Covishield vaccine has had more benefits than risks, says study by Kozhikode doctors

AstraZeneca admitted in High Court of London, United Kingdom, that its vaccine had the potential to cause thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome

26 cows, three buffaloes die due to sunstroke in Kozhikode since January

Kerala's Heatwave Intensifies: Yellow Alert Issued for 12 Districts by IMD

Kerala's Heatwave Intensifies: Yellow Alert Issued for 12 Districts by IMD The India Meteorological Department on Saturday issued a yellow alert for 12 out of the 14 districts in Kerala due to the likelihood of high temperature and humidity there till May 6. IMD said the maximum temperatures were very likely to be around 39 degrees Celsius in Palakkad, around 38 degrees Celsius in Kollam, Thrissur and Kozhikode, around 37 degrees Celsius in Alappuzha, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Kannur districts and around 36 degrees Celsius in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Malappuram and Kasaragod districts from May 4 to May 6. ''Hot and humid weather is very likely over these districts except in hilly areas during May 4 to May 6 due to high temperature and humidity. (YELLOW WARNING),'' it said. It also issued a yellow alert for Alappuzha and Kozhikode districts for today due to the possibility of warm night conditions there. The southern state has been reeling under hot weather conditions for several days leading to educational institutions being closed in Kerala till May 6. Additionally, the government has also issued a slew of directions which include avoiding working under the sun from 11 am to 3 pm by construction workers, farmers, hawkers, etc. It has also asked everyone to avoid exposure to sunlight during these hours of the day and remain hydrated.

Irked over power cut, people vandalise electricity board office in Kerala

KOZHIKODE: Amidst complaints of undeclared load-shedding in many parts of the state, a group of persons allegedly vandalised a local unit of the Electricity Board citing power failure in their locality in this district, police said on Saturday. Employees of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) unit in Pantheeramkav lodged a complaint with the police alleging that a group of persons vandalised their office late Friday night. Pantheeramkavu police said they received a complaint in this regard from the KSEB staff and initiated an investigation. We visited the incident site and gathered details. We are trying to collect CCTV visuals. Action would be taken based on the evidence collected and as of now, no case has been registered, said a police officer. Kerala: KSEB to impose restrictions on daily power consumption during peak hours With the state grappling under scorching heat, power consumption has touched new heights in recent times. Enranged over the unexpected power failures, especially during night hours, local residents have staged protests in front of KSEB offices in many parts of the state in recent days. In response, the state government made it clear that power cuts at night was due to technical issues because of increased consumption. The authorities also urged consumers to exercise self-control while consuming electricity.

Kerala: Promote local varieties of Islam to resist Arabisation says Egyptian scholar

KOZHIKODE: An Islamic scholar from Egypt has called for the promotion of indigenous varieties of Islam prevailing in non-Arabic countries to resist the process of Arabisation that seeks to impose a monolithic form of the religion, destroying all its pluralities. In an interview to the TNIE , Dr Nasr Muhammad Arif, Professor at Cairo University, Egypt, said the Arabs carried Islam to various communities more than one thousand years ago in a peaceful and non-confrontationist way. But in the last century it was replaced by Saudi Salafism, which was aggressive and disrespectful of local traditions. The scholar believes that the change occurred due to the influence of western or colonial ideology that divided human beings into superiors and inferiors. He said the Salafi creed propagated by Saudi Arabia was completely insensitive to local culture and traditions. Islam only prescribes that the body should be properly covered. But the Saudi Salafis insist that Muslims should wear their dress. People in South East Asia like colourful things but Salafis want black abaya, he said. I am coming from a society which follows the Maliki school of Islamic jurisprudence. There, women need not cover their breasts when they are feeding babies. This is unimaginable in Saudi Arabia, Arif said. The Saudi Salafis looked down on the Muslims in traditional communities and thought that they should be re-introduced to Islam again. This is equivalent to the process of Westernisation, Arif said. When Muslims came to South East Asia, they adopted an architectural philosophy that was eco-friendly. They constructed the ceiling of mosques like a pyramid taking into consideration the rainy season, but later it was replaced by the Arabian style of flat roof. Thus, the local culture and tradition were completely sidelined and an Arabian culture was imposed, Arif said. The only way out is to de-Arabise society and return to traditional Islam. I am told that there are several Islamic scholars in Kerala whose books are taught in Al Azhar University. I found a book where details of 6,149 Islamic scholars in Central Asia are given. There are places where there is a rich intellectual tradition but people are inclined to look at Arabs as the representatives of Islam, he said. India used to teach the whole world. The Darul Uloom in Lucknow was the publishing house for Muslims all over the world. You are looking down on you with a belief that others are superior, he said. Arif said the practice of seeking fatwas from scholars outside the country is totally wrong because any fatwa is conditional. Fatwa is a personalised one and cannot be generalised. Importing fatwas can be dangerous, he said. Arif was impressed by the interaction among various communities in Kerala. I went to a Muslim educational institution in Malappuram and I was glad to see that seventy per cent of the teachers are non-Muslims. There is a mosque in every half-a-kilometre, which is a rarity even in the Middle East. We need to promote this kind of plural culture, he said.

Wayanad tourisms unsung Nepali hero retires after 3 decades of service

KALPETTA: After an illustrious career spanning 33 years with the Kerala tourism department, Sona Lama, a native of Nepal, has retired, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and memorable experiences for tourists who visited Pookode Lake in Wayanad. Lama, who reached Kozhikode in 1989 in search of a job, moved to Wayanad in 1991, where he began working as a security guard at the scenic Pookode Lake at a modest daily wage of Rs 20. Over the years, his presence became an integral part of the Pookode Lake experience, contributing significantly to its popularity and enhancement of tourist services. Remarkably, Lama, 58, who retired on April 30 was the first foreign national to be employed by the state tourism department, setting a precedent for inclusivity and diversity within the industry. His journey from a security guard under the Wayanad District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) to a key personality at Pookode Lake is not just a tale of personal achievement but also a significant chapter in the history of the states tourism sector. I had a long and eventful career in Wayanad, spanning over three decades. My experience reflects a deep connection with the region and its people, a connection that has been both a source of inspiration and a support system throughout my years away from my native place, Lama told TNIE . During my early days in Wayanad, I sometimes felt the strong urge to move back to my hometown since it was difficult to stay away from my family. However, the people here and the love they showed me motivated me to stay, he said. Lama said though retired, he doesnt feel like quitting work as it is the only thing that would help him move on in life. I have asked my family, comprising wife and three sons, to visit Wayanad one last time before I make any decision on returning to Nepal, he said. During my years at Pookode Lake, the worst time indeed was the pandemic period when the entire tourism sector was shut down due to Covid outbreak, he said. Tourism dept lauds Lamas contributions I hope such circumstances never occur again because tourism is the bread and butter of the people in Wayanad, he added. Lama was felicitated at a recent tourism-related event at the district collectorate. At the event, his contributions were highlighted as pivotal in fostering a welcoming and safe environment for visitors. District Collector Renu Raja appreciated the service rendered by Lama for more than 30 years. As Lama steps into retirement, the tourism department bid him a heartfelt farewell, acknowledging his invaluable contributions in promoting Pookode Lake as one of the top tourist destinations. The local government and tourism officials expressed their gratitude, wishing him the best for his future endeavours and hoping that his story inspires others in the hospitality and tourism sector.

Swell waves: Red alert along Kerala coast

THIRUVANANATHAPURAM: Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has issued a red alert along Kerala and south Tamil Nadu coast owing to swell waves till Sunday night. During the period, the coast will experience strong waves from 2.30 pm on Saturday to 11.30 pm on Sunday. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority had already directed that people should be moved away from beaches from 10 pm on Friday. They have alerted fishermen living in vulnerable locations to shift to safer locations based on the directives of the authorities. They have advised the public to avoid trips to beaches and venturing into the sea. Swell waves cause panic along Kerala coast Fishermen have also been advised to move fishing nets and boats to safer locations, preferably in harbours. Swell waves lashed the Kerala coast causing panic in coastal communities on April 31. The sea attack caused damage to roads and fishing equipment, and also necessitated the rehabilitation of people in some locations. The severity was high in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha and Thrissur. IMD maintained a yellow alert in Palakkad and Kozhikode considering the heatwave alert on Friday. However, it did not issue any fresh heatwave alerts for any districts for Saturday.

Kerala: 816g MDMA seized in 48 hours; surge in drug haul anticipated after LS poll

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The enforcement agencies have seized a large quantity of synthetic drugs from two locations in the state within a span of 48 hours, indicating that the drug menace is going to intensify further in the state after the Lok Sabha polls. About 616g of MDMA was seized by the excise from Kozhikode rural on Thursday, while 200g were seized from Angamaly by the police on Friday. The seized contraband could fetch more than Rs 25 lakh in the open market, said an excise source. As per the excise sources, the smuggling of narcotics to the state had reduced since March third week due to the heavy deployment of police, excise and other paramilitary forces in the inter-state borders owing to the Lok Sabha polls. Since the poll date was announced on March 16, the state and central agencies had intensified the scrutiny of vehicles on the inter-state borders of Kerala. Apart from the police and excise, officers from the Income Tax department, SGST division, Directorate of Enforcement, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), and the Narcotics Control Bureau were involved in inspections at the state border and within the state. A senior excise officer told TNIE that seizure of commercial quantity of MDMA rarely happened in the run up to the Lok Sabha polls. MDMA weighing more than 10g is considered as a commercial quantity, as per the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS). Because of the strict surveillance on border points and multi-layered screening of vehicles done within the state and outside, it was almost impossible to smuggle in contraband during the Lok Sabha poll campaign period. Now, that the polls are over in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, we are expecting a surge in smuggling attempts. More seizures are also expected in the coming days, he said. The synthetic drugs reach Kerala from Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi and Goa, while cannabis is sourced from plantations located in the hinterlands in Andhra-Odisha border. Since the Lok Sabha poll date was announced, heavy deployment of law enforcement officers made movement of the narcotics a risky affair. Now that the vigilance has been scaled down, the rackets having inter-state connections would be eying to push in the drugs, the excise officer added.

Kerala: Organ donation unfolds a tale of human bonding and hope

KOZHIKODE: In Kannur, a touching tale of gratitude and deep human bonding unfolded, highlighting the transformative power of organ donation. The story serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that organ donation can have, not just on the lives of recipients but on an entire community. Ashok V Nair, a 44-year-old resident of Kurungazha Chalungal house in Pathanamthitta, owes his life to the generosity of a family in Kannur. Six months ago, Ashok received the heart of Vishnu, a young man from Kannur who lost his life in a motorcycle accident in Kozhikode. Despite their deep sorrow, Vishnus parents, Shaji and Sajana, along with their daughter Nandana, decided to donate Vishnus organs. The decision was facilitated under the governments Mritha Sanjeevani scheme, which promotes organ donations at no cost with the stipulation that the donors and recipients have the opportunity to meet. The relationship between Ashok and Vishnus family deepened over the years, marked by regular visits and shared memories of Vishnu. Sajana, who was battling cancer, found in Ashok a surrogate son. Their bond was strengthened through their shared connection to Vishnu and the heart that now beats in Ashoks body. When Sajana succumbed to cancer, it was Ashok who stepped forward to perform her last rites. This profound act of respect and gratitude took place in the presence of grieving family members and neighbours, deeply moved by the symbolic gesture of life continuing to give even after passing. For my wife, Ashok was no less than our son, said Shaji. There is no one in the world to replace his position in our lives right now. Both of us call him Vishnu and not Ashok. Even during her last stage of life battling cancer, Ashoks presence was a great relief for Sajana. She always kept her hands close to Ashoks heart to feel Vishnu. Not just Ashok, Vishnus kidneys, heart, and liver were given to three people in Kerala. Vishnu Sajana and I had realised that nothing could bring our son back to life, but the only way we could get him back was through giving life to other people through our sons organ, he added. The only demand we had while giving consent for organ donation was to know the details about the organ recipients because they wanted to see their son again and again through them, Shaji added. I considered performing the last rites for Vishnus mother as my responsibility and I was mentally and physically ready to perform any duties for the family, said Ashok. Every conversation I had with her after the transplant is a great memory for me. Every time I called her amma (mother), she looked back at me profoundly. Every month when I visited Kannur for a routine health check-up after the transplantation, I made sure to visit her and spend some quality time with the family, Ashok added. The scene at the funeral was emotionally charged, as onlookers witnessed the cycle of life, loss, and continuing legacy. Ashok, with Vishnus heart beating within him, lit Sajanas pyre as a reminder for everyone to understand the importance of the selfless act of organ donation.

Rahims release: victims family agrees to grant pardon

Kozhikode native in Saudi jail for 18 years for the murder of a teenage boy

Blood donation camp receives warm response from Cyberpark employees in Kozhikode

Kerala CM Orders Closure Of Educational Institutions To Counter Impending Heatwave

As Kerala continues to reel under hot weather conditions, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday held a meeting to assess the possibilities of heat waves in the state and issued several instructions including the closure of educational institutions until May 6. In an online meeting of the State Disaster Management Authority that was attended by District Collectors, the CM also issued directions with regard to the monsoon season, according to an official statement. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for Alappuzha, Palakkad, Thrissur, and Kozhikode districts due to an anticipated heatwave, Vijayan urged residents to refrain from direct sunlight exposure between 11 am and 3 pm on Thursday and Friday. He directed that those working during these hours, like construction workers, farmers, hawkers, etc should adjust their work timings accordingly, holiday classes should be avoided between 11 am to 3 p.m., and daytime parades and drills should not be held at training centres of police, fire brigade and other forces, said the statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO). The CM said that educational institutions, including professional colleges, will remain closed until May 6. Additionally, he directed that audits should be carried out in areas prone to fires like markets, buildings, waste collection and storage facilities, hospitals, and major government institutions. Following instructions from the forest department to avoid forest fires, grazing cattle under the midday sun, and ensuring drinking water in tribal hamlets and habitations were the other directions issued in the meeting, according to the statement. According to the IMD, maximum temperatures are very likely to be around 40 degrees Celsius in Palakkad, around 39 degrees Celsius in Kollam, Thrissur, and Kozhikode, about 38 degrees Celsius in Alappuzha, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, and Kannur, and around 37 degrees Celsius in the remaining districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Malappuram, and Kasaragod from Thursday till May 6. With regard to the monsoon-related preparedness, the CM directed the holding of a meeting under the leadership of the collector in the presence of the minister in-charge of the district to discuss the matters to be done first as part of the pre-rains cleaning work, it said. Local self-government bodies should start pre-monsoon cleaning on an urgent basis in order to clear blockages in drains, culverts, and small canals before the onset of the rains, he directed. Not allowing garbage to pile up, ensuring mosquito control, preparing buildings to be used as relief camps, releasing excess water from rivers and canals into the ocean, and clearing obstructions from the regulators and spillways of dams were the other directions issued by Vijayan in the meeting, the CMO statement said. Besides that, he also ordered that trees, branches, hoardings and posts that may pose a danger to people should be removed before the rains. Hazard warnings should be displayed at tourist attractions and awareness created among the public living in hilly areas prone to landslides, he added.

Kerala: You did lots of damage to IUML says Womens League leader tells Haritha girls

KOZHIKODE: Muslim Womens League national general secretary Noorbina Rashid has expressed some reservations over the re-induction of the former leaders of Haritha, who had raised a banner of revolt against their parent organisation. In a Facebook post on Thursday, she also expressed the hope that the girls will not be the propagators of Islamic feminism, which is against the basic ideology of the party. It may be recalled that the IUML leadership had withdrawn disciplinary action against the girls and had elevated them to the national leadership of the Muslim Youth League. The former Haritha leaders, including Fatima Thahliya and Najma Thabsheera, had filed a case against MSF state president P K Navas for insulting womanhood. Haritha is the girls wing of the MSF functioning on the campuses. In the post, Noorbina said the utterances of these girls had brought immense damage to the party. IUML workers were portrayed as anti-woman and those who nurture obsolete ideology. They (former Haritha leaders) still believe that all those were part of their struggle. They should think of lakhs of party workers whose heads were lowered in shame when the media framed headlines like Taliban League, she said. Noorbina said the girls were re-inducted into the party considering the letter they gave to the leadership and after the withdrawal of the case they filed. The party leaders asked you to refrain from such things like a father advising children. You had left the IUML to the mercy of the media and the communists, who were preying on the party, Noorbina said. She advised the girls to abandon the feminist ideology they have in their heads. Womens League is the feeder organisation of the IUML that enabled the women to uphold their identity and faith. It pained us a lot when some of these girls called us the Kitchen League, she said, adding that one can see many women who had swum against the current in the 30-year-old history of the organisation. Noorbina said Islamic feminism is an ideology coined to attract Muslim girls to liberalism. Those who imbibe the idea will be against the ideology of the IUML, she said. Noorbina expressed the hope that the re-inducted girls will not engage in any activity that promotes liberalism among Muslim girls.

Now, book a private train from Kerala

KOCHI: In a first, private trains will be available for tourists from Kerala to destinations such as Goa, Mumbai and Ayodhya. To begin with, the private train journey from the state to Goa will begin next month. The facility is being launched by SRMPR Global Railways, a Chennai-based tour operator, in partnership with the Kochi-based Princy World Travel Limited. An individual or a group of 600 passengers can book a private train journey to the three prominent destinations from Kerala, said officials. The inaugural journey is set to depart from Thiruvananthapuram on June 4 to Madgaon in Goa. The four-day tour package is available in three categories: 2-tier AC at Rs 16,400 per person, 3-tier AC at Rs 15,150 per person and non-AC sleeper at Rs 13,999. The package includes stay, food and sightseeing. Services like off-board travel and excursions by buses, stay at hotels, tour guides, meals and travel insurance are provided along with these train journeys and allied onboard services. Though the Indian Railways introduced the concept of private players operating tourist trains on theme-based circuits under the Bharat Gaurav Tourist Trains around a couple of years back, this is the first time that a private company is getting into this segment from Kerala. Earlier, such private train tours were launched from states such as Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. For instance, the government of Karnataka in association with IRCTC operates private trains to Kashi Prayag, Gaya and Ayodhya. Similarly, private trains are operated between Coimbatore and Shirdi. Plan to import private trains from Germany According to officials of Princy Tours, the trains are purchased by SRMPR from the Indian Railways to operate exclusively for tourism purposes. From Kerala, there are mainly three tour packages Thiruvananthapuram to Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram to Goa (four-day package) and Thiruvananthapuram to Ayodhya (eight-day package), said Devika Menon, director of Princy World Travel Ltd. Plans are on to operate around 12 trains from Kerala. Once the initial three routes gain maximum traction, new routes will be introduced, she said. This train is being introduced on a trial basis.The SRMPR group will import special trains from Germany to run them privately. Hopefully, the trains will arrive by this year's end, she said. The trains have limited stops and only those who have booked the tickets can enter the train. A total of 60 staff, including the paramedical team and pantry are available onboard, said Devika Menon. The train is equipped with CCTV cameras and WiFi. As per the initial plan, the tourist train will operate to the specific destinations with a weeks gap. We have received the slots to operate from June to September. The dates for Mumbai and Ayodhya will be released soon, she said. The trains will have boarding from Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod from Kerala.

