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Kerala: Elstone, Nedumbala Estate Will Be New Hometown For Wayanad Landslide Beneficiaries

January 1, 2025, 6:45 pm

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said that the state cabinet has approved the rehabilitation plan for the victims of Wayanad landslides that occurred on July 30, last year.
Addressing the press conference, the Kerala CM said that rehabilitation is about restoring people’s livelihood.

“The cabinet meeting discussed today the rehabilitation plan in Wayanad. A special cabinet meeting had earlier discussed the matter. It’s difficult to find land in Wayanad to rehabilitate all of them who lost their homes. Rehabilitation will be also about restoring their livelihood. The townships will be built at Elstone Estate and Nedumpala Estate. 5 per cent of the land will be given in the Elstone tea estate and 10 per cent will be allotted in the Nedumbala estate,” Vijayan said.

He further said that the list of final beneficiaries will be released in three weeks, by January 25.

“The township will include all the basic amenities required in a town. We have planned the designs of homes based on the foundation. Markets, educational institutions, hospitals, and recreational centres are all part of the township. The final list of beneficiaries will be finalised before 25th January 2025,” he added.

Earlier, the Centre informed the state of Kerala that the Meppadi landslide disaster in Wayanad district has been considered by the Inter-Ministerial Central Team as a disaster of “severe nature” for all practical purposes.

In a communication, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs stated, “Keeping in view the intensity and magnitude of the Meppadi landslide disaster in Wayanad district, it has been considered by the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) as a disaster of severe nature for all practical purposes.”

The communication was shared by the Congress unit of Kerala on its official social media account on December 30.

“Following a request submitted by the delegation led by Wayanad MP @priyankagandhi, the Centre has classified the Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide in Wayanad as a disaster of ‘severe nature,” Kerala Congress wrote on X.

On December 5, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and MPs from Kerala met Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the Centre to provide immediate relief to the landslide-affected people of Wayanad.

“We have given representation to the PM and Home Minister. The devastation in the area (in Wayanad) is complete. The people who are affected have lost absolutely everything. In such circumstances, if the Centre cannot step up, then it sends a very bad message to the entire country and especially to the victims,” Priyanka Gandhi had told reporters.

On July 30, the state of Kerala was hit with a landslide, the deadliest one in the state, killing more than 300 people and destroying numerous houses and other buildings. The people were affected in Mundakkai and Chooralmala areas.

Kerala Recognised for Excellence in Combating Cyber Crimes Against Women and Children

September 8, 2024, 5:41 pm

The state of Kerala has been honoured by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for its “commendable performance” in combating cyber crimes, particularly those targeting women and children. The recognition was awarded during the foundation day celebrations of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan shared the achievement in a post on X, expressing pride in the state’s recognition. “Proud moment for Kerala as our efforts in combating cyber crimes have been recognised by @HMOIndia as part of the foundation day celebrations of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C),” he said on Sunday.

He further emphasised the state’s commitment to ensuring a safer digital environment, stating, “The award for commendable performance in handling online crime against women and children highlights our commitment to ensuring a safer digital space.”

Also read: Manipur CM Hands Over Rs 10 Lakh Ex-Gratia to Families of Violence Victims

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) is an initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs, aimed at addressing cybercrime across the country in a coordinated and comprehensive manner. I4C focuses on improving collaboration between law enforcement agencies, enhancing India’s ability to tackle cybercrime, and increasing citizen satisfaction with cybercrime management.

Kerala CM Vijayan Denies Amit Shah’s ‘Early Warning’ Claims on Wayanad

July 31, 2024, 7:32 pm

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan refuted Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s claim that the state was warned about a potential natural calamity in Wayanad as early as July 23 due to heavy rains.

“This is not the time for blame games. Reports from the Rajya Sabha indicate that the Union Home Minister asserted that a warning was issued and that Kerala did not respond appropriately,” Vijayan said at a press conference.

Vijayan explained that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued only an orange alert for the district before the landslides. However, Wayanad received over 500 millimeters of rain, significantly more than the IMD’s forecast.

“The orange alert predicted rainfall between 115 and 204 mm. In reality, the area received 200 mm in the first 24 hours and 372 mm in the next 24 hours, totaling 572 mm in 48 hours—far exceeding the initial warning. The region had never been on red alert before the disaster, which was only issued at 6 am after the incident,” Vijayan said.

