Kerala

Death

KM Mani was also the longest serving member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, serving for 52 years.

The demise of Kerala Congress (M) supremo, KM Mani, who was one of the most prominent politicians in the history of Kerala has created a huge vacuum in the politics of the state. Condolence messages have started pouring from all corners of the political spectrum following the demise of the 86-year-old veteran politician, at the Lakeshore hospital in Ernakulam on Tuesday evening. Paying condolences to the veteran leader, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the death of KM Mani, is a huge loss, not just for the Kerala Congress, but for the entire state of Kerala. “The state has lost an eminent legislator, who was able to study and present the problems of the state. There are a lot of qualities that the new legislators can emulate from Mani’s personality,” said Pinarayi Vijayan. The Kerala CM went on to add that Mani was also able to present the larger interests of the state, especially the interests of the farmers in the assembly. Speaking to the media, an emotional Oommen Chandy, who was also the former Chief Minister of the state, as well as someone close to KM Mani said, “We have known each other personally as well as politically for a really long period of time. When I was CM twice, KM Mani took care of the Finance and Home ministry in my cabinet.” The former CM also added that, “In my 49 years of presence in the Legislative Assembly, he was also present there with me. He was not just a friend or a colleague to me. He was a leader who gave me self confidence.” VS Achuthanandan, Communist leader and former CM of the state also offered his condolences to the leader. “KM Mani, a veteran politician who has consecutively been elected 13 times as MLA from Pala, Kottayam, spent 54 years as a member of the Kerala Assembly and seen 12 assemblies had nurtured personal relationships beyond politics,” said the Communist stalwart. Offering his condolences, P Sathasivam, the Governor of Kerala said, “I am deeply grieved by the sad demise of Shri. K M Mani, senior legislator and former Minister who earned the unstinted support of the people through welfare measures like pension for farmers , Karunya Lottery Benevolent Scheme etc.” “I convey my profound condolences to the bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace,” added the Governor. Also offering their tributes and condolences to the Kerala Congress leader were the BJP leaders, O Rajagopal and PS Sreedharan Pillai. O Rajagopal, who is a sitting MLA from the Nemom constituency in Thiruvananthapuram said, “The demise of KM Mani who has been an MLA for over half a century and occupied various ministerial posts is an irreparable loss.” Rajagopal went on to say that despite following different ideologies, it never hindered them from developing a personal relationship. “I lost a very good friend and offer my condolences,” he added. “KM Mani has been an iconic figure in Kerala politics,” said BJP state president PS Sreedhara pillai as he offered his condolences. “The demise of KM Mani is an irreparable loss to Kerala politics,” added Sreedharan Pillai. In a political career spanning over five decades, KM Mani was also the longest serving member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, serving for 52 years. Mani represented the constituency of Pala this entire time. He is the only politician to be elected from the same constituency for 13 consecutive elections. Also read: Veteran Kerala political leader KM Mani passes away at 86

Body 2:

ISIS

The 39-year-old resident of Kozhikode was arrested upon his arrival here from Qatar.

IANS

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) said it had on Tuesday arrested Islamic State sympathizer Shaibu Nihar from Kerala, upon his arrival here from Qatar, for facilitating travel of some of his associates to Syria to join the terror outfit. The 39-year-old, a resident of Vattakandathil House in Kozhikode, was arrested from Calicut International Airport. He was produced before a special NIA court in Ernakulam and was sent to judicial custody up to April 22. The NIA said that the case was originally registered at Wandoor police station under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act on November 6, 2017 on the basis of disclosures made by accused arrested earlier in connection with the case."Disclosure made by Hamsa U.K. contains allegations against Shaibu Nihar and other accused persons that while they were working in Bahrain and attending classes at Al Ansar Salafi Centre, there they had shared jihadi ideology and decided to join the ISIS in Syria. Most of his associates had left Bahrain and joined ISIS in Syria," an NIA statement said. During 2016-2017, Shaibu Nihar had facilitated travel of some of his associates to Syria with the intention of joining Islamic State and waging war on its behalf against the Syrian government, the agency said. Shaibu Nihar, the NIA said, had also himself planned to travel to Syria to join the proscribed outfit in December 2016 from Bahrain while running an advertising company there. Following the arrest of some of his associates in October 2017, Shaibu Nihar had shifted to Qatar, where he continued his advertising company, the NIA added.

Body 2:

Death

KM Mani's body was kept for public viewing inside the Lakeshore hospital for about half an hour.

