups. The LDF also couldn't counter the narrative of the 'Sabarimala gold smuggling'—a ghost unleashed by the Global Ayyappa Sangamam.

The fact that the BJP didn't effectively use this issue helped consolidate Hindu votes in favour of the Congress. The Congress, on its part, worked hard to keep the Christian communities, who were leaning towards the BJP, on their side. They cleverly used the FCRA issue to their advantage. The Congress also effectively used the Jamaat-e-Islami allegation against the LDF during the final days of the campaign. While the CPM strongly opposed Jamaat-e-Islami, it had no answer to the allegation that it was taking support from the SDPI. The CPM also didn't take the allegation of having a 'deal' with the BJP seriously enough.

With so much anti-LDF sentiment building up, things were relatively easy for the UDF. The Congress did have some of its usual last-minute drama during candidate selection, but this time, they were much faster and more decisive than before. They managed to project a united front until the elections were over and had a clear strategy on what campaign issues to focus on. The Congress, leading the UDF, carefully handled potentially damaging allegations like the Wayanad rehabilitation issue. The incredible self-confidence shown by the Leader of the Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, and the energetic campaigning by young crowd-pullers like Shafi Parambil, motivated the entire Congress machinery to stand with the UDF.

UDF's success

The UDF was successful in highlighting local issues like price hikes and increases in fees, electricity bills, and water bills during their local campaigns. It seems a certain 'magic' worked for them this time, allowing them to connect deeply with the people even without a formal cadre system. Their excellent performance in the local body elections gave them a ready-made army of local representatives who campaigned for them.

They managed to create a feeling that the ruling leaders had been disconnected from the public for ten years. The UDF positioned itself as the alternative, stayed ahead on social media trends, and that's what laid the foundation for this UDF wave, which many didn't see coming.

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.

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)

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.

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.

Kerala Results 2026: Full Constituency Winners List And Key Shifts

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 04 May 2026 21:38:42 +0530

Counting of votes for Kerala’s 140 Assembly constituencies is underway, with trends beginning to show how the election is shaping up after polling on April 9. The state has recorded a strong turnout of 79.63 per cent, reflecting high public interest. Kerala has a long political history, from E. M. S. Namboodiripad forming the world’s first elected communist government in 1957, to decades of power shifts between the UDF and Left Front.

Kerala has once again shown strong voter participation. The Election Commission recorded a turnout of 79.63 per cent, reflecting high public interest in this election.

UDF surges ahead in early trends

As counting progressed, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) moved ahead in the race. By around 4 pm, the UDF was leading in about 69 seats, bringing it close to the majority mark of 71 in the 140-member Assembly.

On the other hand, the Left Democratic Front (LDF), led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, was trailing with leads in around 22 seats. These numbers are still changing, but they show a clear advantage for the UDF at this stage.

If these trends continue, Kerala could see a change in government after nearly a decade of LDF rule.

Setbacks for several ministers

Early trends also suggest that several ministers from the ruling LDF are facing tough contests in their constituencies. Reports indicate that at least a dozen ministers were trailing at different stages of counting.

This reflects a strong challenge from the opposition and suggests that voters may be looking for change.

Pinarayi Vijayan holds Dharmadom

Despite the broader setbacks for the LDF, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is performing well in his own constituency. In Dharmadom, he is leading by around 1,500 votes.

This shows that while the party may be struggling overall, Vijayan continues to enjoy strong support in his home seat.

Why this election matters

This election is important because it could end the LDF’s two-term rule in Kerala. The alliance has been in power since 2016 under Vijayan’s leadership.

Before counting began, several exit polls had predicted a comeback for the UDF. The current trends appear to support those predictions.

The results will decide whether Kerala continues with the LDF or shifts back to the UDF.

