Page 6 - Pinarayi Vijayan

3-level probe ordered by cabinet into Thrissur Pooram disruption: Kerala CM

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said the state cabinet has ordered a three-level probe into the disruption of the Thrissur Pooram festivities in April this year. One of the investigations would be by the state police chief against any alleged failures on the part of ADGP (Law and Order) M R Ajithkumar with regard to the Pooram disruption, Vijayan said at a press conference held here after the cabinet meeting. The CM said the decision for a three-level probe was taken as a report given by ADGP Ajithkumar regarding the Pooram disruption "was not found to be comprehensive" and the state police chief had said there were failures on the part of Ajithkumar in connection with the festival. The other two probes would include a Crime Branch investigation into the various illegalities or crimes committed in connection with the Thrissur Pooram disruption and an inquiry by the Intelligence ADGP into any failures on the part of the various officials deputed to ensure the iconi

Congress MLA demands apology from CM Vijayan on 'gold smuggling' remark'

The Congress MLA alleged that earlier, when issues of gold smuggling were raised, the CM was silent

Kerala CM's remarks on gold smuggling to please Sangh Parivar leaders: Cong

The opposition Congress on Tuesday intensified its attack against Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over his recent statements on gold smuggling through an international airport in Malappuram district and alleged that his remarks were to please the Sangh Parivar leaders in New Delhi. The grand old party sought to know based on which information the CM had made such a revelation. It also made it clear that the CM has an obligation to say what action the state government and the police have taken against the accused if they received money for anti-national activities through gold smuggling. Leader of Opposition, V D Satheesan, lashed out at CM Vijayan, alleging that his statements to a national media outlet in New Delhi contradicted his previous claims made in the Assembly and elsewhere. "The chief minister's remarks that the money reached Malappuram through gold smuggling is used for anti-national activities is meant to please the Sangh Parivar leaders in New Delhi," he said.

What action taken by state govt, CM against gold smugglers: Kerala Guv

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Tuesday asked what action has been taken by the ruling Left government or Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who holds the "reins of power", against the groups smuggling gold into the state and using money from it for "anti-national activities". Khan said that he came to know about this development only after reading what Vijayan told a newspaper, but the CM has access to all the information about it. "He (Vijayan) should come forward and tell us what action has been taken by the government against the gold smugglers who have indulged in anti-national activities. "He is holding the reins of power. He cannot just talk to the press and take no action. Why has no action been taken? Whose fault is it if action is not being taken? It is a serious matter. I have read about it only today," the Governor told reporters here. He further said that when he returns to Thiruvananthapuram, he will seek a report from the government on the issue. "I would like t

ADGP-RSS meeting: Kerala CM Vijayan refutes political intermediary claims

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday said that sending policemen as interlocutors for political purposes is not the style of the ruling Left. He made this remark during a press conference while responding to a query about the allegations regarding the ADGP's meeting with RSS leaders. "Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan stated that ADGP M R Ajithkumar met with RSS leaders as my intermediary. The opposition leader might be making such statements based on his party's past experiences of using police officers as intermediaries for various purposes. We do not have such practices," Vijayan said. The Chief Minister, however, emphasised that the government takes the matter of Ajithkumar's meeting with RSS leaders seriously and that it is under investigation. "Appropriate action will be taken based on the report we receive," the Chief Minister added.

Wayanad aid memorandum: Kerala CM slams media for destructive journalism

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday slammed a section of the media for allegedly spreading "fake news" about the memorandum prepared by the state government for central aid in the context of the Wayanad landslide disaster, terming it "destructive journalism." "What is happening in Kerala is destructive journalism. A section of the media has turned into factories for creating controversies," Vijayan said at a press conference. The Chief Minister said that Kerala has been discredited due to the fake news. He alleged that after the media spread false information, a fake narrative emerged, claiming that Kerala was attempting to unfairly grab aid. "The opposition also seized upon these reports. The aim behind these stories was to discredit the state government by any means," Vijayan added. The CM clarified that it is not the ministers who prepare the memorandum in the wake of a disaster, but rather professionals who have proven expertise in the field. He said that the m

Assembly ruckus case: Cong describes Kerala HC verdict as set back to govt

A day after the Kerala High Court quashed the case registered against three Congress leaders in connection with the Assembly ruckus incident, the opposition party on Saturday said the verdict was a setback to the government's alleged attempt to weaken the case. Welcoming the verdict, the Congress said if a trial was held in the 2015 case, CPI (M) leaders including General Education Minister V Sivankutty would be punished, he said. In a statement, Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly V D Satheesan alleged the Left government was trying to prolong the trial by making false cases to avoid this. The entire world witnessed the violence of the CPI (M) legislators, he said adding there has never been a case with so many witnesses. So, the High Court ruling was a 'setback' to the government's alleged attempt to weaken the case by abusing the legal system, Satheesan added. The Kerala HC on Friday quashed the criminal proceedings against three Congress leaders, including two sitting M