He noted that between July 23 and July 28, the Central Meteorological Department did not issue any orange alerts for heavy rain in Kerala. An orange alert for Wayanad was only issued at 1 pm on July 29, and the red alert for heavy rain came only at 6 am on July 30, after the landslides had occurred.

The Geological Survey of India issued a green alert for July 30 and 31 at 2 pm on July 29, indicating a possibility of minor landslides or rock bursts, but heavy rain and landslides had already occurred by then, Vijayan said.

From July 23 to 29, the Central Water Commission did not issue any warnings for Iruvazhinji Puzha or Chaliyar. “The Union Home Minister’s statements in Parliament are inconsistent with these facts,” Vijayan added.

He emphasized that Kerala had requested nine NDRF teams at the start of the rainy season, and a team was already deployed in Wayanad. Preparations were made based on advance information about potential floods and other natural calamities, including landslides.

Vijayan stressed the need for proactive measures to address climate change, urging that the central government should also take serious action. “This is not the time for blaming each other. We are facing a disaster, and it is crucial to rescue survivors, locate those buried, restore affected areas, and rebuild. We call for collective support for Kerala during this critical time,” he said.

In Parliament, Union Home Minister Amit Shah claimed that Kerala could have reduced losses in Wayanad if it had acted on early warnings. Shah noted that the central government had sent nine NDRF teams on July 23 and three more on July 29. He stated that early warnings were given on July 23, 24, 25, and 26, and questioned what actions the Kerala government took in response.

Shah emphasized that the central government has invested Rs 2000 crores since 2014 to improve the early warning system and claimed that India now has one of the most advanced systems globally.

Meanwhile, rescue operations continue in Wayanad’s Chooralmala area, with 1,200 rescue workers from various organizations deployed. The Indian Army has evacuated over 1,000 people, and the Indian Air Force is also conducting search and rescue operations.

The landslides on July 30 caused widespread destruction, damaging homes, roads, and water bodies. The first landslide occurred at 2 am, followed by another at 4:10 am. Many areas remain isolated, and the Vellarmala GVH School was completely buried.

Vijayan assured that power supply has been restored in Kalpetta town and hospitals, and reported a loss of Rs 3 crore in Chooralmala and Mundakkai areas. He urged against spreading false information and stressed the need for unity and constructive efforts to address the disaster.

He announced that the cabinet has requested the disaster be declared a national disaster and assured that relief funds will be used appropriately without misappropriation.

WATCH | Devastating Landslides in Wayanad: Roads and Cars Swept Away

July 30, 2024, 4:21 pm

Disturbing videos of the recent landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, have emerged on social media, revealing extensive damage to roads, property, and trees. The relentless rainfall in the region has triggered multiple landslides, resulting in over 70 fatalities and leaving hundreds trapped under debris. As of Tuesday, officials report that approximately 250 individuals have been rescued and relocated to temporary shelters.

വയനാട് രക്ഷാപ്രവർത്തനം.@airnewsalerts @airnews_tvm
AIR VIDEOS: Arunvincent, PTC Wayanad pic.twitter.com/TcISMAzxjv

— All India Radio News Trivandrum (@airnews_tvm) July 30, 2024

The landslides struck Wayanad on Tuesday, causing widespread destruction and trapping many residents. Emergency response teams, including fire and rescue, civil defense, NDRF, and local units, are actively involved in rescue operations. Additional support has been mobilized with an extra NDRF team and two teams from the Kannur Defence Security Corps sent to aid in the efforts. Two Air Force helicopters, a Mi-17 and an ALH, are also participating in the rescue operations.

At least 50 people ? , including two children have died and several others are feared trapped after massive landslides hit various hilly areas in Kerala's Wayanad district.

My prayers are with the families who lost their loved ones ? #Wayanad #Keralarain #kerala pic.twitter.com/yug9Ip3lXq

— jamil malek (@jamilmalek21) July 30, 2024

#WATCH | Buildings suffer damage in the landslide and rain-affected Chooralmala area in Kerala's Wayanad pic.twitter.com/YvBDbl9nhK

— ANI (@ANI) July 30, 2024

Disturbing footage circulating online shows the severe impact of the disaster, including roads, vehicles, properties, and trees being destroyed. Reports indicate that several bodies have been discovered floating in different sections of the Chaliyar River in Malappuram.

