kozhikode News

Southern neglect in UDF leaves IUML irked

MALAPPURAM: The IUML has voiced deep dissatisfaction over what it describes as inadequate representation in southern Kerala within the UDF, warning that the issue could have wider implications for future seat-sharing arrangements. IUML state general secretary P M A Salam told TNIE that despite being denied seats in five district panchayats in the southern region, the party delivered a stronger electoral performance than several UDF constituents an apparent reference to the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP). IUML was denied seats in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Idukki and Kottayam. Instead they were allotted four seats altogether in Ernakulam, Thrissur and Thiruvananthapuram. IUML was allotted only four seats across the southern district panchayats, but we won three of them. In Kollam, another UDF constituent was given four seats but managed to win only one, Salam said. He pointed out that the party chose not to explore alternative political alignments despite what it sees as continued marginalisation. We could have entered into local alliances with other parties in the southern districts, but we chose to contest independently. That was not the approach adopted by the Congress, he said. Drawing a contrast with northern Kerala, Salam said Malappuram remains a stronghold of IUML, where the party ensured generous seat-sharing with the Congress. Our workers worked hard for Congress victories in Malappuram. Unfortunately, the same spirit of mutual respect was not extended to us in the south, he said. Salam said the party would raise these concerns at a high-level IUML meeting scheduled to be held in Kozhikode on Monday. The question of demanding a larger share of seats in the forthcoming Assembly elections will also be taken up soon in UDF, he added. He also attributed the CPMs electoral decline to what he described as a Left Hindutva approach. The CPM attempted to play communal politics by cozying up to SNDP general secretary Vellappally Natesan to consolidate Hindu votes, alienating the Muslim community. As a result, Muslims voted for the UDF, while a section of Hindu voters shifted towards the BJP, Salam said.

Post LSG poll debacle, bruised Left front starts introspection

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Left reeling after the local body poll debacle, a battered LDF has set in motion a thorough review of its electoral performance. Calls have already begun from within the front for deep introspection and course correction, similar to the exercise it undertook after the 2019 electoral defeat. Both the CPM and the CPI state secretariat meetings on Monday and the LDF meeting scheduled on Wednesday are set to explore measures to win back the ruling fronts lost mass base. A quick analysis by the CPM leadership feels that the Sabarimala issue and failure to reach out to the grassroot level led to the electoral backlash. The party should seriously introspect why it lost in strongholds like Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram and certain pockets of Kozhikode, said a CPM state committee member. Its a fact that campaigns initiated at the top level never reached the grassroots. Naturally, attempts to expose a supposed Jamaat-SDPI-League axis failed miserably. Similarly, with regard to controversies like the Sabarimala gold theft, the party failed to reiterate an effective campaign narrative that could convince the common man. Sabarimala being an emotional issue, it served as a catalyst for the anti-incumbency factor, the leader said. Calls for introspection have already begun in the LDF. CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam, in a social media post, called for peoples suggestions and opinions on what went wrong with the LDF. Obviously, the intent is to set in motion the wheel of course correction. CPM central committee member Thomas Isaac has come out with a social media post saying that the party would explore whether the people were misled by any lapses. The CPM assesses that there was considerable erosion in the Hindu votes. We failed to gauge peoples sentiments On one side we failed to weaken the Muslim League. There was a Muslim consolidation in favour of the UDF, especially after the global Ayyappa meet. So, it clearly backfired. On the other, the Hindu votes got divided between the three fronts. Moreover, the BJP was able to garner a section of Christian minority votes too in some pockets in central Kerala, said a CPM leader. Leaders feel while anti-incumbency played a crucial role, a slew of other factors like PM SHRI too could have contributed to the poll drubbing. More than the anti-incumbency factor, it was Sabarimala that eroded peoples trust, said a senior CPI leader. We failed to gauge the peoples sentiments. Though the government implemented several welfare and development measures, we couldnt take it to the people. Earlier the Left used to succeed in sensing the peoples pulse. It seems that has come down drastically, he said. A multitude of factors contributed to the Left debacle, feels political observer Professor Sajad Ibrahim. An obvious anti-incumbency against the 10-year-rule got multiplied by a slew of other factors. Contrary to the belief that the BJP would make inroads only into the Congress fold, this time around, the saffron party was able to eat into the CPM base too. The Lefts over-confident posturing, weakened campaign politics coupled with the Sabarimala fiasco too seem to have played a role. Moreover, the party should have stayed away from gimmicks like the Ayyappa meet and last minute pension hike, he said. Many in the LDF feel that the front should have projected good governance of the last 10 years as its primary poll plank, rather than training guns on Muslim minorities. Similarly over-dependence on community leaders for support went against the Left narrative that has been winning peoples trust for long. Though the welfare pensions were a great move, the Sabarimala effect nullified it. With assembly polls coming up, the Left is likely to begin the process of course correction with elaborate house visits, political explanation campaigns, reaching out to the masses thus winning back, not just its mass base but its lost face too.

Red fortresses tumble as UDF scripts a comeback

KOZHIKODE: For decades, some panchayats were spoken of in political shorthand as safe, solid, and sealed. The 2025 local body results tore up that vocabulary. Voters, it appears, had other plans. One by one, long-held Left bastions slipped, and the UDF walked in through doors once thought firmly shut. At the district panchayat level, the contest was finely balanced, with the UDF securing 14 seats, narrowly edging past the LDFs 13, while others claimed one seat. Though the numerical difference is slender, the political symbolism is substantial. The UDFs performance in municipalities further strengthened its position. Out of seven municipalities, the front captured four key civic bodies Feroke, Koduvally, Payyoli, and Ramanattukara establishing a clear upper hand in urban local governance. These victories underline the UDFs renewed appeal among urban and semi-urban voters, a segment where the LDF had made notable inroads in recent years. However, it is at the grama panchayat level that the political shift becomes most pronounced. The UDF surged ahead with 39 seats, compared to the LDFs 27, while four panchayats witnessed a tie. What makes these results particularly relevant is the dramatic return of Chemanchery and Perambra panchayats to the UDF fold after more than two decades of sustained Left control. The UDF has also reclaimed power in Cheruvannur, further denting the LDFs rural strongholds. Shafi factor The result is widely interpreted as a strong expression of anti-incumbency sentiment, intensified by recent political protests and evolving electoral dynamics. A defining issue in the UDFs campaign was the alleged lathicharge on Congress MP Shafi Parambil during a UDF protest in Perambra town. The incident triggered widespread public outrage and became a central campaign plank for the opposition. Reacting to the verdict, Shafi Parambil described the results as a direct rejection of the state government. The people rose up and decisively halted the government. This verdict is against the chief minister and the government itself, he said, calling the mandate the fuel for 2026. The UDFs momentum extended into the hilly regions as well. It registered a historic victory in Puthuppadi, capturing 21 of 24 wards, while making substantial gains in Thamarassery and retaining control in Kattippara. The LDF suffered a severe setback in Puthuppadi and failed to translate increased vote share into seat gains elsewhere.

IUML workers attacking our cadre: SDPI

KOZHIKODE: Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has alleged that the IUML is mounting attacks on its cadre at various parts of north Kerala after the declaration of the results of the local body elections. The party said that its leader Salim Punathil was attacked by IUML workers when he was returning home after the victory celebrations on Saturday. In a statement, SDPI said the attack was a result of conspiracy hatched by IUML leadership to create tension. The party had won the ward number two of Azhiyur panchayat with a good majority. The IUML is frustrated that the party failed to win in the panchayat. IUML workers had attacked SDPI activist Sabad V P also, said the panchayat committee in a press release. SDPI district president Musthafa Kommeri said the IUML workers have unleashed attacks on party workers at Manjeri and Vadakara municipalities and Muzhakkunnu grama panchayat in Kannur district. Meanwhile, MSF state general secretary C K Najaf said the SDPI and the CPM acted like bosom friends in the elections. Kerala has kicked out the communal organisation called the SDPI along with the CPM in the elections, he said in an FB post.

Reality check: CPM faces recalibration Dilemma

KOZHIKODE: If you wanna call out, call out all religious fundamentalism, screamed a Facebook post from a CPM sympathiser agitated over the double standard of painting the BJP victory in Thiruvananthapuram as communal while refusing to see the IUML victory in Malappuram along the same lines. Speak class politics. Address labourers, students, women, and Gen Z. And come back, wrote another party sympathiser on social media, calling for a complete course correction in the party. These two contrasting reactions from CPM fellow travellers speak volumes on the existential angst the party has been undergoing for the past few years. The results of the local body elections have proved that the Muslim community has completely moved away from the party and the efforts to woo Hindu voters have not yielded desired results. The CPM strategy of singling out the Jamaat-e-Islami has boomeranged, resulting in the consolidation of Muslim votes against the party. Muslim intellectuals say the party has failed to understand the changes in the dynamics within the community, especially after the Sangh Parivar came to power in 2014. They say the community no longer cares about their internal differences and by and large is ready to bury the squabbles in the face of the looming threat from the Sangh Parivar. The IUML is the greatest political beneficiary of the unity of the Muslim community, as evident in the past few elections. The CPM game plan of targeting the Jamaat-UDF alliance did not succeed because it was seen as a move to thwart the unity among the Muslims. The IUML could overcome all organisational issues easily by asserting the need to stand united. The PDP and the INL -- the two Muslim organisations aligned to the CPM -- could not do much in the polarised environment. Leaders like K T Jaleel and P T A Rahim, who helped the party in the past to make inroads into the Muslim community, paled into insignificance because they were seen as CPM agents bent on disturbing the unity in the community. The future course of Kerala politics will largely be a reaction to the reality of the Muslim consolidation and the CPMs reaction to the phenomenon. Some voices in the community believe that it is not ideal to play the victim card for political gains because that would only result in the further alienation of Muslims in society. But it is quite unlikely that the IUML, which has tasted the benefits of the polarisation, will go for a rethink in the immediate future. What will the CPM do to overcome the crisis? Will it amplify the slogan of Muslim fundamentalism louder with the help of people like SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan? There is a strong feeling among CPM sympathisers that keeping Kerala secular is not the burden of the party alone and that it cannot stand mute witness while communalism is being used politically against the party. But there is also a segment in the party which believes that the CPM should return to its core content of addressing the basic issues concerning the people rather than getting involved in communal polemics. These questions will become louder as the state moves closer to the assembly elections. Consolidation vote puts CPM at a crossroads The CPM has come to recognise that Muslim consolidation against the party is a political reality, but remains uncertain about how to respond to it. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has emerged as the principal beneficiary of this consolidation and is expected to reinforce the trend ahead of the assembly elections. Muslim intellectuals argue that the CPM misread the communitys internal dynamics, noting that concerns over the Sangh parivar pose a greater unifying factor than internal differences. Within the CPMs support base, opinion is divided. While one section believes the party should avoid communal polemics, another contends that silence is untenable when communal mobilisation is directed against it.

Cano Cristales exhibition pays vibrant tribute to Achuthan Kudallurs artistic legacy

Art can be consumed anywhere because it is everywhere. It is not like a song that you have to take time and listen to, says artist, illustrator, and art educator Deepthi Jayan. A disciple of the world-renowned artist, late Achuthan Kudallur, Deepthi curated an art exhibition titled Cano Cristales. The artist Achuthan Kudallur was my master. He passed away on July 18, 2022. This show is a tribute to him, shares Deepthi. Inaugurated on December 14, follower and admirer of Achuthans abstract paintings showcased 40-odd abstract, semi-abstract, still, mural, realistic, and non-realistic painting in watercolour, acrylic, and oil media at Cholamandal Artists Village, Injambakkam. These artists are closely related to Achuthan Kudallur. They are very passionate about his artwork, Deepthi notes. The exhibition features artworks by artists Madanan from Kozhikode, BD Dethan and Babitha Nair from Thiruvananthapuram, KU Krishnakumar from Guruvayur, Manujla Dubey from Navi Mumbai, Manjula Dubey (Navi Mumbai), Bhattathiripad from Punnayurkulam, Moby Sajeev from Ernakulam, BTK Ashok from Thalassery, and the curator herself. Norka development officer Anoop P Chacko and artists P Gopinath and PN Sreekumar, inaugurated the ongoing event. The name of the show is inspired from a river in Colombia known for flowing in five different vibrant colours red, yellow, green, blue during specific times of the year. Colours are the soul of every artiste, hence the name, mentions Deepthi. The artist also believes that this show is important to show the difference between art created by humans and artificial intelligence (AI). It (AI) does not have a painters feeling and emotion. When an artist takes the brush, his feelings, emotions, everything is there in those colors. But AI doesnt have that ability, she concludes. The exhibition is open from 9 am to 6 pm till December 20. Entry is free.

Police tighten vigil in Kozhikode after firecracker explosion kills youth

Violence reported in several parts of Kerala after civic poll results

Violence flared across Kerala after local body election results were announced. Clashes erupted in northern districts, including Kozhikode and Kannur. Political party offices were attacked, and vehicles were damaged. Several individuals sustained injuries in the incidents. Police intervened to control the volatile situations in various locations.