E P Jayarajan meets Kerala CM despite differences with party leadership

Amidst reported differences with the party leadership, veteran CPI (M) leader E P Jayarajan on Saturday called on Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and held discussions with him at the Kerala House in New Delhi. Both the leaders reached the national capital to pay their last respects to party general secretary Sitaram Yechury who died in a Delhi hospital on Thursday after battling a lung infection. The meeting assumes significance in the wake of media reports that differences have cropped up between him and the party leadership following his removal as LDF convenor recently. Jayarajan has been keeping away from public programmes and party functions for some time. However, he told reporters that there was nothing new in his meeting with Chief Minister Vijayan. Jayarajan said he used to visit the CM whenever time permits, especially when he arrives in New Delhi. "We all are part of a party family. We all have love and respect towards each other," he said in New Delhi. He also accuse

Rise in cess, surcharge shrinking states' share in pool of taxes: Kerala CM

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said that the cess and surcharge levied by the Centre was showing a "rising trend" and resulting in "shrinkage" of states' share in the divisive pool of taxes. Vijayan said the rise in surcharges and cesses, which are not included in the divisive pool, was happening at a time when the Finance Commission has been recommending a higher share for the states from the net proceeds of the taxes collected by the Centre. Vijayan was speaking at a conclave of five non-BJP-ruled states organised by Kerala to discuss the key issues related to the 16th Finance Commission. He said that the 16th Finance Commission needs to factor in this rising trend in surcharges and cesses, when it recommends the prescribed share of the states from the net proceeds of taxes collected by the union government. The CM further said that the share of the states in the divisive pool needs to be increased further from the 41 per cent recommended by the last Finance .

Don't lecture us, address allegations against aides: Congress to Kerala CM

A day after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan categorically denied allegations of a CPI(M)-RSS nexus, the Congress on Wednesday urged him to address the serious allegations against his close aides, IPS officer ADGP M R Ajith Kumar and political secretary P Sasi, rather than lecturing the opposition. Coming down heavily on the chief minister, the grand-old party said the people of the state, who know history, would dismiss with contempt Vijayan's claim that it was the Marxist party that had opposed the RSS in Kerala and the Congress had no role in it. Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, V D Satheesan, asked seven questions to Vijayan and accused the Left veteran of playing the hide and seek game without giving a clear reply. "Pinarayi Vijayan and the CPI(M)'s connection with the RSS is an open secret," he alleged. The LoP asked whether veteran Left leader E P Jayarajan was removed as LDF convenor because of his meeting with BJP's Prakash Javadekar. If so, shouldn't CM Vijayan

World Bank experts meet Kerala CM Vijayan, praise state's education reforms

In a significant boost to Kerala's efforts to revamp its higher education system, a team of World Bank experts on Monday met with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, praising the state's reforms and expressing interest in a collaborative initiative to draw international students to the state. The World Bank experts, including Nina Arnhold (Global Lead for Tertiary Education), Denis Nikolaev (Senior Education Specialist), and Ambarish Ambuj (Consultant, Education, South Asia Region), met the CM at his office here to discuss a potential partnership, according to an official release. The project seeks to attract foreign students to Kerala and improve the overall higher education system, with a focus on sustainability and social justice. "The World Bank representatives were impressed by the reforms taking place in the higher education sector. They expressed interest in collaborating with the state Higher Education Council to attract foreign students to Kerala as part of a related project,"

Investment-friendly ecosystem key to Kerala's ease of business reforms: CM

A day after Kerala was awarded for its ease of doing business reforms by the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday said the investment friendly ecosystem and entrepreneurs' growing confidence in the state has helped it in achieving this status. Kerala has come first in the ranking of the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry with top achiever status in nine sectors, Vijayan said on Friday. "Proud that Kerala has come first in Ease of Doing Business reforms in the country, with Top Achiever status in 9 reform areas! Our investment friendly ecosystem and entrepreneurs' growing confidence in Kerala's potential has truly been captured. This is a time like no other to invest in and grow from #Kerala.," Vijayan posted on 'X'. The chief minister also pointed out that the state ranked first this year from the 28th position in 2021. Kerala has reached 15th position in 2022. Industries Minister P Rajeeve said out of 30 reform areas, Kerala earne

Kerala CM announces high-level probe into allegations against top cops

The ruling CPI(M) in Kerala said on Monday that the party and the Left government will thoroughly examine all allegations made by LDF legislator P V Anvar against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's political secretary, P Sasi, and senior IPS officer M R Ajith Kumar, a close confidant of the CM. Reacting to the allegations levelled by businessman-turned-politician and two-time MLA P V Anvar, CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan told reporters that "all aspects of the allegations will be examined by the government and the party with necessary seriousness, and a stand will be taken accordingly." Nilambur MLA Anvar has accused Sasi and ADGP (Law and Order) Ajith Kumar of breaching trust and failing to deliver responsibilities honestly. Anvar alleged Kumar tapped ministers' phone conversations, had links with gold smuggling rackets, and was involved in serious crimes. The Left MLA's allegations against the key person in the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) and the top rank official had ...