വയനാട് രക്ഷാപ്രവർത്തനം.@airnewsalerts @airnews_tvm
AIR VIDEOS: Arunvincent, PTC Wayanad pic.twitter.com/TcISMAzxjv

— All India Radio News Trivandrum (@airnews_tvm) July 30, 2024

Some videos depict cars being carried away by floodwaters. One video shows a car and a jeep trapped among uprooted trees in rapidly flowing water. Another video, shared by news agency ANI, highlights the damage to buildings in the Chooralmala area of Wayanad.

The Congress party in Kerala has shared images and videos of the ongoing rescue efforts. They expressed their condolences to the families affected and urged media and social media users to handle the news with sensitivity and avoid sensationalism or spreading misinformation.

Over 20 people have reportedly died in landslides and continuing rain fury in many areas in Wayanad, Kerala. Rescue operations are progressing in extremely difficult conditions. Two villages have been isolated due to a bridge collapse.

Our heart goes out to all the families who… pic.twitter.com/uRgiyWxdCP

— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) July 30, 2024

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s office announced that a control room has been established to coordinate immediate relief and rescue efforts. The Chief Minister has directed that rescue operations in Wayanad be managed efficiently, with ministers actively overseeing the efforts.

Air Force To Assist In Wayanad Landslide Rescue Operation As Death Toll Rises

July 30, 2024, 11:48 am

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced on Tuesday that the Air Force will be joining rescue operations in Wayanad following devastating landslides that have claimed 19 lives. The Chief Minister made this statement after a meeting with top officials from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA).

Vijayan informed the media that information from the affected regions is still coming in, making it premature to provide detailed updates. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi have both offered their support and assistance,” Vijayan said. “A team of Air Force personnel will be arriving soon to enhance the rescue efforts. We will provide more information as it becomes available.”

The landslides, which occurred around 2 am at Churalpara in Wayanad, have severely impacted the region. Approximately 400 families are currently stranded in the affected areas, which remain cut off due to the disaster. Residents like Noorudhin reported that around 40 people in his area are still waiting for rescue.

In addition to the Air Force, Union Minister of State George Kurian confirmed that the Army, Navy, and teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are also mobilizing to assist in the rescue operations. The landslide-affected regions include Velarimala, where significant damage has been reported.

The situation remains critical as rescue teams work tirelessly to reach those in need and provide relief to the impacted communities.

Kerala Govt Dismisses Opposition’s Call for Corruption Probe into Liquor Policy Controversy

June 10, 2024, 2:25 pm

The Left government in Kerala dismissed the Congress-led UDF’s call to file a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act regarding allegations of amendments to the state’s liquor policy.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan rejected the opposition’s demand during the state Assembly’s first session following the Lok Sabha elections.

In protest, the agitated opposition raised slogans against the LDF government and displayed placards while standing in front of Speaker A N Shamseer’s podium.

Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan, representing the UDF, urged the CPI-led regime to register a corruption case in connection with the issue. However, Vijayan stated that a police investigation was already in progress. He accused the opposition of fabricating the argument to create the impression of wrongdoing in the state.

“The State Excise Minister himself had lodged a complaint with the Director General of Police as soon as he came across false news related to the state’s liquor policy,” Vijayan said. He added that an investigation was ongoing and appropriate action would be taken against any crimes committed. He questioned whether the opposition’s intent was to hinder the ongoing police probe.

Satheesan challenged the CM’s stance, questioning the reliability of a police probe based on a complaint from the Excise Minister, who is implicated in the alleged scam. “So, a case should be registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The opposition will not compromise on this matter and will hold strong agitations inside and outside the House,” Satheesan added.

Following this, the opposition boycotted the House proceedings, continuing to raise slogans against the government and demanding the resignation of the Excise and Tourism ministers.

For over a month, the Congress has been alleging corruption within the Vijayan government regarding its liquor policy, claiming it was planning to amend the policy in exchange for bribes from bar owners. They highlighted that the matter was discussed in a recent meeting convened by the Chief Secretary and a stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Tourism Director, both of which were later denied by the officials involved.

While the Congress-led UDF has accused the LDF government of taking bribes from bar owners, the Left maintains that no deliberations over the liquor policy have taken place. The controversy escalated after an audio clip aired on TV channels, purportedly featuring a bar association member soliciting money from other members for a favorable liquor policy.