Neethu Joseph

A sudden downpour on Tuesday evening was quite a surprise and came as a welcome relief for the people of Kochi who had been sweating heavily under the scorching summer heat for the past few weeks. But news coming out from the city’s Lakeshore hospital around the same time about the demise of Congress veteran KM Mani came as a dampener. Hundreds of people, both supporters of Congress and residents of Kochi, thronged to the hospital to see their beloved leader for one last time. The party supporters who were waiting to see their ‘Mani Sir’ fought hard to control their emotions. Jose K Mani, son of KM Mani, who came to meet the party leaders at the hospital, broke down in tears while talking to Congress leader Jonhy Nellore. The body of KM Mani was brought into the wide space near the hospital reception where arrangements were made for the public to pay homage. With the crowd jostling for space to get a glimpse of Mani Sir, police officials and the hospital administration had a hard time trying to keep the emotional crowd under check. KM Mani's body was kept for public viewing inside the hospital for about half an hour. The veteran leader was under treatment at the hospital for the past few days for chest infection. Though he was said to be in a critical condition, he had improved by Tuesday morning with doctors saying that he was recovering. But by evening, his condition worsened and he passed away at around 5pm. According to political experts, the death of KM Mani marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of Kerala politics. The veteran leader was the longest serving member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly and also the longest serving state minister. KM Mani also has the unique credit of presenting the state budget 13 times as the Finance Minister of Kerala. The veteran leader was born to Thomas Mani and Aleyamma Mani in January 1933. Before his foray into politics, he had worked as an advocate in Kozhikode and Kottayam. KM Mani’s mortal remains will be kept at Lakeshore hospital till 9am on Wednesday, after which his body will be taken to Kottayam in a procession. The funeral will be conducted on Thursday at St Thomas Cathedral Church in Pala, Mani's native place.

Body 2:

Death

Tracing the formation of the Kerala Congress (M) and Mani's role in Kerala politics over the decades.

Jacob George

PTI

When the Kerala Congress was formed on October 9,1954, KM Mani was the secretary of the District Committee of the Indian National Congress. Fifteen legislators of the Congress left the party after voting out its Chief Minister R Sankar, and held a meeting in the Lakshmivilas Auditoriam at Kottayam in central Kerala to give shape to the new party. They were revolting against R Sankar who was always against PT Chacko, the powerful Home minister in the Sankar ministry. As a DCC secretary of the Congress, Mani took the firm decision that he would not join the Kerala Congress. The first fifteen legislators who founded the Kerala Congress formulated a new ideology for the party. KM George was elected the Chairman and R Balakrishna Pillai became the General Secretary along with Mathachen Kuruvinakkunnel. The first fifteen included leaders like KR Saraswathi Amma and K Narayana Kurup. Of the fifteen, only seven were Christians while all the others were Hindus. But later the Kerala Congress evolved as a predominantly Christian party, especially a party of the strong Catholic community in the state. And it was Mannathu Padmanabhan, the illustrious founder of Nair Service Society (NSS), that declared the formation of Kerala Congress in the historic convention of the party at Kottayam. KM Mani joined the party only in 1965 just before the Assembly poll, but played an important role in making Kerala Congress a strong regional party bargaining for the interests of the Christian community, especially the Catholic community. Mani was lured into the new party by Mohan Kulathingal, the treasurer of Kerala Congress and was offered the Pala seat. Ever since Mani is a member of Pala in the assembly. A record for a politician to have got elected from the same constituency continuously for more than fifty years. Mani was always very studious and in politics too he did his homework properly. Naturally none of peers could question him. He was also a very good par lawmaker. He was always on the forefront to shield his party and his front in the assembly putting forward sharp arguments that nobody could challenge. As the Finance Minister, Mani presented 13 budgets, the last ended up in a controversy as the opposition boycotted his presentation on account of the ill famous bar controversy. He was a very good orator too. And he took pains to learn the topic in depth before a speech whether it be in the assembly or out. And as a politician he had extremely good organising skills. After the death of the revered party chairman KM George on December 11, 1976, Mani took control of the party. The party has undergone several splits over the years, but Mani has been there on top. His party is always called Kerala Congress Mani group. Once he said in a meeting in Thiruvananthapuram that Kerala Congress is a party that grows despite splits and splits as it grows. Mani had the exceptional efficiency to handle any portfolio, because of his ability to learn new things. He always made his own mark in several portfolios like Home, Law, Electricity, Housing and of course Finance, his favourite. As a leader of a regional party, he always made himself relevant in national politics. As an ally of the Congress, he was close to leaders like Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. And what is the legacy he is leaving behind? The Congress in Kerala now has several factions. The frequent splits has demoralised the new generations. The student and youth wing of the party are no more relevant in the state. Even Mani's own party is facing trouble within. Mani was a great unifier of different groups and personalities within the party. In his absence, it could be days of further factionalism and fights within the Congress. Jacob George is a journalist with more than 30 years of experience. He is also a television commentator. He started his career with the Mathrubhumi daily and later moved on to India Today.

Body 2:

Kollam temple fire

The chargesheet was reportedly awaiting final approval as per the Explosives Act 1884, for the last two months.