UDF to hold protest in Kerala capital on Monday over Hema Committee report

Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) will hold a protest on Monday in front of the Secretariat, the administrative hub here, accusing the Left government of protecting culprits reportedly mentioned in the Justice K Hema Committee report. The opposition would also protest against the alleged protection given by the Pinarayi Vijayan government to those who had created and propagated the controversial "kafir" screenshot in Vadakara constituency during the time of the recent Lok Sabha polls. Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, V D Satheesan, would inaugurate the agitation in front of the Secretariat on September 2 morning, a statement said on Sunday. UDF Convenor M M Hassan, KPCC president K Sudhakaran, other prominent front leaders including P K Kunhalikutty, P J Joseph, C P John, Anoop Jacob and Sibu Baby John would take part in the protest, it added. The opposition has been accusing the state government of protecting predators and ignoring the revelations of

Sexual assault: Row intensifies as Kerala govt accused of shielding accused

Protests raged in Kerala on Friday as outrage grew over shocking accounts from several female actors in the Malayalam film industry, with the Leader of the Opposition, V D Satheesan, accusing the CPI(M)-led government of shielding the culprits, including actor-politician Mukesh, who stands accused of sexual assault. Mahila Congress activists in Kochi and Kollam took to the streets, demanding the resignation of CPI(M) MLA Mukesh and a thorough investigation into the shocking allegations of sexual misconduct made by female actors in the Malayalam film industry to the Justice Hema Committee. In Kochi, demonstrators vented their anger by beating effigies of Mukesh, Sidhique, and Ranjith -- all accused of sexual assault -- with brooms. In Kollam, a protest march was held outside Mukesh's residence, with activists calling for his immediate resignation as MLA. Satheesan alleged that the accused in the Malayalam film industry scandal are being protected by a "power group" within the ruling

Aspiring male actor files sexual assault complaint against director Ranjith

A new complaint has been filed against director Ranjith by an aspiring male actor, alleging that the director forced him to strip naked and sexually assaulted him

Kerala has invested Rs 1,000 cr to develop AYUSH infra in state, says CM

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said the government has invested Rs 1,000 crore in the past three years to develop the Ayush infrastructure in the state, including an International Institute of Ayurveda Research and a new Ayurveda medical college in Idukki district. The CM inaugurated a two-day Global Ayurveda Summit and Kerala Healthcare Tourism here and set the tone for the deliberations by focusing on the policy initiatives of the state government to facilitate a holistic healthcare environment. The summit is spearheaded by the Confederation of Indian Industry with support from the Ministry of Ayush and Central and State governments. "Our strength lies in seamlessly blending traditional ayurvedic practice with cutting-edge modern medicine," Vijayan was quoted in a release issued by the organisers. The speakers at the summit called for promoting Kerala as God's own healing destination by focusing on the unique strengths of the state in modern medicine, ayurveda

Kerala's industrial landscape to undergo transformation with new city: CM

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said the state's industrial landscape is set to be transformed with the Union Cabinet's clearance for a new industrial city in Palakkad. His statement came a day after the Union Government approved 12 new industrial cities in 10 states including Palakkad in Kerala on the lines of Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh and Dholera in Gujarat to boost domestic manufacturing. In a post on 'X', Vijayan said Palakkad Industrial City which is expected to attract investments worth Rs 10,000 crore and create over 55,000 jobs will now become a reality. "The State government's swift land acquisition efforts and our persistence in securing the Union Government's approval have now paid off. Kerala's industrial landscape is set to be transformed with the Union Cabinet's clearance for this crucial component of the Kochi-Bengaluru Hi-Tech #IndustrialCorridor. #KeralaLeads," the Chief Minister said. The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Mod

'Code names for women': Hema committee report shakes Malayalam cinema

The Hema committee, appointed by the Kerala government, highlighted issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, including unwanted physical advances even before commencing work

Kerala CM urges banks to write off loans of victims of Wayanad landslides

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday urged various banks to write off the loans availed by landslide victims and survivors in Kerala's Wayanad. He said waiving loans would not impose any unbearable burden upon the banks and so it should be written off completely. While addressing a meeting of the State Level Bankers' Committee (SLBC) here, the CM said relaxation in interest amounts or extension of time for remitting monthly installments would not at all be a solution in the landslide-hit regions. Many of those who had availed the loans are dead, and their land became unusable after the disaster, he pointed out. "The only thing we can do is write off the entire loans taken by people in these affected areas," Vijayan said. He expressed the government's strong displeasure with the act of banks continuing to take monthly installments from the landslide survivors and urged the SLBC to take a favourable decision in this regard. Vijayan's reaction came amidst intense protest