Kerala government to increase Plus-I seats

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The cabinet has decided to allow more batches in government and aided schools in different districts to address the shortage of Plus-I seats. As per the decision, seats will be increased by 30% at government schools in seven districts -- Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. The cabinet has also decided to bring in a 20% increase in Plus-I seats in aided schools in these districts. In addition, a 10% increase in seats will be allowed at aided schools that demand more batches. The marginal increase in new batches will be made without creating an additional financial burden for the government. It is learned that sanction would also be given for a 20% increase in seats at all government and aided schools in Kollam, Ernakulam and Thrissur districts, in addition to Ambalappuzha and Cherhala taluks in Alappuzha district. There will be no increase in Plus-I seats in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki districts. The 77 higher secondary batches sanctioned on a temporary basis in 2022-23 and the 97 temporary batches in 2023-24 will continue, subject to clearance from the finance department. Sanctioning 178 additional batches would give the government a financial burden to the tune of about Rs 19 crore.

Kerala: A Theyyam that begins with azan

KOZHIKODE: As midnight falls, amidst the rumble of the chenda, a mesmerising ritual steeped in centuries of tradition and cultural richness unfolds in Kasaragod. A theyyam artist donning a white vest, checkered lungi, and skull cap offers a resounding call of the azan, and then performs namaz. This sacred moment marks the beginning of a Mappila Theyyam, a unique tradition upheld by artists from the Mavilan, Koppalan, and Vannan communities. It is viewed as a reaffirmation of the pluralistic nature of Kerala society and a celebration of secular values. The artist playing a Muslim imam of yore Mukri Pokker transforms into a divine figure, and bestows blessings upon devotees and onlookers. Each year, during the Malayalam month of Thulam (October), Kamballur Kottayil Tharavadu, a Nair mansion in Kasaragod, turns into a stage for a Mappila Theyyam in which the Mukri is joined by Goddess Karinchamundi, a deity of a sacred grove in the region. This unique performance captures a centuries-old bond between the Kamballur Kottayil family and the nearby Pulingome mosque. We share a profound connection with the mosque. My ancestors were once landlords in the northern Malabar region. It was our family that donated the land for the mosques construction in Cherupuzha. Since then, our festivals have been intertwined, shares Divakaran Nambiar, a member of Kamballur Kottayil family. The mosque committee visits our home to extend invitations to their Uroos celebrations. They also participate in our theyyam festivities. Divakaran underscores the significance of Mappila Theyyams at a time when there is friction along communal fault lines. I have come across discussions about a film that triggered communal debates in Kerala. The Mappila Theyyams are a testimony to secularism, and can dispel notions of distrust, he says. The Mukri-Karinchamundi Theyyam unfolds before a diverse audience. Believers from various communities gather to witness the spectacle. The Mukri kolam is enacted by a Hindu individual. This tradition has never triggered tensions, he added. Notably, there are several Mappila Theyyams in the Malabar region. Ashraf Thuneri, a journalist based in Qatar, sheds light on this unique cultural aspect of Kerala in his documentary Mukri with Chamundi: The Saga of Harmony in Theyyam Art. A few years ago, I came across a small article about Mukri Pokker Theyyam in a newspaper. The concept of Mappila Theyyam intrigued me, he recalls. Divakaran said further,I delved into the subject, and that research eventually led to this documentary. The most interesting part is that Mappila Theyyams are mostly performed in places where the Muslim population is relatively low. So the majority of spectators comprises members of the Hindu community. This is evidence of how religion becomes insignificant in the case of Theyyam. Ramachandran Panicker, a theyyam artist in Kannur, elucidates the cultural significance of the ritualistic art form as a unifying force transcending religious boundaries. No matter what religion we belong to, what we all bleed is blood, he says, citing the poignant lines ningale kothyalum chorayalle chovvare, njangale kothyalum chorayalle chovvare that are often rendered during Pottan Theyyam performances. Going beyond Mappila Theyyam, he offers more examples. In Malabar, Muslims contribute sugar for some temple rituals during the festival season. The Vishnumurthi Theyyam enters a mosque to illustrate the interfaith harmony. There is no discrimination based on religion or caste during the divine act, he says. The lone female performer In Keralas vibrant Theyyam tradition, comprising about 400 distinctive forms predominantly enacted by men, Devakoothu stands out as a singular piece performed by a female artist. And, M V Ambujakshi, hailing from the Malayan community in Kannur, has been the sole woman performing the divine art form. Ambujakshi took up Devakoothu in 2012, at the age of 45. The mantle, as part of the custom, was passed on to her after her relative K P Lakshmi Amma withdrew from Devakoothu due to declining health. Devakoothu has wrought significant changes in Ambujakshis life. Being a female Theyyam artist itself is a huge honour, a rare privilege, she says. Embodying a goddess fills me with pride. Before I took up Devakoothu, I was just an ordinary woman. Now, people have begun to respect me. They perceive a divine power within me. People who addressed me as chechi (sister) now call me amma (mother),she added. Devakoothu is performed in December at Cherukunnu Thekkumbad Koolom Thayankavu temple in Kannur. Before the Theyyam, Ambujakshi undergoes a rigorous 45-day fasting, mastering the manifold rites, rituals, and shlokas. Bappiriyan Theyyam It portrays Lord Hanumans quest for Sita devi in Lanka. The Bappiriyan Theyyam performers climb coconut trees during the ritual, symbolising Hanumans attempts to scan faraway lands from vantage points. Driven by frustration at his unsuccessful search, Bappiriyan vents his anger by kicking the tree, causing coconuts to fall. Kandakkoran Theyyam The narrative revolves around a young man from a marginalised caste who died after falling from a coconut tree. He is said to have attained divinity thereafter. To honour this legend, the Kandakkoran Theyyam re-enacts the tale by climbing a coconut tree, plucking the fruit, and descending in a posture mirroring the fatal fall. Police Theyyam This annual spectacle, enacted at Padannakkad near Kanhangad in the Kasaragod district, portrays the story of Padaveeran, a soldier of yesteryear. The artist dons the police uniform and would admonish members of the audience about illegal activities, including smoking in public. Ummachi Theyyam This Mappila Theyyam of Kasaragod is linked to the saga of Yogyar Nambadi, an army chief of the Nileswaram dynasty, who killed a Muslim woman for eating a handful of rice while at work. To placate her spirit, the woman was accorded divine status. Panniyum Makkalum Theyyam This representation of Pulaya culture delves into the complex dynamics of man-wildlife relationship. Here, the spirits of a boar, sow, and their offspring, having transcended mortality, bestow blessings upon people. WhatsApp groups Social media platforms and instant messaging services such as WhatsApp and Telegram have been connecting theyyam enthusiasts across the world. Many groups in WhatsApp, for instance, provide regular updates on theyyam performance at various sacred groves (kaavu) in north Kerala. One of the most popular one is the Theyyam-Thira Calendar WhatsApp group, which has around 3,500 members. The group was formed after a Polish tourist shared an experience. A tourist guide took her to a kaavu, saying that there would be a rare theyyam performance. Later, she realised that it was a regular theyyam, says Prabhakaran Kovoor, one of the groups admins. We decided to start a group that provides authentic info to theyyam enthusiasts in various corners of the world. Our updates help people plan their trips better, he added. Padma glory January 2024 marked a historic moment as, for the first time ever, a Theyyam artist was honoured with the Padma Shri award. At the age of 68, Narayanan Peruvannan was bestowed with this accolade in recognition of his lifelong dedication to the ritualistic art form. For Narayanan, the Padma Shri is not just a personal honour, but a validation of the entire community of Theyyam performers. Its been 64 years since I embarked on this journey. The entire Theyyam community rejoiced at the award. All my achievements are the blessings of my ancestors and gurus, he says. Renowned among Theyyam enthusiasts, Narayanan commenced his divine journey at the age of four with the Vedan Theyyam. Over six decades later, he is one of Keralas senior-most Theyyam artists, having embodied deities such as Muchilottu Bhagavathy, Kathivanoor Veeran, and Baali. Hailing from Taliparamba, Narayanan is the son of Panakkattu Othayana Peruvannan and Mambayil Panchu. Narayanan underwent comprehensive training in kalaripayattu, thotampaattu, mukhathezhuthu, weaving, and music under the gurukula system, mentored by Kadarkulangara Krishnan Peruvannan from the age of 14. My most significant achievement has been performing the Baali Theyyam for 50 consecutive years at Keezhattoor Vechiyoot Kavu, says Narayanan. Besides the divinity aspect, Theyyam, he adds, will forever be a powerful motif of resistance against caste discrimination and social injustice. Our community has endured socio-political discrimination. For some, Theyyam serves as a livelihood, but for others, it embodies our resilience, he says. Besides the Padma Shri, Narayanan has been honoured with several other accolades, including the Kerala Folklore Academys Guru Pooja Award in 2009, and the Kerala Folklore Academys Fellowship in 2018.

Kerala: Congress revives Sahithi Theatres as part of its efforts to boost social connect

KOCHI: As part of its strategy to get more involved in the field of the arts and culture, the Congress has revived its drama troupe Sahithi Theatres. To kick off, the drama troupe staged Vaikom Muhammed Basheers satirical short story 'Mucheetukalikkarante Makal' (The Card Sharpers Daughter) at Pastoral Orientation Centre in Kochi on Wednesday, with AICC general secretary K C Venugopal and KPCC interim president M M Hassan among the audience. Karunagappally MLA C R Mahesh, who is in charge of the troupe, said he decision to revive the partys arts and cultural activities was made at the Congress Chintan Shivir (brainstorming meet) in Kozhikode in 2022. At the meeting, we decided to become more involved in the field of art, culture, and charity.Revival of Sahithi Theatres was one of the initial decisions. As I have a background in the arts, I was picked to lead the troupe, said Mahesh, whose father C A Rajashekharan and brother C R Manoj were playwrights. Sahithi Theatres was initially launched in Thiruvananthapuram when Ramesh Chennithala was the KPCC president. However, the troupe became inactive after three or four plays. The comeback play was written by Hemanth Kumar, and directed by Rajesh Irulam. Preparations and practice took nearly 50 days, said Mahesh, adding that the audience response was great. There are six characters in the play. We have used the latest and modern technologies, including AI, to provide the best experience to the viewers. Besides Mahesh, the cast included Rajeev Alunkal, Anil Mala, Vakkom Maahin, Aadinad Sasi, and V R Prathapan. While inaugurating the play, Venugopal stressed on the need to make the cultural sphere more vibrant and vocal. Artists and writers hesitate to speak out because they are frightened in this fascist era. Everyone is silent. Perhaps the only bold response in recent times was that of M T Vasudevan Nair, he said. A lookback Sahithi Theatres was initially launched in Thiruvananthapuram when Ramesh Chennithala was the KPCC president. However, the troupe became inactive after three or four plays. the decision to revive the partys arts and cultural activities was made at the Congress Chintan Shivir (brainstorming meet) in Kozhikode in 2022. The comeback play was written by Hemanth Kumar, and directed by Rajesh Irulam.

Kerala: Climate change reality gets heatwave check

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Valerian Isaac, a traditional fisherman from Anchuthengu in Thiruvananthapuram, is deeply concerned about the impact of climate change on his livelihood and the overall quality of life. He used to enjoy his summer with the sea cooling down when folks in the town sweltered in the heat. The situation however has changed dramatically. The sea has warmed up significantly. Consequently, the fish have migrated to cooler waters away from the coast. Previously, we relied on good winds and occasional rains to alleviate the heat. But this summer has proven to be the toughest yet, Isaac said. With the dwindling catch, only a handful of fishermen dare to venture out into the sea in his area. And they are not the only ones suffering. Adverse weather has also affected autorickshaw drivers, tour operators, vegetable vendors and those in the construction sector. As the government considers imposing further restrictions on operations between 11am and 3pm, the livelihoods of even more sectors hang in the balance. Isaac, like many others, had not heard of the term El Nino, a climate phenomenon responsible for warming the sea surface temperature in the Pacific Ocean and often cited as a primary cause of harsh summers. However, he, along with the rest of the populace, has become acquainted with the term heatwave in recent times. Its sudden appearance in the vocabulary coincided with its confirmation in Palakkad on April 26, the day of the general elections. Such weather was once considered unusual, mostly associated with the traditional hot regions of the country. The India Meteorological Department first issued a heatwave alert in Kerala in 2016, the warmest year on record for the state, primarily focused on Palakkad. This year, the focus has again been on Palakkad which experienced scorching temperatures throughout April, with Thrissur following suit. Subsequently, heatwave alerts were issued for Kollam, Kozhikode and Alappuzha, as temperatures in these districts deviated from the norm significantly. A majority of those belonging to the fishing community in Perumathura in Thiruvananthapuram are spending their time under the shade of coconut palms. The reason being the roofs of their homes are made of asbestos and tin sheets, which increase the heat Weather experts assert the situation is similar across south and east India. An Asia-wide heatwave map published by international weather agencies depicts most countries in the region coloured in red. The temperature rise is attributed to global warming induced by climate change. The impact of El Nino exacerbates the situation, said D Sivananda Pai, senior scientist and ADGM of India Meteorological Department. According to him, the dry weather in Kerala has increased the temperature. In Palakkad, the relative humidity is now in the 30-40% range in comparison to the normal 60-80%. Thats why the temperature remains high. The condition is worse for people living in more humid areas as high moisture content does not help reduce body temperature, he said. Like this year, 2016 too was an El Nino year. While it was the warmest year in recent history, the damage, technically, was limited to a heatwave alert in Palakkad. What makes the conditions worse than 2016 is the absence of summer rain, especially in the northern districts, and the land use and land cover changes because of urbanisation, said Rajeevan Erikkulam, a meteorologist with the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority. Weather experts pointed out the situation is likely to improve by the second week of May when summer rains are expected to be more regular. The El Nino effect is expected to be neutral during the time of monsoon, but the experts have a warning the next El Nino year could be much worse than 2024. What is heatwave? Qualitatively, heatwave is a condition of air temperature that becomes fatal to human body when exposed. Quantitatively, it is defined based on the temperature thresholds over a region in terms of actual temperature or its departure from normal. Criterion for declaring heatwave Heatwave is considered to be in effect if the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40Celsius or more in the plains, at least 30Celsius or more in hilly regions, and 37 Celsius or more in coastal regions. The departure from normal is 4.5 to 6.4Celsius. If the above criteria is met in at least two stations in a meteorological sub-division for at least two consecutive days, a heatwave is declared on the second day. A woman carrying a pedestal fan on a two-wheeler in Kochi. With mercury level going up, residents are opting for various methods to beat the scorching heat Heatwave prone states Heatwave generally occurs over the plains of northwest India and central, east and north peninsular India from March to June. It covers Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Sometimes, it occurs over Tamil Nadu and Kerala too. Impact of heatwave Water stress Health problems Livelihood problems Heatwave in Kerala First alert - Palakkad, in 2016 First alert - Kozhikode - 2020 First confirmation this year - Palakkad, on April 26 First alert in Alappuzha - April 30 Reasons for heatwave Global warming El Nino Absence of summer rain Urbanisation Number of days above 40 degrees Celsius in April in Kerala 2024 - 16 (15 in Palakkad) 2023 - 3 2016 - 14 1989 - 8

Kerala: Cracks in Akkulam glass bridge spark adventure tourism safety concerns

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Barely two months after the Varkala floating bridge accident, the glass bridge ready to be opened at Akkulam Tourist Village has developed cracks, raising serious concern over the quality and safety standards of the adventure tourism infrastructure in the state. The inauguration of the glass bridge slated for March was postponed following the floating bridge accident on March 9. Fifteen people fell into the sea after the 100-metre-long floating bridge collapsed due to rough waves. Now, cracks have appeared on the 52-metre glass bridge at Akkulam, which is touted by the tourism department as a key adventure infrastructure. The bridge is constructed at a height of 75ft. The adventure tourism activities at the Akkulam Tourist Village are jointly implemented by Vattiyoorkavu Youth Brigade Entrepreneurs Cooperative Society (VYBeCOS) and the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC). VYBeCOS alleged that the cracks in the glass bridge occurred due to suspected vandalism, and it has lodged a complaint with the Sreekaryam police. Crack on glass bridge: Call for probe to find out real cause of damage Following the incident, the agencies and departments involved in the project are scrambling for answers and indirectly blaming each another. Officials of VYBeCOS claimed that the glass bridge is intact and not broken as claimed by reports. The glass panels used for the construction of the bridge are of the highest quality and they meet the global standards, said Ratheesh C S, president of VYBECoS. We found some scratches in a portion of one of the glass panels of the bridge due to a suspected act of vandalism, he said. However, the officials in charge of the Village have ruled out the possibility of vandalism as it is a highly secured zone. Its impossible for somebody to sneak in and cause destruction, said an official at the Akkulam Tourist Village. Glass Bridge at Akkulam village gets safety clearance from NITC According to VYBECoS, the construction of the glass bridge started only after getting approval from the panel of engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD), constituted by the DTPC. The projects plan was vetted and approved by qualified structural engineers from the College of Engineering Trivandrum (CET). The entire construction was done under the monitoring of the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society, said Ratheesh. Former tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran said the matter should be thoroughly investigated. An investigation should be conducted to find out the real cause of the damage. Also, it is high time we strengthened the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society. There should be stringent monitoring from the part of an expert panel under the society on all the adventure infrastructures. Safety and security of the visitors should be given utmost priority, Kadakampally said. The effort to set up the Adventure Tourism Academy is also getting delayed inordinately. If we look at adventure tourism as a key product, the department should execute the academy project and strengthen KAPTS, he added. Meanwhile, Sreekaryam police said they are looking into the complaint. Recently, the glass bridge got the safety clearance from NIT, Kozhikode. According to tourism authorities, the final report from NIT is awaited.