TNM Staff

Three years after the Puttingal temple fire in Paravur, Kerala, the Kollam district collector approved the chargesheet in the case. The incident, which took place on April 10, 2016, took the lives of 111 people. According to reports, the chargesheet was awaiting final approval as per the Explosives Act 1884, for the last two months. Kollam district collector Karthikeyan told mediapersons that the delay was due to technical issues which needed clarification. The chargesheet will reportedly be handed over the prosecution on Wednesday. On April 9, 2016, 111 people who were present at the Puttingal temple to witness the annual fireworks died after a fireworks explosion in the area. The temple had been denied permission by the authorities to use fireworks but they decided to continue the celebrations anyway. Documents accessed by TNM in 2016 showed that the Kollam Additional District Magistrate had denied permission for the annual 'competitive fireworks', in which two temple priests try to outdo each other with fireworks. The decision to deny permission was taken based on reports by the Revenue department and the police. The Tahsildar's report said that the temple could conduct the Vishu celebrations if it met 4 conditions: not using loud fireworks, ensuring crowds were minimal, adopting crowd control measures, and making sure that only stipulated amount of fireworks is used. Incidentally, the Kollam SP had then noted in a report that regardless of whether permission was issued for 12 kg of fireworks, there was a possibility that the temple could end up using much more that the stipulated amount. The SP had also said that there was a high possibility of a fire tragedy. The fireworks started at 11:50 PM on April 9 and at around 3:00 am on April 10, one of the bigger fireworks fell on the ground and led to 12 other similar fireworks stored in a concrete shed nearby catching fire. This led to a huge explosion and the collapse of the concrete shed worsened the tragedy. The Kerala government promised to investigate the incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the victims of the fire.

Body 2:

Lok Sabha 2019

P Rajeev is the editor-in-chief of CPI(M) mouthpiece Deshabhimani, which called Rahul Gandhi ‘s candidature in Wayanad ‘pappu strike’.

Neethu Joseph

P Rajeev/Facebook

P Rajeev, Ernakulam District Secretary of CPI(M) and the editor-in-chief of Malayalam daily and party’s mouthpiece Deshabhimani, has said the newspaper’s attack on Congress President Rahul Gandhi on his candidature in Wayanad constituency was inappropriate. Rajeev, who is also the candidate of Left Democratic Front (LDF) in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls from Ernakulam constituency, admitted to TNM that personal remarks against Rahul Gandhi should have been avoided. The newspaper, in one of its editorial pieces, had called Rahul Gandhi’s candidature in Wayanad as ‘pappu strike’ . It was published just a day after Rahul Gandhi declared his candidature in Wayanad. Rajeev said that even if the opinion of a person was to be condemned, it does not mean every action and stand of that person should be detested. “We have differences with Rahul Gandhi on his opinion and approach, but that is against his stand on certain issues and not against him as a person. Therefore, using that particular terminology against Rahul Gandhi was inappropriate,” Rajeev told TNM. LDF candidate P Rajeev tells TNM that Deshabhimani using the 'Pappu strike' terminology against Rahul Gandhi was inappropriate. Rajeev is the editor of the paper, and says the fight is against ideology, not a person. pic.twitter.com/2Sj3HctXGk— Neethu Joseph (@neethujoseph_15) April 10, 2019 Rajeev also said that though he is the editor-in-chief of Deshabhimani, he was not involved in the day-to-day activities of the newspaper since the election campaign had started. The LDF candidate, however, said, “Though Rahul Gandhi says he will not be saying a word against CPI(M) in Wayanad, his candidature itself gives out a message to the public that his fight is against us." Elucidating this, he said, "Like Congress, CPI (M) is a party that strongly opposes the BJP. Rahul Gandhi could have contested in BJP strongholds in other states rather than contesting from Kerala, where BJP does not have an influence.”

Body 2:

Lok Sabha 2019

The BJP President’s statement seems to hint at the green flags of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) seen at Rahul Gandhi’s roadshow in Wayanad last week.