Kerala local body poll results: Young viral candidates turn the tide

KOCHI: It has been a virtual balancing act for many! This local self-government election has seen several young candidates who gained social media popularity surge to victory. The streak began with UDF candidate Vyshna Suresh, who won the Muttada ward of Thiruvananthapuram corporation considered a Left stronghold by a margin of 397 votes. Vyshna secured 1,607 votes, dealing a major setback to Kesavadasapuram sitting councillor Amsu Vamadevan. The victory assumed as it followed a dramatic controversy in which her name was removed from the voters list after she was announced as the UDF candidate. Following suit, IUMLs Fathima Thahiliya won the Kuttichira division of Kozhikode corporation, securing 3,740 votes against INL candidate V P Rahiyanath. Another League candidate, Najma Thabsheera, emerged victorious in the Valamboor division of Perinthalmanna with a margin of 2,612 votes over CPMs Hema. UDF candidate Arathy Pradeep won the Mangalam division of Malappuram district panchayat, defeating CPM candidate C M Jaseena by a massive margin of 11,876 votes, and Mumthaz Vahab won the Kannamkulangara division of Thrissur corporation. In Payyannur municipality, C Vaisakh, a former CPM branch secretary and DYFI leader who contested as a rebel against the official LDF candidate, registered a notable victory in the Kara division. Additionally, UDF candidate Riya Cheerankuzhi, a well-known offroader, who contested from Kaveekunnu division of Pala municipality, CPM candidate Sneha K from Shantipallam ward of Kumbala panchayat, and Soumya S from the Emily Thadam division of Kalpetta municipality who earlier made headlines for chasing down chain snatchers, an incident later portrayed in the 2022 Malayalam film Oruthee were also among those who secured victories. At the same time, there were several candidates with a strong social media presence who failed to translate the attention into votes. Topping the list was Amritha R, the young CPM candidate who lost in the Sasthamangalam division of Thiruvananthapuram corporation. Despite attracting wide attention, Amritha was defeated by NDAs S Sreelekha, who also commanded significant social media visibility. Other defeated social media faces include TV personality Maya V alias Mayavi (Edayar West), UDFs Navya Mohanan P (Kottapady), Afeefa Nafeesa (Kadalundy), NDAs Adheena Bharati (Karinkunnam), and CPMs Reshma Mariam Roy who, in 2020, at 21, became the youngest person to head a local body in the state. She lost the Malayalapuzha division of Pathanamthitta panchayat. Commenting on the emerging trend, M R Ajayan, a political analyst, said the strategy worked. Nearly 80% of candidates with strong social media popularity won. Regional and electoral dynamics also contributed. There is still uncertainty over whether this trend will persist, Ajayan said.

Kerala local body poll results: Kozhikode mayoral aspirants fall as BJP posts gains

KOZHIKODE: The Kozhikode corporation election results delivered major political jolts on multiple fronts, with both the ruling LDF and the opposition UDF suffering unexpected defeats in key wards, even as BJP emerged as a decisive gainer by capturing several strategically and politically significant divisions. LDF won 34 of the 76 seats, while the UDF bagged 26 and NDA, 13. In one of the most striking outcomes, LDF mayoral candidate and incumbent deputy mayor C P Musafar Ahmed was defeated in Ward 39, Meenchanda. Musafar, a senior CPM leader and son of former Kozhikode South MLA C P Kunju, was considered a strong contender in what the LDF had projected as a prestige battle. However, UDF candidate S K Abubacker secured a decisive victory, dealing a severe blow to the ruling fronts mayoral ambitions. Meenchanda ward had undergone complete delimitation ahead of the election. Large portions of the former Payyanakkal ward where Musafar had first been elected councillor in 2010 and where LDF had earlier enjoyed a comfortable margin of 713 votes were merged into the newly formed ward, Mavoor road. LDF had expected this restructuring to work in its favour. However, the calculations failed, reversing the BJPs narrow 130-vote victory in the previous election and instead handing the seat to the UDF. UDF too faced a setback with the defeat of its mayoral candidate KPCC general secretary P M Niyas, who contested from Paroppadi division. The BJP candidate Harish Pottammal emerged victorious there, underscoring the partys growing footprint in urban Kozhikode. While the LDF and UDF grapple with the fallout of losing key leaders and mayoral hopefuls, the BJPs ability to penetrate wards historically dominated by both fronts points to a clear shift in urban voter sentiment. Meenchanda ward had undergone complete delimitation ahead of the election.

Kerala local body polls: IUML has its way as CPM slips on Muslim pitch

KOZHIKODE: The local body election results have proved that CPMs alienation among the Muslim community in Kerala is complete even as the IUML retained the reins of the community. IUMLs thumping victory in Malappuram and UDFs impressive performance in Muslim-dominated areas in Malabar show that the CPM has lost its confidence among the minority community. The continual communally-coloured statements from CPM leaders and the partys endorsement of the irresponsible comments by SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan against the Muslim community played a major role in sealing the fate of the party in Muslim-dominated areas. The UDF succeeded in exposing CPMs gameplan of targeting the UDF-Jamaat-e-Islami alliance as a mere plot to attract Hindu votes. The CPM had no answer when UDF leaders pointed out the partys past understanding with the Jamaat. There is a feeling within the LDF that there was an overdose of the Jamaat content in the partys campaign, which served only to give visibility to an organisation supported by a negligible segment of the Muslim community. CPMs move to single out Congress leader Shafi Parambil, MP, also smacked of a communal campaign. When Rahul Mamkootathil got embroiled in the rape case, CPM social media handles were baying for Shafis blood, saying that it was the Vadakara MP who protected the accused. During electioneering, the LDF had resorted to dangerously divisive communal politics. The electorate ultimately rejected that approach. The public had been suffering under the Pinarayi government for the past ten years, a sentiment that had become one of the most widely discussed issues in the state. Adding to this discontent was the Sabarimala issue, which further alienated large sections of society, said P K Kunhalikutty, IUML national general secretary. Welfare Party of India state president Razak Paleri said the CPM had played the Hindutva politics of the BJP to win the elections. The party had tried to win majority communities votes by throwing the names of Jamaat-e-Islami and Hizbul Mujahideen and creating a Muslim fear. But the people of Kerala have completely rejected the campaign, Paleri said.

UDF breaches LDF citadels in Kozhikode, NDA makes gains in urban areas

Though theLDFjust managed to retain power in the 76-memberKozhikodeCorporation council and won eight of the 12 block panchayats, it narrowly lost the district panchayat and surrendered its supremacy ingramapanchayats to the UDF

LDF fails to get majority in Kozhikode Corporation, BJP makes big gains

Left Democratic Front managed to win only 35 of the 76 seats, while the United Democratic Front bagged 28 seats and the National Democratic Alliance 13 seats

UDF sweeps four Corporations, LDF reduced to one, BJP opens score

The UDF secures 46 out of 76 seats in Kochi and gains ground in Thrissur and Kollam, highlighting a changing political landscape. The LDF retains Kozhikode Corporation, while the NDA celebrates its first municipal victory in Thiruvananthapuram.

Kerala local body polls: UDF retains four municipalities, LDF holds three in Kozhikode

Continuity marks municipal verdict in Kozhikode district amid anti-incumbency trend in Kerala

Kerala local body polls: UDF surges ahead in Kozhikode district; NDA makes gains; LDF hegemony weakens

The Kozhikode Corporation, ruled by the LDF for around five decades, is seeing a neck-and-neck fight

Kerala local body polls: UDF makes history, sweeps panchayats, corporations; NDA secures Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress-led United Democratic Front showcased a thumping victory in both rural and urban civic bodies, as the counting of votes for the 2025 Kerala local body elections came to a close. The UDF has won in four out of six corporations: Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur, and Kannur. The LDF retained Kozhikode, whereas the NDA has wrested Thiruvananthapuram from LDF. The UDF also won 59 district panchayats, 1063 block panchayats, and 7451 grama panchayats; the LDF won 30 district panchayats, 823 block panchayats, and 6137 grama panchayats; while the NDA won just one district panchayat, 50 block panchayats, and 1363 grama panchayats. LoP in Kerala Assembly and Congress leader V D Satheesan called the UDF's sweeping victory a warning against the state government and a protest of the people against those who misgoverned Kerala. KPCC president Sunny Joseph said on Saturday that the front's results indicated the people had rejected the LDF government. LDF convenor T P Ramakrishnan said the results would be closely examined. Why such a verdict happened will be examined at the micro level. People's opinion will be considered and further steps will be taken, he said. Kerala local body polls: Public anger against Pinarayi govt fueled UDF momentum, says VD Satheesan NDA secures 50 seats in Thiruvanathapuram Corporation In the biggest gain for the BJP in the local body polls, the NDA secured 50 seats in the 101-member Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Council. Kerala is fed up of UDF and LDF. They see NDA as the only option that can deliver on good governance and build a #VikasitaKeralam with opportunities for all, wrote Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media platform X. A few of BJP's remarkable wins include its possible mayor candidates, ex-DGP R Sreelekha in Sasthamangalam and VV Rajesh in Kodunganoor wards. However, one of the BJP's star candidates, Padmini Thomas, faced a bitter result in the Palayam ward. The election results come as a shock for the LDF, having lost half of its seats from its previous tenure. The LDF secured only 29 seats. Ajin SL, Left candidate from Thrikkannapuram ward, is becoming one of the party's 'saving graces'. A BJP worker had died by suicide in the work. The UDF improved its status in the corporation, gaining six seats this term, a total of 19 seats. Vaishna Suresh, who fought a legal battle to secure her candidature, won from the Muttada ward with a lead of 393 votes. Ex-MLA KS Sabarinadhan, who was UDF's mayoral candidate from Kowdiar, also made a remarkable win. Thiruvananthapuram Corporation stands different from the pro-UDF wave across the State. Congress candidate who moved Kerala HC for name reinstatement in electoral roll, wins Muttada ward Kollam Corporation: UDFsecures 25 seats UDF candidates secured victories in a majority of divisions in Kollam Corporation. UDF candidate Xavier Mathias won in Shakthikulangara Harbour Division. NDA candidate Shiji won the Shakthikulangara Division by a margin of 1,385 votes. UDF candidates B Deepu Gangadharan won Meenathuchery by 2,166 votes. and Radhika Saji won Kavanad by 1,732 votes. Vallikkeezhu Division was won by LDF candidate Vidya Manoj with a margin of 1,459 votes. LDF candidate A M Mustafa won in Kureepuzha West Division, while UDF candidate B Ajith Kumar won in Kureepuzha Division. Neeravil Division was won by LDF candidate Mahesh R by a margin of 1,751 votes. UDF candidate Richa Sugunan won in Anchalumood West Division, while in Anchalumood East Division, UDF candidate Adv. M S Gopakumar won. UDF candidate Dhanya Raju won in Kadavur Division. LDF candidate B Prashanth won in Mathil Division. NDA candidate B Shailaja won in Thevalli Division, while BJP candidate C Suresh Kumar won in Ashramam Division. UDF candidate Shaima won in Pallimukku Division. Ayathil Division was won by LDF candidate Jariath by a margin of 1,467 votes. UDF candidate T Lailakumari won in Kilikollur Division, while P Rajendran Pillai (UDF) won in Pandalathazham Division. NDA candidate R Destimona won in Palathara Division, while UDF candidate Sadakath A won in Manakkad Division. Thrissur Corporation: UDF leads The UDF has made a historic comeback in Thrissur Corporation, securing 33 out of 56 divisions. The Left Democratic Front (LDF), which ruled the corporation for two terms, won 11 seats. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won 8 seats. The UDF's victory is attributed to voters' disappointment over the LDF's development projects. Suby Babu, former deputy mayor of Thrissur Corporation, has won in the Gandhinagar division. Raghunath C Menon, who led the campaign works of Suresh Gopi in the Lok Sabha election, has won in the BJP's stronghold, Poonkunnam. The LDF has won 21 out of 30 divisions in Thrissur district panchayat, a clear majority. The UDF has increased its presence from 7 to 9 seats, while the NDA has failed to win any seats despite fielding prominent leaders. The LDF continues to dominate municipalities too, securing five out of seven. Kerala local body polls: UDF makes a strong comeback in Alappuzha, sweeps Malappuram Kottayam district panchayat: LDF, KC (M) defeated in Pala The UDF, this time, reclaimed power in the Kottayam district panchayat, all sixmunicipalities, and a majority of gram and block panchayats. The LDF faced a significant setback this year. In the 2020 local body polls, the LDF had secured the district panchayat, 51 out of 71 block panchayats, 10 out of 11 block panchayats, and three out of sixmunicipalities. Notably, the LDF faced a significant defeat in Pala municipality, traditionally a stronghold of the Kerala Congress (M), suggesting a shift in the party's corevoter base. Speaking to media persons, KC (M) chairman Jose K Mani stated that the party respects the people's mandate and will conduct a 'thorough' analysis ofthe reasons behind the electoral defeat. In 2020, the UDF lost Pala municipality for the first time ever,after KC (M) left the UDF to join the LDF. UDF leadersbelieve this victory will provide a substantial boost to the coalition in the lead-up to the upcoming Assembly elections, scheduled for April-May 2026. Meanwhile, the NDA did not perform as expected. Although they secured Poonjar Thekkekkara panchayat, the BJP lost its existing panchayats, Pallikkathodu and Mutholi. Post-poll arithmetic pushes UDFLDF talks in Palakkad municipality to block NDA