Two sunstroke-related deaths reported at Kozhikode MCH

The deceased, a painting labourer and a construction labourer respectively, were admitted to the hospital on Wednesday

Five arrested with over 600 grams of MDMA in Kozhikode

Protest by driving schoolproprietors disrupts conduct of new test in Kozhikode

Driving school owners and their unions have sought more time to get familiar with the new rules and training methods

Heatwave warning for Palakkad, Thrissur and Kozhikode

The State Government rescheduled the working hours of labourers in the State providing rest for them between 12 noon to 3 p.m.

Kerala: Road accident claims 5 lives in Kannur

KANNUR: Five people, including a nine-year-old boy, lost their lives in a devastating collision involving a car and a lorry at Punnachery in Kannapuram, Kannur, on Monday night. The victims have been identified as K N Padmakumar, 59, hailing from Kalichanadukam, Choorikkatt Sudhakaran, 52, and his wife Ajitha, 35, from Bheemanady in Kasaragod district, Ajithas father Kozhummal Krishnan, 65, and Ajithas nephew Akash, 9. Padmakumar was driving the vehicle when the accident occurred around 10.15 pm. Sadly, four individuals died on the spot, while the child succumbed to injuries at the Pariyaram Medical College Hospital. The driver of the lorry, which was transporting gas cylinders, sustained injuries in the collision. The car was en route from Thalassery to Kasaragod when the tragic incident occurred. Prompt rescue efforts by the Fire and Rescue Services personnel helped in extricating those trapped inside the vehicle. Sudhakaran and his family were returning after dropping their son at a hostel in Kozhikode. His son is studying in an educational institute in Kozhikode district. According to sources, the family took the trip as a leisure trip alongside dropping their son at his hostel. Since they decided to visit a few places in Kozhikode, they also decided to take Akash, Sudhakarans sons cousin brother, but the tragic accident took their lives. Police have taken the driver of the lorry into custody.

In a first, Alappuzha sizzles under heatwave threat

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With Palakkad and Thrissur districts having experienced heatwaves over the past few days, Alappuzha is now facing a looming threat of similar conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert along with a warm night warning for Alappuzha, marking the first instance of such an advisory in the district. The alert indicates that both daytime and night temperatures are expected to remain uncomfortably high. Alappuzha has been experiencing a noticeable increase in temperature this summer, with Tuesday recording 37.1Celsius. Monday had seen a record-breaking high for April, with the mercury soaring to 38.3Celsius. The high humidity in Alappuzha is a criterion considered for the heatwave alert. While other districts have a criteria of 40Celsius, Alappuzha requires only 37Celsius along with a departure of 4.5Celsius to be considered for the alert, said Rajeevan Erikkulam, a meteorologist with the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority. The rise in sea surface temperature attributed to El Nino is a major contributing factor to the rise in temperature this year. Besides the changes in the local land conditions and absence of summer rains worsened the weather condition, he added. IMD issued a warm night alert in Alappuzha on Tuesday based on the unusual departure of over 4Celsius in minimum temperature. On Tuesday, the Met department on Tuesday issued heatwave alerts in Palakkad, Thrissur and Kozhikode, besides Alappuzha, until May 2. While IMD extended the orange alert in Palakkad, it issued yellow alerts in the other three districts. Palakkad is likely to record a maximum temperature of 41Celsius. A construction worker quenching his thirst during the days work at Chala market in Thiruvananthapuram | Vincent Pulickal Be on guard The IMD on Tuesday issued heatwave alerts in Palakkad, Alappuzha, Thrissur and Kozhikode until May 2 Monday saw Alappuzha recording an all-time high for April, with the mercury soaring to 38.3Celsius Warm night alert in Alappuzha on Tuesday based on the unusual departure of over 4Celsius in minimum temperature IMD extends orange alert in Palakkad Thrissur is likely to record a maximum temperature of 40Celsius, Kozhikode 39Celsius and Alappuzha 38 Celsius during the period. Palakkad escaped the heatwave condition by a slight margin, thereby breaking the trend of the past four days. The district reported 40.4Celsius, which is 4.4Celsius above the normal on the day. Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Thrissur and Kozhikode reported temperatures 3-3.5Celsius above the normal. Southern districts received rain in many places, with isolated pockets receiving thunderstorms.

Kerala state Information Commission for vigilance probe into missing files related to road work

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : The State Information Commission has recommended a vigilance investigation to trace the documents related to the money spent on the construction of the road to Kannur Ezhimala Naval Academy which are yet to be submitted to the commission by the State Public Works Department. The files from various offices related to the works to the tune of Rs 1,71,29,902 carried out in 1998 to increase the capacity of section O/000 to 6/420 of Ezhimala Naval Academy Top Road. In this regard, the response received by the RTI Commission was that various files in the offices of the assistant executive engineer, executive engineer, superintending engineer, and chief engineer were missing. The work was executed by Chandragiri Construction Company. It was found that Rs 73,91,032 was given to the company. But no records of further works, due amount or completion of work could be found. There were files from the stage of submission of proposal for the road to sanctioning of money. Despite the efforts of senior officials of the department, the files are nowhere to be found. The disappearance of files from different offices on the same subject is suspicious. Therefore State Information Commissioner A Abdul Hakim suggested that the vigilance wing should investigate it. No documents such as approved PAC, revised estimate, bill copy, copy of M book, administrative permission, technical permission, financial permission, tender, work permit, or completion certificate are missing. All these files were lost before the audit. 4 hearings in 4 districts The High Court had directed the State Information Commission to find out the truth in the matter. After four hearings in Kannur, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, and Malappuram and discussions with superintending engineers and chief engineers, Commissioner Hakim sought a vigilance investigation

Kerala Kalolsavam replica in Boston draws thousands of NRKs, Americans

KOZHIKODE: In the vibrant city of Boston, an extraordinary cultural festival has been capturing the hearts of many, transcending boundaries and bringing diverse communities together. The Dhrisya Youth Festival, inspired by the Kerala School Kalolsavam, is a unique event that showcases traditional Indian arts through a month-long celebration, attracting the Malayali diaspora and US nationals. Organised by the New England Malayali Association (NEMA), the festival has grown in scope and popularity over the past 14 years. The main aim was to provide a platform for our children to exhibit their cultural prowess, which theyve learnt and nurtured here, far away from their ancestral roots, said Manoj Panicker, a former president of NEMA. The festival is meticulously planned with off-stage events such as poetry, essay writing and elocution in English and Malayalam held on the first weekend. It serves as an inclusive arena where young talents from the sub-junior, junior and youth categories. However, it is the on-stage events that draw the largest crowds, featuring performances in classical, semi-classical and non-classical singing and dancing. Highlight performances include Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattom. Even US nationals participate displaying their proficiency in these dance forms. The finale is spectacular, with group performances of classical and non-classical dance forms creating a vivid tableau of cultural fervour. Its a heartening sight to see such enthusiasm for traditional Indian dance forms among Americans, , said Anu Rames, the current president of NEMA. She further said, A unique aspect of Dhrisya Youth Festival is its stringent adherence to fair play and authenticity. Just like the school youth festival in Kerala, an appeal committee is in place to address any concerns from participants, ensuring transparency and fairness in competition results. Furthermore, the identities of the judges are kept confidential until the events commence, a practice inspired directly by the traditional kalolsavam back home. Participants and spectators alike appreciate the festivals role in promoting cultural dialogue and understanding. Its more than a competition; its a celebration of heritage and a bridge between cultures, pointed out a participants parent. The festival not only honours the artistic traditions of Kerala but also fosters a deeper connection with the Malayalam language, particularly through the off-stage events. With over 1,600 participants from various backgrounds, the festival is a vibrant testament to the enduring appeal of cultural arts and their power to unite people across different walks of life. Thousands of Malayalis and US nationals throng the venue of Dhrisya every year. Avesham in America Dhrisya Youth Festival is a unique event that showcases traditional Indian arts through a month-long celebration, attracting the Malayali diaspora and US nationals.

Kerala: KSRTC set to roll with Bike Express initiative

KOCHI: The KSRTC is looking to give its logistics division a fresh set of wheels! Soon, one will be able to avail the services of the state road transporter to move two-wheelers to any location in the state. Following a pilot, the corporation is all set to implement the proposal called Bike Express on a wider scale. The corporation is modifying two buses and rolling out a dedicated van for implementing the scheme. The companys managing director has cleared the proposal and work is progressing. The dedicated vehicles will be launched in the coming days, a senior official said. The public sector entity has been receiving a lot of enquiries, many of them from women riders. We carried out a trial in January, when Volvo buses were used to transport two-wheelers. It helps those who are looking to move their vehicles over long distances without riding them and avoid the harsh weather conditions, the official added. Special ramps will be fitted to the doors of buses and the van to enable the smooth entry and exit of two-wheelers. Apart from ramps, the dedicated vehicles will also have hydraulic doors. Logistics initiative filling coffers of KSRTC Were studying the tariffs of railways and private operators to fix the rates. More modified vehicles will be introduced based on demand, the official added. Until the special vehicles are rolled out, bike transportation will be limited to bus stations in Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kottarakara. Scania buses are now being used for bike transport. But we dont want to inconvenience regular passengers by taking more orders. Were waiting for the special vehicles to implement the scheme in a major way, he added. While its yet to come out of the red, the logistics initiative, introduced last June, is filling the KSRTCs coffers. The divisions monthly revenue crossed Rs 40 lakh for the first time last month. Ernakulam is the hub of the operations, with daily average collection of around Rs 20,000. Total collection statewide in March was Rs 40,49,945. April has so far yielded Rs 39,71,000. We expect another Rs 1.5 lakh on April 30. Ernakulam clocked a revenue of Rs 5.50 lakh in March after registering Rs 3.36 lakh the previous month, said a senior official. Unlike other areas, almost all the routes pass through Ernakulam, either the Ernakulam South or Vyttila centres, said Tiny Koshy Alex, assistant transport officer, Ernakulam. The transporter currently has 48 dedicated logistics counters. Its planning to expand the initiative by taking the franchise route.

Suspect in drivers death case arrested in Kozhikode

Pre-monsoon cleaning activities being initiated in Kerala to counter epidemic outbreaks

High likelihood of major dengue outbreak in State during May-July; According to disease surveillance reports, dengue fever seems to show a slight increase in all districts, especially Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Thrissur

Kerala duo gives man fake diamonds, leaves with gold jewellery

KOCHI: The police have launched a search for two persons who duped an Ernakulam native and his family by exchanged fake diamonds for gold ornaments worth Rs 50 lakh. The Ernakulam Central police, who registered a case on the complaint of the victims daughter, said the duo, Suhail and Shahid Ameen, posed as business partners of a well-known jewellery retail firm and cheated the family. The complainant said the family had given advertisements on various media platforms about selling a property in Kaloor, Kochi. On April 17, Suhail and Shahid approached her father claiming to be business partners of a Kozhikode-based jewellery retail firm, she said, alleging that the duo met the family on the pretext of purchasing land, won their trust and then brought up the opportunity to invest in diamonds. The police said the complainant, who is into interior designing, was first offered a contract to plan the interior of the jewellery chains under-construction shop in Dubai. The duo informed the complainants father about profitable diamond business schemes and promised to supply him diamonds for the purpose. On April 18, they came to his office and showed him diamond samples. The diamonds were found to be genuine, said the officer. The duo returned to complainants fathers officer on April 20 with a portable safe locked with a code. They showed him the diamonds inside and took gold ornaments weighing 90 sovereigns, worth Rs 50 lakh, from him, said the officer. When the duo left, the complainants father tried to open the locker with the password given, but failed. The locker was finally cut open. An inspection revealed that the diamonds inside were fake, said the officer.

'Fulva': The sweet taste of Kozhikode's heritage goes international

KOZHIKODE: In a truly sweet success story, four youngsters of Feroke in Kozhikode have turned their love for a local delicacy the classic Kozhikodan halwa into a booming business. Having grown up in a cultural setting where the halwa is an integral part of the local heritage, Shabas Ahamed N C, Sanu Muhammed C, Irfan Safar S, and Thesreef Ali P K recently launched a Fulva, a brand dedicated to showcasing the diverse and rich flavours of their beloved confectionery. With the aim of popularising naadan halwa varieties on a global scale, these fresh graduates, all in their early 20s, set up Calicut Cousins Private Limited as a launchpad for Fulva. Halwa has, of course, been popular worldwide. Whenever we travel outside Kerala, we get a lot of questions about Kozhikodan halwa, says Sanu Muhammed. There is a lot of curiosity around the halwa. However, a market study by the group revealed the lack of proper branding for the Kozhikodan halwa. That realisation led to the concept of Fulva. Today, the brand partners with local artisans who make over 24 varieties of halwa. We are working to give traditional food items from our state the branding they deserve, much like chocolates in the global market, Sanu adds. Despite challenges, such as convincing manufacturers entrenched in decades-old practices to adopt new sales strategies, Fulva has seen remarkable success. Launched just eight months ago, the brand has expanded its reach across India and to eight other countries, with an online store that offers customisable boxes for personal and corporate gifting. Going beyond business, Fulva seeks to empower local masterchefs. We wanted to create a platform that promotes our culinary heritage and also supports the skilled culinary artisans. We hope our efforts help them achieve the recognition they deserve, says Shabas. Looking ahead, the Fulva team is gung-ho about expanding their offerings. We are overwhelmed by the response, and will soon introduce more flavours and products, Shabas beams. How about some chilli halwa? Besides the traditional red, yellow, black varieties of the Kozhikodan halwa, Fulva offers special flavours such as wheat, mango, passion fruit, green chilli, kiwi, tender coconut, pomegranate, grape, pineapple, carrot, honey fruit, almond, ghee, dry fruit, and chocolate. Top sellers include red, yellow, black, tender coconut, and green chilli.

Kerala Registers 71.27% Voter Turnout in Lok Sabha Elections: EC

Kerala Registers 71.27% Voter Turnout in Lok Sabha Elections: EC Kerala has registered 71.27 per cent voter turnout in the April 26 Lok Sabha polls, according to the updated figures released by the Election Commission on Monday. As many as 71.27 per cent of votes were cast on polling day in the state, Chief Electoral Officer Sanjay Kaul said. Out of the total 27,749,158 voters in the state, 19,777,478 voted through the electronic voting machines on April 26. Among these, 9,475,090 were male voters, 10, 302, 238 were female voters, and 150 were transgender voters, he said in a statement. The highest polling was registered in Vadakara constituency with 78.41 per cent, where 1,114,950 voters cast their votes. The lowest was in the Pathanamthitta constituency with 63.37 per cent, where only 906,051 of 1,429,700 voters cast their votes, Kaul said. The updated polling percentage in other constituencies are: Thiruvananthapuram (66.47), Attingal (69.48), Kollam (68.15), Mavelikkara (65.95), Alappuzha (75.05), Kottayam (65.61), Idukki (66.55), Eranakulam (68.29), Chalakudy (71.94), Thrissur (72.90), Palakkad (73.57), Alathur (73.42), Ponnani (69.34), Malappuram (72.95), Kozhikode (75.52), Wayanad (73.57), Vadakara (78.41), Kannur (77.21) and Kasaragod (76.04). In the absentee voter category, 1,80,865 votes were recorded, and in the category for officials on election duty, 41,904 postal votes were polled. Absentee voters include those belonging to the age group of over 85 years, voters with disabilities, those affected by COVID-19, and essential service workers. As many as 57,849 military personnel have applied in the service voters category, and 8,277 votes have been sent as of April 27. Service votes will continue to be accepted until the counting begins, the Chief Electoral Officer added.

Abby Awards 2024 announces Pallavi Chakravarti,Raj Kamble andMayuri Nikumbhas Jury Chairs

Pallavi Chakravarti , Founder and CCO of Fundamental, Raj Kamble , Founder & CCO of Famous Innovations and Mayuri Nikumbh , Head of Design at Conran Design, join as Jury Chair for Diversity, Equality and Inclusion category , Out of Home and Ambient category , and Design Category respectively, at The Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show. Pallavi Chakravarti Pallavi Chakravarti, Founder and CCO of Fundamental has been appointed Jury Chair of Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show in the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion category. In the creative business for two decades now, Pallavi went independent in 2023. Her agency Fundamental has created work for Airtel, Adidas, WhatsApp, Facebook, Parle Products, Marico and more, all in under a year. In her previous stints across Saatchi, Grey, JWT, Taproot Dentsu and DDB Mudra, she has worked on Instagram, McDonalds, Pepsi, Uber, J&J, Unilever, P&G and local giants like Times of India, ITC and Star Sports. Pallavi featured among the 200 most-awarded ECDs in 2021 in The Drum World Creative Rankings and closer home, in the 2022 edition of Wonder Women 100 by Indian Television Dot Com, a list celebrating leaders in creative arts. From shows like Cannes Lions, D&AD, The One Show, Adfest Asia Pacific, Spikes Asia, Kyoorius and The Abbys to effectiveness awards like Effies and Appies, her work has been recognised everywhere. With hundreds of metals to her credit, Pallavi was also the recipient of the Best Ad Screenplay plaque at the prestigious 2015 Dadasaheb Phalke Film Festival. Pallavi has served on many juries over the years at Cannes Lions, Dubai Lynx, New York Festival, Global Awards, Gerety Awards, Kyoorius Awards and the Abbys, across categories like Film, Outdoor, Direct, Radio and Integrated Advertising. She also mentors young talent through various industry initiatives. Psychology, theatre and music make her tick, both on the job and off it. Raj Kamble Raj Kamble, Founder & CCO of Famous Innovations has been appointed Jury Chair of Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show in the Out of Home and Ambient category. Raj Kamble is a gold-medallist in design and art from Sir JJ School of Arts. His 25-year career has taken him from Lowe India to Lowe London, Lowe New York, BBDO New York and back to Mumbai as Managing Partner, BBH India. During this time, his work for brands like Stella Artois, Unilever, Nestle, P&G, Saab, Diageo, Vaseline, Burger King and Google has achieved both critical acclaim and business results. One of the most awarded and globally recognized Indians in advertising, Raj has over 150 awards to his name including several Cannes and One Show golds. In 2013, he founded an independent creative agency Famous Innovations. Today, Famous is a 200+ people agency across Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi, and holds the title of nine-time winner of South Asia Independent Agency of the Year in a row, as well as Digital Agency of the Year, Design Agency of the Year and Green Agency of the Year. Raj is a frequent lecturer at institutes such as the Kellogg Institute of Management and Columbia University. He is the Director of Miami Ad School in India. He is part of a think tank with the Government to make India WiFi-friendly. He plays a prominent role in shaping the future of education in India as part of the Board of Governors at Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode, Board of Governors at MIT-Pune and Academic Advisory Board at National Institute of Design Mayuri Nikumbh Mayuri Nikumbh, Head of Design at Conran Design has been appointed Jury Chair of Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show in the Design Category. With a strong belief in the power of design to convey authentic stories that help transform businesses as well as influence consumer behavior, Mayuri has led award-winning projects and contributed to the success of both startups as well as well established brands. An alum of IIT Bombay and with a career spanning over two decades, she currently leads the creative vision for Conran Design Mumbai which she helped establish in the middle of the global pandemic. Within three years of its inception, Mayuri has helped win notable businesses and awards including Campaign Agency of the Year, Transform Asia and IDA Awards. Mayuri has been voted as one of Indias 40 under Forty go-getters in the creative field by Impact magazine. She has also represented India at the Asia-wide collaborative project Colours of Asia- that culminated in a unique exhibition at the Hong Kong Design Institute which went on to win the Design for Asia Award. Amidst numerous other representations as a leading voice for design, Mayuri has been on the jury panel for Spikes Asia awards, Kyoorius Design Awards as well as all major local festivals. She will also be at Cannes this year as a part of the Design Lions jury. Mayuri strongly endorses the practice of working towards the sweet spot of consumer and clients problem-solving needs. She believes good designers make good citizens that enable a meaningful way of life.