TNM Staff

Left: Flags at Rahul Gandhi's Wayanad road show; Right: Amit Shah in Nagpur

BJP President Amit Shah targeted Rahul Gandhi over his decision to contest from Wayanad seat in Kerala in addition to his home turf, Amethi, stating that the Congress President is contesting from such a seat where when a procession is taken out, “one cannot make out whether the place is India or Pakistan.” “And this Rahul baba, for his alliance, is contesting from such a seat where when a procession is taken out, it is difficult to make out whether it is India or Pakistan. He is contesting from such a seat,” Amit Shah said, addressing a rally in Nagpur on Tuesday, a day before the campaigning for the Vidarbha region ended. Shah’s statement comes after pictures of Rahul Gandhi’s roadshow held in Wayanad when he had come to file his nomination went viral on social media. Visuals of the roadshow showed a massive crowd was seen waving different flags – including the banner of the Indian National Congress and the flag of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), which is one of the six parties that are a part of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala. The pictures of the green flags were later shared on social media with misleading captions claiming that Pakistani flags and Islamic flags were waved at Rahul Gandhi’s rally. Amit Shah too is portraying the IUML flags as Pakistani or Islamic flags. Also read: No, Pakistani flags were not waved at Rahul Gandhi’s roadshow in Wayanad This is not the first time the BJP has lashed out at Rahul Gandhi over flags seen at the road show. Last week, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath claimed that the Muslim League is a ‘virus’ that has infected Congress. IUML has been one of the major allies of the Congress in Kerala and an important constituent of the Congress-led UDF which was formed in 1980. In fact, IUML has been a coalition partner of the Congress since the 1960 elections. Rahul Gandhi had filed his nomination from Wayanad constituency in Kalpetta amidst much fanfare on April 4. He was accompanied by his sister and National General Secretary of Congress, Priyanka Gandhi as well as other prominent state party leaders. In addition to Wayanad, one of the economically backward regions of Kerala, Rahul Gandhi is contesting from the traditional Congress stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh. Kerala goes to polls on April 23 and the results will be announced on May 23.

Body 2:

Politics

The story of Mani, the ‘Jewel of Pala’ as he was often referred to, is also the story of coalition politics in Kerala.

Jose Joseph Kochuparampil

KM Mani, the most seasoned politician of Kerala, has finally called it a day. A career that spanned six decades had its ups and downs, but unlike most other politicians, Mani had more success stories than failures. Mani was secretary of the Kottayam District Congress Committee when the Kerala Congress was formed in October 1964. This was the culmination of long-standing factional politics within the Congress party, and the organisation structure of the party in central Kerala took a serious hit due to the split. And even amongst the turmoil, Mani had remained with the Congress. But the possibility to contest in the 1965 Assembly election from his home turf Pala made him switch sides. With the necessary material support from the newly formed party contesting its first election, KM Mani defeated his opponents and won by a commendable margin of over 9,000 votes. And since then, even after 13 elections and 53 years, no one else has represented Pala in Kerala’s legislative assembly. He also managed diverse and critical portfolios in different ministries and has remained a formidable force in Kerala’s political domain all this while. The story of Mani, the ‘Jewel of Pala’ as he was often referred to, is also the story of coalition politics in Kerala. More than his mass appeal or influence across geographies, it was his acumen to play the political game that paid all the dividends. Being a late entrant into the Kerala Congress hierarchy, Mani came a bit lower in the pecking order in the party. But being one of the most consistent election performers, he regained turf gradually and made his own space. He was made a secretary of the party leadership and travelled across the state to build the party organisation. Factionalism in state politics Mani’s first coup in the party happened in December 1975 when the Kerala Congress decided to join the C Achutha Menon ministry. Mani played his cards right and forced the founding chairman of the party, the late KM George, to choose between the party chairmanship and a minister post. And thus, KM Mani became a minister for the very first time. Not much later, Mani adopted a major chunk of the party and made it his own – and thus formed the Kerala Congress (Mani). The next series of factionalism happened with PJ Joseph on the other side of the court. While they both worked together to push out R Balakrishna Pillai and form the KC(M), they soon parted ways and thus was formed the Kerala Congress (Joseph) group. While all these developments were in progress, the Kerala Congress factions also started playing well between the newly formed United Democratic Front (UDF) led by the Congress and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) led by the CPI(M). While they all were with the UDF in 1977, Mani and Balakrishna Pillai switched sides in 1980 and joined the EK Nayanar ministry. And in between, Pillai realigned with Joseph, while TM Jacob, a young and aspiring leader under Joseph, switched sides to Mani. Confusing, huh? Towards the end of the 80s, PJ Joseph parted ways with the UDF and went back to the LDF fold. Pillai had then become almost insignificant which made KM Mani the rightful heir to the Kerala Congress legacy in the UDF. The story started its rerun in the 90s, when TM Jacob found it the right time to create his own party and move away from Mani. He floated the Kerala Congress (Jacob) faction with three other MLAs, but remained a minister in the cabinet along with Mani. They fought the 1996 election together under the same front. PM Mathew, an MLA who had defected to join Jacob, reran from Kaduthuruthi, a constituency where Mani had significant influence. In the run-up to the election, PC Thomas, erstwhile representative of the constituency, entered the fray as an independent candidate and there was widespread speculation that he was backed by KM Mani against PM Mathew. While Mani maintained a strategic silence on this, Thomas captured almost 21,000 votes and Mathew lost the election by 15,000 votes. Entry of the son The young PC Thomas, son of PT Chacko, was adopted and groomed by Mani as his prodigy. But by this time, his own son, Jose K Mani, was ready for a debut and Thomas had to move out and find new pastures. The only electoral defeat that Mani faced, though not personal, was the result of the Muvattupuzha parliamentary elections in 2004 where his son Jose was pushed to third position and, to make things worse, PC Thomas won. But the smart tactician in Mani immediately made amendments. Just before the 2009 election when Jose was about to contest from Kottayam, Mani took the initiative to form a larger Kerala Congress forum for cooperation, co-existence and mutual benefit. With that in action, he made sure that no undercurrents spoil his plans for his son again. The forum found its natural demise soon after that election. KM Mani in his final decade of existence could still make magic, first by absorbing PC Thomas, his arch nemesis for many years, into his fold; and then when PJ Joseph defected back to the UDF, getting him to merge his party with the Kerala Congress (Mani). He had the might to quit the UDF recently after severe verbal attacks on the Congress and still get himself reabsorbed with zero repercussions. Even during the last few weeks, Mani kept himself busy with the latest instances of feud and conflict, and eventually made his own decisions stand, irrespective of any opposing views. In short, from 1965 up to 2019, what Mani did or did not do, had significant impact. Very few people in Indian politics have remained relevant for such a long span. Folklore says that he made himself known as “Mani sir” by addressing himself thus in the third person to everyone around him. And he had his way. That has been his story for long – Mani sir made others walk every path he found for himself. Well, almost every path except the one to Cliff House in the state capital. Jose Joseph Kochuparampil is an independent writer. Views expressed are the author's own.