Voter turnout lowest in Kozhikode Corporation

Absence of young voters and dual votes cited as reason

Kozhikode Corporation Council bids farewell as term nears end

The current council will stay in office until the new one takes charge, possibly before December 20; Mayor Beena Philip highlighted the councils achievements over five years, while opposition councillors voiced regret over projects that had stalled

High security in place to ensure peaceful counting in Kozhikode

The support of more than 7,000 police officers will be ensured across the district to maintain law and order

Counting to be held at 20 centres in Kozhikode

There are 12 block-level centres to count the votes of grama panchayats and one centre each for seven municipalities; Government Vocational Higher Secondary School for Girls, Nadakkavu, is the counting centre for the Kozhikode Corporation

CM Pinarayi accuses Congress of aiding perverts, criminals

KOZHIKODE: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan succeeded in setting the agenda for discussion on the second phase of polling to local bodies on Thursday by shifting the whole focus to the Rahul Mamkootathil issue and thereby diverting attention from all other issues the opposition wanted to raise. What are these womanisers in the Congress doing? Why were the survivor women not ready to come forward with complaints. This should be viewed seriously. There were threats that they would be killed. The victims felt their lives would be in danger if they preferred complaints, the chief minister told reporters after casting his vote at a polling booth in Pinarayi in Kannur district. He asked how the workers of a political party can take such a stand. More serious allegations may emerge in the coming days. Society will never allow justification of these criminals and sexual perverts, Pinarayi said. The chief minister was reacting to an earlier comment by Congress state president Sunny Joseph who said that the second complaint against Rahul seemed to be well-drafted. Speaking to reporters after voting in Kannur, Sunny said the complaint was politically-motivated. He said there was a legal brain behind the complaint, adding that people are aware of its intention. However, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan chose to disagree with the KPCC presidents remarks. He said complaints should be well-drafted. A lawyer is a person who updates the current knowledge on legal issues. The victim can seek the help of an advocate before filing a complaint. Whats wrong with that? he asked. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala hit back at Pinarayi saying that the chief minister should first rein in the womanisers in his party. He said the CPM and the LDF government gave positions to those who insulted and harassed women. Chennithala said the CPM is employing double standards in dealing with sexual abuse cases. The government is sitting on a complaint against a former MLA for two weeks, he said. The opposition wanted to put the LDF on the defensive on several issues including the Sabarimala gold theft case. Sunny Joseph tried to raise the issue while addressing reporters, but it was drowned in the noise created over Pinarayis harsh remark on the Congress and Rahul. The developments also exposed the chinks in the Congress over dealing with the Rahul issue, with the KPCC president and the Leader of Opposition speaking separate languages. Counting day: What to know With polling for the local body elections concluding on Thursday, attention now shifts to the counting of votes on Saturday a verdict seen as a key indicator ahead of the assembly elections How counting will unfold Counting begins at 8 am on Saturday 244 counting centres have been set up across the state Postal votes for the 14 district panchayats will be counted by district collectors at the respective collectorates Votes for the grama, block and district panchayats will be counted at the block level Postal ballots will be counted first at the returning officers table, followed by EVM votes Only the control units of EVMs will be brought to the counting centres Strong rooms storing EVMs will be opened in the presence of returning officers, observers, candidates and their agents Entry to counting centres is restricted to persons authorised by the returning officers

Row over quality of Kerala medicine

NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha on Thursday witnessed a protest during Zero Hour from the CPI(M) over allegations of spurious and substandard medicines in Kerala. The protest began when Congress MP Jebi Mather Hisham launched a blistering attack on Keralas drugs control department, claiming that recent raids across the state had exposed the widespread availability of counterfeit and poor-quality medicines. As soon as Congress MP Hisham made her allegations, CPI(M) MP John Brittas and others sharply objected. Despite their protests, the Chair allowed the Congress member to complete her speech. Hisham said raids conducted in Kozhikode, Thrissur and Thiruvananthapuram had revealed a shocking truth about the extent of counterfeit medicines circulating in Keralas pharmaceutical market. No member can mislead the House. All spurious medicines were produced elsewhere and brought to Kerala, Brittas said in reply crediting the state for its efficiency in detecting counterfeit drugs. He objected to what he called nasty aspersions cast on the CM and demanded that those comments be expunged from the record. Please delete that, he urged the Chair. This is not a small lapse. These raids expose the utter failure and shameful inefficiency of the states drug control department. Its negligence has allowed an unregulated network of manufacturers and marketing companies to push substandard medicines from outside Kerala, the Congress MP added.

109-year-old Omana Amma turns poll star in Kerala's Perambra

KOZHIKODE: Early morning, while at her home in Eravattur, 109-year-old Manikkoth Omana Amma had only one concern: When will you take me to vote? Her simple but firm question set the stage for one of the most touching moments this election day. Despite her age and frailty, Omana Amma was determined not to miss her chance to vote. By 3:45pm, she was on her way to booth number 2 in ward 18 of Perambra panchayat, travelling in an autorickshaw with her family and neighbours. The journey wasnt easy for her, but her resolve kept everyone going. Weakness due to age made it difficult for her to either step out of the vehicle or enter the polling booth. Noticing the situation, polling officials came outside, assisted her with compassion, applied the indelible ink on her finger, and arranged for her to cast her vote. Her family said that nothing could stop her from voting. Right from the morning, she insisted she would go to the booth no matter what. Voting has always been sacred to her, said her grandson. Local social worker Babu E M, who played a key role in bringing her to the polling station, said her determination moved everyone around her. When a 109-year-old woman is so committed to voting, it sends a strong message to society. She told us, I will vote. Take me there. Her conviction inspired all of us, he said. Young voters who witnessed the scene said they felt humbled and motivated. Many youngsters even took the opportunity to click selfies with Omana Amma to share on their social media platforms. According to her family members, there has not been a single election in her lifetime that she has missed. She is deeply committed to her principles and ideologies, and voting has always been a non-negotiable duty for her.

76.08% vote in second phase of local body polls, Kerala records overall turnout of 73.69%

Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod went to the polls on Thursday (December 11) and 1.16 crore of the 1.53 crore voters in these districts exercised their right to vote.

Kozhikode records 77.24% voter turnout in local body polls

KozhikodeCorporation registered 69.55% polling; Ramanattukaraposted the highest polling percentage of 81.39 among municipalities, whilePayyoli recorded the lowest of 76.53%

Young voters ensure strong Gen Z participation in local body polls in Kozhikode

Isolated incidents of violence in local body polls in Kozhikode

Tension prevailed in Nadapuram following clash between LDF and UDF activists over double voting

Congress MP slams Kerala drugs control dept over counterfeit medicines; CPI(M) objects claims

NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha witnessed a protest during the Zero Hour on Thursday by the CPI(M) over allegations of spurious and substandard medicines in Kerala. The protest began when Congress MP Jebi Mather Hisham launched a blistering attack on Keralas drugs control department, claiming that recent raids across the state had exposed the widespread availability of counterfeit and poor-quality medicines. As soon as Congress MP Hisham made her allegations, CPI(M) MP John Brittas and others sharply objected. Despite their protests, the Chair allowed the Congress member to complete her speech. Raising the matter during Zero Hour, Hisham said raids conducted in Kozhikode, Thrissur and Thiruvananthapuram had evealed a shocking truth about the extent of counterfeit medicines circulating in Keralas pharmaceutical market. This is not a small lapse. These raids expose the utter failure and shameful inefficiency of the state's drug control department. Its negligence has allowed an unregulated network of manufacturers and marketing companies to push substandard medicines from outside Kerala, the Congress MP said. While acknowledging that the issue extends beyond Kerala and reflects an alarming surge of counterfeit medicine across the country, Hisham focused her criticism on what she described as the state governments failure to tackle the threat. She also highlighted serious deficiencies in Keralas healthcare infrastructure, citing Dr Harris of Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, who was allegedly compelled to reveal shortages of basic surgical tools publicly. Surgeries are postponed indefinitely. Operation theatres remain idle due to a lack of maintenance and supplies, she alleged, further claiming that doctors' concerns were being ignored repeatedly, leaving patients to buy surgical materials out of their own pockets. Making a blistering attack on the CPI(M) government in Kerala, she charged, This is not an administrative or system error. This is complete misgovernance. Continuing amid loud protests from CPI(M) members, she also referred to the tragic building collapse at Kottayam Medical College , which claimed one life, describing it as a painful symbol of the collapse of the healthcare system under the Left Democratic Front government. However, when she moved to name Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the Chair intervened. She urged the central government to instruct the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation to conduct a comprehensive probe into Keralas drugs control department o restore transparency and ensure the safety and quality of medicines across the state. Hishams remarks drew an immediate rebuttal from CPI(M) MP John Brittas, who raised a point of order under Rule 258. No member can mislead the House. All spurious medicines were produced elsewhere and brought to Kerala, Brittas said, crediting the state government for its efficiency in detecting counterfeit drugs. He objected to what he called asty aspersions cast on the Chief Minister and demanded that those comments be expunged from the record. Please delete that, he urged the Chair. In response, the Rajya Sabha Chair assured the House that the matter would be examined.

Kerala local body polls: Second phase records 63.8% turnout by 3 pm

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An overall voter turnout of 63.8% was recorded at 3 pm in the second phase of the local body polls in seven northern districts of the state. Electors are choosing representatives to three tier panchayats in rural areas as well as municipalities and corporations in urban areas. The districts in which polling is being held in the second phase are: Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. Voting is being held in 18,274 polling stations from 7 am to 6 pm. Of these, 2,055 polling stations have been earmarked as sensitive. A total of 12,391 wards spread across 604 local bodies are facing the polls on Thursday. This includes 9,015 wards in 470 grama panchayats, 1,177 wards in 77 block panchayats, 182 divisions in seven district panchayats, 1,829 wards in 47 municipalities and 188 wards in three Corporations. As many as 1.53 crore voters, including 72.46 lakh men, 80.90 lakh women and 161 transgender persons figure in the voters' list in local bodies that are going to polls in the first phase. Another 3,293 overseas voters also figure in the electoral roll. A total of 38,994 candidates are in the fray in the seven districts. The first phase of polling in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam concluded on December 9 with a turnout of around 70%. Results for both phases will be declared on December 13. VIDEO | Kannur: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan ( @pinarayivijayan ) casts his vote in the local body polls. #KeralaElections #LocalBodyPolls #Kannur (Full video available on PTI Videos https://t.co/n147TvrpG7 ) pic.twitter.com/OGQxTd91kj Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 11, 2025

Through grasslands & Shola forests, a sacred journey to Sabarimala

PATHANAMTHITTA: Feeling the chill of the Western Ghats and the lush scent of Shola forests, pilgrims to Sabarimala embark on a spiritual trek like no other, crossing over grasslands. The Satram-Pulmedu traditional forest path offers pilgrims a fusion of devotion and wilderness, where nature and faith seem inseparable. With chants of Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa echoing through the slopes of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the devotees walk under the watch of the forest department, police, and health teams. Perched at a high elevation, the route unveils the rare ecosystem of the shola-grassland mosaic. Vast rolling grasslands stretch as far as the eye can see, broken intermittently by clusters of emerald-green shola trees standing like watchers. Key halting points along the trail Seethakkulam, Zero Point, Pulmedu, and Urakuzhy offer natural waymarks and moments of pause before the final ascent to the sacred hill. The path doubles as a thriving habitat for elephants, tigers, gaurs, and several other wild species. With the region forming part of the core tiger habitat, officials maintain keen surveillance along the entire stretch. Stepping off the designated trail is strictly prohibited, and devotees acknowledge the necessity behind such vigilance. Forest guards positioned at intervals ensure safety without disturbing the fragile ecosystem. We feel safe because of the constant support of the police and forest teams. We have not faced any difficulty so far, says Jinesh, a pilgrim from Thiruvambady in Kozhikode who arrived with an 11-member group. Despite the surge in number of pilgrims this season, devotees unanimously credit the departments for improved facilities. Around 5-6 km from Satram, a resting place awaits at Odamplavu Point, a centre jointly operated by the forest department and district administration. Here, devotees are served hot rice porridge, green gram, and pickle free of cost, besides tea and light snacks. The counter closes only after the last pilgrim of the day has passed, says the official on duty. For emergencies, an off-road ambulance stands ready, offering immediate medical response along the rugged terrain. From food and drinking water to safety, everything has been taken care of. We are truly grateful, says a devotee from Tirupati while resuming his trek. Pilgrims are allowed to enter the route from Satram only between 7 am and 12 noon. To safeguard the forest, plastic products are strictly banned, with thorough checks conducted at entry points. All trekkers must reach the Sannidhanam before 6 pm; those delayed are escorted by forest teams to ensure no one walks alone after nightfall. A final round of patrolling is carried out, and only after tallying token numbers with exit records does the team end its shift -- guaranteeing that every pilgrim who entered has reached safely.