The UDF has alleged that the Left government sought ₹20 crore from bar owners for a favorable policy and has demanded the resignation of Excise Minister M B Rajesh

‘All Opposition Leaders Will Be In Jail If BJP Wins’ Arvind Kejriwal Addressing His First Press Conference After Release

May 11, 2024, 2:18 pm

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal addressed his first press conference since receiving interim bail till June 1 in an excise policy case.

At the AAP headquarters, he expressed gratitude to his supporters, saying, “I am very happy to be back among all of you. Together we have to save our country from dictatorship, I will fight with all my might, I need the support of 140 crore people of the country”.

Before starting his meeting, he visited to Hanuman temple and offered prayer in the morning and took blessing of Lord Hanuman.

Here are the key statements from Arvind Kejriwal’s address:

“Lord Hanuman has blessed our party, a miracle has happened, that’s why I am in front of you.”
“I will work tirelessly, campaign across the country to finish ‘dictatorship’ and save India in the next 21 days,” as his interim bail ends on June 1.
“They (BJP) sent top four AAP leaders to jail thinking the party will disintegrate. However, this (AAP) is not a party, it is a thought.”
“The more they want to finish, the more it will expand. The PM wants to crush the Aam Aadmi Party.”
“If PM Modi wants to learn about fighting corruption, he should learn from Arvind Kejriwal; we sent corrupt to jail.”
Kejriwal alleged that PM Modi is on a new mission “One Nation One Leader”, and added that the Prime Minister wants to send all opposition leaders to jail.”
“In a few days Mamata Bnerjee, Tejashwi Yadav, Pinarayi Vijayan, and several other opposition leaders will be in jail if BJP re-win in the general election.”
“After speaking with a number of specialists, psyphologists, and analysts, everyone predicted that the BJP would secure about 230 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. This time, the INDIA coalition will win the election.
Delhi will become a fully sovereign state if we win the election. The people of Delhi will own the LG of the nation’s capital; the present LG recently moved here from Gujarat.”
“Concerning INDIA bloc PM candidate, BJP is inquiring…Since any political leader who reaches 75 years of age will be retired from politics under PM Modi’s administration, I would like to know who the BJP’s prime minister candidate is. PM Modi will also turn 75 on September 17, 2025.
“PM Modi desires to put an end to the distinguished BJP leaders’ political careers. They terminated the political careers of Raman Singh, Vasundhara Raje, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, LK Advani, MM Joshi, Sumitra Mahajan, and Raman Singh. Yogi Adityanath is the next in line’, Kejriwal stated.

Kerala Assembly: Oppn members carry placards, protest death of Kozhikode man

January 29, 2024, 3:06 pm

The Budget session of the Kerala Legislative Assembly witnessed disruptions on Monday, with a few Opposition members displaying placards to disrupt the proceedings of the House.
The protesting members carried placards that complained about the alleged delay in pension benefits for about sixty lakh people and the death by alleged suicide of differently abled man in Kozhikode, allegedly due to non-payment of social welfare pension dues.
On delay over disbursing social security pension to recipients, Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly, VD Satheesan said, “… Social security pension of more than 50 lakh people of the state has been pending since the last five months. The deserving people are either physically disabled, old, or widows. But this is not the government’s priority… The government had nothing to say about this so we had to boycott the proceedings of the assembly… Many others are on the brim of committing suicide because this pension is the only source of their income…”
Citing financial pressure, the distribution of welfare pensions was stopped for a few months.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in a pre-budget press conference, said that the central government’s policies were the main hindrances to its efforts to create a new Kerala.
Addressing the press meet, the chief minister said that despite the good achievements in its own tax revenue and domestic production, the financial crisis arising as part of the central government’s policies is tightening the state. He asserted that the opposition, which should stand up for the people against these bad policies, instead attacked the government.
As per the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission, Kerala can borrow up to 3 per cent of its domestic revenue unconditionally and 0.5 per cent subject to the implementation of reforms in the power sector.
The chief minister alleged that the central government has reduced Kerala’s loan limit with retrospective effect from 2021-22 by including the loans taken by independent institutions in the state’s loan limit. Due to this, he alleged that there has been a reduction of Rs 6,000 crore in the total credit limit for Kerala in the financial year 2023-24.
Vijayan had asserted that the main source of revenue for the state is tax allocation from the centre and resource transfer through centrally initiated schemes. The state Budget for 2024-25 will be tabled on February 5. The Budget session that started on January 25 is scheduled to continue until March 5.