Fasten the seat belts!

CHENNAI: As the summer settles in, frequency of air travel continues to soar. Families flying out for vacations, students returning from abroad, and the usual hubbub of business trips means that the number of flights per day is ever growing. With so many of us frequently hopping on flights, concerns regarding safety are bound to arise. Revolving around the subjects of safety, risks, and angst during flying, on April 23 at Hyatt Regency Chennai, captain Ashim Mittra and captain Nikhil Mathen of IndiGo took an informative session on what is being done to ensure risk-free air travels possible, on the invitation of Rotary Club of Madras. Ashim is a seasoned aviation professional who has been working in the industry for over 41 years. Currently, he is the senior vice president of flight operations at IndiGo. To helm the session, he was joined by Nikhil, a fleet captain and type rated instructor at IndiGo, specialising in pilot psychology and the human factors of aviation. S Ravi, president of the Rotary Club of Madras, inaugurated the session, with a welcome speech, which segued into the days speakers covering the aviation industrys philosophy on safety. In aviation, safety not only means ensuring secure operations, but also involves identifying risks in the first place and working around them. Ashim said, Identifying what the risk is the first step towards safety. Placing strong standard operating procedures to mitigate the risk and reduce it to acceptable accident-free levels is what needs to be done in order to prevent any kind of air accident. It is undeniable that air travel poses vulnerabilities to travellers, but standard operation procedures ensure that these threats are contained and are manageable by well-trained pilots. Most aviation hazards occur during the period of landing the flight, not while cruising or taxiing. It can be caused by a runway excursion, an abnormal runway contact or a runway incursion. Nikhil stated, The key safety risk that anyone faces is runway safety. This is where most of the risk is concentrated. Both the captains further emphasised how pilots spend around five hours every six months in flight simulators to train for any conceivable situation during landing. Containing the human risk factor is always at the forefront of a pilots procedures at IndiGo. This includes extensive mental health coverage, peer support programmes, fostering a culture of open communication, and according to the two captains, having a non-punitive policy in case a pilot decides to perform a go-around. Going around is always a good thing to do in the case of difficulty in landing, said Nikhil. A go-around refers to the act of aborting a landing due to unsatisfactory conditions on the runway. Contrary to a popular belief, go-around is the safest course of action in unfavourable landing situations, and at IndiGo, pilots are asked no questions in case they decide to perform one. This essentially means that a smooth landing is not always the only form of safe landing. A firm, unbiased, and confident landing defines safety in aviation. According to Ashim, safety translates to choosing the best course of action in any unprecedented situation. He added, Compliance doesnt always mean safety. Observing normal operations is not always the best thing to do when a pilot is faced with varying conditions. With this bold statement, the speakers took the audience into an analysis of the flight accident at Kozhikode in 2020, to illustrate how it is imperative to maintain a culture of prioritising a pilots wellbeing in aviation so that they can accurately judge when to adhere to normal protocol and when to take a diversion in order to ensure the complete safety of passengers. A 3-D video on the plane crash which occurred due to the failure in the functioning of the wiper, leading to poor visibility was also displayed. Alluding to the unfortunate hazard, Ashim said, Human error can always be only a symptom of a problem and not the cause of the actual problem. The rate of fatal accidents by the four generation aircraft models was another area of focus. The fourth generation that is the fly by wire aircrafts, first used in 1988, is found to have caused least accidents around 0.4 % of the total compared to the three previous generation models. The session concluded with a brief question-and-answer session that assuaged any additional concerns the audience had regarding IndiGos commitment to safety.

Two succumb to sunstroke as Kerala swelters in severe heat

The greenery along the roadside near Vandipetta in Kozhikode provides some relief to people in the summer heat. (Photo: Venugopal) The greenery along the roadside near Vandipetta in Kozhikode provides some relief to people in the summer heat. (Photo: Venugopal) Kannur/Palakkad/Thiruvananthapuram: Two persons--a man in his 50s and an elderly woman--have succumbed to sunstroke in Kerala as the southern state grapples with severe heat conditions, disrupting daily life, officials said on Sunday. Heat-related fatalities were reported in the north Kerala districts of Kannur and Palakkad. As Kerala battles severe heat, the meteorological department has issued a maximum temperature warning for 12 districts for the upcoming five days. In response to the escalating temperatures affecting everyday life, the Women and Child Development Department has opted to suspend preschool activities in anganwadis in the state for a week. A Palakkad district health official stated that the 90-year-old woman was found dead in a canal in Elappully village on Sunday. The woman, a dementia patient, had suffered a sunstroke after venturing out of her home. Her post-mortem revealed burn injuries on her body which confirmed the sunstroke, the health official said. Last week, a man was found dead with burn injuries in the district, the official added, advising people not to step out of their homes between 11 am and 3 pm. A health official in Kannur district said a 53-year-old man who was being treated at a private hospital for sunstroke died in the early hours of Sunday. The man, originally from nearby Mahe, had suffered from sunstroke while involved in digging a well in the Pallur area near Chokli on April 26, the official said. He had symptoms of breathlessness and was immediately taken to a primary health center and later shifted to another hospital in Kannur. His condition worsened on Sunday morning and he died. Although there were no burn injuries on his body, he had other symptoms of sunstroke. The official confirmed that the case is being treated as a sunstroke-related incident. According to the IMD and the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, there's a possibility of a heatwave in certain areas in Kollam, Palakkad, and Thrissur districts. Maximum temperatures are very likely to be around 41C in the Palakkad district, around 40C in Kollam & Thrissur districts, around 38 degree C in Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Kozhikode & Kannur districts, and around 37 degree C in Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Malappuram & Kasaragod districts, and around 36 degree C in Thiruvananthapuram district (3 to 5C above normal) during April 28th to May 2nd, 2024, the weather agencies said. These districts are expected to experience hot and humid weather conditions, excluding hilly areas, from April 28th to May 2nd, due to elevated temperatures and humidity levels, they added. Additionally, there is a likelihood of heatwave conditions occurring in one or two locations within Kollam, Palakkad, and Thrissur districts specifically on April 28th and 29th, the agencies added.

Sunstroke claims 2 lives; heatwave alert in Palakkad, Thrissur, Kollam

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM/KOCHI: The punishing heat, which is keeping Kerala on its toes, is likely to continue for the rest of the week. Two persons died of sunstroke in Palakkad and Kannur over the past two days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heatwave alert in Palakkad, Thrissur and Kollam on Monday based on the persistent high temperature in these districts. While Palakkad where heatwave conditions prevail remained the hottest place in the state with the maximum temperature hovering above 41Celsius, mercury levels are expected to cross 40Celsius in Thrissur and Kollam. According to the forecast, the maximum temperature in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Kozhikode and Kannur will be 38Celsius, and 37Celsius in Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Malappuram and Kasaragod districts till May 2. In Thiruvananthapuram district, the temperature can reach up to 36Celsius. According to the IMD, the maximum temperature in these districts are 3-5Celsius higher than normal. Meanwhile, the sweltering heat is taking a toll on people as a 90-year-old woman died due to heatstroke in Palakkad on Saturday. Paramedu Nallambarikkal Lakshmi, a resident of Elappully, was found lying unconscious in the Aliyar canal on Saturday evening with sunburn marks on her body. The postmortem examination on Sunday confirmed heatstroke as the cause of death. In another incident, U M Vishwanathan, a 53-year-old resident of Pandakkal in Mahe, who was under treatment at a private hospital in Kannur after suffering sunstroke, died on Sunday morning. Vishwanathan reportedly suffered sunstroke while digging a well in a field at Nedubram. On Sunday, Kottayam reported a record-breaking maximum temperature of 38.5Celsius, the highest ever in April for the district. Similarly, Alappuzha matched its highest maximum temperature for April since 1987, hitting 38Celsius, the Met department said. The exacerbation of heatwave and heatstroke conditions can be attributed to the combined effects of anthropogenic global warming and heightened urbanisation, said Dr S Abhilash, director, the Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research, Cusat. Pre-school activities in anganwadis suspended Express News Service @Thiruvananthapuram/Kochi Kerala is currently experiencing rapid and extensive urbanisation, which may significantly contribute to the exacerbation of the severe and unusual heat conditions in the region, Abhilash said. The maximum temperature in Palakkad has risen over 5Celsius above the normal temperature, in the past three days. Hot and uncomfortable weather is very likely over Kerala, excluding hilly areas, with the maximum temperature likely to surpass the 95th percentile of climatological values in certain locations during the next 24 hours. Relative humidity in the range 55-65%, particularly in coastal and interior areas, further contributes to the discomfort caused by high temperatures and humidity, said the IMD. As per weather experts, the hot and dry condition is likely to continue for a week in northern Kerala, while the southern districts may receive isolated rain. It was on Friday that the MET department confirmed the heatwave condition in Palakkad district, though there were alerts earlier. Districts such as Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur, Kollam and Kasaragod are also expected to experience a temperature 2-5.5Celsius above the normal. The IMD recorded 41.8Celsius which was just 0.1Celsius less than the all-time high of 41.9Celsius recorded in 2016 in Palakkad on Saturday. Meanwhile, the women and child development department has decided to suspend pre-school activities in anganwadis in the state for a week due to high temperature. Other functions of the anganwadis will continue as usual and children will be delivered supplementary nutrition at home during the period, said the statement. (With bureau inputs)

Kerala: Response dull, government extends IT corridor project interest deadline

KOCHI: The government has extended to May 31 the deadline to submit Expressions of Interest (EoIs) for its ambitious plan to set up four IT corridors and 20 satellite IT hubs. The earlier deadline was February 2. The Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Ltd (KSITIL) extended the deadline after just five firms showed interest in the project. Sources said the key criteria requiring companies to purchase land for building the IT infrastructure seemingly acted as the dampener. The KSITIL floated the EoI in January, inviting investors, developers and tech firms to invest and develop IT infrastructure. Being the land bank for IT/ITeS development in the state, KSITIL was designated the special purpose vehicle (SPV) for the project. Accordingly, KSITIL identified 76 land parcels totalling 5,000 acres for the four proposed IT corridors: Technopark Phase III to Kollam (corridor 1), Cherthala to Ernakulam (corridor 2), Ernakulam to Koratty (corridor 3) and Kozhikode to Kannur (corridor 4). The proposed corridors run parallel to the NH 66 which is being widened to four lanes. Sources said the firms lack of interest in the project seemingly stems from the governments stipulation that investors buy land and build infrastructure, a deviation from the normal practice of the government buying land and making it available to investors. The cost of land along the NH is steep. Buying a parcel of land measuring 15 to 25 acres will set an investor back by Rs150 crore to Rs200 crore. They will then have to spend extra on constructing buildings, explained a source. The good news is that the five firms that submitted EoIs meet all prerequisites, but the government has to take the final call on their eligibility. Such a project takes years to complete and hence, the investor needs to possess a very good track record of meeting deadlines, said the source. On why the usual method was not followed, the source said land acquisition takes time as several rules and regulations have to be followed. However, land owners prefer sale to lease. They might even consider having a share in the project, the source said. Should the response remain unenthusiastic, the government might consider the next method that involves providing basic facilities. It is speculated the state government opted to make purchasing land a criteria for companies owing to the states financial crisis.

Call gets louder for temporary fire station in Kozhikode city

The redeployment of rescue personnel from Kozhikode Beach station to other locations for building renovation has affected the pace of service delivery

IMD warns of prolonged heatwave in Kerala; temperatures 5 degrees Celsius above normal in Palakkad

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: IMD forecasts that Palakkad's unusual temperature will persist for the next 24 hours due to ongoing heatwave conditions. The district has remained the hottest place in Kerala, throughout April. In the last three days, the maximum temperature in Palakkad has risen over 5 degrees Celsius above the normal temperature. Hot and uncomfortable weather is very likely over Kerala, excluding hilly areas, with the maximum temperature likely to surpass the 95th percentile of climatological values in certain locations during the next 24 hours. Relative humidity in the range 55-65%, particularly in coastal and interior areas, further contributing to the discomfort caused by high temperatures and humidity, said IMD. According to weather experts, the hot and dry condition is likely to continue for a week in Northern Kerala, while the Southern districts are expected to receive isolated rainfall. It was only on Friday that the Met Department confirmed the heatwave condition in the district, though there were alerts earlier. Apart from Palakkad, the districts such as Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur, Kollam and Kasaragod are expected to have 2 to 5.5 degrees Celsius above the normal temperature. The IMD recorded 41.8 degrees Celsius, which was just 0.1 degree Celsius less than the all-time high of 41.9 degrees Celsius, in Palakkad on Saturday.

Auto driver hacked to death in Kerala`s Kozhikode

The victim has been identified as Sreekanth (47)

Auto rickshaw driver brutally murdered in Kozhikode, Kerala

Auto rickshaw driver brutally murdered in Kozhikode, Kerala An auto driver was allegedly hacked to death here on Sunday, the police said. The victim has been identified as Sreekanth (47). According to the police, the incident occurred under the Vellayil police station limit at around 5.30 am. Sreekanth is an accused in a murder case, they said. Launching an investigation into the incident, the police said that at present, no one is in custody, and CCTV visuals are being examined to identify the accused.

Delayed polling sparks controversy in Kerala's Vadakara

KOZHIKODE: Though the polling has been completed in the state, the Vadakara Lok Sabha constituency continues to be under the radar of controversies. The last vote was cast in booth no 141, Muduppilavil LP School in Kuttiady of Vadakara constituency at 11.43pm. The delay was widely visible in majority of other polling booths in the constituency leading to another political battle here. Apart from booth no 141, other polling booths in Kuttiady, including 49, 50, 52, 88, 116, 119, 142 and 154, had long queues even after 10.30pm. Local leaders and booth agents allege that unwanted restrictions and delay in voting confirmation in the EVMs led to the late night polling. Over 500 people, including women with toddlers, were waiting outside the polling booth at Muduppilavil LP School after 6pm. There were 1,455 voters in this booth and it took more than a minute for a voter to complete the polling process. Officials failed to make necessary arrangements to accommodate these many voters. The polling officials prolonged verification of open votes also led to the delay, said Chovvayil Shaiju, who spent over five hours in the queue outside the booth. Kerala LS polls: 98 cases registered for spreading canards Booth agents allege that polling became slower after the presiding officials received instructions from Kozhikode District Collector Snehil Kumar Singh, who is also the district election officer, to be more vigilant when allowing open votes. The order came after presiding officers at polling stations 61 and 162 in Nadapuram assembly segment were replaced due to lapses in their performances. Vadakara returning officer Ajeesh K told TNIE that booth no 141 experienced much delay compared to other stations. Polling officials were already informed to be vigilant while verifying the companion votes to avoid unwanted confusions. However, while examining the CCTV visuals, it was noted that presiding officers at Muduppilavil LP School booth took more time compared to other booths in Vadakara. We are currently looking into the matter, said Ajeesh. However, the political leaderships in Vadakara have come forward with accusations against the Election Commission and rival parties for the delay. Both LDF and UDF have raised the concern of people leaving the booth without being able to vote. LDF candidate K K Shailaja told TNIE, I had raised the issue with the polling officials during my visit to the booths in the morning. There was a dispute over open vote which disrupted polling at some places. I feel that the slow confirmation of vote in the EVM caused the delay. Morphed video row: Shafi demands apology from Shailaja, sends notice Meanwhile, UDF candidate Shafi Parambil said UDF was collecting details from booths across the constituency to check whether there was a pattern in the delay. Our party functionaries at the grass-root level have complained that the delay was deliberate and was particularly reported in UDF strongholds. We have entrusted the election committee to verify the same. At various places, people had to return without voting. Authorities should have taken steps to avoid such instances, said Shafi told TNIE. At the same time, the BJP leadership has blamed the district administration for the delay. During a press meet in Kozhikode, NDA candidate M T Ramesh alleged that the unwanted restrictions from the district administration and polling officials led to the delay. However, the CPM claims that the UDF utilised the delay to conduct bogus voting in several parts of Nadapuram assembly segment. The LDF alleged that UDF carried out two bogus voting at booth no 84 in Vanimel after taking the polling officials as hostages. LDF Vadakara constituency secretary Valson Panoli has filed a complaint with the Chief Election Officer on the incident. Chaotic process Last vote cast in booth no 141, Muduppilavil LP School in Kuttiady of Vadakara, at 11.43pm Local leaders & booth agents allege that unwanted restrictions and delay in voting confirmation in the EVMs led to the delay The delay also caused violent clashes between UDF and LDF workers in the constituency Kerala LS polls: Congress moves election panel with a slew of complaints

Kerala: CPM secretariat to meet tomorrow to discuss post-election scenario in state

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPM state secretariat to be held on Monday will discuss the post-poll scenario, the election campaigning and polling in the state. The CPM state leadership has dismissed the analysis based on the differences in the polling percentage as unscientific given the changed political scenario. Throughout the campaign, the party highlighted the issue of Hindutva agenda put forth by the RSS-BJP, and the Congress soft Hindutva stand. The issues would definitely reflect in the voting pattern, the party feels. We were able to poll all our votes. Both our political and organisational votes have been cast. We think the LDF would register a historic win in this parliamentary election, CPM state secretary M V Govindan told TNIE. According to CPMs primary analysis, the low polling percentage was recorded in constituencies that are considered pro-UDF traditionally. The leadership also thinks that compared to the last parliament election, the low polling percentage indicates that there was no specific wave in favour of the opposition. However, the CPM also believes that in IUML strongholds the Leagues votes had been polled. The CPM is also keenly watching the cold response noticed in some areas where the BJP has a considerable vote base. It is learned that in Kozhikode RSS activists had asked voters to cast their votes in favour of the UDF candidate, said a CPM leader. Though the party leadership tried to downplay the issue of E P Jayarajan meeting BJP Kerala Prabhari Prakash Javadekar in the presence of middleman Nandakumar, the CPM secretariat will discuss it. There is dissatisfaction among workers against Jayarajan. The way he chose to come out in public about his meeting with the BJP leader at the start of polling day has not gone down well with the leadership.