3,097 polling stations set up in Kozhikode

Officials on election duty collected polling materials, including electronic voting machines, from 20 distribution centres and reached their respective stations by Dec. 10 evening. The electorate stands at 26,82,682, with 6,328 candidates in the fray

Kozhikode Collector to submit report on Thilakkam

The UDF and the BJP had lodged complaints with the District Collector over Thilakkam, arguing that its distribution by LDF councillors during the MCC period amounted to a violation

Keralas first e-bike rental service launched in Kozhikode railway station

The service, which has received all necessary clearances, allows commuters to rent e-bikes at 50 per hour, 500 for 12 hours, and 750 for 24 hours

Staff shortage hits MVD special drive in Kozhikode

The appointment of the Regional Transport Officer (Enforcement) has been pending for several months, disrupting the overall coordination of flash inspections and other administrative functions

Tight security in place in Kozhikode district to ensure peaceful polling on local body election day on December 11

Enhanced security measures to be in place in panchayats that have reported the presence of suspected Maoist supporters or activists

Coastal outskirts keep democracy moving in Thiruvananthapuram amid low turnout

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For a city long shadowed by its reputation for lacklustre polling, Thiruvananthapuram seemed to slip deeper into that pattern on election day. In the citys upscale neighbourhoods, where voter apathy has become almost ritual, the silence was unmistakable. By noon, turnout still hovered stubbornly below 30%, a telling sign of the indifference that had marked the morning. At the Kowdiar LP School, nestled in one of the citys quietest upscale pockets, the polling station wore a unhurried look through the morning. Only a handful of voters trickled in at a time, the queue seldom growing beyond two or three people. Then, just before 10.45am, the hush lifted. The arrival of Governor Rajendra Arlekar briefly transformed the otherwise languid booth into a flurry of activity, drawing curious glances. Although the governor arrived prepared to wait his turn, the sparse early-morning turnout meant his time in the queue was fleeting. But as the sun climbed higher, the scene began to shift. Slowly, elderly voters emerged, some leaning on canes, others guided by family. Retired college teacher Johny K John and his wife Elizabeth Thomas have treated every election like an unbreakable family ritual since settling in the capital three decades ago. Their sons John and Thomas, working in Kochi and Kozhikode respectively, boarded overnight trains just to make it home in time to vote alongside their parents. There is definitely a sense of apathy, especially among the younger generation, Elizabeth said. However there are still many who realise that their vote matters, she said. Aparna V P, a first-time voter in the local body polls, echoed that sentiment. My vote is for development and for a city with better, more reliable infrastructure, the BCom student said. Coastal wards told a very different story. By afternoon, polling stations in Beemapally, Valiyathura and the Port wards were buzzing, with queues that refused to thin even after the 6pm deadline. For us, our daily bread comes first. Food first, democracy later, said Jeremias, a 59-year-old fisherman from the Port ward. He had stepped out to get his fishing net repaired but sprinted back as the clock neared closing time. At Kachani ward, voting flowed steadily from early morning. But not everyone arrived in calm spirits. Senior citizen Krishnankutty stood fuming outside the Kachani Government High School booth, where the premises had been dug up for construction. Moments earlier, he had nearly stumbled over the debris while trying to navigate his way to the entrance. No wonder people stay indifferent, he said, frustration unmistakable in his voice. We are already tired of pothole-ridden road. Now, even the polling station is a mess. My vote will definitely reflect my resentment. he said.

Malayali medical intern gets Uzbek honour after saving woman mid-flight

KOZHIKODE: High above the clouds, somewhere between Tashkent and Delhi, a young Kerala doctor-in-training found himself in the kind of life-or-death moment most people only read about. The cabin lights were dim, passengers were settling into the long flight, and suddenly, a frantic announcement cut through the silence: If there is a doctor or medical staff on board, please inform the crew immediately. It was a 24-year-old medical intern from Tirur, Malappuram -- Dr Anees Mohamed -- who stood up. With no equipment, no hospital setting, and thousands of feet above the ground, he was the only hope for a woman who had collapsed and was rapidly slipping into danger. That single moment of decision, fuelled by instinct and training, would not only save a life but also propel him into history as the first Indian and the first foreign national of any kind to be awarded Uzbekistans rare and prestigious Hero of the Country honour. The incident occurred on July 28 this year, where a 48-year-old woman collapsed mid-air. When I checked her vital signs, I found that her heart rate had shot up, a clear case of tachycardia, Dr Anees recalled. I began carotid sinus massage immediately, and within 10-15 seconds, she started stabilising. We monitored her closely until landing and handed her over to doctors in Delhi. At an official ceremony in Uzbekistan on December 4, Dr Anees stood humbly as he received the national award. I dont take this honour for myself. This award belongs to my family, friends, supporters, my university, my rector, dean and vice dean, everyone who guided me. Thank God for this blessing, he said. Though raised and schooled in Dubai, and now training with the Tashkent State Medical University in Uzbekistan, Dr Anees remains deeply rooted in Kerala. He frequently returns to work in hospitals across the state during academic breaks. The love you receive from patients in Kerala is immense, it motivates you to work harder, Dr Anees told TNIE. Whenever I get a vacation or fellowship break, I make sure I fly home to serve here. My dream is to specialise in trauma surgery, and my first preference is definitely to return to India for my masters. He keeps a meticulous surgical logbook even as an intern and has already made headlines for assisting in a major breast cancer surgery in India. His interests include trauma surgery, plastic surgery, and microvascular reconstruction. Outside medicine, Anees is a national MMA and kickboxing champion, and also trains young athletes, one of whom recently won a gold medal at a national event. Proud parents Husain Padasseri and Rahmath Nissa T Arakkal, along with siblings Ameen Ahsan, Rana, and Fida, said they always expected big things from him but never imagined an international government honour this early in his career. The Tashkent State Medical University issued an official note of appreciation, stating: We are proud that our students like Mohamed Anees are providing medical assistance to people around the world thanks to the knowledge they gained here.

League, Welfare Party can never walk together: K M Shaji

KOZHIKODE: Muslim League state secretary K M Shaji has clarified the partys ideological differences with Jamaat-e-Islami, asserting that the two organisations can never walk together. Speaking to mediapersons in Kozhikode, Shaji stressed that the disagreement between the Muslim League and Jamaat-e-Islami is global and ideological, not something limited to Keralas political landscape. Shaji dismissed political speculation about electoral cooperation with the Welfare Party, associated to Jamaat-e-Islami. The Welfare Party issue has never been discussed even at the district level. There will be no such understanding for the Assembly elections either, he stated. Sharply criticising Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Shaji said the repeated accusations linking the Muslim League to the Welfare Party were a result of the CMs political complex. He alleged that the chief ministers electoral strategy, especially in earlier phases of campaigning, was designed to target majority votes. That strategy collapsed after the Sabarimala gold theft case. Now, he has come to Malabar looking for ways to engineer a polarisation in Muslim votes, Shaji said. Shaji further emphasised that the Welfare Party has never been an ally of the UDF. However, he pointed out that there is strong anti-Left sentiment among sections of voters in the current election. The UDF will not reject or restrict votes cast as part of this anti-Left sentiment, he clarified. Shaji said that the Muslim Leagues differences with Jamaat-e-Islami stem from international issues, not merely local electoral concerns. Just because they vote for us in an election, we will not praise them the way Pinarayi Vijayan does. We are not here to whitewash their ideology, he said.

Kerala local body elections: Big promises, bigger dreams

KOCHI: keralas local body elections have traditionally centered on the basics roads, drains, streetlights and waste management. But this time, the three major fronts the CPM-led LDF, Congress-led UDF and BJP-led NDA have released manifestos that read less like routine civic checklists and more like ambitious blueprints for parallel futures. If polls were a contest for imagining the most expansive version of Keralas cities, this election would easily qualify as the masterclass in political imagination. The full-fledged, multi-page poll documents for corporations and districts in particular carry a flood of promises some practical, some aspirational and some that wander into the territory of wishful planning. Growing public expectation Micro-level manifestos in local body elections mark a significant shift in Keralas political culture. While many promises may be aspirational or beyond the immediate powers of local governments, the trend itself signals a growing public expectation for accountability and decentralised decision-making. Detailed ward or city-specific pledges push parties to engage more closely with voters everyday concerns and create a record against which their performance can later be measured. In an increasingly urbanised and globally aware electorate, such granular manifestos encourage healthier debates on governance and, over time, can strengthen the relevance and responsiveness of local bodies even if the feasibility of the promises remains uneven. Im happy, said D Dhanuraj, founder-chairman of the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR). Praising the sudden surge in detailed manifestos, he said, This will help prompt more discussion on decentralised government, and the public will demand such things. He also believes that global political trends and high-profile campaigns elsewhere may be influencing Keralas political tone. He sees the trend as healthy: When you promise 100 things and dont implement even 10%, someone will question you. I see it as the next level of development as we move towards greater decentralisation. For him, the very presence of detailed manifestos marks a shift toward increased accountability. Economist Jose Sebastian, however, has a sharply different view. The manifesto is a wrong trend. Its becoming a mockery, he said. According to him, none of the fronts, regardless of ideology, explain how they plan to mobilise funds for these expansive promises. Its all tall promises without any substance. Just to create a narrative, he says. Sebastian also argues that Keralas local governments are not autonomous enough to shoulder these grand visions. They have become implementing agencies of central and state schemes. If they had focused on their own resource mobilisation, we wouldnt be in this situation. With the first phase of polling over on Tuesday and the second set for Thursday, the electorate has already begun casting its verdict on these big-ticket manifestos. Saturdays results will reveal which promises resonated, and which remained on paper. OLYMPICS IN TPURAM & METRO TO COIMBATORE? Leading the pack in audacity is the BJP. Its manifesto for the Thiruvananthapuram corporation promises to prepare the capital to serve as one of the venues for the 2036 Olympics. The host city is still undecided, and Ahmedabad is widely tipped as Indias official bidder, but the NDA is confident Thiruvananthapuram can aim high. If that wasnt bold enough, the party has also promised to extend the Kochi Metro all the way to Coimbatore a proposal that would involve overcoming the trifecta of funding challenges, inter-state coordination and monumental infrastructure planning. Alongside these headline-grabbing pledges, the party has also offered more grounded commitments: a Surat-inspired drainage system, Indore-style waste management, and centrally-monitored street lighting. A FULLY SMART KOCHI The Congress-led UDF has filled its Kochi corporation manifesto with everyday urban concerns: garbage, mosquitoes, traffic jams, stray dogs and public health. Its major pitch is a Zero Waste Kochi project aimed at resolving the long-standing issues surrounding the Brahmapuram waste plant. The manifesto also promises to turn Kochi into South Indias first total smart city, a vision based on efficient mobility, digital governance and better civic services. The list of promises is sweeping: garbage-free streets, mosquito control, smoother traffic and a crackdown on drug lobbies. If executed, it would address many chronic complaints of Kochis residents. However, whether these proposals survive the constraints of local body finances remains unclear. INFRA-HEAVY AGENDAS FOR KOCHI, U.N. GOALS ROADMAP FOR KOZHIKODE The CPM-led LDF has released detailed manifestos for multiple corporations. In Kochi, its focus is on practical improvements: canal rejuvenation, systematic road cleaning, value-added waste products, and EVs for the Haritha Karma Sena. It also proposes an electric bus network with KSRTC, renovation of key bus stands and new mobility solutions like multi-level parking and bike sharing. In Kozhikode, the LDF has gone a step further. Its manifesto states the corporation will work to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2031 if the front returns to power. The document outlines a sweeping development agenda: Transforming Kozhikode into an IT hub; implementing a light metro project; continuing the City Road Improvement Project; building new roads and infrastructure; and constructing a flyover at Eranhipalam. LDF, which has governed Kozhikode for over 45 years, attributes its long run to timely implementation of development projects, an argument it hopes will resonate again.

Major fronts make last-ditch efforts to woo voters in Kozhikode

While the UDF focussed on the gold theft case at Sabarimala temple, the LDF raised the issue of tactical tie-up between the Welfare Party of India and the UDF and highlited State governments achievements during the campaign

LDF hopes to retain its upper hand in Kozhikode

Bun maska-chai: The viral combo sweeping Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Yummy butter spread between a tasty bun, dipped in hot tea this simple combination has endeared itself to Keralites. Originally from the Irani cafes of Mumbai, the dish is trending all over Kerala, with food vloggers making it the talk of the town. And the origin of this sudden craze for bun maska in the state could be traced to a couple from Kochi The Chai Couple and what they call their single-minded decision. When Saran Dileep and Sreelekshmi T S decided to return from abroad and choose and pursue a passion in Kochi, they were unsure about where to start. An avid tea lover, Sreelekshmi felt there should be a place that answers an everyday question: Where can we get good chai? That thought grew: What if we add some snacks, but not the usual oily ones? Overnight, the duo bought some charts, took a table from their house and borrowed their grandmothers flask. The next morning, they were ready in front of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kaloor, armed with a limited number of buns and some tea. The Chai Couple Cafe, and the viral bun maska-chai combo, took off. Instead of beginning a fully-fledged shop, we thought of experimenting, to see if people like what we offer, said Saran. Maintaining that the dish is their version of bun maska, he said never in their dreams did the two think it would become a statewide trend. Terming it a result of both word of mouth promotion and support of food vloggers, Saran commented they are happy to see the dish going viral. Our confidence is in our customers, said Sreelekshmi, adding that many, including their first-ever tea customer, return to their food spot. One of our customers is even developing our new token system, she said, adding that they have always been keen on not compromising on quality. Food vloggers across the state say the bun maska-tea combo has gone viral. Niyadh Basheer (@foodencyclopediatrivandrum) said the key complaint he hears from foodies is the dish being out of stock. There are shops open till 2am, selling bun maska and tea in Thiruvananthapuram. Techies have taken over spaces in the Technopark side, where they sell bun maska, he said, adding that the capital citys thattukada culture has boosted peoples love for the dish. Devayani S Thilakan (@toastory) says the affordable nature of the dish has made it attractive for college students in Kozhikode. We commonly see students who are visiting the beach, gathering at shops selling the items, she said.