Body 2:

Child Abuse

Child Welfare Committee (CWC) has lashed out at the police for not registering a case regarding the incident.

Korah Abraham

Image for representation

Even as the state of Kerala is still reeling under the shock of the death of a 7-year-old boy in Thodupuzha, who succumbed to injuries after his mother’s partner brutally assaulted him, another case has emerged from Malappuram district. A three and a half-year-old child has been subjected to physical assault by her maternal grandmother and starved too. The issue was brought to attention by residents of the Kalikavu area of Malappuram, where the child and three siblings had been staying along with their mother and grandmother. The neighbours had intimated the Childline officials on Monday. Speaking to TNM, Anwar, coordinator of Malappuram Childline said that they had immediately visited the house of the child on being notified about the issue from the locals. “On reaching their house in Kalikavu, we found out that their house was not at all in a liveable condition. What was worse, was the condition of the child, who was malnourished to such an extent that her bones were clearly visible,” explains Anwar. Though all four children- two girls and two boys- were malnourished, the girl child has been physically assaulted too. The child who had to bear the brunt of the grandmother’s brutality was the third child of her daughter. “The child had not been fed properly for days. She also had injuries on her body, especially her legs because of the physical assault by the grandmother,” states Anwar. The child is known to be the eldest from her mother’s second husband. Not much details are known about the husband apart from the fact that he had deserted the family a while ago. As far as what Anwar managed to understand, the family used to survive with the help provided by the locals as well as the daughter’s first husband. “We were able to understand from the locals that everytime the grandmother fought with her daughter, she ordered that the daughter and her kids leave the house. She used to also beat this girl child,” says Anwar. The children and the mother have been shifted to a shelter home and the Malappuram Childline has requested the Child Welfare Committee (CwC) for urgent medical assistance for all the children. “We haven’t registered any case at the moment as we feel that it must be discussed with the CWC and the police,” adds Anwar. However, according to a report by Asianet News on Wednesday, the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) has lashed out at the police for not registering a case regarding the incident. When TNM contacted the Kalikavu police station on Tuesday, a police official said that they have not registered a case as they had not received any complaint. But the CWC have criticised the police for not registering a Suo Motu case despite the police having the provision to do so.

Body 2:

Lok Sabha 2019

PC George’s support will come as a boost to BJP’s Pathanamthitta Lok Sabha candidate K Surendran in the polls, claims the BJP.

