Chengannur, April 6 (IANS) As Kerala heads into the final phase of polling, the Chengannur Assembly constituency in Alappuzha district is shaping up as one of the most closely-watched contests, marked by a compelling mix of incumbency, grassroots connect, and shifting political undercurrents.At the centre of the battle is two time legislator and State Fisheries Minister, Saji Cherian, of the CPI(M)-led LDF, who is seeking a third-consecutive victory.Up against him is Congress candidate Abey Kuri…
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Kochi, April 1 (IANS) Malayalam Film Director Ranjith has been remanded to 14 days in judicial custody in connection with a sexual assault complaint filed by a young actress, even as the Kerala government asserted its firm support for the survivor and promised strict legal action.Produced before a magistrate, Ranjith was remanded and is set to be moved to the Ernakulam sub jail. His lawyer told the media that a bail application would be filed soon.The director was arrested late Tuesday night. Fo…
Thiruvananthapuram, March 13 (IANS) A day after senior CPI(M) leader and former state Minister G. Sudhakaran announced that he would contest the Assembly election as an Independent candidate from his home turf, Ambalappuzha Assembly constituency, Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian said the move would have only a negligible impact on the party.Speaking to IANS, Cherian said the decision taken by the four-time MLA and former Minister was unfortunate, especially considering the opportunities the party…
Alappuzha (Kerala), March 12 (IANS) The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Thursday issued its first strong response to veteran leader G. Sudhakaran after he indicated plans to contest the Assembly election as an independent from Ambalappuzha, ending a party association spanning more than six decades.Alappuzha district secretary of CPI(M), R. Nazar, said the party had been “very considerate” towards the former minister even after he was replaced as the party candidate in Ambalappuzha.Acco…
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 26 (IANS) In a significant recalibration ahead of the Assembly polls, the CPI(M) has dropped actor-turned-Legislator Mukesh, a two-time MLA from Kollam, from its list of sitting members set to be renominated.The move comes even as the party clears a majority of key ministers, underscoring a selective approach to continuity and change.Among those who have received the green signal are senior ministers including M.B. Rajesh, Saji Cherian, O.R. Kelu, P. Rajeeve, K.N. Balagop…
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 25 (IANS) As Kerala moves closer to the Assembly polls, the ruling CPI(M) is leaving little to chance in its bid to secure a rare third consecutive term for Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.Stung by an unexpected drubbing in the December local body elections, the Left has recalibrated with a conspicuous pivot towards the state’s influential cultural sphere.At the centre of this outreach is the party’s Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas, widely seen as devising a strategy to h…
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 20 (IANS) BJP leader Sandeep Vachaspati has accused political leaders of orchestrating a “conspiracy” targeting Kantarar Rajeevar, the tantri (priest) in the Sabarimala gold theft case.Sandeep Vachaspati is one often seen translating the speeches of top BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and others when they are visiting the state.He said this in a social media post following the bail of the temple’s tantri on Thursday.Sandeep Vachaspati’s post hi…
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 19 (IANS) The release of the trailer of the controversial Hindi film ‘The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond’ which is a sequel to ‘The Kerala Story’ has triggered sharp political reactions in the country and particularly in Kerala, with leaders across parties trading charges over its content and intent.Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described the film as a deliberate attempt to spread hatred against the state and undermine its secular foundations.He said Kerala’s social fabr…
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 14 (IANS) Seeking to quell the controversy surrounding Malayalam actor Prem Kumar’s removal as the Chairman-in-Charge of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy, State Minister for Culture and Films, Saji Cherian, on Saturday, issued a detailed clarification, asserting that the change in leadership was purely procedural and not linked to the actor’s views or public statements. Minister Cherian’s response comes in the wake of a social media post by Prem Kumar, who had expressed ang…
Thiruvananthapuram Jan 31 (IANS) Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the makers of The Kerala Story 2, alleging that the teaser of the film was part of a planned attempt to spread communal hatred and undermine Kerala’s secular fabric. He said the State would resist such divisive efforts in a united manner.In a statement issued after the teaser of the second part of the controversial film was released, the Minister said the movie had been conceive…