Kozhikode district all set for local body polls: Collector

IUML aims for young women to lead the party: Jayanthi Rajan

KOZHIKODE: IUML has fielded young women leaders in the local body elections to groom them for future responsibilities, says national assistant secretary Jayanthi Rajan. In a chat with TNIE , she speaks about the partys election strategies and the disputes it saw in some local bodies. Edited excerpts: Has fielding young women leaders in the local body elections boosted IUMLs image? Definitely. IUML has been prioritising womens leadership. We fielded young leaders like Fathima Thahiliya, Najma Thabsheera and Ayisha Banu in the local body elections. The party aims for these young women to lead it in future. IUML is making an effort to provide proper representation to the new generation in grama, block and district panchayats as we mould them for future. What major changes were you able to bring as the first woman member of IUMLs national council? As the national secretary of Womens League and now as the IUML national assistant secretary, I was able to intervene in the organisational system of the League as much as I could. Whether I could bring changes is not for me to say, but for the workers and leaders to assess. However, the League has always given me the space to voice my opinions in consultations and discussions. IUML faced seat sharing disputes in Kozhikode corporation and in Wayanad. Does this indicate a rift between the leadership and party workers? Workers should be people who move forward by keeping organisational interests before personal interests. Like many parties, the League experienced minor disputes during candidate selection. The leaders intervened and resolved what they could. For us, the fact that educated and highly-qualified workers are coming forward as Muslim League candidates is a positive change. What are the major issues raised by IUML in Wayanad? Everything, from rising wild animal attacks, unemployment, building tax hike and regional issues to the failure of the LDF administration is being discussed in the election. In Wayanad, the focus is on the Brahmagiri deposit scam and Wayanad Medical Colleges development woes. Also, LDF failed to coordinate with various voluntary organisations and parties to implement disaster relief work. Even IUMLs own rehabilitation project was delayed by the government.

LDF releases election manifesto for Kozhikode Corporation

The new manifesto proposes projects to make Kozhikode an IT hub, including a light metro, continuation of the City Road Improvement Project, development of roads, and a flyover at Eranhipalam

IIM CAT answer key objection window 2025 will open tomorrow: Check steps to raise challenges here

Aspiring MBA candidates can now challenge the CAT 2025 provisional answer key released by IIM Kozhikode. The objection window opens tomorrow, December 8th, and closes on December 10th. Candidates must log in to the official portal, iimcat.ac.in, to submit their challenges with supporting evidence. Results are expected in early January 2026.

Fringe political players eye local gains in Kerala, challenging Keralas dominant fronts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Meet the political parties that command other states but barely make a blip on Keralas electoral radar. Branded as fringe actors, the modest seat tallies of such parties are often mocked when set against the states entrenched fronts. Yet political observers caution that dismissing them outright may be a mistake. Their strength in select strongholds could send out quiet tremors capable of nudging the trajectories of Keralas major political fronts. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leads the pack in terms of the sheer number of candidates fielded in the upcoming local body election. The party, that once ruled Delhi and is now in power in Punjab, had entered the civic election arena in 2015 with around 80 candidates but failed to open its account. AAP first tasted success in 2023 when its candidate won a panchayat ward in Idukki in a bypoll. In the upcoming civic polls, AAP has fielded a total of 380 candidates across various local bodies in all districts. We will put up an impressive performance in this local body election and are particularly confident of winning seats in Kozhikode and Kochi corporations and a district panchayat division in Idukki, said Vinod Mathew Wilson, AAP state president. AAP could be an alternative for voters who are averse to the ideologies and practices of the three major fronts. But it would be a form of negative voting that is not beneficial in the long run. Instead, AAP should offer positive alternatives such as revival of the anti-corruption plank on which it was originally based, and taking up issues facing the marginalised sections and the downtrodden to stay relevant, opined Prof M N Karassery, political observer and social critic. Meanwhile, DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam), the ruling party in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, is upbeat about a rousing performance in the local body election in Kerala. The party, led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, has fielded candidates in 23 wards. Of these, nine candidates are in Kollams Punalur municipality and one in Thenmala grama panchayat while.the remaining 13 have been fielded in Devikulam and Peermade taluks of Idukki. It is for the first time that DMK is contesting under the partys official rising sun symbol in Kerala, and we are confident of a good show this time around, said K R Murugesan, DMK Kerala state secretary. Punalur has been a stronghold of the Dravidian party for many years. Notably, in the 2023 election to Punalur Service Cooperative Bank that falls under the municipal limits, all 13 candidates fielded by the DMK came second, pushing the UDF to third spot. AIADMK (All Indian Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam), the main opposition party in Tamil Nadu, has been a player in Keralas electoral scene for the past few decades. As the partys official two-leaves symbol has been reserved for Kerala Congress (M) in the state, the partys candidates have been contesting under the hat symbol. As many as 30 AIADMK candidates are contesting the upcoming local body election, mostly in its strongholds in Idukki and Palakkad. We have renewed our ties with the BJP-led NDA alliance in Tamil Nadu but in Kerala we have decided to go it alone. In the two wards where our candidates are contesting in Thiruvananthapuram district, the BJP is also in the fray, pointed out Haribabu V Pillai, Kerala state secretary, AIADMK. He added that the party would put up an impressive performance in Idukki and Palakkad districts where it has fielded candidates in 16 and 12 wards respectively. We are hopeful of improving our tally in 2015 when we won as many as six wards, he added. Meanwhile, a section of political analysts are of the view that other-state parties see the local body election in Kerala as part of a larger game-plan. For many such parties, fielding candidates is primarily part of reviving their cadre ahead of the assembly election. Though they may not win the seats they contest, the votes they poll would be shown as a sign of strength in certain pockets and used as a bargaining chip against major fronts in the upcoming elections, opined A Jayashankar, political commentator. It is more of a spoiler effect that parties from other states pose in their strongholds in Kerala, Jayasankar said. In areas where linguistic minorities are a sizeable number, disillusionment with the LDF and UDF favours such fringe parties, he said. Most of these voters would have been taken for a ride in successive elections by the dominant fronts and they would naturally be on the lookout for a platform to express their resentment. Whether their favoured candidate would win the election is a different question altogether, he remarked. Meanwhile, the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), that has made inroads into the migrant population and also minorities in the states hilly areas, has opted out of the fray this time around. Owing to differences between the state unit and its newly appointed state convener P V Anvar, the partys symbol has been frozen by the poll panel. AITC state president C G Unni dismissed claims that independents backed by AITC are contesting the civic elections. The party will face the elections officially only after its internal elections are completed, he added. AIADMK Total candidates THIRUVANANTHAPURAM TPuram municipal corporation: 1 (Medical College ward) Neyyattinkara municipality: 1 (Perumpazhuthoor ward) PALAKKAD Palakkad town & Kozhinjamapara panchayat: 12 candidates IDUKKI Devikulam, Marayoor & Munnar areas: 16 candidates DMK Total candidates KOLLAM (10) Punalur municipality: 9 wards Thenmala grama panchayat: 1 ward IDUKKI (13) Devikulam taluk: 7 Peermade taluk: 6

Kozhikode Corporation entrenched in corruption, alleges NDA

Kerala: Standing ground, amid the barrage

KOZHIKODE: here is unlikely to be any change in the majority of Muslim voters inclination for the UDF in the local-body polls as it had played out in the 2024 Lok Sabha election and the subsequent by-elections to the Palakkad and Nilambur assembly constituencies. This has more to do with the communitys antagonism towards the CPM, driven by a host of factors, than its enthusiasm for the policies of the Congress-led front. The CPMs reluctance to denounce SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesans anti-Muslim remarks remains a major irritant. There is a strong feeling in the community that the left party is quietly backing Vellappally to come out with more remarks disparaging Muslims. Politburo member A Vijayaraghavan has said the party doesnt view Vellappallys remarks as communally coloured. Quizzed on the SNDP chiefs stand, party state secretary M V Govindan remarked that using religion for political gains is the definition of communalism, thereby hinting that Vellappally is not communal. During a recent interaction with mediapersons, Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen (KNM) state president T P Abdulla Koya Madani said it is quite unfortunate that the leader of a renaissance movement is using communally charged language. The Muslim community is thoroughly unhappy that Vellappally remains chairman of the committee formed to protect renaissance values and a trusted ally of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, he said. Developments in the Sunni group led by Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar also dont bode well for the CPM. Though some LDF leaders have been working overtime on social media, not all in the rank and file are happy with the positions the CPM has adopted on certain issues.The campaign that the CPM is smuggling in liberal values has also not sat well with Kanthapuram Sunnis. The CPMs game plan of unleashing all-out attacks on the Jamaat-e-Islami also has not paid the expected dividend in the campaign. While opposing the Jamaat ideology in its entirety, Muslim organisations suspect the sincerity of the CPM is raking up the issue in every election. While Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama leaders including Umar Faizi Mukkam and Abdul Hameed Faizi have repeatedly laid into the Jamaat, its president Syed Muhammad Jiffiri Muthukoya Thangal has been more guarded. He refused to be drawn into the controversy over the Welfare Party of India-UDF tie-up, saying Samastha is not concerned about political alliances. The functioning of the home department is another area of worry for the Muslims. The CMs perceived tolerance of ADGP Ajith Kumar, despite his alleged links to RSS leaders, is continuously quoted to attack the CPM. The intervention of spiritual leader Sri M in ending the political violence in Kannur is recalled to buttress the argument that there exists a secret deal between the RSS and the CPM. Ironically, the UDF is also palpitating over happenings. Consolidation may help the front improve its position in Malabar, where Muslims are a strong presence, but its impact in the central and southern regions of the state remains to be seen. Secondly, some Muslim groups have opposed the UDFs attempt to normalise the Jamaat, which they believe is a threat to the community. If such groups decide to defeat Welfare Party candidates, who are backed by the UDF, it will spell trouble for the front in local bodies where one or two seats will prove to be the deciding factor.

Party chiefs outline development, welfare projects for Kozhikode

A pre-poll discussion organised by the Calicut Press Club saw three district chiefs of mainstream political parties outlining their visions, priorities, expectations, and manifesto commitments ahead of the three-tier local body elections 2025

Commissioning of EVMsbegins in Kozhikode

The commissioning began in the blocks of Perambra, Vadakara, Kozhikode, Melady, Chelanur, and Koduvally, as well as in the municipalities of Koyilandy and Ramanattukara

Kerala local body polls 2025: municipalities to witness tight contests in Kozhikode

While the Left Democratic Front swept the Kozhikode Corporation and retained control over major rural local bodies, the United Democratic Front gained a narrow edge in the municipalities, winning four of the seven

IIM Kozhikode PhD admission 2026 registration begins at iimk.ac.in: Check direct link and complete details here

IIM Kozhikode has opened registrations for its 2026-27 Doctoral Programmes in Management (DPM) and PhD. Aspiring scholars can apply online until January 23, 2026, for advanced research training. The institute offers fellowships and tuition waivers, with a rigorous selection process including written tests and interviews. Specializations span various management disciplines.

The one who removed me is now removed: Shahanas hails Rahul Mamkootathils expulsion

KOZHIKODE: KPCC Samskara Sahithi general secretary M A Shahanas has welcomed Congress decision to expel MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, stating that the party has taken a strong and proud stand in support of women. Shahanas, who had earlier revealed that she was removed from a cultural WhatsApp group by Rahul Mamkootathil, noted that the same person has now been expelled from the party. The person who removed me from the WhatsApp group has now been removed himself. Even at this moment, I remain within the Congress. The partys firm stand with women makes me proud, she wrote on Facebook. Shahanas had earlier disclosed that even women as old as her mother had bad experiences with Rahul within the Mahila Congress. She stated that when she raised complaints, the silence of Shafi felt disappointing and sarcastic. She added that if Shafi claimed her allegations were false, she would release evidence. According to Shahanas, Rahul had behaved inappropriately with her as well. After returning from participating in the farmers protest in New Delhi, she allegedly received an improper message from him suggesting they could have travelled together. She said she had informed Shafi Parambil about the incident. Shahanas stated that had her complaint been taken seriously earlier, the present situation could have been avoided. People like Rahul are the ones who tarnish the image of the party, she remarked.

