Page 2 - Kerala Assembly Elections

PM Modi to address rally, hold roadshow in Kerala today ahead of polls

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Kerala on Saturday as part of the NDA's election campaign, BJP sources said. The PM is scheduled to attend a public meeting in Thiruvalla and take part in a roadshow in Thiruvananthapuram, they added. Modi will arrive at Thiruvananthapuram airport at around 2.30 pm and will travel by helicopter to Changanassery NSS College ground in Kottayam district, where he is expected to land at 3 pm. From there, he will travel by road for a public meeting at the Thiruvalla stadium where party leaders and NDA candidates from nearby constituencies are expected to be present, the sources said. After the public meeting, the PM will travel to Thiruvananthapuram, where he will hold a road show from Killipalam to Karamana Junction, covering a distance of around 1.5 kilometers, in the evening, they said. The roadshow is expected to draw a large number of party workers and supporters. Senior BJP leaders, including Rajeev Chandrasekhar and V Muraleedharan, w

LDF pledges ₹3,000 pension; jobs, growth push in Kerala poll manifesto

Kerala's ruling LDF on Thursday unveiled its Assembly election manifesto, promising a mix of welfare and development measures aimed at improving people's lives across the state. The document was released by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan here. The highlights of the manifesto include a commitment to eliminate absolute poverty in the state, a hike in welfare pensions to Rs 3,000 per month, and efforts to ensure proper healthcare and support systems at the local level. The Left government had recently announced that extreme poverty had been eliminated in the state and increased the welfare pension from Rs 1600 to Rs 2000. In its current manifesto, the CPI(M)-led LDF says it plans to identify around five lakh of the poorest families and help them rise above poverty through targeted support. Special focus will be given to vulnerable groups such as the Scheduled Castes, fisherfolk, and Antyodaya beneficiaries. The LDF has also promised better care for the elderly and bedridden ...

Congress-led UDF releases manifesto for Kerala Assembly elections

The Congress-led UDF on Thursday released its manifesto for April 9 Assembly polls in Kerala, promising free travel for women on all Kerala state transport buses, hike in welfare pension to Rs 3,000 per month and a monthly assistance of Rs 1,000 to college-going girl students. Giving details of the manifesto, Congress leader V D Satheesan said that Rs 25 lakh insurance scheme will be provided to every family in Kerala, and small businesses will get an interest-free loan of Rs 5 lakh. The manifesto also promises development of the airline sector in the state, revision of wages of scheme workers, like ASHA and Anganwadi workers, financial assistance to MSMEs having turnover of Rs 100 crore, and a tribal university in Wayanad.

Gulf nations prioritising safety of Indians in war zone: PM Modi in Keralam

PM Modi noted that many people from Keralam are working in the war-affected areas in the Gulf and the government is working to ensure that the impact of this war on India is minimised

Kerala Assembly election: BJP releases third list of 11 candidates

The BJP on Saturday released its third list of 11 candidates for the Kerala Assembly Polls, fielding Karamana Jayan from Thiruvananthapuram. According to the list, Raveendranath Vakathanam will join the fray from Puthuppally, KR Rajesh from Chavara, R S Arun Raj from Chadayamangalam, and V Ratheesh from Peerumade seat. Vivek Gopan will contest from Aruvikkara seat, TN Suresh from Kovalam, and S Rajasekharan Nair from Neyyattinkara seat. The party has fielded Ajimon from Mavelikkara seat, BS Anoop from Chirayinkeezhu, and Pandalam Prathapan from Adoor seat.

Kerala CM accuses Congress, Rahul of being BJP's B-team ahead of polls

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday hit out against the Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing them of being the B-team of the BJP. Vijayan made the accusation during an interview given to PTI videos. In response to a query regarding Rahul's recent remark that central agencies have arrested or called for questioning other opposition leaders in the country, except the Kerala CM, the Marxist veteran accused the Congress leader and his party of acting as the B-team of the BJP. He also accused the Congress of appeasement politics and seeking the support of groups engaged in majority and minority communalism. The CPI(M)-led LDF is against any form of communalism and does not seek the support of any group engaged in communal activities, the CM said. Regarding the Sabarimala gold loss issue, Vijayan said that the investigation of the matter was being monitored by the Kerala High Court, which has not found fault with the probe, irrespective of the claims to the cont

People of Kerala ready for change: Rahul Gandhi pitches for UDF govt

People of Kerala are ready for change, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Friday, as he pitched for a UDF government in the state. "Team UDF is Team Keralam," he said in a post on X. "Each candidate reflects the voice, the aspirations and the trust of the people of Keralam. This is a collective of experienced leaders and young change-makers - a strong team of men and women who understand the intricacies of the constituencies they represent," Gandhi said in his post. "For me, Keralam is home and the people of Keralam are family. I owe a great debt to the people for everything they have taught me and for the love and warmth they have embraced me with - I will always be your partner," the former Wayanad MP said. "The message from Keralam is clear - the people are ready for change, they seek a government that listens, understands, and delivers with honesty. "Along with the coming UDF government, I will do everything to help build a better future for this beautiful state," the leader