Full list of key winners

As results are declared, several candidates have already secured victories across the state. Here are the winners:

Pinarayi Vijayan - Dharmadam
Rajan J. Pallan - Thrissur
Ramesh Chennithala- Haripad
T.M. Sasi - Alathur
Adv. Chandy Oommen - Puthupally
Aryadan Shoukath - Nilambur
C.K. Kasim - Thiruvambadi
Adv. Senapathy Venu - Udumbanchola
Adv. Bindhu Krishna - Kollam
P. Mammikutty - Shornur
U. R. Pradeep - Chelakkara
O. J. Janeesh - Kodungallur
C. Ajayaprasad - Punalur
Adv. Cyriac Thomas - Peerumade
Sumod - Tarur
N. Shakthan - Neyyattinkara
V.T. Sooraj - Balusseri
Manoj Moothedan - Perumbavoor
Dr. Mathew Kuzhalnadan - Muvattupuzha
Roy K. Paulose - Idukki
Nattakom Suresh - Ettumanoor
Adv. K. Premkumar - Ottappalam
A. Prabhakaran - Malampuzha
Xavier Chittilappilly - Wadakkanchery
Kallatra Mahin - Kasaragod
K. K. Valsaraj - Kaipamangalam
Adv. Thomas Unniyadan - Irinjalakuda
Vinu Job Kuzhimannil - Changanassery
Shibu Baby John - Chavara
Adv. V. S. Joy - Thavanur
Uma Thomas - Thrikkakara
Adv. Vishnu Mohan - Eravipuram
M. Vijin - Kalliasseri
K. K. Rema - Vadakara
Tony Chammany - Vypen
T. J. Vinod - Ernakulam
C. R. Mahesh - Karunagappally
Muhammed Sudheersha S. - Vamanapuram
P. A. Mohamed Riyas - Beypore
K. K. Ramachandran - Pudukkad
P. K. Firos - Koduvally
Geethagopi - Nattika
V. Kunhikrishnan - Payyannur
Adv. Vidya Balakrishnan - Elathur
Adv. Mons Joseph - Kaduthuruthy
Adv. Fyzal Babu - Kozhikode South
Adv. T Siddique - Kalpetta
V. T. Balram - Thrithala
Thulasi Teacher - Kongad
Ramesh Pisharody - Palakkad
Adv. Sumesh Achuthan - Chittur
K. Binimon - Vaikom
Karayi Rajan - Thalassery
K. Preman - Nemmara
A. C. Moideen - Kunnamkulam
N. K. Akbar - Guruvayoor
O.S Ambika - Attingal
M.S. Arun Kumar - Mavelikara
K.N. Balagopal - Kottarakkara
Adv. V. Joy - Varkala
Rony K. Baby - Kanjirappally
A.D. Thomas - Alappuzha
Jyothi Kumar Chamakkala - Pathanapuram
Sandeep Varier - Trikaripur
Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan - Kottayam
Adv. Shanimol Osman - Aroor
Abin Varkey Kodiyattu - Aranmula
Advocate C. V. Santhakumar - Adoor
B.B. Gopakumar - Chathannoor
Mani C. Kappen - Pala
Anoop Jacob - Piravom
P. K. Praveen - Kuthuparamba
Usha Vijayan - Mananthavady
K.M. Abhijith - Nadapuram
Saneeshkumar Joseph - Chalakudy
Roji M. John - Angamaly
Mohammed Shiyas - Kochi
F. Raja - Devikulam
Adv. M. Liju - Kayamkulam
Adv. Pazhakulam Madhu - Ranni
Ramya Haridas - Chirayinkeezh
Adv. M. Vincent - Kovalam
V. K. Sanoj - Mattannur
Adv. Sajeev Joseph- Irikkur
Adv. Sunny Joseph- Peravoor
I.C. Balakrishnan- Sulthan Bathery
Adv. K. Jayanth- Kozhikode North
A.P. Anilkumar- Wandoor
K.P. Noushad Ali- Ponnani
Anwar Sadath- Aluva
Adv. V.D. Satheesan- Paravur
Deepak Joy- Thripunithura
V.P. Sajeendran- Kunnathunad
Adv. Sebastian M.J.- Poonjar
M.M. Naseer- Chadayamangalam
P.C. Vishnunadh- Kundara
K. Muraleedharan- Vattiyoorkavu
M.R. Baiju- Kattakada
K.V. Sumesh- Azhikode
Saji Cherian- Chengannur
Adv. G Stephen- Aruvikkara
C.K. Hareendran- Parassala
A.K.M. Ashraf- Manjeshwar
Parakkal Abdulla- Kuttiadi
Adv. Fathima Thahiliya- Perambra
M.A. Razak Master- Kunnamangalam
T.P. Ashraf Ali- Kondotty
P.K. Basheer- Ernad
Adv. M. Rahmathulla- Manjeri
Najeeb Kanthapuram- Perinthalmanna
Manjalamkuzhi Ali- Mankada
P.K. Kunhalikutty- Malappuram
K.M.Shaji- Vengara
T.V. Ibrahim- Vallikunnu
P.M.A. Sameer- Tirurangadi
P.K. Navas- Tanur
Kurukkoli Moideen- Tirur
Adv. N. Samsudheen- Mannarkkad
Adv. V.E. Abdul Gafoor- Kalamassery
Adv. T.O. Mohanan-Kannur
Adv. K. Praveen Kumar- Koyilandy
Prof Abid Hussain Thangal- Kottakkal
Muhammed Muhasin- Pattambi
Neelakandan- Udma
Adv. Govindan Pallikappil- Kanhangad
Apu John Joseph- Thodupuzha
Shibhu Theckumpuram- Kothamangalam
G. Sudhakaran- Ambalapuzha
Ullas Kovur- Kunnathur
C.P. John- Thiruvananthapuram
Rajeev Chandrasekhar- Nemom
V. Muraleedharan- Kazhakootam
Prof. C Ravindranath- Manalur
K. Rajan- Ollur
R. Prasad- Cherthala
Reji Cheriyan- Kuttanad
Adv. Varghese Mammen- Thiruvalla
Adv. K.U. Jenish Kumar- Konni
G.R. Anil- Nedumangad
T.K. Govindan Master- Taliparamba