IUML cant compromise with Jamaat ideology

KOZHIKODE: Striking a different note on the UDF-Welfare Party election understanding, IUML leader M K Muneer, MLA, said his party can never compromise with the ideology of the Jamaat-e-Islami, the parent organisation of the Welfare Party. Speaking to a Malayalam TV channel, Muneer said he has no hesitation in declaring even in the time of election campaign that there are fundamental differences with the Jamaat. We have spoken and written against the Jamaat and we or they (the Jamaat) do not denounce what we said, he said. It may be recalled that the UDF has struck local-level understanding with the Welfare Party in the ensuing local body elections. IUML state president Panakkad Syed Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal himself has attested the understanding with the Welfare Party. Muneer said the Welfare Party is supporting the UDF in certain places and that it cannot be construed as a political alliance. The CPM, which accepted the support of the Jamaat, is indulging in a campaign completely forgetting the past, he said. The UDF didnt do anything that the CPM did in the past. We have a strong approach to the Jamaat, he said. Muneers remarks came at a time when the IUML-Jamaat relationship developed into a full-fledged alliance at least in some constituencies.

Keralas new local bodies face mounting waste crisis as key projects stall

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: When the new councils take charge in Keralas different local bodies later this month, most will have a common problem on their hands waste management. Kerala generates over 10,000 tonnes of solid waste every day. However, despite the state having systems in place to manage it, it still leaves a lot to be desired. Nearly 1,200 local bodies struggle manage the widening gap between waste generation and available infrastructure to handle it. Lack of land, stiff local resistance and several failed centralised waste management projects continue to hold the state back. Take for example the Rs 2,400-crore World Bank-funded project launched in 2021 to improve solid waste management in 93 urban local bodies. The initiative has come to a grinding halt due to the state governments inability to set up sanitary landfills essential for scientific waste processing. Over the past four years, the Kerala Solid Waste Management Project (KSWMP) tried establishing regional waste management facilities in Kasaragod, Palakkad, Thrissur, Kollam and Ernakulam, but failed. And, officials admit that without setting up regional sanitary landfills, the state cannot utilise the World Bank grant. Local bodies, ward members, residents and even MLAs are opposing waste management projects. Our repeated attempts to set up regional facilities, mandatory for utilising the World Bank grant, have failed. At Ambalamedu in Ernakulam, the local body refused approval to build a landfill due to strong local resistance. We had even prepared a `600-crore project benefiting around 22 surrounding local bodies, a senior government official said. The massive fire at the Brahmapuram waste plant in March 2023 that left Kochi and its suburbs choking for days, served as a turning point, pushing waste management to the top of the governments priority list. To strengthen the system, 38,312 Haritha Karma Sena members were deployed for door-to-door collection of non-biodegradable waste. Last year, they collected 1.5 lakh tonnes of such waste from households and establishments for safe disposal. Kerala generates 7,660 tonnes of biodegradable waste and 2,416 tonnes of non-biodegradable waste daily. However, despite efforts to promote decentralised processing at source, managing biodegradable waste remains a critical concern for most local bodies. Currently, many of them rely on pig farms. While source-level management systems exist in several areas, the department is adopting a hybrid strategy, introducing community-level waste treatment facilities to bridge gaps. To encourage residents to set up source-level systems, the government has announced a 5% exemption in property tax. A statewide survey is on to assess the status of source-level waste management facilities. Its findings will help identify gaps, understand operational realities and plan necessary interventions. Only households with functional waste management systems will be eligible for the exemption. Those unable or unwilling to set these up will be provided waste collection as a paid service, with user fees applicable, an official said. With only a few months left for its term to end, the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) is gearing up to roll out a slew of initiatives aimed at achieving a garbage-free Kerala under its Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam 2.0 mission. LSGD Minister M B Rajesh told TNIE that the state has overcome the toughest phase of its waste management crisis and is now on a clear path forward. He also said Kerala will become a dumpsite-free state within the next two years. We took the Brahmapuram fire disaster as an opportunity to transform Kerala into a garbage-free state. We have achieved a lot. Now, we have a clear roadmap to move ahead sustainably. Four regional sanitary waste management facilities will become operational by April or May. Compressed biogas (CBG) plants in Palakkad are nearing completion, and work on the Kozhikode CBG plant will begin immediately, Rajesh said. Growing waste burden Kerala generates nearly four million tonnes of solid waste every year, with urban centres accounting for a major share. While biodegradable waste dominates the mix, the strain on waste management systems continues to grow. The figures below capture the scale of the challenge and the infrastructure in place to manage it

Farmer outfits seek written assurance from candidates

KOCHI: With the campaigning for local body elections entering the final stage, farmers organisations have demanded written assurance from candidates on safeguarding the rights of farmers to defend themselves from wild animal attacks. The Kerala Independent Farmers Association (KIFA) and the Catholic Congress have given a call to farmers in the high ranges to get the assurance duly signed by candidates in a prescribed format. The form has been distributed among farmers in the forest fringe areas of Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Idukki, Pathanamthitta and Thiruvananthapuram. The form states that I (the candidate) and my party assure that we will support any farmer who takes defensive measures to stop wild animals entering farmlands outside the forest as per the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act 11 (2), and will oppose any move to book criminal cases against them. We will take earnest efforts to make the government accept this stand. Initially some political parties had refused to sign the form. But the farmers declared that they will boycott the election if the candidates refuse to sign the form. Now candidates are willingly signing it and some candidates have taken the printouts on their own and and delivered them to the farmers. Our stand is that we will support only candidates who stand for the farmers cause. Besides we are putting up flex boards in all wards of forest fringe areas. The flex board carries the message that No vote for those who stand for wild animals, said KIFA chairman Alex Ozhukayil. The Catholic Congress has issued a statement urging farmers to demand candidates to declare their stand on issues affecting the farmers. We will respond to political parties who ignore the woes of farmers. The plan is to expose politicians who failed to implement the assurance on ensuring fair price to rubber and paddy farmers. Politicians are circulating spicy narratives to divert attention from the core issues. We will demand candidates to give a written assurance on ensuring protection under Section 11 (2) of Wildlife Protection act to farmers who defend themselves from wild animals raiding crops, said Catholic Congress global director Fr Philip Kaviyil. As many as 32 people were killed by wild elephants in 2025 while three others were mauled by tigers. The farmers are unable to cultivate crops due to increasing wild animal attacks. We want political parties to take a proactive stand to save farmers from wild animals, he said. Meanwhile, a senior forest official said some people are circulating exaggerated figures of deaths in wild animal attacks. Only 15 deaths have occurred in wild elephant attacks in 2025-26, which is lower that the previous years. The total number of deaths in wild animal conflicts this year is 21 and two of the victims were killed by tigers. There were four deaths in wild pig attacks. We have succeeded in bringing down the deaths due to snakebites which is 13 this year compared to 34 in the previous year, he said.

CAT 2025 provisional answer key released; check how to download and the final date for access

IIM Kozhikode has released the CAT 2025 provisional answer key and candidate response sheets for all three slots. Candidates can log in at the official portal until 10 December, 11:55 PM, to download the PDFs and verify their responses. Objections, if any, can be submitted online from 810 December. The final key and normalised scores will be announced later.

Puppetry festival in Kozhikode from December 5

IIM CAT response sheet, answer key 2025 releasing today: Know when and how to submit objections at iimcat.ac.in

IIM Kozhikode is releasing the CAT 2025 provisional answer key and candidate response sheets today, December 4, 2025, on iimcat.ac.in. Candidates can review their answers and estimate scores. An objection window opens December 8-10, 2025, allowing challenges to the provisional key. This crucial step helps aspirants prepare for the next stages of the CAT selection process.

IUML faces backlash over alleged use of religion in Kasaragod election campaign

KOZHIKODE: The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a major constituent of the Congress-led UDF and a party that has long championed its secular credentials, is facing intense backlash in the lead-up to the local body elections. The controversy erupted after a video of IUML leader Ashraf Edneer surfaced on social media, prompting allegations that the party is soliciting votes on communal grounds. The LDF election committee for Kasaragod municipality has filed a formal complaint with the State Election Commission, alleging a clear violation of election norms. The video in question shows Ashraf introducing UDF candidate Shahina Saleem, who is contesting from ward 16 (Thuruthi). In the clip, he describes her as a devout Muslim who offers prayers five times a day and observes fasting during Ramadan. LDF leaders claim this type of campaigning is intended to leverage religious identity to influence voters. However, Ashraf has clarified that the viral video is a selectively edited portion of a much longer speech and does not reflect the context or the larger message he conveyed. In his complaint to the State Election Commission, T M A Kareem, secretary of the LDF committee in Kasaragod municipality, argued that presenting a candidate primarily through her religious identity amounts to misuse of religion for electoral gain. Kareem said that highlighting her prayer routine and observance of Ramadan creates a misleading contrast between her and the rival candidates, indirectly portraying them as less religious or even anti-religious. Ashraf, who addressed a womens meet on November 30 in Thuruthi, maintained that his full speech covered development issues, womens empowerment, and the socio-political needs of the municipality. Speaking to TNIE, he said his 30-minute speech was edited to present a communal interpretation that he never intended. He reiterated that the IUML does not indulge in communal politics and that his remarks, when heard in context, emphasise the importance of being a person of values, not an attempt to use religious practices as a tool for canvassing. Noted social critic and political analyst Hameed Chennamangaloor commented that the controversy once again highlights a longstanding debate regarding the Leagues ideological position. According to him, the IUML has consistently proclaimed itself a secular party and even persuaded national Congress leaders to support this narrative. However, he argued that the partys political conduct over the years does not align with true secularism. Chennamangaloor maintained that a political party can be considered secular only when it operates without invoking religion or religious identity, something he believes the League has never been able to do. He added that when candidates are projected through their religious practices, it reduces political merit to a question of piety rather than governance or development, making such victories questionable. CPM sympathiser advocate C Shukoor also expressed concern over IUMLs alleged use of religion in campaigning. He described the episode as a serious issue, both constitutionally and morally. Shukoor pointed out that the Constitution prohibits appeals to religion in election campaigns and that discussions should revolve around political ideology, development plans, inclusivity, and constitutional values. He argued that Kasaragod municipality remains one of the most underdeveloped in the state, and instead of presenting developmental achievements, political parties are increasingly relying on communal or counter-communal tactics. According to Shukoor, both the BJP and the IUML are following parallel strategies where one employs communal messaging and the other counter-communal narratives, ultimately weakening the broader democratic process. He also noted that even within the League, there is growing dissatisfaction among members who oppose this approach. League in row The row erupted after a video of IUML leader Ashraf Edneer surfaced on social media, prompting allegations that the party is soliciting votes on communal grounds Ashraf clarified that video is a selectively edited portion of a much longer speech and does not reflect the context or the larger message he conveyed

Entrepreneurs seek a roadmap for promoting ecotourism spots in Kozhikode

They say projects that focus on sustainable livelihood schemes should be implemented, and that it should be taken up as a major campaign agenda during local body polls

IIM Kozhikode To Release CAT 2025 Answer Key On December 4

The CAT 2025 exam held on November 30 saw 2.58 lakh candidates attend across 339 centers in 170 cities, with an 86 per cent attendance rate.

Excise steps up crackdown on sale of illicit liquor in Kozhikode

100% of SIR enumeration forms distributed in Kozhikode, says election officer

NGT issues notice to CPCB over pollution by Fresh Cut's waste treatment unit in Kozhikode

NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal has sought a response from the Central Pollution Control Board, Kerala State Pollution Control Board and others in a matter related to pollution caused by a waste treatment plant in Kozhikode. The green body had taken suo motu cognisance of a news report that claimed that Fresh Cut Organic Products Pvt Ltd in Ambayathode village in Kerala's Kozhikode district was causing air and water pollution. In a December 2 order, a bench of NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava (retd) and expert members, A Senthil Vel and Afroz Ahmad, noted that according to the report, the foul odour from the unit had made life miserable for the locals. The main river that provides drinking water is also polluted by the effluents discharged from the unit. Skin diseases and allergies have become common in the area. Presently, the unit is closed down due to agitation. However, there is a need to ascertain that the unit meets all norms before starting and to clean up the area as the pollution persists, the bench said, noting the report. The tribunal said the report raised substantial issues relating to compliance with the environmental norms. It impleaded the Central Pollution Control Board, Kerala State Pollution Control Board, the District Magistrate of Kozhikode and the Bengaluru regional office of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) as respondents or parties. Issue notice to the respondents for filing their response/reply, the green panel said. The matter has been posted for further proceedings before the southern zonal bench in Chennai on January 29. On the run, yet in the race: UDF fields fugitive fresh cut protest chief

Samasthas crowdfunding crosses Rs 46 crore

KOZHIKODE: The Thahiyya fund collected by the Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama for the various projects to be implemented as part of its centenary celebrations crossed Rs 46 crore when the collection officially ended on Monday night. The fund was collected through an app developed by a group of young men associated with the feeder organisations of Samastha. Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Samastha president Syed Muhammad Jiffiri Muthukoya Thangal said Thahiyya received overwhelming response from all sections of society. Thangal thanked the rival faction Sunni leader Abdul Hakeem Azhari for his gesture of contributing to the Thahiyya fund. Thangal announced the fund collection drive on September 28 and the last date fixed earlier was extended to December 1. Strengthening the educational institutions at Walayar, Parangipettai, Tiruppur, and Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu is among the projects visualised under the Thahiyya project. It also proposes to set up Samastha Centenary Educity, rehabilitation centres, offices for Samastha in major cities, international heritage museum, e-learning village, medical care centre, special schools, higher education scholarships and construction of students hostels.