Shiba Kurian

PC George

With less than two weeks for Kerala to go to polls, MLA PC George’s Kerala Janapaksham party has joined the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Kerala BJP State President PS Sreedharan Pillai and PC George made the announcement on Wednesday in Pathanamthitta Press Club. A few members of the Kerala Congress (Secular) were also present. BJP National Secretary Sathya Kumar was also present. "Why I have decided to cooperate with Modiji is because of the work done by the PM for the people of Kerala. For example, the assistance for rubber farmers. The demand had been a long pending one and we consistently fought to declare it as a cash crop. In NDA's draft of Rubber Act, rubber has been declared as cash crop. He has been taking stern action in farmers’ issues. I also hope there will be a favourable decision to enhance the price of rubber from Rs 150 per kg to Rs 200. Also for the minority community the BJP leadership has given assurance that their interests will be protected," he said. George expressed confidence that the BJP will win in Pathanamathitta and Thiruvananthapuram. “During this elections we have reached a position to secure several seats. Janapaksham has been intervening actively in the problems related to the people. We will move ahead in Kerala politics cooperating with each other. Janapaksham from now onward has become part of the NDA," said Sreedharan Pillai."In Pathanamthitta the chances of BJP’s victory is high. PC George is a lone fighter who won the last Assembly elections as an independent candidate. He is part of the Pathanamthitta constituency. The victory of NDA candidate K Surendran in Pathanamthitta has become 100% sure with George joining NDA," Pillai said. Incidentally, George had earlier said that he will be contesting the Lok Sabha election from Pathanamthitta, but soon retracted the statement. Since then, rumours of Kerala Janapaksham joining the NDA had surfaced. George had grabbed national headlines last year when he made vile comments against the survivor nun who had approached the police against Bishop Franco. PC George's potty mouth: Isn't it time the law caught up with the Kerala MLA? The lone Independent member in the Kerala Assembly, PC George floated his party Kerala Janapaksham (People’s Movement) on February 21, 2017. According to George, Kerala Janapaksham had the support of 36 organisations working for the welfare of SC and ST communities, Nadar outfit Viaikunta Swami Dharma Pracharanasabha (VSDP) and Dalit Human Rights Movement (DHRM). PC George is the six-time sitting MLA of the Poonjar constituency in Kottayam district. The Poonjar constituency has been his home turf since he won the state elections in 1980. After he was removed from late leader KM Mani’s Kerala Congress (M) party of the UDF government, George contested as an independent and won from the Poonjar constituency in 2016. Will George help NDA gain foothold in Kerala? On March 30, PC George had announced his support for BJP’s Pathanamthitta Lok Sabha candidate K Surendran, although they had not decided whom to support in other constituencies. The Poonjar assembly constituency comes under Pathanamthitta Lok Sabha constituency and garnering PC George and his party’s support is likely to increase NDA’s vote share in Pathanamthitta. Poonjar has over 1.6 lakh voters. Irrespective of the political party or fronts he had aligned with previously, both PC George and his party have always managed to win over a majority of the electorate of the Poonjar Legislative constituency. George has won six out of seven times that he has contested in. Although PC George won the Poonjar constituency in the 2016 assembly election, four of the seven assembly segments in Pathanamthitta were won by the Left. This is not the first time PC George has supported the BJP, although the party has criticised him on several occasions for his controversial remarks. In November 2018, George had announced that he will co-operate with the BJP in Kerala at the state level, particularly in the Legislative Assembly. He had then hinted of an understanding between the two parties. The BJP also confirmed this then. PC George later said that the BJP planned to give him a platform to speak in the Assembly, “unlike the Congress that did not give him even two minutes to speak”. He had also said that he had been in talks with Kerala BJP’s lone MLA O Rajagopal for three years on a prospective alignment with the BJP. When it comes to the issue of women entry into the Sabarimala temple, which is situated in Pathanamthitta district, George had maintained that BJP was the only strongest party in terms of its views on the issue. In fact, in November last year, George and Rajagopal reached the Legislative Assembly dressed in the black attire, like an Ayyappa devotee. PC George's potty mouth: Isn't it time the law caught up with the Kerala MLA?

Body 2:

Controversy

According to reports, the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court gave direction to arrest Syro-Malabar Church head Cardinal Alencherry and 24 others.

Neethu Joseph

In a major setback for Cardinal Mar George Alencherry, who has been facing serious allegations in the controversial land deal case, Ernakulam Central Police have registered a case against him as per directions from the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court. According to reports, the court gave direction to arrest Cardinal Alencherry —the supremo of Syro-Malabar Catholic Church and 24 others, while considering a petition filed by Chowwara native Pappachan. The petitioner had alleged that the church chief was involved in land deals which incurred crores of loss to the church. In 2016, the Ernakulam Archdiocese had sold a three-acre piece of land in Kochi to repay its bank loan worth Rs 60 crore. The loan was reportedly taken to buy land in Maddur in Ernakulam, for the construction of a medical college. The agent who was appointed by the church to assist in the deal had estimated the value of the land at just Rs 27.30 crore. But local people and many priests in the church claimed that the property’s real value was at least Rs 80 crore. According to reports, the petitioner had said in the complaint that money from the land deal has not reached the church’s account. Officials of the Ernakulam Central station told TNM that a case has been charged against Alencherry on Monday. The cardinal has been charged under Sections 420 (Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), 406 (Punishment for criminal breach of trust), 120B (Punishment of criminal conspiracy), 329 (Voluntarily causing grievous hurt to extort property, or to constrain to an illegal act) and 34 (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention). Cases have been registered against 24 other people also. The Kerala High Court had directed the police to register a case against George Alencherry in March last year over the petition filed by Shine Varghese. Though the church chief had been booked by the Ernakulam Central Police, the High Court issued a stay order on further proceedings in the case just a few weeks after that on receiving an appeal from Alencherry.