IUML leader Sadiq Ali Thangal advocates for Sunni unity in Kerala

KOZHIKODE: IUML state president Panakkad Syed Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangals efforts to emerge as the acceptable leader of all Muslim groups in Kerala got a boost when he arrived for the inauguration of the Taibah Centre, the headquarters of the Kerala Samsthana Jem-Iyyathul Ulama here on Saturday. Samsthana (as the organisation is popularly known) is a splinter group of Sunnis that split away from the Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama in 1967. Under the leadership of K K Sadaqathulla Moulavi, a group walked out of Samastha over a dispute on the use of mike at mosques. Since then, Samsthana has been functioning as an independent organisation and is currently led by Moulana Najeeb Moulavi, who is its general secretary. At the inaugural function held at Varakkal in Kozhikode, Sadiq Ali Thangal was hailed as Syedul Umma (leader of the community). In his address, Thangal reminded the community about the importance of staying united. We need to introspect on this aspect. It may not be possible to desist from working in different organisations. But we must ensure that this doesnt lead to disruption of unity or mutual accusations, he said. There may be differences of opinion among us, but we can think about spiritual unity even while maintaining the differences. We should examine whether material considerations outweigh our spiritual leanings, Thangal said, adding that mutual competition among organisations distracts attention from the need for unity. He ended the speech by stressing the need to move forward in the path of unity. The organisers claimed that the occasion became a call for Sunni unity. Representatives of various Sunni organisations such as Dakshina Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama, Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama and the Kanthapuram group of Sunnis were present at the inaugural function and at the book release held later in the afternoon. It may be recalled that Sadiq Ali Thangal has been projecting himself as the leader acceptable to all sections in the community ever since he came at the helm of the IUML. He had participated in the programmes of the Mujahids and Jamaat-e-Islami, overriding the objections of Samastha. His participation in these programmes was a major bone of contention with Samastha. The Sunni unity move under Thangal is important in another respect too. There is a perception that Samastha president Syed Muhammad Jiffiri Muthukoya Thangal and rival Sunni leader Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musaliyar were developing a cozy relationship recently. The IUML has an apprehension that this may lead to a consolidation of Sunnis, which will be against the interest of the party. Of late, the antagonism between the AP and EK factions of the Sunnis has waned considerably, especially in the context of the continuing IUML-Samastha spat. There is a feeling in the IUML that the polarisation among the Sunnis as envisaged by Jiffiri Thangal and Kanthapuram will be detrimental to the party in the long run. Sadiq Ali Thangals initiative for a different kind of Sunni unity assumes importance from this angle.

Kozhikode records 75.52% polling; Vadakararegisters 78.41%

As many as 20,28,524 people including 9,53,731 men, 10,74,777 women, and 16 transgenderscast votes in the district; hundreds of voters wait inside stations even after 6 p.m.

One killed as tourist bus overturns in Kozhikode

One dead, 13 injured in tourist bus accident in Kerala

KOZHIKODE: One person was killed and 13 others injured when a tourist bus lost control and turned turtle in this district early on Saturday, police said. The incident occurred when the bus was proceeding to Udupi in neighbouring Karnataka from Thiruvananthapuram. The driver might have dozed off at the wheel. It was a slope and the bus went down after losing control, a police officer said. The deceased man got trapped beneath the vehicle and his life could not be saved though he was rushed to a nearby hospital, they added.

Vizag Petrol Bunks Licence Suspended for Code Violation

Rush witnessed at the Supplyco petrol pump in Kozhikode due to the unavailability of petrol at various petrol bunks in the city on Monday. (Photo: DC) Rush witnessed at the Supplyco petrol pump in Kozhikode due to the unavailability of petrol at various petrol bunks in the city on Monday. (Photo: DC) Visakhapatnam: The licence of Burfani Petroleum Products, owned by Reliance and located near NAD Kotha Road Junction in Visakhapatnam, has been temporarily suspended by election officials on charges of violating the election code. According to a statement issued by joint collector K. Mayur Ashok on Friday, the district flying squad raided the petrol station on April 19 after receiving complaints that the management is supplying fuel to motor vehicles using coupons issued by political parties. Upon inquiry, the staff at the petrol station revealed that they have provided petrol to 860 motorists after collecting coupons given by supporters of the contesting candidate from Visakhapatnam West assembly constituency. The joint collector called on all political parties and petrol station managements to refrain from such practices, as it amounts to violation of the model code of conduct.

Kerala LS polls: 98 cases registered for spreading canards

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state cyber police wing has registered 98 cases during the Lok Sabha poll campaign in connection with generation and circulation of fake and libelous content via social media and cyber platforms. The cases were registered on various charges, including spreading canards against EVMs, Election Commission, candidates and the whole election procedure, sources told TNIE. The most number of cases were registered under Kozhikode rural police limit. As many as 17 cases were registered in the rural district against LDF and UDF workers based on complaints filed by UDFs Shafi Parambil and LDFs K K Shailaja, who are pitted in a neck-to-neck contest in Vadakara. Both the candidates had alleged that they were subjected to cyber harassment by their opponents. The allegation and counter-allegation on cyber harassment had augmented the intensity of the contest in the politically-sensitive constituency. The social media monitoring related to the polls was launched by the cyber wing after the Election Commission issued a notification for the elections on March 16.

Treasures from yesteryear elections to find a common roof

KOCHI: Jithinam Radhakrishnans antique collection is quite Freudian. Sigmund Freud was also a great collector of antiques rings, neolithic tools, Sumerian seals, precious stones, Pompeiian amulets and pagan idols. The collection was smuggled into London away from the Nazi hands when they came to get Freud. It now rests undisturbed at a London museum space, as a testimony to what Freud himself said: I love reading about archaeology more than psychoanalysis. Radhakrishnan too wants such a space to show the 48 years of his work, travelling from place to place, meeting people and collecting whatever had a hint of the past. He was a banker, and that gave him some time to get around after work hours. The frequent transfers that are part of this job were an excuse for him to get to places and find history asleep. I love travelling. And the job gave me that chance. So, I visited old illams, which are storehouses of antiquity. And libraries, where information lies stacked. I also had a good network of people who collected similar items, Radhakrishnan, now retired and 66, says. A lot was collected from his surroundings too; his family being traders who worked with weights. The weights of those days were different. I have a collection of the different kinds of weights used for weighing objects as well as liquids. These used to vary from places, indicating the diversity of daily life. In this midst, a place of pride goes to the objects that are throwbacks to the election periods in the states history. The different pamphlets that form election literature were collected by him over decades, throwing a glimpse into how propaganda was done before. Voter slips were unheard of and instead were letters that bore the symbol of the candidate and a plea to the voters. Announcements were made through a megaphone, which is a conical-shaped metal sheet that doubles up as a loudspeaker. I got the piece from a scrap dealer in Malappuram. It seems a veteran, with many years of election-time announcement as its claim to fame, Radhakrishnan says. There was also a model ballot, which had an array of symbols under which the elections were fought. Most of them are not to be seen now like a farmer with a yoke, wheel, coconut tree, ladder, two leaves, weighing machine, etc. Everything was printed and displayed in black and white; there was no colour. Yet the variety and the art were striking. Now, we have popular symbols that have evolved after several churns within the party or the Front now in the fray, he says. Voting too has seen a sea of change, not just with ballot papers being replaced by EVMs. Each of the candidates had their own ballot boxes unlike now. I have a set of seals with which the ballot paper had to be sealed, Radhakrishnan says. The former banker, now settled in Kozhikode, is forging deeper friendships with fellow collectors and forming antique clubs where the members would get together from time to time to exchange collectables as well as to team up for activities. Now with the 2024 elections too over, he has added more to his collection, all of which will form the history that he plans to hand over to posterity. Now, all the objects I have collected are kept in 13 different homes of relatives. I plan to make a museum space where I can display all these, Radhakrishnan says.

Pinarayi admonishes LDF convenor for meeting BJPs Javadekar

KOZHIKODE : The CPM, which has been branding the Congress as the recruiting ground for the BJP throughout the election campaign, received a rude jolt on polling day with all the discussions zeroing in on LDF convenor E P Jayarajans meeting with BJPs Kerala prabhari Prakash Javadekar. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan did not hide his displeasure over the embarrassing turn of events. Speaking to reporters after casting his vote in Pinarayi on Friday, he said there was lack of vigil on the part of Jayarajan. Everyone knows the nature of Jayarajan who does not exercise discretion while establishing friendship. If Lord Shiva joins hands with a sinner, Shiva himself will become a sinner, he said, quoting an adage. Indirectly referring to controversial power broker Nandakumar, Pinarayi said, there are certain persons who start pondering from the moment they get up from the bed every morning as to whom they should victimise that day. We should keep a distance from such people. Our experience is that Jayarajan usually does not show vigil in these things, he said. Pinarayi said a person, who is in the shadow of suspicion in Kerala, got a chance to be a witness (to the meeting between Jayarajan and Javadekar). There are people who will stoop to any level to make money. Such persons will not hesitate to present arguments according to their needs. There should not have been close ties with such people, he said. CPM state secretary M V Govindan dubbed the entire episode as conspiracy against the Communist government. He said there were many attempts against the CPM, the government and the chief minister. Such controversies will last only till the elections are over, he said. CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury said the party leaders in Kerala have responded to the issue and he has nothing more to add. Meanwhile, Jayarajan said Javadekar had visited him at his sons flat at Akkulam in Thiruvananthapuram. Javadekar came to the flat unexpectedly. When asked he said it was only a casual visit. I left the scene saying I have a meeting when he started speaking politics, he said, adding he did not know whether the BJP leader had any other intentions. Jayarajan admitted that Nandakumar came along with him.

Kerala sees delayed polls, low voter turnout amid scorching heat, 8 people die

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a Lok Sabha election marred by an uncharacteristic delay of more than five hours, with polling extending well beyond the scheduled time, Kerala on Friday recorded a turnout of 70.35% over 7 percentage points lower than the 2019 polls. The delay led to many voters returning without exercising their franchise. The comparatively low turnout has ignited hopes for the Left while the UDF has approached the Election Commission alleging the absence of free and fair elections. Meanwhile, eight persons collapsed and died due to extreme heat and exhaustion in Palakkad, Alappuzha, Kozhikode and Malappuram districts. Lok Sabha polls 2024 | Phase 2: Brisk voter turnout in Kerala Braving the blistering heat, voters turned out in large numbers in the initial hours, thus recording brisk polling in almost all places, except in constituencies like Ponnani and Malappuram. The initial enthusiasm wore off by afternoon as voting slowly declined in southern and central districts. However, the northern districts witnessed huge voter turnout in the evening hours with serpentine queues in many polling booths. Widespread incidents of malfunctioning EVMs reported in several places in Pathanamthitta, where authorities had to replace 40 machines. Polling was held peacefully across the state, with no major incidents of violence. As the polling continued in about 200 booths in northern Kerala even after 10pm, the final poll percentage is likely to go up. Polling was delayed in many booths in Kannur, Vadakara, Kozhikode, Malappuram and Alathur. At 10pm, 2,091 out of 2,248 booths in Kannur had completed the voting process while polling was still on at 157 booths. In Vadakara polling was completed in 1,191 of the 1,206 booths by 10pm. Vadakara, which is witnessing one of the biggest political fights, began with slow polling in the initial hours and picked up by afternoon. Turnout 70.35% - (2024) 77.84% - 2019 73.94% - 2014 Polling remained mostly peaceful despite fierce contests in several constituencies Malfunctioning of EVMs reported in several booths, causing delay in the voting process 75.74% - Highest voter turnout in Kannur 63.35% - Lowest turnout in Pathanamthitta Northern districts witnessed huge voter turnout in the evening hours with serpentine queues at many polling booths As polling continued in about 200 booths in northern Kerala even after 10 pm, the final poll percentage is likely to go up Counting on June 4 At 8pm the Vadakara constituency recorded 73.36% polling. The delay in voting in many booths in Vadakara has led to apprehensions in UDF camps as they suspect an attempt to sabotage. Meanwhile, in Attingal poll percentage remained high right from the beginning. The constituency recorded 69.40% turnout by 8pm. Pathanamthitta recorded the lowest voter turnout of 63.35% in the state. While Ponnani recorded 67.93% polling, another Muslim League stronghold Malappuram recorded 71.68% by 8pm. The state capital of Thiruvananthapuram, which usually marks low voter turnout, recorded 66.43% polling. The Congress strongholds of Idukki (66.39%) and Ernakulam (68.10%) too recorded low turnout. Amid concerns of sweltering heat bringing down the turnout, eight persons collapsed and died on the day. An elderly voter died after exercising his franchise at Ambalappuzha in Alappuzha, while three men died in similar circumstances in Palakkad. As the district recorded a temperature of 41.4 degrees Celsius on Friday, the district administration arranged basic amenities, including drinking water and waiting shelters, for the voters at the polling stations. In Kozhikode, a polling agent and two voters collapsed and died in the intense heat. In Malappuram, a voter died after reaching home. Elections 2024: 21 states, UTs set for polling in phase one; 102 LS seats in fray

Slow proceedings amid heavy turnout irks voters

Deployment of inexperienced officials cited as a major reason for delayed proceedings at several polling stations in Kozhikode

Robust Voter Turnout Marks Second Phase of Indian Parliamentary Elections

Robust Voter Turnout Marks Second Phase of Indian Parliamentary Elections Over 63 per cent polling was reported in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections covering 88 seats across 13 states amid few complaints of EVM glitches and bogus voting in some states. Voters in some villages of Uttar Pradesh's Mathura, Rajasthan's Banswara and Maharashtra's Parbhani were boycotting the polls over various issues but were later persuaded by authorities to cast their franchise. Polling for the second stage of the seven-phase elections started at 7 am and ended at 6 pm. Several states experienced intense heat conditions. The first phase of polling was held on April 19 in 102 seats across 21 states and Union territories. The Election Commission (EC) said polling remained largely peaceful. The tentative figure at 8 pm of voter turnout was 63.50 per cent. It is likely to go upwards when reports from all polling stations are obtained, the EC said, adding voters reaching polling stations till the end of polling hour are allowed to cast their vote. The National Democratic alliance (NDA) under Prime Minister Modi is seeking a stronger majority for a third consecutive term, while the constituents of the opposition INDIA bloc are hoping for a rebound after facing reverses in the 2014 and 2019 elections. Election Commission data showed the highest voting percentage was recorded in Tripura which registered 79.46 per cent polling, followed by Manipur at 77.32 while the turnout was in Uttar Pradesh at 54.85 per cent and Bihar 55.08 per cent. Polling was held in all 20 seats of Kerala, 14 of the 28 seats in Karnataka, 13 seats in Rajasthan, 8 seats each in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, 6 seats in Madhya Pradesh, 5 seats each in Assam and Bihar, 3 seats each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, and 1 seat each in Manipur, Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and actor-turned-politician Arun Govil, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's brother DK Suresh (Cong), and former Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy (JDS) are among the key candidates while BJP's Hema Malini, Om Birla and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat seeking a hat-trick of wins from their respective constituencies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the morning urged people to cast their votes in record numbers and said a high voter turnout strengthens democracy. Stressing on the importance of each vote, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi issued impassioned appeals asking people to step out and exercise their franchise in the second phase of the Lok Sabha election. After the end of polling, Modi in a tweet said, ''Phase Two has been too good! Gratitude to the people across India who have voted today. The unparalleled support for NDA is going to disappoint the Opposition even more. Voters want NDA's good governance. Youth and women voters are powering the strong NDA support.'' In Kerala, the turnout was 65.91 per cent. The election process, held amid tight security arrangements, was primarily incident free except for instances of bogus voting and breakdowns of electronic voting machines (EVMs) being reported in some booths of the state. Such incidents resulted in delaying the polling process in the affected booths. One person each reportedly died at Palakkad, Alappuzha and Malappuram after casting their vote and a polling agent died after collapsing at a booth in Kozhikode. Tripura East Lok Sabha constituency recorded a turnout of 79.46 per cent. Election officials said there were some complaints from a few booths but those were ''promptly addressed''. A jawan of the Madhya Pradesh Special Armed Force deployed on poll duty allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself with his service rifle at a government school where he was stationed in Gariaband district under the Mahasamund seat in Chhattisgarh, where a voter turnout of 73.62 per cent was recorded. A polling booth at Sivni village in Balod district (Kanker seat) was decorated like a wedding 'mandap', with a display of rituals of traditional weddings. Several brides and grooms, dressed in their wedding finery, cast their votes at several polling booths. The EC said people from 46 villages in Bastar and Kanker seats cast their votes in a polling booth set up in their own village for the first time in a Lok Sabha election. In neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, there was a turnout of 57.88 per cent. An estimated 71.11 per cent of the 77,26,668 voters exercised their franchise in the five parliamentary constituencies of Assam that went to polls in this phase. In restive Manipur, where polling is being held under high presence of security personnel, the turnout was a significantly high 77.32 per cent. There were reports of intimidation by suspected militants, altercation between Congress workers and NPF supporters and damage of EVM at a polling station in the Tangkhul Naga-dominated hill district. At KK Leishi Phanit polling station in Ukhrul, irate voters destroyed an EVM and other items after alleged disturbances by armed miscreants. The overall voting percentage in Karnataka was 68.30. A case was booked against BJP MP and Bangalore South Candidate Tejasvi Surya for allegedly posting a video on a social media platform and soliciting votes on the grounds of religion, the Election Commission said. Another BJP leader CT Ravi was booked for allegedly promoting hatred and enmity between citizens through his social media post. Various restaurants in Bangalore were offering free dosas, laddu, coffee and other food items at discounted rates to customers who cast their vote. A private hospital assisted 41 inpatients cast their vote with the help of city civic body Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). Green corridors were created for the ambulances across constituencies to ensure easy, hassle-free voting. Some EVMs were destroyed at a polling station in Indiganatha village in Chamarajanagara district of Karnataka during a clash between two groups of people over whether to vote or not. Officials said an FIR is being filed the Election Commission will take a call after getting a detailed report. A voter turnout of 57.83 per cent was recorded in eight constituencies in Maharashtra, while in Rajasthan, the turnout was 64.07 per cent. Incidents of confrontation between the supporters of the Congress candidate and an independent candidate were reported at a couple of places during polling in Barmer-Jaisalmer Lok Sabha constituency of Rajasthan. Police said they were looking into the complaints besides some about fake voting from some places. The by-election for the Bagidora assembly constituency in Banswara district was also held simultaneously on Friday and 76.66 per cent voting took place. A voter turnout of 54.85 per cent was recorded in the eight parliamentary constituencies of Uttar Pradesh. Senior citizens dominated the early hours of voting in Noida in the Gautam Buddh Nagar constituency. Some residents' welfare associations made arrangements for electric vehicles to ferry voters to and from the polling booths. In Bihar, the turnout was 55.08 per cent, 71.84 per cent in in West Bengal and 71.91 per cent in Jammu and Kashmir. The Lok Sabha polls are the first major electoral battle in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into Union territories -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh -- on August 5, 2019. The Election Commission registered nearly 300 complaints in West Bengal, mostly related to EVM malfunctioning. After Friday's phase, polling is over in Kerala, Rajasthan and Tripura. In the first phase on April 19, polling was completed in all seats of Tamil Nadu (39), Uttarakhand (5), Arunachal Pradesh (2), Meghalaya (2), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1), Mizoram (1), Nagaland (1), Puducherry (1), Sikkim (1) and Lakshadweep (1). The third phase of elections for 94 seats across 12 states and Union territories will be held on May 7. Counting will be done on June 4.