Kerala govt hospitals lag in deceased organ donation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has been actively encouraging cadaveric organ donation to help save lives. However, when it comes to identifying brain-dead patients and persuading bereaved families to donate the organs of their loved ones, the states own hospitals are trailing private transplant centres by miles. In the past five years, where private hospitals identified around 20 deceased donors a year, government hospitals across Kerala could together manage just two. Lack of coordination in public institutions has slowed things further. In all, Kerala has 64 transplant centres, including major government facilities at Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Kozhikode and the Ernakulam General Hospital. Since 2012, government hospitals have recorded just 58 donations out of 339 statewide. To improve coordination, the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) appointed nodal and assistant nodal officers in southern, central and northern regions to screen potential donors in ICUs and facilitate cadaver donations. However, the situation has not improved. This year, public centres carried out 16 of the 62 transplant surgeries but converted only two cadaver donations out of 19. The higher number of organ donations in private hospitals creates the impression that brain deaths occur only there. However, patients die on ventilators in government medical colleges, too. If brain death is certified and communicated properly, more lives can be saved. We are yet to build such a system, said a senior officer with the DME. To address the gap, the health department has designated the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (K-SOTTO) as the sole authority for both deceased and living donor programmes. By bringing all public transplant units under K-SOTTO, the government aims to improve efficiency, strengthen coordination and build public trust. Under the new unified command system, organ donation activities will be streamlined and made more transparent. All units are now under the administrative, functional and financial control of K-SOTTOs executive director. Transplant coordinators can also be assigned duties beyond their zonal jurisdiction during emergencies or special circumstances. Clash over poor performance Mohan Das M K, professor of Nephrology at Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College, publicly criticised the functioning of K-SOTTO and announced his resignation as nodal officer for the southern region, alleging failure in the cadaver donation programme. In response, Dr Noble Gracious S S, the K-SOTTO executive director, accused Das of neglecting his duty to promote organ donation, noting that only one cadaver donation was facilitated at the Thiruvananthapuram GMC in two years. He said disciplinary action had been initiated against Das for failing to perform his responsibilities and for portraying K-SOTTO in a negative light. Donors identified by hosps in 2025 Thiruvananthapuram MCH: 1 Kottayam MCH: 1 Private: 17

Kozhikode DCC seeks action against KPCC member over Karassery bank issue

Operation Cy-Hunt: Kozhikode police identify new suspects in online scams

Artistes push for free open stages as poll campaigns heat up in Kozhikode

New wave of cyber crime arises in Kerala as fraudsters use fake WhatsApp profiles of district collectors

KOZHIKODE: A new cyber trick is affecting the states district administrations, with fraudsters now impersonating district collectors on WhatsApp to fool subordinate officers into transferring money. What starts as a routine query about work updates quickly transforms into a cleverly crafted financial request, and multiple top officials have already found their identities misused. The latest cases emerged from Wayanad and Kasaragod, where district officials discovered WhatsApp accounts operating under the names of their respective collectors. The fraudulent profiles carried stolen display photos and used formal, authoritative language typical of official communication. Officers who received the messages said the conversations opened innocently, with questions such as Where are you now? or Any update on the work? before escalating into urgent instructions seeking money transfers. A recurring message used by the impersonators read: I need you to fund some executive prospects account on my behalf while Im busy attending an urgent meeting. I will reimburse you before the end of the day. The scammers often followed up with a request for a screenshot of the payment receipt, claiming it was needed for reimbursement and documentation. Kasargod District Collector Imbasekar K confirmed the impersonation attempt, cautioning all officers against responding to such messages. I never request fund transfers through WhatsApp. Any such message must be treated as fraudulent, he said, urging officials to verify all financial communication through official channels. Kasaragod district authorities issued a similar advisory and alerted all departments to remain vigilant. A formal cybercrime complaint has been registered, and police have begun tracing the origins of the fake accounts. In a separate but related incident, Wayanad District Collector Meghashree D R took to her official Facebook page to warn the public about a WhatsApp number impersonating her. The number, using her name and photograph, has reportedly been sending messages to various individuals over the past few days, requesting immediate financial assistance. Following preliminary probe, the Wayanad cyber police traced the WhatsApp number to Vietnam. Officials confirmed that the number was registered as a business account, and records indicate the user joined WhatsApp only in October, a detail raising suspicion that the profile may have been created specifically for the fraud. Police sources said a case would be registered shortly under relevant sections of cyber fraud and identity impersonation. Cyber security experts have noted that impersonation scams involving top government officials are currently on the rise. Fraudsters often exploit hierarchical structures and urgency-based communication to manipulate officers into acting quickly without double-checking. Police have urged government employees and the public to avoid responding to unsolicited WhatsApp messages requesting money, verify communication through official phone numbers or email, and report suspicious messages immediately to cybercrime authorities

Construction work on Kozhikode-Wayanad tunnel road moving at a fast pace

KOZHIKODE: The construction of Keralas ambitious Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi four-lane tunnel road, envisioned as a long-awaited alternative to the heavily congested Thamarassery Ghat, is progressing rapidly in Kozhikode. Machinery for rock excavation, labour camps, first-aid centres, and office containers have already arrived at the project site at Marippuzha, where the initial phase of work has begun. Estimated at a cost of Rs 2,134 crore, the tunnel aims to provide a seamless travel experience through one of the states most challenging hilly terrains. Once completed, the route is expected to greatly ease the persistent traffic issues at the Thamarassery churam and offer a safe and smooth passage in all weather conditions, one of its most significant advantages. Bhopal-headquartered Dilip Buildcon Limited has been awarded the construction contract for the tunnel project, while the contract for the four-lane steel arch bridge across the Iruvazhinji river at Marippuzha has been given to Punia Construction Company. The public works department (PWD) is overseeing the project, with funding provided by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). According to PWD officials, the tunnel is expected to be fully completed within four years, provided the current pace of work continues. The project involves the construction of an 8.73-km-long four-lane tunne, on the Wayanad side, will link to Meppadi-Kalladi-Chooralmala road (SH-59), while in Kozhikode district, it will connect to the Marippuzha-Muthappanpuzha-Anakkampoyil route.

Top leaders add zest to campaigning in Kozhikode Corporation

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Clamour for comprehensive fire audit gets louder in Kozhikode