Pinarayi Vijayan, the chief minister of Kerala lashes out at RSS, claims agenda to turn Manipur “into land of riots”

July 23, 2023, 5:54 pm

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan lashed out at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) over the violence in Manipur on Sunday, saying all secular-minded citizens should stand up against the Sangh Parivar’s plans to turn the unrest-plagued Northeast state into a “land of riots.”

A press statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) quoted Vijayan as saying, “The country’s secular community should recognize the Sangh Parivar agenda, which is spreading hatred and turning Manipur into a land of riots for the sake of power politics.” The CM stated further that it was only prudent to view the ethnic clashes in Manipur, which have been ongoing for more than two months, ‘with dread’ as the “human conscience is still plagued by horrible events”.

“The ethnic riots that have been going on for more than two months can only be looked at with apprehension. Horrible scenes continue to haunt the human conscience. The women of the Kuki community were hunted down by mob rioters in a most despicable and brutal manner. The video released is from days right after the start of the riots,” the Kerala CM was quoted as saying further in the official statement.

The CM further asserted that by fanning a communal fire, the historically divided populations of Manipur’s hills and valley are being further torn apart. “Fueling the fire communally feeds the historical divisions between Manipur’s residents of the hills and the valley. It is obvious that riots are just a cover for a planned Christian witch hunt. Tribal churches that practice Christianity are routinely attacked and destroyed, the Kerala CM continued in his statement.

Boat capsizes in Kerala, dozens feared dead

May 8, 2023, 12:57 pm

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday visited the Taluk Hospital, Tirurangadi in Malappuram district where survivors of the boat capsize incident near the Tanur coast a day ago were admitted.

The Kerala government has also ordered a judicial probe into the incident. The chief minister announced Rs 10 lakh compensation to the kin of victims and said the government will bear the treatment expense of the injured people. Twenty-two people, including a police officer, were killed after an overloaded double-decker tourist boat capsized at Parappanangadi on Sunday (May 7).Kerala Revenue Minister K Rajan earlier today said that 22 people have died so far in boat capsize incident.The minister informed that a search operation by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and rescue teams is underway.

“37 people have been identified. 22 people died. 10 people have been identified in different hospitals. Five people were confirmed to have swum in. A total of 37 people were identified,” said the State minister.
“The exact number of people who travelled on the boat could not be recorded. Let there be no more,” he said.

“However, all searches are ongoing. NDRF, fire and rescue and scuba team are conducting the searches. The Navy’s team has also come forward. The Coast Guard arrived yesterday. Only other help will be received from them. A second team of NDRF will also arrive here,” the minister said.

He said that Navy personnel have also reached the spot to assist in the rescue operations.Officials informed that a 21-member National Disaster Response Relief (NDRF) team and the fire force started a rescue operation early on Monday, adding, “A police officer was also among the dead”.

Post-mortem procedures of those who died have been completed and the bodies have been handed over to their relatives.Post-mortem was conducted at Thirurangadi, Perunthalmanna Hospitals and Mancheri Medical College.

Brahmapuram Fire: Swapna Suresh challenges Kerala Chief Minister

March 15, 2023, 3:19 pm

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was criticized by Deputy Chief Minister Swapna Suresh on Tuesday, the primary suspect in the Kerala gold smuggling case who alleged that his former principal secretary was implicated in the sale of the Brahmaputra factory.
Her comments were related to the catastrophic fire that started on March 2 at the waste management facility in Brahmapuram. Swapna Suresh thanked the Honorable CM on Facebook for breaking his silence after 12 days and finally he had decided to utter.
She said to the Honorable CM that the Mobilization advance paid to the contract company, took back and distribute among the ladies and gentlemen, the common public who were coming forward to put out the fire at BRAMHAPURAM.
According to Swapna Suresh, M Sivasankar, a former secretary to the Kerala CMO, was involved in the deal to to set up the waste management plant at Brahmapuram, therefore the Kerala CM allegedly did not respond to the massive fire incident. She promised to the residents, she would be standing for their rights as she knew the pain of them.

The issue is related to the massive fire that started on March 2 at the Brahmapuram waste management facility in Kochi which led to the decline in the quality of air in that area.
After the event, a rescue effort was launched, during which active fire zones received more than 5,000 liters of water.
The Ernakulam District Collector stated on March 12 that the Brahmapuram fire’s smoke levels had been reduced by at least 95%.
Additionally, the Kerala High Court ordered the Ernakulam District Collector to provide a detailed affidavit regarding the fire incident at the Brahmapuram Waste Plant.