High voter turnout reflects strong interest

The voter turnout of nearly 80 per cent shows how closely people are following this election. Kerala is known for high political awareness, and this election has been no different.

Issues such as development, welfare schemes, employment, and governance have played a major role in shaping voter choices.

Close contests in many seats

Even though the UDF is ahead overall, several constituencies are witnessing close fights. Margins in many seats remain narrow, and results could change as counting progresses.

This means the final outcome will only become clear once all rounds of counting are completed.

The majority mark in the Kerala Assembly is 71 seats. The UDF’s current lead puts it in a strong position, but it still needs to maintain its advantage until the final results.

If the UDF crosses the majority mark, it will form the next government. If not, smaller parties and independent candidates could play an important role.

A possible political shift

Kerala has often alternated between the UDF and LDF in past elections. However, the scale of the current lead suggests that this may not just be a routine change.

It could reflect a stronger voter message, possibly linked to governance issues, anti-incumbency, or a desire for new policies.

Final results awaited

As counting continues, the focus remains on key constituencies and overall seat tally. Political leaders, party workers, and voters are all watching closely.

The final results will decide not just who forms the government, but also the direction Kerala’s politics will take in the coming years.

For now, the UDF holds the edge, but the race is not over yet.

LDF to UDF Power Shift in Kerala: How & What Will the UDF's First Policy Be to Reshape Administration?

Divya Danu — Mon, 04 May 2026 13:30:47 +0530

Kerala appears to be on the cusp of a significant political transition. Early counting trends from the 2026 Assembly elections indicate that the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has surged past the majority mark, positioning itself to end the decade-long rule of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. If these trends hold, the shift will not merely be electoral, it will represent a structural reset in governance philosophy, administrative design and policy priorities.

This is not just a routine alternation of power, something Kerala is historically known for. The scale of the UDF's lead suggests a deeper voter sentiment, one that combines anti-incumbency, demand for administrative efficiency and a desire for institutional reform.

The immediate question now is not just how this shift happened, but what comes next, particularly, what the UDF's first policy moves will look like as it attempts to reshape governance.

Why the LDF Lost Its Edge

The LDF entered this election attempting something rare in Kerala politics, a third consecutive term. Its campaign leaned heavily on continuity, welfare expansion and claims of strong performance in healthcare, education and social security. Leaders like MA Baby emphasised achievements such as poverty reduction and improvements in human development indicators. However, several structural and political factors appear to have worked against the ruling front:

1. Accumulated Anti-Incumbency

Ten years in power created governance fatigue. Even strong welfare delivery models tend to face diminishing political returns over time. Voters often begin to scrutinize inefficiencies, delays and bureaucratic inertia more sharply.