Lok Sabha polls: Kerala BJP Chief K Surendran casts vote in Kozhikode

The News Mill

Will block unholy alliance between BJP & CPM: Congress' K Muraleedharan

Will block unholy alliance between BJP & CPM: Congress' K Muraleedharan Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency candidate K Muraleedharan on Friday cast his vote at Jawahar Nagar LP School in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala and said that the Congress will block unholy alliance between BJP & CPM in the state. While speaking to the reporters, K Muraleedharan said that the party will win all the seats in the state. We are going to win all 20 seats in Kerala. Unfortunately, there is a deal between CPM and BJP in Kerala. The news has come out that EP Jayarajan (LDF convener) met BJP leader Prakash Javadekar. Their link is clear. We will win but we will block an unholy alliance between BJP & CPM in Kerala. Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency, where high-profile candidates are in the fray this time, is going to witness a fierce triangular contest between BJP, Congress, and the CPI. Congress has fielded K Muraleedharan, son of late Congress doyen K Karunakaran whose pocket borough was once Thrissur, the ruling Left Democratic Front nominated former Agriculture Minister in the previous LDF government in the state, VS Sunilkumar. The constituency, where both Congress-led UDF and CPM-led LDF interchangeably won multiple times in the past seven decades, is currently held by Congress. All 20 seats will vote in the second phase in Kerala. These include Kasaragod, Kannur, Vatakara, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Ponnani, Palakkad, Alathur, Thrissur, Chalakudy, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Mavelikkara, Pathanamthitta, Kollam, Attingal, and Thiruvananthapuram. The second phase has 88 Lok Sabha constituencies across 13 States/Union Territory including 13 in Rajasthan, 20 in Kerala, eight in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, five each in Assam and Bihar, six in Madhya Pradesh, three each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, and one each in Tripura, Manipur, and Jammu & Kashmir According to the ECI, over 15.88 crore voters will be voting in the second phase which includes 8.08 crore male electors, 7.8 crore female electors, and 5929 third-gender electors. A total of 4553 flying squads, 5731 static surveillance teams, 1462 video surveillance teams and 844 video viewing teams are keeping surveillance round the clock to strictly and swiftly deal with any form of inducement of voters across the 1.67 lakh polling stations, as per the ECI press note. (ANI)

A journey through time: Kozhikodes personal election museum

Vikas treasures an antique ballot box once belonging to his grandfather, a dedicated Congress party worker. The post A journey through time: Kozhikodes personal election museum appeared first on Fusion - WeRIndia .

Dawn of Democracy

KOCHI: In October 1951, a newly independent India embarked on its most ambitious project yet its first general elections. Spread over four months, the elections, conducted in 68 phases and with 1,949 candidates in the fray, was the biggest democratic exercise ever undertaken. It was a sight to behold, says writer and critic M K Sanoo, who had exercised his franchise in the polls. The Kerala we know today was not formed yet. There was Thiru-Kochi and Madras, recalls the noted writer. He was 26 then. The minimum age to vote was 21. It was the first election after the adoption of our Constitution. A majority of the people were illiterate. I remember, there was a person in the booth helping everyone vote, especially those who couldnt read or write. The vote went into boxes adorned with each partys symbols. One box for one party, and that is how one identified the candidate, he adds. Forget colour prints and mics, there were not even proper roads back then. Electricity was also rare. So lets not even think about advertisements, 24x7 news channels or social media like now, Sanoo laughs. But it was the first time everyone got a chance to vote. Though Travancore had gone to the polls a few years ago, casting the vote was limited to only a few. Pattom A Thanupilla was elected as the Prime Minister of Travancore in 1948, only to resign three months later. The campaigning though, Sanoo adds, was always a collective event. Public meetings, speeches, visiting house after house all these were common. And so too were skirmishes between the parties, he says. Sanoo Mash, as he is popularly known, was a regular figure at public meetings. I used to give speeches for the Communist Party of India. Historian Malayankeesh Gopalakrishnan was around four years old when India first went to the polls. According to him, the campaigning largely revolved around public processions, speeches (often without a loudspeaker), and house visits of candidates (sometimes on bullock carts). courtesy: I&PRD Kerala government Flags planted atop areca nut trees too were a regular sight. We had notices and wall paintings. However, none were as colourful as today, Gopalakrishnan says. This was the election that saw the first woman MP getting elected from the region. Annie Mascarene contested as an independent candidate and won with a huge margin. Since CPI was not contesting here, a lot of Left supporters apparently voted for her, he says. Another interesting tidbit is that Nagercoil was a constituency in Thiru-Kochi. Gopalakrishnan also remembers tales of women voting. See, it was just a few years after independence and poverty was rampant. So was the lack of availability of clothes. So, women of an area used to vote in stages. The first group will go vote and come back, then the next group will borrow their clothes and vote. This will continue till everyone voted, he recalls. The fervour for voting was relatively high in Travancore. People had been waiting for a chance. This was the first time everyone was allowed exercise their franchise. For, in British India and later independent Travancore, voting was reserved for the rich and the upper caste, Gopalakrishnan points out. Veteran journalist Joseph Maliakans father was a candidate in the 1951-52 election. He was a candidate of the Praja Socialist Party. I still remember stories of my father contesting. The remnants of his campaign remained on the walls of the area for a long time, says Joseph. Though elections meant an air thick with campaign fervour, there was not much noise, recalls Vattapparambil Peethambaran. No house visits too. There would be meetings organised at junctions where candidates would assemble and speak to small crowds, says the Malayalam teacher and writer, now 87. Electioneering used to be done using a megaphone that did not need electricity. There used to be drum beats preceding such announcements, says Jithinam Radhakrishnan, a collector of election antiques who shares details about these keepsakes on WhatsApp. The megaphone was used mostly at night for announcements, says K P Sadu, technical assistant at the Department of Archaeology. The residential areas were not as thickly populated as now. There used to be a lot of vacant spaces and so, the sound from the megaphone would travel far and wide. Back in Kochi, which joined Travancore in 1949, the election was held in full vigour. Rallies, speeches, announcements on cycles, bullock carts adorned with flags it was relatively colourful, recalls 82-year-old Krishnabalan Paliath, former manager of Paliam Eswara Sewa Trust. Krishnabalans father was a staunch supporter and member of the Congress party. Somehow, even with the lack of roads, electricity and technology, candidates visited almost every house, he says. He also vividly remembers the lightbox that parties employed to grab eyeballs. A lantern was placed inside a box covered in white cloth. At night, the party symbol painted on the linen will be visible for miles. This was a major attraction of the time, adds his wife Geetha, 78, who comes from a strong Communist family. The major ones then were the Congress, with two bullocks and a yoke as their symbol, and the CPI, with their sickle and paddy husk. Hindu Maha Sabha and Jan Sangh were not big players in the region at the time. Their growth happened much later, Geetha says. Writer M N Karassery, born in 1951, just months before the election, grew up hearing about the poll stories. Fifty-three parties contested the polls on the national stage. Ultimately, it was a landslide win for the Congress party, which went on to win 364 of the 489 seats, he says. Karassery says, there were two extremely interesting aspects about the 1951-52 polls. One, Ambedkar was defeated from Bombay North constituency by Congress candidate Narayan Sadoba Kajrolkar. Two, there were separate women-only booths; 27,527 in total across the country. Also, the contribution of women in politics was larger and wasnt an afterthought, he says. He adds that several national issues were not much in discussion in Thiru-Kochi, but there was a slight Nehru wave in Malabar. In the first election, Malabar was part of Madras state. Though Congress won 45% of the vote share across the country, it suffered in Thiru-Kochi and Malabar. A K Gopalan won from Kannur with 65.87% votes. He got the largest majority in the Malabar region, and won by a margin of 87,029 votes. The Muslim League won Malappuram. Thalasserry, Ponnani and Kozhikode went to Kisan Mazdoor Praja Party (KMPP), Karassery says. The 1951-52 elections, which saw over 17 crore people cast their votes, helped catapult India, a relatively young nation, to the global avenue as a beacon of democracy. As Kerala goes to the polls today, the ethos of the first general elections continues to inspire the populace.

Kerala LS poll campaign recap: Josh, jostle & jolts

LDF CPM, CPI, Kerala Congress (M), JDS (T), NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar), RJD, Indian National League, Congress (S), Janadhipathya Kerala Congress, Kerala Congress (Skaria Thomas) Highlights The Left campaigns primary focus was on the Citizenship Amendment Act, using it as a plank to cash in on anti-BJP sentiments. The Left banked heavily on anti-incumbency against the Centre and sitting UDF MPs. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan remained the star campaigner throughout, travelling across the state to address conventions. National leaders such as CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury, politburo members Prakash Karat and Brinda Karat, and CPI general secretary D Raja campaigned in Kerala. In Vadakara, the Left engaged in a whisper campaign that if UDF candidate Shafi. Paramabil wins, the bypoll to his Palakkad assembly seat would BJP. CPM went all out to woo Muslim minority voters, posturing as the real champion of the communitys causes. The party also took efforts to retain its traditional Hindu vote base, and sought to make inroads into Christian belts. Through consistent campaigning, the Left attempted to create an anti-Centre narrative in the state. In what was viewed as a shrewd strategy to sideline the BJP, the chief minister unleashed a barrage of attacks against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The CPMs strong organisational structure appeared to be the Lefts biggest strength. Controversies In Vadakara, LDF candidate K K Shailaja alleged wide circulation of her fake videos, photos and morphed images. The social media campaign against her created quite a stir across the state, and also led to legal a tussle between Shailaja and UDF candidate Shafi Parambil. Left MLA P V Anwar stirred a hornets nest after he termed Rahul Gandhi a fourth-class citizen who should undergo a DNA test to confirm whether he indeed hailed from the Nehru-Gandhi clan. The scenario worsened after CM Pinarayi Vijayan backed Anwar, saying Rahul was not beyond criticism Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at a campaign event in Kozhikode UDF Congress, IUML, RSP, Kerala Congress (Jospeh), Kerala Congress (Jacob), Kerala democratic Party, CMP, RMP, AIFB, JSS, National Janata Dal Highlights Managed to draw massive participation of people during the campaign in most of the constituencies. Key agendas included highlighting denial of welfare pensions in the state, failures of Central and state governments, unemployment, man-animal conflict Strategic moves included surprise candidature of Shafi Parambil in Vadakara and K Muraleedharan in Thrissur, and rejecting the support extended by SDPI. The UDFs talking points included scam allegations against Chief Minsiter Pinarayi Vijayan and his daughter, death of Sidharthan J S, student of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in Wayanad, the Panur bomb blast involving DYFI workers. It also raised issues such as double voters in Alappuzha, Attingal and Palakkad constituencies, and bogus voting in Kannur and Kasargod. Alleged a nexus between the BJP and CPM in the Thrissur Pooram mess-up. Star campaigners included Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Karnataka Deputy CM D K Shivakumar, Telangana C M Revanth Reddy, and top leaders such Priyanka Gandhi and Sachin Pilot Controversies Decision to avoid using flags of the Congress and its ally IUML for campaigns in Wayand, fearing a backlash in north India against the Leagues green flag Cyber attack against Vadakara LDF candidate K K Shailaja Thiruvananthapuram candidate Shashi Tharoor was booked by the cyber police on a BJP complaint accusing him of spreading baseless allegations against NDA candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar. The latter had earlier served a legal notice, accusing Tharoor of defamation Prime Minister Narendra Modi with NDA candidate C Krishnakumar in Palakkad NDA BJP, BDJS, Shiv Sena, JRS (CK Janu), NCP (Ajit Pawar) Kerala Congress Democratic, National Progressive Party, Nationalist Kerala Congress, LJP, Kerala Kamraj Congress Highlights The BJP-led NDA heavily banked on Modis Guarantee throughout its campaign Highlighting strong governance, welfare schemes and development initiatives of the Modi government Strong stand against terrorism Wooed voters dangling the prospect of candidates becoming Union ministers if elected Accused INDIA bloc allies CPM and Congress of fighting in Kerala and hugging in Delhi Sustained attack on the scam allegations against the state government Consolidation of Hindu-Christian votes was one of the key agendas. Highlighted SDPI support to UDF, and PDPs support to LDF Gained backing from the SNDP, Sivagiri Mutt, and some churches in some regions Some of its strategic/surprise moves included fielding state president K Surendran against Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad, pitting Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar against Shashi Tharoor in Thiruvananthapuram, offering Pathanamthitta seat to Congress veteran A K Antonys son Anil Antony, and inducting former chief minister K Karunakarans daughter Padmaja Venugopal Star campaigners included Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani, BJP national president J P Nadda, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma and BJP Tamil Nadu state president K Annamalai Controversies Political wheeler-dealer T G Nandakukar accused Pathanamthitta BJP candidate Anil Antony of having taken bribes in the past Wayanad candidate K Surendran stirred a debate as he said Sulthan Bathery should revert to its old name, Ganapathi Vattom

Kerala: How an innovative LDF campaign withstood Indira Wave of 1984

KOTTAYAM: The general election of 1984 was a momentous occasion, etched in the annals of history with unique significance. Held just two months after the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the polls were marked by unprecedented events that left an indelible mark on the collective memory of the nation. The Indian National Congress swept the majority of seats across all states. But in the UDF fortress of Kottayam, a 27-year-old made history. The triumph of K Suresh Kurup over two-time sitting MP Scaria Thomas of the Kerala Congress (M) was a remarkable feat that reshaped the political landscape of central Travancore. While the nationwide Indira wave had an impact on Kerala as well, Kurup stood out as the lone CPM candidate to win in the state. Kurup contested the election while he was the SFI president, with activists from across Kerala converging in Kottayam to support the LDF candidate. The then SFI secretary C P John, T M Thomas Isaac, J Mercykutty Amma and the late T P Chandrasekharan were among those at the forefront of the campaigns. We formed a new platform, the Progressive and Democratic Students Front, to lead the campaign. Around 500 students split into squads and camped in various parts of the district to visit as many houses as possible with handouts, C P John, now the general secretary of CMP, told TNIE . John recalled the CPM used a candidates photograph for the first time in that campaign. Until then, posters only displayed the candidates name and election symbol. After obtaining approval from CPM state secretariat members N Sreedhar and T K Ramakrishnan, we printed black and white photo posters of Kurup. Additionally, we ran an election advertisement in the Kerala Kaumudi newspaper, he said. In a first, around 56 teachers from the CMS College released a statement in support of Kurup. They also went door-to-door seeking votes for their former student, regardless of their political affiliations. College principal M C John provided the funds required for Kurups election deposit. Professors S Krishna Iyer, Mohan Kurian, K J Baby and George Koshy coordinated the efforts from Ashoka Lodge in Kottayam, reminisced Kurian Thomas Karimpanatharayil, a coordinator for Kurups campaign. According to Kurup, the first victory was remarkable as it instilled confidence. He has since contested nine elections, including two successful runs for the assembly, and emerged victorious on six occasions. We were unaware of the Indira wave sweeping the nation. The UDF was confident of victory. It was a festival of students, who worked hard and got the desired result. Isaac was in Kolkata when the election was declared and he took a flight to reach in time to join the campaign. When results were announced, Mathai Chacko (former Thiruvambadi MLA) arrived from Kozhikode wearing a lungi, he said. The highlight of Kurups victory was that he wrested the UDF fortress at a time when anti-communist sentiments were strong in central Travancore, particularly among Christian communities. When Mercykutty Amma, Savithri (who later married Kurup) and others were planning house visits in Athirampuzha near Ettumanoor, the local party leadership warned us to be cautious of potential negative reactions. In Puthuppally, we were turned away from a house by an elderly man who expressed his dislike for communists. However, as students, we dared to visit every house. I believe Kurups victory helped the CPM make inroads into Christian voters in Central Travancore, said Abdul Rasheed, a friend of Kurup. Many cast their votes on Kurups name and not on his election symbol. The arrival (sickle) symbol was anathema to several voters then, he recalled.