Kerala CM inaugurates fifth edition of Kochi Muziris Biennale

December 13, 2022, 11:08 am

The fifth edition of the Kochi Muziris Biennale has been inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday. This year’s Biennale will center on the theme “In Our Views Flow Ink and Fire”. Biennale is the four-month-long celebration of art that attracts tourists worldwide. Student’s Biennale will open on 13 December and the event opening is postponed to December 23, 2022. In the Biennale 200 main artworks of 90 artists from about 40 different countries, across the 14 venues will be showcased till 10 April 2023.

‘State needs to be raised to food self-sufficiency’, says Kerala CM

December 10, 2022, 3:25 pm

A seed farm in Aluva at Kochi has been announced by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as India’s first carbon-neutral farm on Saturday. “The state needs to be raised to food self-sufficiency. Still, the ecological balance should be maintained. Climate change can be tackled by reducing carbon emissions from agriculture. Exemplary interventions have been done on this farm,” Vijayan said. Meanwhile, Vijayan said, “Carbon-neutral farms will be started in all assembly constituencies. Women’s associations will be formed to implement this in tribal areas.” However, the installation of solar panels in homes is initiated.

Kerala’s governor charges CM’s office with patronising smuggling

November 3, 2022, 5:40 pm

Arif Mohammad Khan, the governor, and the Left Democratic Front government in Kerala have been at odds for some time. On Thursday, Khan accused the office of Pinarayi Vijayan, the chief minister, of patronising smuggling.

His secretary was removed. Now books are also being written about it. People sitting in the CM [chief minister]’s office dictate VCs [vice chancellors] to appoint their relatives who are under-qualified or unqualified,” Khan said in New Delhi.

“If the CM’s office is involved in smuggling, I will interfere. If they make illegal appointments in universities, I will interfere. I do not know why the CM office is getting involved in such illegal activities.”

Khan said he never appointed anyone to universities. He added he was only pointing out “illegal appointments” there. Khan said he was ready to quit if Vijayan could prove his allegation that the governor made some appointments to please the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

He asked journalists to read the book of Swapna Suresh, an accused in the 2020 gold smuggling case, about these activities and her nexus with people in power.

The issue first came to light in July 2020 when customs officials discovered 30 kg of gold concealed in bathroom fixtures disguised as official luggage bound for the UAE embassy in Thiruvananthapuram. M Sivasankar, Vijayan’s principal secretary, was detained for allegedly having connections to some of the accused. The situation is being looked into by five national agencies. Due to threats and intimidation, the Enforcement Directorate has petitioned the Supreme Court to have the case relocated from Kerala.

Khan said Vijayan and the Left Front were accusing him of making appointments at RSS’s behest. “Will he [Vijayan] be able to resign if he is not able to approve his charges?” He asked Vijayan to prove his allegations.

He rejected the allegation that he was an RSS nominee. “If I point out serious lapses in varsities how can I become RSS overnight.”

“He is trying to undermine the progress in the higher education sector and trying to implement saffron [RSS] agenda. He wants to form a parallel government but we will oppose it strongly,” CM said.

The opposition Congress questioned Khan’s up to this point silence over the subject of gold smuggling.

“He could have acted two years ago when the smuggling case surfaced. Now he is saying the CM’s office patronised everything. He should act rather than make tit-for-tat statements,” said state Congress chief K Sudhakaran MP.

Khan’s refusal to approve 11 ordinances brought forward by the state administration in August strained their already tense relationship. To enact these laws, the administration was compelled to call a special assembly session.

Khan later approved nine of the measures the legislature passed. He refused to sign two documents that would have restricted the Lokayukta’s and the chancellor of universities’ authority. Later on, Khan and Vijayan held separate press conferences to criticise each other.

Khan last month said if ministers continue to lower the dignity of his office “he will withdraw his pleasure.” But Khan clarified it was not a threat to sack any minister. Vijayan hit back and asked Khan not to become “a subject of self-ridicule.”

Kerala’s Chief Minister criticises Governor for asking 9 VCs to resign.