2. Governance vs Delivery Gap

While the LDF projected large-scale achievements, the opposition successfully framed a narrative around delivery gaps, i. e. delays in services, bureaucratic complexity and concerns over fiscal management.

3. Allegations of Corruption and Nepotism

The UDF campaign amplified accusations related to corruption and favoritism. Even without legal conclusions, perception often plays a decisive role in electoral outcomes.

4. Minority Vote Consolidation

Kerala's electoral arithmetic often hinges on consolidated voting blocs. Early trends suggest that the UDF benefited from a stronger alignment among minority voters.

5. Campaign Messaging

Leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Shashi Tharoor positioned the election as a referendum on 'change vs continuity'. That framing appears to have resonated.

The UDF's Mandate: Not Just Victory, But Reset

Unlike previous electoral cycles where power alternated without major structural shifts, this mandate carries expectations of systemic reform. The UDF has not campaigned merely on welfare expansion, it has explicitly promised a governance reset.

Shashi Tharoor described the moment as an opportunity for a 'new kind of politics'. That phrase is critical as it signals intent to move beyond incremental changes toward institutional redesign.

What Will Be the UDF's First Policy Priority?

Based on its manifesto, campaign messaging, and early signals, the UDF's first major policy intervention is likely to focus on administrative restructuring of higher education governance, a sector it has identified as both politically and structurally significant.

This is not accidental. Education sits at the intersection of youth aspirations, employment and institutional control, making it a high-impact starting point.

Core Components of the Likely First Policy

1. University Autonomy and Governance Reform

The UDF has proposed reducing political interference in universities by:

Creating independent academic syndicates
Rebalancing administrative authority away from partisan influence
Reviewing and modernizing existing university laws

This marks a clear departure from the LDF’s more centralized, state-driven approach.

2. Independent Teacher Recruitment Commission

One of the most immediate reforms expected:

Establish a transparent, independent body for faculty hiring
Standardize recruitment processes
Reduce allegations of favoritism and corruption

This move directly addresses one of the opposition’s key campaign issues.

3. Student Welfare Framework

The proposed 'Siddharthan Student Distress App' and anti-ragging legislation indicate a shift toward:

Mental health support systems
Institutional accountability on campuses
Stronger regulatory oversight

4. Campus Democracy Reforms

The UDF plans to:

Set up an independent Student Academic Election Commission
Ensure fair student union elections
Introduce structured opposition roles within campus bodies

This is a political as well as administrative reform, aimed at depoliticizing institutional control while preserving democratic participation.

Why Education Reform Comes First

The choice of higher education as the first reform sector is strategic for several reasons:

1. High Visibility, Immediate Impact

Changes in universities affect lakhs of students directly, creating quick political and social feedback loops.

2. Link to Employment

Kerala faces persistent challenges in job creation and youth migration. Aligning education with market needs is critical.

3. Institutional Signaling

Reforming universities sends a broader message: the government is serious about autonomy, transparency, and modernization.

The 'Job Watch Tower': A Structural Innovation

One of the most notable proposals is the creation of a Job Watch Tower, a permanent system to track labor market trends and align academic programs accordingly. This reflects a shift from:

Degree-based education to Skill-based education
Static curriculum to Dynamic, market-responsive curriculum

If implemented effectively, this could:

Reduce educated unemployment
Improve industry-academia alignment
Enhance Kerala’s competitiveness in the knowledge economy

Technology and AI Integration

The UDF’s proposal to introduce:

AI departments in colleges
CAIR-Kerala (Centre for AI Research)

Data-driven education dashboards suggests that digital governance will be a key administrative pillar.

This aligns with global trends where governance increasingly relies on:

Real-time data analytics
Predictive policy modeling
Outcome-based evaluation

Challenges Ahead for the UDF

While the mandate is strong, execution will not be straightforward.

1. Fiscal Constraints

Kerala’s financial position is tight. Balancing reform with fiscal discipline will be difficult.

2. Institutional Resistance

Administrative systems built over a decade do not change overnight. Resistance from within bureaucracy and institutions is likely.

3. Managing Expectations

A large victory raises public expectations. Delivering visible results quickly will be crucial.

4. Political Balancing

The UDF coalition includes multiple parties with different priorities. Maintaining cohesion while pushing reforms will require careful negotiation.