Voter alert: IMD issues heatwave warning in Kerala, advises caution

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The sweltering heat will be a cause for concern for voters across Kerala who will exercise their franchise in the Lok Sabha elections on Friday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow alerts and heatwave warnings in 12 districts on polling day. The IMD has said the temperatures are expected to be 2 to 4 degrees Celsius above normal in the state. As of last week, around 437 heat-related ailments have been reported in the state since the advent of summer. There have been one confirmed and two suspected heat-related deaths. IMD has predicted the likelihood of a heatwave in one or two places in Palakkad on Friday, making the democratic exercise challenging for party workers, voters and officials alike. Meanwhile, the Election Commission has made elaborate arrangements at booths in view of the hot and humid weather. Voting will be held in 25,231 booths across Kerala. Drinking water, areas having shade and separate queues for the elderly and the differently-abled are among the ECs arrangements made at booths to ensure voters comfort. All arrangements are in place. There will be separate queues for the elderly to reduce their waiting time. We have sensitised district collectors, and first aid, including ORS packets, will be made available at polling stations vulnerable to extreme heat, Sanjay Kaul, Chief Electoral Officer, Kerala, told TNIE . Mothers coming to the booths with children will be able to use creche facilities at the polling stations, he said. Maximum temperature in Palakkad is likely to hover around 41 degrees Celsius on Friday, making it the hottest district in the state. Maximum temperatures will be 39 degrees Celsius, the second highest, in Kollam and Thrissur districts. Maximum temperatures will be 38 degrees Celsius in Kannur and Kozhikode districts and 36 degrees Celsius in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Malappuram districts. Southern districts are expected to receive thunderstorms in the evening. We have advised authorities to keep community health centres and primary health centres on alert to deal with heat-related incidents, said an official with the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority. Be smart, be safe Avoid prolonged heat exposure Wear light-weight, light-coloured, loose, cotton clothes Cover your head with a cloth or hat or use an umbrella outdoors Drink sufficient water even if not thirsty to prevent dehydration Avoid direct sunlight from 11am to 3pm

All set for polling in Kozhikode district

This candidate in the high-profile Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha seat has no house and lives in the party office

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: S Mini, the candidate fielded by the Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) in the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency, is a politician from top to toe. In fact, she does not own a home and has been living in the party office for nearly three decades. Like most of her colleagues in the party, Mini, the lone woman in the fray in the high-profile segment, believes that the value of life comes from within and is not determined by material possessions or social status. She lives at the party's state committee office in the Kerala capital, along with her husband and party leader Shajar Khan. The couple's only son Alan M.S. is a degree student at Tirur in Malappuram. Mini joined the party at the age of 22, when she was doing a pharmacy course at the Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram. The firebrand leader of SUCI(C) says she joined the party against the wishes of her parents and siblings. There was stiff opposition from them and I was forced to quit home during my college days. Initially, I lived at a hostel and later moved to the party office. It was a wise decision for someone who wanted to become a full-time party worker, she says. Wayanad Election Notes: The solitude of Kerala's most famous tribal activist Vilappilsala protest During her political career spanning three decades, Mini was involved in numerous people's movements, small and big, in different parts of the state. The longest and toughest one perhaps was the people's protest against a polluting waste plant at Vilappilsala in the Kerala capital, says the 49-year-old. The strike which began as a relay satyagraha ended in a full-blown protest two years later. Somehow, we managed to overcome the numerous sabotage attempts by the government, city corporation and the police. I dedicate the victory to the mighty women in Vilappilsala, she says. What began as occasional outbursts took the form of an organised protest with the intervention of the SUCI(C). As the party's designated leader to Vilappilsala, Mini's initial assignment was to organise the local women. We formed committees for every fifty households and important decisions were taken by an apex committee. Party did not impose its decisions but equipped people to claim their rights, she said. The people's protest met with success when the government decided to shut the plant. At the peak of the strike, Mini was detained by the police for one full day. Years later, she was jailed by the police for accompanying Mahija, the mother of engineering student Jishnu Pranoy, to the DGP's office. Jishnu was found dead at the hostel of Nehru Engineering College in Thrissur and Mahija was proceeding to the DGP's office to protest against the delay in arresting those who allegedly pushed Jishnu into suicide. Mini was arrested by the police on conspiracy charges. She was jailed and released after eight days of judicial remand. The police are yet to file a charge-sheet in the court. Lush greenery, stark misery: Election vignettes from Kerala's Achankovil forest Nurses' rights The Indian Nurses Parents Association which works for nurses' rights was established under Mini's leadership. The idea of an organisation of parents was to help nurses who couldn't come out in the open against their employers. Mini travelled extensively in the country to resolve the issues faced by nurses and nursing students. One incident she vividly recalls is the visit to a private medical college at Nellore in Andhra Pradesh. The college had not returned the certificates of about 50 students, mostly Keralites, who refused to execute an illegal bond for a no-pay job after studies. The management did not change their stand in the deliberations with the INPA. Finally, Mini, with the help of a local SUCI leader, approached the district collector. She convinced him about the Supreme Court order banning the bond system at educational institutions. The collector then issued an order asking the management to return the certificates. Though the mission was successful, Mini says the collector was transferred within a few days, allegedly owing to the pressure from the college management which had considerable political clout. The manager later became the education minister in that state, she says. SUCI(C) contesting eight seats The party has fielded candidates in eight seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Mini is the candidate in the Thiruvananthapuram seat. The other constituencies are Kollam, Mavelikkara, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Chalakudy and Kozhikode. Campaigning is in full swing and the party has good visibility in all the places. The party's first unit in Kerala was formed by a group of students of the TKM College of Engineering, Kollam. It stepped into electoral politics by fielding Kochucherukkan in the Eravipuram seat for the 1970 Assembly election. The party's first Lok Sabha candidate James Joseph who contested from the Kollam seat garnered over 8000 votes. Founded in 1948, the SUCI(C) had a presence in the assemblies of West Bengal, Assam, Bihar and Odisha at different times. Its lone MP was in the 15th Lok Sabha -- Tharun Mandal who was elected from West Bengal. Today, the Kerala unit of SUCI(C) has about 1200 full-time cadres and a few thousands of members.The party intervened in numerous public issues and equipped people to fight for their rights. It took the lead to unite people and organisations to fight for people's rights on issues ranging from the mineral sand mining at Thrikkunnapuzha to the anti-K-Rail protest. The party played a significant role in the people's movements at Chengara, Vilappilsala and Moolampilly.

All arrangements completed for Lok Sabha polls in Kerala on Friday

Thiruvananthapuram : All preparations have been made for the smooth conduct of the polls in Kerala on Friday.Voting for all the 20 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections will begin today at 7 am. Polling will continue till 6 pm. There are 2,77,49,159 voters in the state this time. Of these, 1,43,33,499 are women.Of the total voters, 5,34,394 are first-time voters in the age group of 18-19 years. There are also 2,64,232 differently-abled voters and 367 transgender voters in the state. The Chief Electoral Officer appealed to all voters, irrespective of age and gender, to exercise their right to vote and participate in the festival of democracy.A total of 194 candidates are in the fray in 20 constituencies in the state. All arrangements have been made to ensure smooth polling at the polling booths and to ensure that the voting machines are safely transported to strong rooms after the polling. A total of 1,01,176 polling personnel have been deployed for the polling process at 25,231 booths set up at 13,272 centres in the state. The polling process will be controlled by four officials, including the presiding officer, at a booth. There are 437 booths controlled only by women, 31 booths controlled by youth below 30 years of age and six booths controlled by differently-abled employees in the state. There are also 316 ethnic polling booths and 131 theme-based booths. Ramps and wheelchairs have been set up at the booths for differently-abled voters. Voting machines in Braille script have also been provided for the visually impaired.There will be a special queue facility at the booths for differently-abled voters and senior citizens. In addition, a sign language facility and travel facility for differently-abled voters have also been arranged. A total of 30,238 electronic voting machines (EVMs) are being used in the state in the Lok Sabha elections this year. In case of operational failure of any machines, the reserve machines will be delivered through the respective sector officers instead. The voting machines have been brought to the polling booths after completing the preliminary testing, three phases of randomization and mock polling. The polling will begin at 6 am on Friday after a mock poll is conducted again in the presence of representatives of political parties at the polling booths to ensure the safety of the machines. As many as 66,303 security personnel have been deployed at polling booths, distribution centres and strong rooms to ensure a smooth voting process. The Rapid Action Force has also been deployed at all police stations for security. Special security measures have also been taken in Maoist-affected areas involving central forces to ensure that voters cast their votes fearlessly. To ensure free and transparent polling, the Chief Electoral Officer said that a webcasting system has been put in place for real-time monitoring in all booths in eight districts of the state and 75 percent of booths in the remaining six districts. The real-time monitoring system has been implemented in all booths in Kasargod, Kannur, Wayanad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Palakkad, Thrissur and Thiruvananthapuram districts. Cameras have also been installed outside the booths to control crowding at polling stations with multiple booths. According to the Chief Electoral Officer, the webcasting facility has been introduced to ensure a transparent election by preventing booth capturing, money distribution and bogus voting. Webcasting has also been arranged in the affected booths. In the office of the Chief Electoral Officer and the control rooms set up under the ROs of 20 Lok Sabha constituencies, A similar monitoring system has been set up in strong rooms and counting centres.

Over 3,000 IP cameras to support webcasting in Kozhikode district

The service covering 2,248 booths to be handled by a private agency which won the bid

Video Goes Viral Flight Crew and Boy Make Mothers Birthday Unforgettable

A video showing a boy's touching gesture for his mother on her birthday during an Air India Express flight is gaining popularity on social media. Shared by cabin crew executive Afzal Khan on Instagram, the clip depicts how he and other crew members made the mother's day memorable. According to the text overlay in the video, the boy approached Mr. Khan, asking for help to surprise his mom on her birthday. Together, they arranged for the entire flight to applaud the mother and celebrate her special day. The video captures Mr. Khan making an announcement and extending birthday wishes to the woman. The clip also shows the cabin crew giving the woman a special treat with a handwritten note. The caption of the post reads, And we made someone's day more special. social media users praised the boy's gesture and commended the Air India Express cabin crew for their efforts. Similarly, earlier this week, another post highlighted the kindness and empathy of SpiceJet crew members who assisted an elderly woman in distress during a flight from Kozhikode to Jeddah. Woman Makes Shocking Claim: Aliens Took Me Along and... PM Modi Commends Civil Services Achievers, Encourages Resilience in Unsuccessful Candidates ECI Issues Notices to PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi for Alleged Model Code Violation

194 contestants vie for votes as Kerala gears up for polls with over 2.75 cr voters

Thiruvananthapuram: A total of 194 contestants in 20 Lok Sabha seats are seeking the blessings of the people as Kerala goes to the polls on Friday, after over a month-long fierce campaign by the CPI(M)-led LDF, Congress-headed UDF, and the BJP-led NDA. The Election Commission said there are over 2.75 crore voters in Kerala where polling will commence at 7 am on Friday. Chief Electoral Officer Sanjay Kaul said 63,100 bottles of ink are used to prevent fraudulent voting and ensure flawless and transparent elections. This time there are 2,77,49,159 voters in the state out of which more than five lakh are first-time voters. Kottayam constituency boasts the highest number of candidates at 14, while Alathur has the fewest at five. Other notable figures are: 13 candidates in Kozhikode and 12 each in Kollam and Kannur. Of the total 194 candidates, 169 are men and 25 are women. The Vadakara constituency stands out with the highest number of female candidates, at four. The Election Commission said steps have been taken to ensure safe and peaceful polling by deploying 66,303 security personnel. Kerala Police and Central forces are providing tight security for the polling in a total of 25,231 booths arranged at 13,272 places. Police deployment has been made throughout the state as per the instructions of the Central Election Commission. When the polling for 20 constituencies in the state begins at 7 am on Friday, more than five lakh first-time voters will go to the polling booth. As the curtains fell on Wednesday evening, marking the conclusion of the over-month-long, high-octane public campaigning for the April 26 polls, Kerala on Thursday witnessed a silent campaign before the state votes. Two union ministers, a state minister, three actors and a few MLAs are among the total candidates who try their political luck this time. BJP-led NDA is fielding the most number of women candidates - five. Unlike the previous general elections, Kerala has seen a highly active and aggressive campaign. Diverse issues ranging from the implementation of the CAA, the alleged existence of 'love jihad', controversies surrounding 'The Kerala Story' movie, the Manipur violence, Rahul Gandhi's candidature in Wayanad, as well as alleged appeasement of minorities by various political parties, dominated the high-decibel public campaigns. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the UDF won 19 of the 20 seats, while the LDF had to settle for just a single seat.

Kerala: EP Jayarajan praise makes it to M T Ramesh poll flyers, sparks storm

KOZHIKODE : In a surprising turn of events, the Kozhikode constituency witnessed a political storm as the name of LDF convener E P Jayarajan found place in the election campaign notice of NDA candidate M T Ramesh. The notice, distributed among the voters, cited Jayarajans endorsement of Ramesh as a superior choice in the upcoming elections. The notice, circulated a month ahead of the elections, has sparked heated discussions throughout the constituency, as the campaign reached a crescendo. The notice cites Jayarajans purported acknowledgment of Rameshs leadership qualities, stating that even he believes the NDA candidate to be the most-suitable choice. The whole issue started with Jayarajan making a statement during a media interaction in Kannur approximately a month ago. During the interaction, Jayarajan mentioned the emergence of formidable leaders within the NDA fold in this years elections, specifically citing Rameshs presence in Kozhikode constituency. M T Ramesh However, the inclusion of Jayarajans name in the BJP candidates campaign material has given a new dimension to the electoral landscape, raising questions about political affiliations and alliances. While some view it as a strategic move to sway undecided voters, others perceive it as a breach of political decency, exploiting Jayarajans remarks for partisan gains. As the fervour intensifies and the countdown to polling day dwindles, the controversy surrounding Jayarajans inadvertent involvement in Rameshs campaign adds an intriguing twist to the already charged electoral atmosphere in Kozhikode.

Attacking Rahul Gandhi best way to divert attention: Sachin Pilot

Congress leader Sachin Pilot had a hectic election campaign in Kerala, visiting Kannur, Malappuram, Alathur, Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode. During a stopover in the state capital, Pilot had a quick chat with TNIE s Cynthia Chandran. Excerpts. In New Delhi, CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury is seen hobnobbing with Rahul Gandhi. In Kerala, the CM is attacking Rahul... Having personal relations and regard for each other does not define the political ideology. But, indeed, the chief minister and people close to him in the government have levelled very serious allegations, with no clarifications or satisfactory response from them. That gives me the impression there is something to hide. So attacking Rahul Gandhi is the best way to divert attention. Do you think PM Modis hate speech in Rajasthan will create polarisation? Elections should be fought on issues like governance, policies, farmers issues and unemployment. Statements from the BJP leadership show a sense of desperation. We have record-high unemployment, huge inflation issues, educated young boys and girls are looking for a future for themselves and farmers are in distress. All these issues are something the government is answerable for. Thats why there is an attempt to start talking about mandir, masjid, Hindu, Muslim... and done so blatantly by the prime minister and other leaders. What are the Congresss chances in Rajasthan? The Congress is going to win more seats than the BJP. Ive travelled across Rajasthan and this election is for change. People like our candidates, and our approach to politics much better because you talk about accountability, transparency and protecting the Constitution and institutions. Gehlot has campaigned across the state and his son, Vaibhav Gehlot, is contesting and he will win. People have not taken Congress seriously as the main opposition party over the past one decade The Congress party is very much there in every nook and corner of the country. We have lost a few elections. But that doesnt mean the Congress workers have disappeared. Congress remains the only political party that can take on the BJP nationally. Every regional party has its own role to play, have their own contributions to make, but in general elections, the Congress role is pivotal. When Congress gets stronger, the INDIA alliance also gets stronger. The generation shift is not happening in the Congress, which has led to a large contingent of young leaders crossing over to BJP... Some people may be under pressure. The people of India will be the final judge of those leaders decision to cross over. Time will tell. But people vote for the party, for their ideology and the Congress presents the diverse flourishing cultural history of 5,000 years. Im not saying that other parties dont have space. Of course, they have space.

Grand roadshows mark culmination of public campaign for Lok Sabha polls in Kozhikode

Surveillance squads seize valuables, cash worth 9 crore in Kozhikode

The squads have been operational since the announcement of elections

Micro observers protest against delay in facilitating postal votes in Kozhikode

They alleged that their demand to address the concerns on time were ignored

High security in place to monitor sensitive booths in Kozhikode district

Eight companies of CAPF to assist local police in district

Embarking on data Science odyssey: Exploring elite programs from VIT, IITD, and IIMK

Data science programs at VIT, IIT Delhi, and IIM Kozhikode empower students with cutting-edge tools and knowledge to tackle real-world challenges, foster innovation, and drive organizational success through AI and ML techniques.