October 24, 2022, 2:20 pm

In light of the controversy surrounding Governor Arif Mohammad Khan’s decision to ask vice chancellors of nine universities to resign, the Kerala High Court is scheduled to hold a special session on Monday at 4 p.m. The Kerala Governor’s directive, which was issued in accordance with a Supreme Court order, has generated a significant controversy in the southern state, with the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) announcing on Sunday that it would organise protests in opposition to it. The vice chancellors have now filed a high court petition challenging the directive.
At a press conference on Monday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged the VCs not to resign. Vijayan asserted that the governor has no authority to seek the resignation of vice chancellors. He continued by saying that the governor is responsible for any irregularities in the appointments.

The chief minister was quoted by news agency PTI as stating, “It was the governor who appointed them, and the blame of illegality in appointment-if there is any-equally lies with him.” Vijayan criticised the governor’s action as “strange” and charged that he was “waging a war” against the state’s universities.
The vice chancellors of nine universities—the University of Kerala, Mahatma Gandhi University, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kannur University, APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University, Shree Shankaracharya University of Sanskrit, University of Calicut, and Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University—were asked to resign by 11:30 a.m. on Monday, according to instructions given by the Kerala Governor on Sunday. A Supreme Court ruling on the vice chancellor of the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University’s appointment being revoked for violating University Grants Commission regulations was referenced in a statement released on Twitter by his office.
While the state’s higher education minister, R. Bindu, said that “an unfortunate situation” had been created, law minister P. Rajeev stepped up the attack, saying that nowhere in any UGC regulation or in the Constitution, it was mentioned that the Chancellor should be the Governor.
Meanwhile, leader of the opposition VD Satheesan welcomed the move: “I welcome the fact that the Governor is ready to correct the mistake he made by cooperating with the illegal appointments of the Pinarayi government. The Governor’s decision has come as a setback to the government’s move to appoint vice-chancellors in defiance of UGC norms and procedures”.

Owaisi attacks RSS chief on targeting Muslims, fueling communal polarisation

October 9, 2022, 11:37 am

Asaduddin Owaisi, the leader of AIMIM and a member of parliament from Hyderabad, stated that RSS chairman Mohan Bhagwat is concerned about India’s population but will never speak on the ‘truth’ that Muslims use condoms the most.

“The Muslim population is not at all increasing. Why are you concerned for no reason? The Muslim population is declining,” Owaisi responed to Mohan Bhagwat’s Dusshera speech in which he targeted Muslim community in the name of community-based imbalance.” At his Dasshera speech, Bhagwat said that alongside the differences in birth rate, conversions by force lure or greed and infiltration are also big reasons.

“Please don’t take tension. The Muslim population is on the decline. The gap between two children is called spacing. Do you know who is maintaining that the most? The Muslims. Who is using condoms the most? We are doing. But Mogan Bhagwat won’t speak on this. I am giving facts. The population is not increasing, Mohan Bhagwat Saab. Please stick to data while sticking,” Owaisi said.

We should examine what transpired in China as we attempt to regulate the population. That nation adopted a one-child policy, and as a result, it is ageing.“With 57 crore youth population in India, we will remain a young nation for next 30 years,” Bhagwat said. “However, what will happen to India after 50 years? Will we have enough food to feed the population?” he added.

The chief minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, responded angrily to Mohan Bhagwat’s remark about population control, claiming that the remarks were intended to inflame communal polarisation.”RSS Chief’s statement that there is a religion-based imbalance in India’s population is baseless and aimed at fueling communal polarisation in the country. Secular and democratic forces must expose this vicious move and stand firm against communal bigotry,” he said.

Owaisi also slammed Mohan Bhagwat’s remark, tweeting that there shouldn’t be any imbalance since Hindus and Muslims have the same “DNA.”

“If Hindus & Muslims have “same DNA” then where’s the imbalance? There’s no need for population control as we’ve already achieved replacement rate. The worry is an ageing population & unemployed youth who cannot support elderly. Muslims have sharpest decline in fertility rate,” Owaisi tweeted.

“For Mohan, it is Annual Day of Dog Whistles and Hate Speech. Fear-mongering over ‘population imbalance’ has resulted in genocide, ethnic cleansing & hate crimes across the world. Kosovo was created after a genocide of Albanian Muslims by Serbian nationalists,” he tweeted earlier.

Secular Congress leader Aryadan Muhammad dies at 87

September 25, 2022, 11:37 am

Aryadan Muhammad, an 87-year-old seasoned Congress leader and former minister, passed away on Sunday in a private hospital in Kozhikode, in northern Kerala, according to his family.