Everyone free to eat what they want but dont provoke others

Pazhayidom Mohanan Namboothiri, the master chef of school arts festivals for the past two decades, is an unassuming individual who swears by the divinity of cooking, a task demanding utmost passion and deep dedication. In a freewheeling chat with TNIE, he opens up about his culinary journey spanning over three decades, why he believes in the individual freedom to choose what to eat, the controversies over beef and menu in school festivals, and the speciality of the much-talked about traditional Kerala sadya. Excerpts Youve made a name for yourself in Keralas culinary world. But its said your entry was accidental Yes. After acquiring my masters in physics, I struggled to get a job. I attended around 126 tests in five years, but with little luck. During those days in the 80s, Brahmins had two other options priesthood and cooking. I chose cooking because it gives instant results. Those days, you were an ardent admirer of M T Vasudevan Nair. Its heard that you passed through a phase of existential dilemma In my birthplace Kurichithanam there was a library in our neighbourhood. Reading became a habit since Class 5. Reading and travelling gifted me experiences. Thats how I developed a craze for MTs works. I also loved the poetry of Ayyappa Paniker and Balachandran Chullikkad. At the time, I had visited most states, as part of job-hunting. In between, I tried my luck in business and other small ventures. But they failed, and resulted in financial liabilities. I even thought of ending life. That was a period after Kerala society had undergone several changes. As a member of the Brahmin community, what was your life like then? The situation wasnt favourable for educated and qualified people. Reservation is a big problem. In that sense, I feel a uniform civil code is necessary. Imagine people standing in a queue under a hot sun. Some are invited and given lemon juice. The rest are excluded. Back then, such was the scenario. Opportunities were fewer. I wasnt very bright... my life evolved through reading and travel. Since you belong to a forward community, it was natural to have such an opinion. But do you still hold the same view? Certainly. Back then, I even had an inferiority complex for being a Brahmin. Now, in many places, there are attempts to make people Brahmins by giving them poonool (sacred thread) and teaching them mantras. It was the reverse then. I thought about the possibility of getting into the reservation category. It (reservation) is something which should not have been done in a place like India. From my travel to other countries, I understood there is no reservation there. People get employment based on merit. Skill should be the criterion, shouldnt it? Wasnt it necessary during that period, considering the social situation then? True, but how far have we changed from the social situation back then? Today, while beneficiaries of reservation occupy the highest levels of society, many from my community struggle for food, although they do not reveal it because of self-esteem or false pride. You mentioned the rigours of being a Namboothiri. Any perks of being a Namboothiri? My name is P D Mohanan. I changed it to Pazhayidom Namboothiri to establish myself as a cook. The tag found acceptance among people. Isnt there apathy from within your community towards those employed as cooks? In the 2000s, cooks were akin to aanakkar (those looking after elephants) and vedikkettukar (those engaged in fireworks). People engaged in cooking usually didnt present themselves well, didnt wash, ate pan, and dressed untidily. I could change this make them believe they have a place in society. Nowadays, cooks appear in whites (smiles). You once said business isnt meant for Namboothiris Successful ones are very rare. There could be two reasons. One, lying is quite difficult for them. Nobody can do business truthfully. One should know how to hide certain truths. Secondly, business is not meant for people who dont know how to handle money. They dont have much idea on aspects like utilisation of finances, investments, and returns. How did your situation change after those bitter life experiences? After my unsuccessful business venture, I got a job at a book stall in Ottapalam. While there, I happened to befriend a person, someone who handled funerals. He was a charming personality and a voracious reader, proficient in Malayalam, Sanskrit and English. I learnt lifes basics from him. I learnt that we cannot judge a person by his colour or job. He suggested that I try my hand at cooking and encouraged me to take up the profession. My career started with cooking for some 50 persons gathered at a local temple for namajapam. Had you tried cooking at home? No. Even today, I cant do it. My basic unit is a serving for 100 people. I can do any multiples of that. But anything below 100 would be an utter flop (laughs out). Isnt that easier than preparing food for 10,000 people? My interest grows with the number of people. Its a great pleasure to cook for a lakh (laughs). But it will be difficult if you ask me to cook for ten. I dont know how to prepare a dish with one or one-and-a-half spoons of ingredients. Women who cook at home are the best at that. The taste of homely food lies in their care and goodness. Its different from the commercial cooking I do. Did you have such love for cooking initially? It took five years to learn even the basics. I kind of established myself in 2001-02 when I prepared food for a Travancore royal family ceremony. It has been 25 years since you became the chef for school youth festivals. What changes have you noticed over the period? In the initial years, there was mass contribution... people and students would pool resources. Local residents would volunteer to assist. These were then not just events, but a place of togetherness. Also, back then, it was just a simple meal. Now, theres more diversity, including payasam on all days. In 2009, the current form of youth festival started... a common festival replaced separate events for HS, HSS, VHSS. Workload increased. Though the number of festival days was reduced, we increased the number of items by 20%. Do you follow the same menu, irrespective of the place, or make changes in line with regional differences? We usually follow the Travancore style, but also include a regional dish as a special item. Do you have the freedom to fix the menu? Earlier, we did, but stopped it with the 2023 controversy. Now, its an e-tender, wherein the menu is given. That said, we still retain the flexibility to make minor adjustments based on practical experience. Whats your focus, more dishes or more special items? We limit the menu to 12 dishes, but we experiment with payasams to add variety. There are so many possibilities... weve even created yam and pumpkin payasams. How have your travels influenced your approach to food preparation? Food exists to satisfy hunger and taste is born from hunger. If someone isnt hungry, eating loses its meaning. Ive seen people struggling to find food as well as prepare it. Such experiences made me view cooking as a form of worship. It taught me that serving food isnt just a taskit is a divine responsibility. Viewed as such, we approach it with true commitment. When we view the process of cooking and serving as divine, taste naturally follows. Its said that you start cooking with a prayer I always pray before cooking. No matter how busy we are, we never begin cooking without first taking a bath. Food is meant to be served to others, so we must treat it with respect and care. We also make it a point not to waste food. What exactly do you pray? My first prayer is that nothing untoward happens to any child because of the food. Second, my own actions should never harm the food. Third, my attention should not falter. Is there any truth in the saying that food tastes better when cooked on firewood? Vessels placed on firewood receive even heat, while on a gas stove, maximum heat is concentrated directly above the burner, increasing the risk of burning. Firewood allows slow cooking, which enhances flavour. The only caution is to ensure that smoke does not seep into the food. Each district differs in food preferences. What is Keralas food habit per se? Its difficult to define a single food habit for Kerala. We need to look at traditions that existed even before the formation of the state. Food practices vary widely across regions. For instance, in areas north of Kozhikode, non-vegetarian dishes are inseparable from daily meals. The food habits of northern, southern, and central Kerala cannot really be compared. What about authenticity of food? Everyone claims their food is the most authentic. In Thiruvananthapuram, people prefer dishes arranged in three layers on the banana leaf almost like a rainbow. For them, appearance matters more than taste. In northern Kerala, the spread is simpler, but they are very particular about flavour. Which sadya is better? Isnt the Thiruvananthapuram sadya considered superior? People may claim, but no one can insist thats the absolute truth (laughs). How about the serving style? In Thiruvananthapuram, people are very particular about the order of serving. For instance, if you serve pulissery before pradhaman, they may stop eating altogether. In other regions, this isnt the case. Is there a specific gastronomic order to follow in a sadya? Not really. A vegetarian sadya is built around six fundamental tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent. Whether the sadya has 10 dishes or 36, basic taste elements remain the same. The idea that digestion depends on following a strict sequence is not accurate, but certain practices do matter. You are vegetarian. How do you manage non-vegetarian dishes? We have a separate team and separate utensils for non-veg items. Whats your favourite food? I enjoy rice with curd and cut-mango-pickle. If rasam is added, Im even happier. Your take on the controversy over non-veg food during the school arts fest in 2023 The government provides an estimate about the number of people whod dine. The exact count is way different. Last year, the government said thered be 12,000 diners daily. But 20,000 people ate each day. Non-veg cannot be given to so many people. Food is prepared in a single kitchen and preparing meat is impossible. Even if meat is supplied, it will rot by the time its taken for preparation. Else, the government should install a freezer and a generator. In school games, food is prepared in five kitchens. Hence, non-veg dishes are served there. Politics over food is heating up Human digestive system is seven times longer than the height of a person. Digesting non-veg food is difficult, and could lead to health issues. Human body is more suited for a vegetarian diet, but now humans are used to being non-vegetarian. Brahmins too consume non-veg... Brahmins consuming non-vegetarian food is not unusual. Bengali Brahmins and some Maharashtrian Brahmins traditionally eat fish and do not claim to be strict vegetarians. Their food habits are shaped by regional culture. Kerala follows a different system, where certain Brahmin communities practise vegetarianism strictly. This has contributed to a perception that all Brahmins must be vegetarian, and in some cases, it has also created a sense of superiority among groups who identify strongly with vegetarian practices. Personally, I dont believe that some Brahmins have higher status. Ultimately, such divisions are meaningless. It is up to each individual to decide their way of life, including what they eat. The problem arises when one insists that you should eat what I eat. Vegetarian or non-vegetarian food, which one is good for health? Non-vegetarian food can boost stamina quickly. But its wrong to say that vegetarians have no strength. Vegetarian food boosts stamina slowly. Look at elephants; they are incredibly strong, yet they eat only plant-based food. Does the food we eat affect our character? Hitler was a vegetarian, yet he was an extremely cruel man. Food alone does not determine a persons character. Some people say eating spicy or salty food can make a person angry. There are people who get irritated easily after eating such food. The food we eat helps build body and health, but does not automatically shape our nature or behaviour. A non-vegetarian does not become short-tempered because of meat, neither does a vegetarian become peaceful by avoiding meat. Personality depends on the individual, not on whether they eat vegetarian or non-vegetarian food. On the changing food culture in Kerala, especially Arabic food Arabic food culture has adversely impacted the health of Keralites. Sudden changes in diet and the habit of eating food unsuited to our system have led to numerous health issues. Having such dishes occasionally is fine, but making it a regular habit just because they are popular is not right. Food should match climate and lifestyle. A major reason behind such trends is social media. Food bloggers and influencers constantly promote and encourage people to try dishes without considering health. How has the spread in traditional functions evolved? Over the years, the menu served during traditional functions has undergone a noticeable change. Earlier, the practice was to keep the previous days meal simple and light. Even non-vegetarian items, if served, were limited and uncomplicated. Today, the simplicity of the pre-wedding menu has largely disappeared. Heavy non-veg meals and elaborate spreads have become common even on the previous day. The sadya, once reserved for the wedding day, is now served frequently across various functions. The number of sadyas has increased, while exclusivity and ritual significance of the feast have decreased. Is non-vegetarianism increasing in Kerala? Non-vegetarianism itself has not necessarily increased, but there has been a noticeable shift in food habits. Many who were traditionally vegetarian now eat non-vegetarian food, while some non-vegetarians have moved towards vegetarian options. In short, there has been an interchange of preferences over the years. Why are vegetarian hotels shutting down? One major issue is that genuinely good vegetarian hotels, especially hygienic ones, are becoming rare in Kerala. This decline is not because people have stopped eating vegetarian food, but because many vegetarian establishments fail to maintain standards such as attractive interiors, clean and well-presented spaces, or even neat uniforms. Non-vegetarian hotels, on the other hand, generally maintain certain standards whether it is the quality of food, hygiene, or affordability. You once served sadya to PM Narendra Modi. How was the experience? I had the opportunity to serve a traditional Kerala sadya to Narendra Modi during the BJP national council meet. It was a completely vegetarian sadya. Cooking the sadya was quite challenging because of the security setup. But everything went smoothly. He ate the whole sadya; not a single item was left on the plantain leaf. He told me the food was excellent. I had prepared around 30 items including four varieties of payasam. I have prepared food for our chief minister too. Which is the most difficult food to cook veg, non-veg, or north Indian? Most difficult to prepare is vegetarian food, because each item has to be cooked separately in its own vessel, with its own method and time. In non-vegetarian cooking, if you make two gravies and one masala paste, you can finish many dishes. In north India too, most items have a gravy base, and once that is prepared, many dishes can be completed. In Kerala, beef is a political topic. People discuss whether eating beef is right or wrong. Whats your view? If you ask me whether it is wrong to eat beef, I will say no. People have the freedom to eat what they want. If someone tells us not to slaughter cattle, then what do we do with the animals that are already old and nearing death? I dont think eating beef is wrong. Politicians project the issue in a certain way thats the real problem. People should be free to choose what they eat, but they should not hurt others in the process. If you want to eat, eat... but dont try to provoke others. We talk about diversity, but real diversity is respecting individuals. Each person should be able to live according to their own beliefs. If someone sits next to you and eats non-veg, do you feel uncomfortable? Sometimes I might. In such cases, I try to sit elsewhere, where I feel comfortable. Kerala is known as a spice capital, yet our traditional meals are actually mild and subtle Traditional Kerala food is not very spicy. But now, the interest in spicy food has increased. It depends on what people have grown used to. You have been cooking for the past 27 years. How do you look at your life now? I have served food to 2.6 crore students. I have understood that this job has its own dignity and divinity. Ive no disappointments. I believe I was able to win peoples trust. TNIE team: Cithara Paul, Anil S, Aparna Nair, Parvana K B, Varsha SomarajVincent Pulickal (photos) Pranav V P(video)

MLA Kanathil Jameela no more

KOZHIKODE: Koyilandy MLA Kanathil Jameela passed away on Saturday at a private hospital in Kozhikode following illness. She was 59. The CPM leader had been convalescing at home for the last six months after undergoing treatment for cancer. Jameela had a unique political ascent, achieving the rare feat of serving and winning elections across all three tiers of the panchayat system before being elected to the assembly in 2021. Born in Kuttiadi, Jameela inherited her political fervour from her father, T K K Abdulla, a frontline communist leader during the Emergency era. Snehasparsham proved her commitment to public care After marriage, her move to Thalakulathur placed her in a family of dedicated CPM workers. Jameelas career officially took off in 1995, when she was elected to Thalakulathur panchayat and served as its president. Her influence solidified during her tenure as Kozhikode district panchayat chief, a position she held twice, in 2010 and 2020, when she won the Nanminda division by a margin of 8,094 votes. During her time in office, she launched the acclaimed Snehasparsham project for kidney patients, providing up to Rs 3,000 in financial aid and free medicines a scheme that became synonymous with her commitment to public care. In 2021, Jameela successfully transitioned to state politics, winning the Koyilandy assembly constituency. She defeated her Congress opponent N Subhramanian by a significant margin of 8,472 votes. She is survived by her husband, Abdurahman, and children, Ayreej Rahman and Anooja.

Mayors step aside as assembly beckons

KOCHI : A student who has passed Class 10 cannot be admitted back to Class 8. General Education Minister V Sivankuttys recent quip, made while explaining why Thiruvananthapuram mayor Arya Rajendran is not being fielded in the upcoming local-body polls, has quickly become a metaphor for moving the needle on ascending the political ladder in the state. His comment suggested that politicians who have completed a full term are ready for the next stage, widely interpreted as a nod to Aryas prospects in the 2026 assembly election. Sivankuttys own political journey underscores the point. Long before he entered the assembly and became a minister, he served as mayor of Thiruvananthapuram from 1995 to 2000, one of the earliest examples of a local-body chief rising to state-level leadership. The CPMs V K C Mammed Koya, who later represented Beypore in the assembly, also took the same route after serving as mayor of Kozhikode. This trajectory is now becoming the norm rather than the exception. Kozhikode mayor Beena Philip, Kochi mayor M Anilkumar, and Thrissur mayor M K Varghese are also staying out of the fray, prompting widespread speculation that they are setting the stage for bigger battles. Anilkumars name is already under consideration for the Tripunithura constituency. Analysts say that this is part of a larger shift in political grooming within Kerala. With decades of decentralisation empowering municipalities and corporations, local bodies have become the states most effective leadership training ground. Earlier, student politics was the route to the assembly. Today, the panchayati raj system shapes political grooming, said senior journalist Jacob George. Past examples are clear. Former Thiruvananthapuram mayor V K Prashanth eased his way into the assembly. In Thrissur, former mayor R Bindu became a minister. In the Congress, Ernakulam MLA T J Vinod who spent 25 years as a councillor and later became deputy mayor says his years in local governance remain foundational. Local bodies are where the real training happens, he said. Experts welcome the trend. This is common worldwide, noted Dr D Dhanuraj of the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), a Kochi-based think-tank. Even in India, several leaders during the freedom struggle had served as mayors or deputy mayors. Local-level politicians should be promoted. They know the issues on the ground and can represent their constituencies more effectively, he said, adding that such a trend also helps strengthen a partys organisational base. Former legislator Sebastian Paul said mayors, who often oversee areas spanning multiple assembly constituencies, naturally gain a wide administrative perspective. With reservations limiting repeated mayoral terms, it is logical for them to move to the assembly, he said. As Kerala heads into the local-body elections, several mayors not on the ballot signals more than a reshuffle. It captures a clear political shift: Local bodies have become Keralas launch pads to the assembly and many of todays mayors may soon be graduating to their next class in state politics. Meanwhile, parties are also using this local-body election to promote a new generation. Across panchayats, municipalities, and corporations, CPM, Congress, and BJP have all fielded young candidates who are being groomed as future leaders. Party insiders say this is a deliberate move as senior mayors and councillors prepare to move up to the assembly, fresh faces are being placed at the grassroots to build the next rung of leadership.

Transgender reservation comes into effect in law colleges in Kerala

Esai Clara, the transwoman who moved the High Court demanding reservation for transgender persons for LLB course, plans to join Government Law College, Kozhikode

Drive launched to collect filled-in SIR forms through village offices in Kozhikode

Over 70% of filled-in enumeration forms have been digitised with the support of booth-level officers, says District Collector

Govt. medical college doctors in Kozhikode boycott OP duty

The KGMCTA says it will continue its protest and stay away from all medical board meetings from December 1

Quick evacuation, rapid response help contain fire at hospital in Kozhikode

The fire broke out on the ninth floor of the private hospital around 9.30 a.m. during welding work in the AC plant

Fire breaks out at Baby Memorial hospital in Keralas Kozhikode

Blaze brought under control by Fire and Rescue Services squads within an hour after safe evacuation of patients. Fire caused by suspected short circuit in AC system. No injuries reported

Kerala local body polls: In Kozhikode Corporation, UDF plots a comeback in LDF bastion of half a century

With the LDF deciding to cash in on the Corporations achievements, the UDF looks to play up the civic bodys involvement in the 2022 building number scam. The BJP pitches itself as a practical alternative in divisions where it believes voter fatigue exists against both the fronts

Kozhikode district school arts fest: city sub-district emerges overall champion

CAT 2025: What candidates must know before they step into the exam hall; check important guidelines here

With CAT 2025 just two days away, candidates are shifting focus to exam day procedures. The Common Admission Test, conducted by IIM Kozhikode, requires specific documents like a printed admit card and valid photo ID. Candidates must arrive at least 60 minutes before their slot, with strict prohibitions on carrying certain items to the examination centre.

CAT 2025 Paper Structure And Final Preparation Strategy By Exam Convenor IIM Kozhikode

CAT 2025 maintains the same format as previous years with restricted sectional movement and extra time for PwD candidates to assess critical thinking and problem-solving.

Malaparamba sex racket case: chargesheet filed against 12, including two police drivers

The suspected inter-district racket was exposed during a check at an apartment near Malaparamba in Kozhikode city in June

Two held for alleged sale of banned tobacco products in Kozhikode