Body 2:

Lok Sabha 2019

The BJP is looking to boost their election campaign in Kerala with the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.

TNM Staff

With just two weeks remaining for the state of Kerala to go to polls, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is looking to boost their election campaign with the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kerala on April 12, Friday. According to reports, Narendra Modi is expected to arrive at the Karipur airport in Kozhikode, at 5 pm on Friday, following which he will address a public meeting at the Kozhikode beach. A report by the Times of India (TOI) states that this meeting will be attended by all the NDA candidates from Palakkad to Kasaragod. Party workers from Kozhikode, Vadakara and Malappuram constituencies are also expected to attend this public meeting in large numbers. According to a report by Mathrubhumi, BJP national executive member PK Krishnadas, who was addressing the media on Wednesday regarding Modi’s election campaign in Kerala, stated that the PM aims to create a Modi wave in North Kerala. According to Krishnadas, Modi is expected to spend an hour at the meeting. Speaking to the press, Krishnadas also informed that the BJP president Amit Shah will be visiting Wayanad to boost the election campaigning there but the dates for Shah’s visit will only be announced later. In his press meet, Krishnadas lashed out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is also a candidate from the Wayanad constituency, for trying to divide the country by stating that South India is being neglected. “He is a candidate of Jihadi forces and the elements that are responsible for creating Pakistan. Rahul can choose to contest anywhere in the country if he feels unsafe in Amethi. But for that he should not divide India into South and North to win a seat in the Parliament,” he was quoted to have said. The upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Kerala will witness a triangular contest between the LDF, UDF and the NDA in almost all the constituencies. The BJP led by the NDA, as they go into the elections will be hoping to make a mark in the state, is banking on the Sabarimala issue which the party has been raising now and then.

Body 2:

Politics

Amit Shah had said that one cannot distinguish if Wayanad was India or Pakistan.

Korah Abraham

“What does he know about Wayanad?” asked Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as he lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President, Amit Shah, who had earlier equated Wayanad to Pakistan. The Kerala CM was addressing an election campaign for PP Suneer, who is the Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate in the Wayanad constituency for the Lok Sabha elections. By stating that Amit Shah has insulted Wayanad, Pinarayi Vijayan goes on to say that those who know the history of Wayanad and its contribution to the Indian freedom movement will never equate it to Pakistan. “Does he (Amit Shah) have any understanding or idea about Wayanad’s struggle against the British empire. We all know how Pazhassi Raja and the tribal warriors of Wayanad fought against the British. People who never took part in freedom struggle will never realise this fact,” said Pinarayi Vijayan. Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja, was one of the kings from Malabar who opposed the British and lead a revolt against them. The Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala has been grabbing eyeballs off late after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi decided to contest from the Wayanad seat, as the candidate of the United Democratic Front (UDF). BJP president, Amit Shah, in an attack on Rahul Gandhi had said that the latter is going to contest from a place, which one cannot make out whether it is India or Pakistan. This was a reference to the number of Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) flags that were present during Rahul Gandhi’s roadshow in Wayanad after he filed his nomination paper on April 4. Though it has been pointed out multiple times that the flags were of the IUML, BJP has been constantly saying that those were Pakistani or Islamic flags. Amit Shah was addressing a rally in Nagpur, where he made the particular statement. “For the sake of his alliance, Rahul has gone to a seat in Kerala where when a procession is held, you cannot make out whether the procession is in India or Pakistan,” said the BJP president. Amit Shah is not the only BJP leader to have made such remarks regarding the presence of IUML flags during Rahul Gandhi’s roadshow. Recently, Uttar Pradesh CM, Yogi Adityanath said in a tweet had stated that the “Muslim league is a virus. It is a virus that once you are infected with it, you cannot be saved and today, the main opposition party has been infected with it. Think about it, what will happen if they win? This virus will spread throughout the country.”

Body 2:

Lok Sabha 2019

Strong opponents, Sabarimala issue and a split in community votes could impact Tharoor.