Indian Navy's female duo completes historic transoceanic sortie ahead of solo circumnavigation

KOCHI: Lieutenant commanders Dilna K and Roopa Alagirisamy, the two women officers handpicked as potential candidates for the upcoming Sagar Parikrama IV, the Navys most ambitious voyage yet, have successfully completed their final examination on the seas. The so-called test entailed undertaking a transoceanic sortie aboard INSV Tarini from Goa to Port Louis in Mauritius, and back. This nearly 5,000 nautical mile journey in double-handed mode was the first-of-its-kind by Indian women, thus marking a significant milestone for the Navy. The women duo recorded full marks when Tarini was flagged in by the whos who of INS Mandovi at the boat pool in Goa on Sunday. It concluded a two-month expedition that began on February 28 and also involved a series of events to strengthen bilateral ties during the stopover in Mauritius. The expedition was particularly challenging as each leg of the journey was a continuous voyage of about 2,700 nautical miles without breaks. Besides demanding to settle into a rhythm at sea, the journey also threw various weather conditions, says Cdr Abhilash Tomy (retd), the officers mentor and only Indian to circumnavigate the world twice. Each leg of the journey took nearly three weeks and saw the two women officers battle heavy winds and rough seas. The two officers are used to being on the water by now. They have been training for nearly three years, undertaking regular sorties, a Navy source tells TNIE. Indeed, both Lt Cdr Dilna and Lt Cdr Roopa have over 25,000 nautical miles to their names. According to Cdr Abhilash, the two are quite well prepared. In November 2023, the two officers had sailed from Goa to Port Blair and back nearly the same distance as from Goa to Mauritius. Though that voyage too was in double-handed mode, they were still sailing on Indian waters. This time, they crossed into the ocean, the source elaborates. Lieutenant commanders Dilna K and Roopa A welcomed by Capt Prasant C Menon and navy personnel from INS Mandovi Even crossing oceans isnt new. This time last year, they embarked on an expedition to Rio De Janeiro and back on the same vessel with a six-member crew. However, the upcoming Sagar Parikrama mission will be unlike the voyages theyve been on. It will see a woman officer sail around the world, solo and unassisted. Of the two officers, only one will make this journey. This transoceanic voyage was their final test. We will now evaluate and decide who will undertake the circumnavigation mission, the source says. According to him, both of them have a good chance of qualifying. Though India has eight circumnavigators, only two have done it solo Captain Dilip Donde (retd) and Cdr Abhilash. Their voyages, in 2010 and 2013, respectively, were the first two iterations of the Sagar Parikrama series. Interestingly, the two are also the first Indian male pair to undertake a transoceanic sortie (in 2009). The third Sagar Parikrama mission in 2017 saw Lt Cdr Joshi Vartika lead a six-member crew across the worlds oceans. To see an Indian woman sail around the world solo and unassisted was the longtime dream of the late VAdm M P Awati, considered the father of Indian circumnavigation missions. Now, only months remain for this dream to be fulfilled. Sagar Parikrama IV is set to commence in September. Lt Cdr Dilna K Hails from Kozhikode, Kerala Joined the Navy as a logistics officer in 2014 Is a renowned shooter; have won several medals in national competitions Big enthusiast of cricket; have represented the Kerala state team Won YAIs Admiral Ramdas Trophy last year Lt Cdr Roopa A Hails from Puducherry Joined the Navy into the naval armament inspection cadre in 2017 Is an aeronautical engineering graduate; had a stint with National Aerospace Laboratories Her father, Alagirisamy G P, is a former Indian Air Force pilot Won YAIs Admiral Ramdas Trophy last year yearAdmiral Ramdas Trophy,

Buses, trains full, its rush hour for Keralites in Bengaluru

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Be it bus, car or train, Keralites in Bengaluru are all set to use any mode of transport to reach their home on the voting day on April 26. Sensing the demand Kerala Road Transport Corporation and Karnataka Road Transport Corporation have started 10 additional bus services to major towns including Kannur, Kozhikode, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram and Malappuram. They are offering flexi rates with discounts for booking the return trip. According to the officers of state-run RTCs, most of the seats have already been booked. The fare for a seat in a private bus from Mysuru/Bengaluru to Ernakulam reached `3,250 on Monday. The private bus operators also plan to increase the number of services on April 25, which is when they see the demand peak. The fares are going to be dynamic, said a representative of Interstate Bus Operators Association of Karnataka, Rijas A J. There are informal car pooling arrangements for people who find it comfortable to travel to Kerala during peak season. It is impossible to get a train ticket at this time and the bus fares are very costly. Car pooling suits us because it is comfortable and we could return on time after voting on Friday, said Shine Mathew and Arun Kumar, executives staying in Whitefield. S Prasanthan, the general secretary of the Contract Carriage Operators Association, said the practice of providing chartered bus services by political parties has stopped. There used to be chartered bus services from Chennai during elections. Now there may be car services arranged by the political parties, he said. However, there are people who think that the rush is more to do with the long weekend. There are people who take leave in advance because it is a public holiday in here on April 26. But Malayalis leaving Bengaluru in large numbers now gives a bad impression. Many of them are permanent residents here. It reinforces the local politicians understanding that we are of no concern for them because our votes are in another state, said Vishnu S of Thiruvananthapuram, who is now a voter in the Bengaluru South LS constituency.

Kerala MLAs DNA jibe at Rahul irks Congress, CMs backing fuels ire

KOZHIKODE/MALAPPURAM/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM MLA P V Anvars remarks that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi should undergo a DNA test to verify whether he really belongs to the Nehru-Gandhi family snowballed into a controversy on Tuesday, three days before Kerala goes to the polls. With Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan backing the Nilambur legislator, a livid Congress reacted sharply to the remark and approached the Election Commission (EC) demanding action. During an LDF poll campaign in Palakkad on Monday, Anvar had called Rahul a fourth-rate citizen who does not deserve to keep the Gandhi surname. This is not just my opinion. People in India are saying it. Will a person in the Nehru family talk like this? I doubt it. I am of the opinion that the DNA of Rahul Gandhi should be tested, Anvar had said, in the backdrop of Rahuls question as to why Pinarayi had not been arrested by central agencies. Rahul Gandhi has become a fourth-rate citizen who doesnt deserve to keep the surname Gandhi, he had said. The video of the MLAs remarks went viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism from Congress leaders and workers. However, Anvar refused to withdraw his remarks on Tuesday. Rahul Gandhi said what a member from the Nehru family would not say. He doesnt deserve to be considered a member of the Nehru family, he said. When sought his response, the CM defended Anvar and said Rahul should have spoken carefully. He (Rahul) should be aware that if he says something, he will receive it back in kind, the CM said during a press conference in Kannur. He also said Rahul was not someone above criticism. Anvar latest incarnation of Godse, says Hassan The CMs reaction drew sharp rebuke from Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan, who alleged that Pinarayi made Anvar speak against Rahul throughout the LDFs LS campaign as part of a deal with the BJP. It is Pinarayi who started the war of words against the Congress and its former president. Hence, the protests should also be against him, Satheesan told reporters in Kollam, adding that Anvar had insulted Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi with his remark. Meanwhile, within hours of the controversy, KPCC acting president M M Hassan approached the EC and demanded urgent intervention by the police. Anvar is the latest incarnation of Godse who killed Gandhiji. In fact, Anvars words are deadlier than Godses thoughts. He said things that should not have come out of a politicians mouth, Hassan said. AICC general secretary K C Venugopal termed Anvars statement as shocking. It is a matter of great concern that such statements are coming from a legislator of the Kerala assembly. Such abusive remarks will not be tolerated. Action will be taken against Anvar. He has not just insulted Rahul Gandhi, but also Rajiv Gandhi. Pinarayi Vijayan gave Anvar the licence to criticise Rahul Gandhi and the Nehru family, alleged Venugopal, the UDF candidate in Alappuzha.

Morphed video row: Shafi demands apology from Shailaja, sends notice

KOZHIKODE: In recent weeks, the Vadakara Lok Sabha constituency has been abuzz with discussions surrounding a controversial video allegedly containing morphed images of LDF candidate K K Shailaja. While the Left in Vadakara initially utilised the cyber attack as a key campaign strategy to draw female voters, it now appears to have backfired on the LDF as Shailaja clarified that she has never mentioned a morphed video. Moreover, UDF candidate Shafi Parambil has sent a legal notice to Shailaja demanding her to tender a public apology within 24 hours. The legal notice stated that Shailaja deliberately raised a false allegation intended to tarnish the reputation of Shafi and derive undue benefit in the election. 'Didnt mention morphed video in cyber-attack complaint,' says Shailaja The defamatory statement made by Shailaja triggered numerous cyber attacks against Shafi and his family members, especially his aged and ailing mother. After the morphed video issue cropped up, the CPM workers unleashed relentless cyberbullying on Shafi, his family and the party. It was orchestrated to blemish the good name of Shafi among the voters of Vadakara constituency. This has caused grave mental agony and pain to him. The so-called social activists and cyber activists have been continuously tarnishing the image of my client from the date of your (Shailajas) statement before the press, the legal notice stated. Responding to Shailajas clarification, Shafi told reporters,I am happy to know that there is no such video spreading on social media. I also welcome Shailajas clarification that she never mentioned a morphed video. But the left cyber warriors spread many lies about me. I had to face so much abuse. Earlier, CM Pinarayi Vijayan and CPM state secretary M V Govindan, along with cultural figures K R Meera, K Ajitha, and Bharathikutty, had come out in support of Shailaja after the morphed video controversy erupted. CPM workers in Vadakara had leveraged the issue at the grassroots campaign. Cyber attacks on LDF candidate Shailaja: UDF in defensive mode In light of the apparent backlash, the LDF candidate took a proactive stance to defend herself. There was an unethical move against me in cyberspace. UDF exploited the media to question my political integrity. I stand by my statements. Let Shafi take legal action. I am prepared to confront it. I am willing to provide evidence of cyberattacks against me, Shailaja told reporters in Vadakara. Meanwhile, the LDF leaders in Vadakara said that, by sending a legal notice, Shafi is playing cheap politics. Already seven cases have been registered against UDF workers for cyber attack against Shailaja. Thus, when there are many cases against the unethical and illegal action of the UDF candidate, he is playing cheap politics by sending a legal notice against the LDF candidate and spreading falsehoods. The voters of Vadakara will give a befitting reply to the UDF candidate who is running obscene and communal propaganda to hide his political illiteracy, a statement issued by LDF said. Vadakara's UDF candidate, Shafi Parambil sets new standards for connecting with voters

NSS volunteers to offer help to differently abled people, senior citizens during polls in Kozhikode

Their services were lauded during the Assembly elections

Kareem invites Raghavan for debate

Calicut Press Club organises face-to-face with three major candidates in the Kozhikode Lok Sabha constituency

Home voting covers over 13,500 people in Kozhikode district

The service was offered to voters who submitted special applications to the election authorities

SpiceJet crew and passengers unite to assist distressed elderly lady after she defecated on flight

SpiceJet crew members and passengers come together to assist a 72-year-old lady who faced challenges during a flight from Kozhikode to Jeddah. The incident, shared by Virendra Malhotra, Vice President of Flight Operations at SpiceJet, showcases the compassion and unity displayed in a challenging situation.

Kerala train commuters decry overcrowding as Railways prioritize premium services

KOCHI: There seems to be no end in sight to the woes of train travellers in the state. People who depend upon trains, not only their daily commute but also long-distance travel, are venting their anger at the railways strategy of introducing more and more premium trains like the Vande Bharat as a money-spinning measure. Reducing the number of general compartments to facilitate more AC and sleeper coaches has left many high and dry. Describing his experience during a recent journey on the Kochuveli-Mysuru Express, Liyons J, secretary of Friends On Rails, which describes itself as a WhatsApp network that aids train commuters, said, The sleeper compartment resembled a refugee camp. Even the aisles were taken over by passengers with general tickets. This is happening because of the cut in the number of general compartments on long-distance trains, he adds. Train travel has become a dangerous affair, points out Dr Meera, a Kozhikode resident who depends on trains for her frequent travels to her hometown in Kollam. People are even forced to travel hanging from doors. There have been many cases of passengers getting seriously injured or losing their lives after falling from running trains. But all this goes unreported, she says. According to Dr Meera, there have been times when she has cancelled trips after arriving at the station to find general compartments jam-packed. I have to ensure the safety of my child, who is part of most of my travels, she stresses. Of course, none of the passengers are against the rail transporters need to increase revenue, says Srijith T J, an officer with Kerala Agro Industries Corp Ltd. But that should not be at the cost of passengers, who are the ones filling its coffers. Srijith points out that when the railways changed old coaches for new LHB ones, it reduced the number of general compartments from two to one and four to two on many express trains. However, they increased the number of AC coaches from three or four to eight while reducing the sleeper coaches from 12 to 8. Now, the situation is such that it is tough to get a reservation even in sleeper coaches, he adds. Passengers also point to another of the railways money-making strategies. Tickets for sleeper coaches are sold right up to the arrival of trains. It should be noted that these tickets do not ensure seats as charts have already been prepared. But once these passengers get on the train they encroach on seats of those who had made reservations months back, says Ramesh Mathew, a frequent traveller. The removal of de-reserved facility has also hit daily commuters hard. According to Ramesh, the most congested long-distance trains are the ones plying the northeastern routes. Regular users have now ditched them. Migrant labourers dont bother with the reserved status of coaches. For them, it is fine to travel in any compartment, he says, adding that there is a dire need for operating more Antyodaya Express trains on the eastern region via Chennai or through Vizag, Berhampur and Howrah. Ease and low cost attracted many passenger to train travel. However, there has been no concurrent increase in the number of trains or coaches. If more MEMU trains are introduced from Ernakulam to Kollam via Kottayam or Alappuzha, KSRTC will fold up in no time, says Ramesh. Ernakulam-Thrissur is the busiest sector in Kerala. But there are not many passenger trains on the route. Malabar passengers complain about the lack of trains between Shoranur and Kannur in the afternoons. Their complaints are genuine. There are fewer afternoons trains for daily and short-distance passengers, he added. However, railway officials say that there is an adequate number of trains for passengers, with special services introduced, whenever necessary. Three new special trains have started service towards the northern parts of the country, an official added. Summer specials Southern Railway will operate 239 trips of special trains on 19 routes to clear the extra rush this summer. These trains will link Tamil Nadu and Kerala to state like Karnataka, Rajasthan, Bihar, New Delhi, West Bengal, Gujarat, etc. The trains are: 06083 & 06084 Kochuveli-SMVT Bengaluru 06043 & 06044 Dr MGR Chennai Central-Kochuveli 06081 & 06082 Kochuveli-Shalimar 06071 & 06072 Kochuveli-Nizamuddin 06085 & 06086 Ernakulam-Patna

Empowering Strategic Thinkers: IIM Kozhikodes Advanced Strategic Management Programme

Slog-over aggression is smart gamesmanship by Pinarayi & Rahul

When provoked, Pinarayi Vijayan can be quite a handful. He is economical with words but remarkably effective, a master at hitting where it hurts. That Rahul Gandhi happened to be at the receiving end is what makes his latest campaign diatribe more than just an interesting anecdote in election stories from Kerala. Speaking in Kozhikode on Friday, Vijayan sought to remind Rahul about the nickname that was once being used to describe him in political circles and recalled what his grandmother, Indira Gandhi, did to the opposition leaders during the Emergency. There was provocation. A day earlier, Rahul sought to know why the BJP-led government at the Centre has spared Vijayan. Two chief ministers are in jail. How come this is not happening to the chief minister of Kerala? This is a bit puzzling, he said, hinting at a deal between CPM and BJP. Vijayan replied sharply and with characteristic disdain. It was your grandmother who jailed us. We are not afraid of jails, he said. Referring to his nickname, Vijayan said: Rahul Gandhi, you had a name in the past. It is not good to create an impression that you have not changed from what you were called earlier. That the two leaders are going at each other in the slog overs of the election campaign in Kerala is curious. Theres already a paradox in that while both Congress and CPM are partners in a national alliance, the blocs led by them are the main contenders in a majority of the 20 parliamentary seats in Kerala. That also means its not a friendly fight that is playing out in the state, but an all-or-nothing battle involving two parties that are fighting to expand, or at least preserve, their national footprint. Its only natural then that blows would be traded and no jibes would be spared. But, was there a need for the two leaders to engage in personal attacks? Yes, because it serves the purpose of both. Rahuls attack on Vijayan which was followed by a similar assault by Priyanka Gandhi can achieve multiple objectives for the Congress. One, it can help the party cash in on the very visible anti-Pinarayi Vijayan sentiment among the people. Two, the strong and aggressive posturing, while helping Rahul boost his image nationally, can also help stem the possible erosion of its support base. Three, reinforcing the BJP-CPM nexus theory though not very convincing can help consolidate minority communities, particularly the Muslims, in UDFs favour especially when Vijayan has persistently attempted to position himself as the sole champion of Muslims. But this strategy has one serious drawback. Upsetting the CPM cadres could end the possibility of last-minute transfer of votes to Congress candidates in seats where BJP is also in the running. BJPs failure to make electoral gains despite being numerically strong is partly blamed on this underhand transfer of votes that is said to have taken place in the last few elections. For Vijayan, the hostile personal attacks allow him to exhibit his trademark strongman image, which could help his party overcome the perceived anti-government sentiments. That he cares not much for the national-level opposition alliance has been evident, and recently he made it apparent in an interview with TNIE where he said it was not an alliance but an arrangement. His focus is on Kerala, and preserving his and partys preeminence in the state. With factors loaded against him, Vijayan has little space to manoeuvre in an election seen as a referendum on his government. Having won just one seat in 2019, the CPM has little to lose, and everything to gain. Any improvement, which means anything more than one seat, is to Vijayans advantage. Besides, the tit-for-tat attacks have helped the two main fronts sideline the BJP from the Kerala political narrative, at least temporarily. One must agree that both Rahul and Vijayan are of better use to their parties when they are angry, than otherwise. Kiran Prakash Resident Editor, Kerala kiranprakash@newindianexpress.com

Kozhikode MCH sexual assault case: NHRC accepts complaint filed on behalf of survivor

Concerns raised over misuse of free meals supply initiatives in Kozhikode

Complaints on the rise against people using sponsorship as a ticket for securing unrestricted entry to various government hospitals

'V D Satheesan spreading canards against CPM,' says CM Pinarayi

KOZHIKODE: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday said Congress state president K Sudhakaran and Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan are spreading false information about CPM during the UDFs election campaigns. Satheesan is making a fool of himself by saying that CPM has received electoral bonds, Pinarayi said during an election campaign in Vadakara constituency. The biggest propagandists of UDF in Kerala, K Sudhakaran and V D Satheesan, are spreading falsehoods about the CPM. The Congress doesnt even have a clear stand on the CAA, said Pinarayi. He further said the only party which has not accepted the electoral bond is the CPM. Congress has received electoral bonds worth `1,952 crore and it is still keeping the money. Now Satheesan claims that he has proof against us? How can he present proof for lies? he asked. Citing the Robert Vadra case, Pinarayi alleged that there is an undercurrent between the Congress and BJP. Vadras name figured in an FIR registered by the central investigation agencies against DLF. But after the CBI raid, the firm gave `170 crore to the BJP in the form of electoral bonds and both DLF and Vadra got a clean chit. Can Satheesan tell us what the link between Congress and BJP is? he asked. Meanwhile, Sudhakaran said, Rahul Gandhi is leading a relentless fight against communal fascism while Pinarayi Vijayan is borrowing the words of the BJP. The CMs speech sounds like that of a star campaigner of the BJP. Pinarayi is criticising Rahul to defend himself from the corruption allegations against his family. Genuine fear has turned the CM into a total coward, he said.

'IUML temporarily shelved its green flag to prevent communal campaign by BJP': P M A Salam

KOZHIKODE: IUML State General Secretary P M A Salam has said that the party has decided not to use the green flag at the election rallies of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi because the party did not want to give a chance to the BJP to unleash a communal campaign. Addressing a Meet-the-Leader programme organised by the Calicut Press Club on Saturday, Salam said that the IUML does not want to spoil the chances of the INDIA bloc at any cost. IUML can raise its flag anywhere in the country. However, we are ready to shelve it temporarily if it adversely affects our noble cause, he said. To a question on the absence of reference to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the Congress manifesto, Salam said Rahul Gandhi has spoken in no uncertain terms against the Act in his speech in Kozhikode. He said, The fight is between the BJP and the INDIA bloc, he said, adding that the CPM is engaged in splitting anti-BJP votes with the intention of helping someone.