He was a tall secular statesman from north Kerala who dominated state politics for more than six decades. He was drawn to politics as a student and later became active in trade union politics. He was chosen to serve as Kozhikode’s district Congress committee’s secretary in 1960, and when Malappuram district was established in 1969, he was chosen to serve as the district Congress committee’s first president (DCC).

He won the Malappuram assembly seat of Nilambur for the first time in 1977, and he won it seven more times. He served as the E K Nayanar government’s minister of forests in 1980, the A K Antony ministry’s minister of tourism in 1995, and the Oommen Chandy administration’s minister of power in 2011. As a secular leader, he frequently engaged in conflict with the Muslim League in the Malappuram district, although they maintained friendly relations for many years. He made significant contributions to reforms in the power and labour sectors. He was connected to Oommen Chandy and Antony, two senior leaders.

Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Congress, paused his Bharat Jodo Yatra and hurried to Nilambur to pay tribute to the late leader. The chief minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, also expressed his condolences to the deceased top official. He said, “A secular leader, he was known for his bold positions.”

According to Muhammad’s family, his body will be buried on Monday.

Heavy rain expected in Kerala for 4-days, IMD issues alert

August 1, 2022, 2:03 pm

The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rains for the next four days in Kerala. After which, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan asked people to be alert.

The Chief Minister said on Sunday, “Since the India Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rains in the state for the next five days, people should be very cautious.”

Moreover, a landslide occurred in Munnilav village of Meenachil taluk of Kottayam district, Munnilav town where one person went missing. Later that person was rescued. Two youths got trapped on top of rocks near Kallar in Vitura village and were rescued with the help of policemen from Vitura police station.

However, in a tragic incident, four tourists from Tamil Nadu were trapped in the Achankovil river in the Kollam district. One person died while three others survived the incident.

Police, fire brigade, and other government agencies have been instructed to remain alert. Rescue work is going on at the accident sites. However, Ponmudi, Kallar, and Mankayam tourist places are closed.

Meanwhile, fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea under any circumstances. Furthermore, people have been advised to move out of landslide-prone areas. The Chief Minister requested everyone to be prepared to strictly follow the warnings issued by the Disaster Management Authority from time to time.

LDF’s victory in Kerala local body polls a befitting reply to UDF, BJP: Pinarayi

December 17, 2020, 6:47 am

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) has won a comprehensive victory in the local body polls which were held recently in the state. As per latest trends, the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF is leading in 516 out of the total 941 gram panchayats, according to the State Election Commission figures. The Congress-led UDF was ahead in 375 gram panchayats while NDA is leading in 22 gram panchayats. Out of the six corporations in the state, the LDF and the UDF were leading in three each. Vijayan said at a press conference here, “This is the victory of the people of the state. This election result are a befitting reply to those who are trying to destroy Kerala and its achievements. The efforts of those who tried to destabilise the government using central agencies have been defeated.” “The results have shown that UDF and it’s opportunistic politics have no space in Kerala. Congress was siding with the BJP to carry out false campaign and malign LDF. It has not succeeded,” he added. He further said: “In Gram Panchayats LDF was able to present a good performance. People supported LDF in a big way. Even in places, UDF had a big influence, Left was able to win. This also includes places where big leaders of Congress hold sway. This is because people have lost confidence in UDF.”Vijayan said that people of Kerala always support secularism and have voted out the disinformation campaign run by certain media. “Kerala’s heart is always with secularism. It is a reason they trusted Left. People have voted out the disinformation campaign run by certain media,” he said. “People of the state wanted LDF to continue and the results show it. They have accepted the development works carried out by the LDF government in the last four years,” he added. “Those who were behind the disinformation campaign thought that people’s mandate can be turned against LDF. I congratulate and thank all voters who were not influenced by the false campaign and supported LDF in the state,” the chief minister said. “BJP and UDF who have taken anti-development campaign should withdraw from it and do an introspection. Unparalleled development was carried out by the Left that was promised in election manifesto. Our development initiatives have reached all spheres of life,” he added. Vijayan said: “No government that was in power would have faced such a number of national disasters – Okhi cyclone, floods, Nipah virus and now COVID-19. Kerala faced it all together. The efforts taken by the Kerala government are being analysed and people have stood with the LDF. ”The local body polls were held in three phases. The first phase saw a turnout of 73.12 per cent, while the second phase saw 76.78 and the third and final phase 78.64 per cent. With ANI inputs