What Happens to LDF’s Legacy Policies?

The UDF is unlikely to dismantle major welfare schemes outright. Instead, the approach will likely be:

Retain core welfare programs
Improve delivery efficiency
Reduce leakages
Introduce accountability mechanisms

This reflects a pragmatic strategy rather than ideological reversal.

Early Signals from Leadership

Leaders like K. C. Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala have emphasized unity and transition readiness. The celebratory tone at the party headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram reflects confidence—but also awareness of responsibility.

The Bigger Picture: A Structural Reset

This election is not just about who governs Kerala—it is about how Kerala will be governed in the next decade. The LDF model focused on:

Welfare expansion
Public sector strength
Long-term social indicators

The UDF model is likely to emphasise:

Institutional reform
Administrative efficiency
Market alignment
Governance transparency

If the current trends translate into final results, Kerala is heading toward a decisive administrative transition. The UDF’s first policy moves, especially in higher education governance, will serve as a blueprint for its broader reform agenda.

The success of this transition will depend on execution. Electoral mandates create opportunity, but administrative outcomes depend on design, discipline, and delivery.

The coming months will determine whether this shift becomes a short-term political change, or a long-term structural transformation.

The BIG Question: Who will be the next Keralam CM?

As the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) looks set to take power in Kerala, the big question now is: who will become the next Chief Minister?

Several names are being discussed within the party. Leader of Opposition V. D. Satheesan is seen as a strong contender. Senior leader Ramesh Chennithala is also in the race. He was the party’s chief ministerial face in the 2021 Assembly elections, when the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF returned to power.

However, the situation has become more interesting with the possible entry of K. C. Venugopal into the race. Known to be close to Rahul Gandhi, Venugopal is considered influential within the party. Many believe he has strong backing among newly elected MLAs, especially since candidate selections were largely handled by the central leadership.

Despite all the speculation, the Congress has not made any official announcement yet. Senior leader Tariq Anwar has made it clear that the final decision will be taken by the party’s high command, which will choose the most suitable person for the role.

Venugopal himself has avoided giving a clear answer. When asked about his chances, he said he does not want to be part of such discussions right now and that the focus should remain on the election results. He added that there is a proper process to follow and that everyone should wait until the counting is complete.

(With inputs from agencies)

‘Exit Polls Have Problems’: Shashi Tharoor Dodges Next Kerala CM Question as UDF Eyes Win

Deevika NM — Mon, 04 May 2026 08:13:13 +0530

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has stirred political chatter ahead of the Kerala Assembly election results by avoiding a direct response on whether he could be the United Democratic Front’s (UDF) chief ministerial face. His remarks come at a crucial moment, with exit polls suggesting a possible return to power for the Congress-led alliance after a decade.

When asked about the possibility of becoming chief minister, Tharoor chose not to engage directly, reiterating that such decisions are for the party leadership and elected MLAs to make after the results are declared. His response aligns with the Congress’s consistent stand that the CM choice will be decided post-election, keeping internal equations balanced.

At the same time, Tharoor expressed cautious optimism about the UDF’s prospects. Reacting to exit polls that project an edge for the alliance, he remarked, “Exit polls in our country have lots of problems… I don’t want to particularly rely on them.” However, he acknowledged the unusual consistency across projections, noting that analysts and observers seem largely in agreement about a UDF win.

Also Read: Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Counting begins amid tight security

He further added, “I’m expecting by mid-morning it will be a very clear and convincing narrative in our favour,” signalling confidence within the Congress camp while still maintaining a measured tone ahead of counting day.

The 2026 Kerala election has emerged as a high-stakes contest between the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the opposition UDF. Exit polls indicate a tight race but give the UDF a slight advantage, pointing to possible anti-incumbency against the Left government.

The outcome carries significant political implications. A UDF victory would mark a major comeback for the Congress in Kerala, while a loss could reinforce the Left’s hold over the state. Meanwhile, the BJP-led NDA continues to seek a larger role, though it remains a marginal player in the state’s bipolar contest.

As counting day approaches, Tharoor’s careful positioning reflects both party discipline and political prudence. While speculation over the CM face continues, the final decision will depend on the mandate delivered by Kerala’s voters.

Also Read: Kerala Elections 2026: UDF confident of scintillating victory, says MP

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.