W Asia tensions cast uncertainty over 'vote flights' for Keralites in Gulf

As the April 9 Kerala Assembly polls approach, anxiety is growing among Gulf-based Keralite voters who are unsure if they will be able to return home to cast their votes this time. The concern is driven mainly by the ongoing tensions in West Asia involving Iran and IsraelUS allies, which have severely disrupted air travel. Thousands of flights have been cancelled or delayed, and several countries have partially or fully closed their airspace, affecting major Gulf aviation hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. With limited flight services, frequent cancellations and rising ticket prices, expatriate voters fear that the usual "vote flight" arrangements may not be feasible this time. For years, organisations like the Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC), the overseas wing of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), have played a key role in helping expatriates participate in elections. During the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, hundreds of Keralites working in Gulf countries managed to return hom

Assembly elections in five states from April 9, results on May 4

EC announces April polling for five states and Puducherry, with Bengal voting in two phases and results scheduled for May 4

Elections in Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala from Apr 9; result on May 4

Elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu will be held in a single phase, while West Bengal will vote in two phases

Change in name of state to Keralam a joyful moment for Malayalis: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the change of name of the state from Kerala to Keralam by the Centre was a joyful moment for "Malayali" brothers. The PM was speaking at the golden jubilee celebration of the Akhila Kerala Dheevara Sabha, an organisation which works for welfare of the fishing community in the state. In his inaugural address, Modi appreciated the role of the fishing community during the 2018 floods in Kerala, lauding their courage, service, and dedication at that time. He also pointed out that the Dheevara Sabha has been working for fishermen's rights for 50 years. Modi said the Centre too has been working for the welfare of the fishing community and has carried out various initiatives to empower them. He also said that the Union government has taken various measures, including installing over 4,500 satellite-based transponders in fishing boats, to ensure the safety of fishermen at sea. Modi arrived at the Kochi international airport around 11.30 am a

Congress names Tharoor co-chairman of campaign committee for Kerala polls

The Congress on Thursday set up two key panels for the upcoming Kerala Assembly polls, with Ramesh Chennithala and Shashi Tharoor appointed chairman and co-chairman, respectively, of the party's campaign committee. Tharoor's appointment assumes significance as it comes days after he met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chief Rahul Gandhi for redressal of his grievances, after which he said "all is good" and "we are all on the same page". Since then, Tharoor has been seen speaking prominently for the Congress, and also initiated the discussion on the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha. Congress president Kharge has approved the proposal for the constitution of the campaign committee and the manifesto committee of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee for the upcoming Assembly elections, a party statement said. While Chennithala has been named the chairman of the campaign committee, Tharoor has been appointed its co-chairman. Congress MP Shafi Parambil will be the

Shashi Tharoor flags 'leadership void' in Kerala Cong amid LDF praise row

Facing flak over his praise for LDF government, Shashi Tharoor rejected rumours about him switching parties ahead of 2026 Kerala Assembly polls

Kodakara black money case puts BJP in tough situation ahead of bypolls

BJP's former Thrissur district office secretary Tirur Satheesh's revelations about the 2021 Kodakara black money case have put the party in a tough situation amidst the ongoing bypoll campaigns in the state, with the CPI(M)-led LDF and Congress demanding a probe into the issue. On Friday, CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan called for a thorough investigation following the new revelations in the case. He termed the disclosure "serious" and alleged that it should not be viewed merely as the Kodakara case, but rather as a small piece of a larger black money distribution network run by the BJP throughout the state. The revelations by Satheesh came as the party ramps up its campaign efforts for the November 13 by-polls in Wayanad Lok Sabha seat and the Palakkad and Chelakkara Assembly constituencies. Satheesh has alleged that the unaccounted money linked to the case was part of the party's election fund. He has claimed that the money, allegedly transported in six sacks by an individua

Come May 13, will BJP script history in 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections?

The BJP, which is vying for overall political dominance, has set a target of winning at least 150 seats in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections

Change policies to promote industry, manufacturing: Kerala finance minister

We need to promote indigenous industry and indigenous knowledge and translate them into industrial production, says Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal

Berth secured: Wealthy candidates get to be ministers after state elections

A minister in Assam, Kerala and West Bengal is richer than a legislator of ruling alliance; Tamil Nadu bucks trend but has more minsters charged with crimes.

Ker Assembly passes resolution seeking recall of Lakshadweep administrator

With this, Kerala has become the first state in the country to come up with a resolution to support the people of the union territory over the recent developments.

Congress MLA VD Satheesan to be the leader of opposition in Kerala

Satheesan will be leading the 41 member UDF in the assembly

Vijayan sworn in as CM of Kerala for 2nd time; 20 ministers inducted

Vijayan led the Left Democratic Front (LDF) to an unprecedented consecutive victory in the April 6 assembly polls