Korah Abraham

Facebook/Shashi Tharoor

In one of Kerala's most closely-watched battles, Thiruvananthapuram will witness a triangular tussle between the Left Democratic Front (LDF), the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. UDF candidate Shashi Tharoor is the two time sitting MP from the constituency. Tharoor is up against the NDA’s Kummanam Rajasekharan, a BJP leader and former Governor of Mizoram; and the LDF’s C Divakaran, a former trade union leader as well as the sitting MLA of the Nedumangad constituency in Thiruvananthapuram. While Tharoor may hope for a third consecutive win riding on his successes in 2009 and 2014, it’s expected to be an uphill task for the Congress MP. Tharoor’s chances Shashi Tharoor is a popular figure in Thiruvananthapuram, and his victories in the 2009 and 2014 Lok Sabha elections is proof that the man has been well accepted by the people, many of whom feel that his image and his outlook is the need of the hour in the state. “He is an educated person and to have him represent our constituency is a matter of pride for all of us,” says 39-year-old Ajitha, who manages a juice stall near the Kerala Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram. But despite two consecutive wins, a section of people feel that Tharoor will face a challenging election as the state’s political and social condition has changed. “It was not an easy victory for Tharoor in the 2014 elections as well,” says Krishnan, an autorickshaw driver in the state capital. During the 2014 elections, BJP candidate O Rajagopal gave Tharoor a tough fight but lost to Tharoor by just 15,470 votes as opposed to 2009, when Tharoor defeated CPI’s P Ramachandran Nair by a margin of 99,998 votes. During the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Thiruvananthapuram was the only constituency where the BJP managed to come in second. O Rajagopal then contested the Assembly elections in 2016, and is currently the MLA from Nemom constituency in Thiruvananthapuram district. “The candidates that he is up against this time are not like the previous candidates he has faced,” says Krishnan. CPI’s C Divakaran may have an advantage in the constituency as he was born and raised in Thiruvananthapuram. He is popular among trade union workers as has led many workers’ struggles and mass movements in the state. Meanwhile, BJP’s Kummanam Rajasekharan, will be banking on the Sabarimala protests led by the BJP in Kerala and one opinion poll by a Malayalam publication has even projected him as the winner. Factors that could work against Tharoor Tharoor initially was in support of the Supreme Court’s verdict in the Sabarimala case — in favour of the entry of women of all ages into the sanctum sanctorum of the temple — but took a softer approach towards those who were agitating against the verdict. Later, he changed his stance and maintained that the devotee sentiment needs to be taken into consideration by the court. Political analysts feel that despite Tharoor’s change in stance, a move to appease a portion of the Hindu community, there is a possibility that many of Tharoor’s traditional Nair votes could go to Kummanam Rajasekharan. Speaking to TNM, J Prabhash, political analyst and retired professor of Political Science at Kerala University, says that the Sabarimala controversy could affect the Congress more than it would affect the Left. “The LDF in Kerala is known to have their loyal set of voters no matter what, and that has been their strength. But, there are chances that a lot of neutral Hindus who used to vote for the Congress all this while could vote for the BJP because of the Sabarimala controversy,” he says. “Thiruvananthapuram is known to be a constituency where minorities either vote mostly for the UDF or the LDF. This time around, the stand taken by Tharoor on the Sabarimala issue is known to have irked a certain section of the minorities, which means that there are chances that some sections of the minority votes could slip away from UDF to the LDF.” Another point that analysts pointed out was that there are chances that a certain section of Congress voters could vote for the LDF this time. Tharoor was an outsider to Kerala politics when he joined the Congress in 2009, but with his victories in 2009 and 2014, he has snatched the Thiruvananthapuram seat from other senior Congress leaders who have been eyeing this seat from before. A third consecutive victory for Tharoor is likely to kill the hopes of these Congress leaders who have been eyeing the seat, and there are chances that their loyal workers would work against Tharoor this time around. Prabhash went on to add that there is also a general feeling that Tharoor did not fulfill his promises in the last decade. “When he first became an MP, he had promised that he will develop the constituency to international standards. So, there is a feeling that this promise has not been fulfilled in the last 10 years,” he says. For Joseph C Mathew, a political observer and IT advisor to former Kerala Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan, C Divakaran is, without a doubt, a much better candidate than LDF’s candidate from Thiruvananthapuram in 2014, Bennet Abraham. Bennett stood third in 2014. “Even though he secured third place, Bennet had managed to get almost two and a half lakh votes, which was only around fifty thousand votes less than Tharoor, who had won the polls,” Joseph says. In 2014, it was Thiruvananthapuram’s coastal belt which boosted Tharoor’s vote share. Before that, it seemed that BJP’s O Rajagopal would win. Joseph says that this very same coastal belt can now pose a concern to Tharoor. Will votes get divided? “I am not unduly concerned about votes getting divided and I am confident that the voters of Thiruvananthapuram, who have supported me for the last 10 years, will once again repose their faith in me and give me the opportunity to be their voice at the national stage,” Tharoor tells TNM. Tharoor states that both Kummanam Rajasekharan and C Divakaran are senior leaders who are respected within their parties, but "one could argue that neither have the necessary experience or even the demonstrated ambition to be an effective voice for the city.”

Body 2:

Death

The last rites of KM Mani were conducted at his house and St Thomas Cathedral in Pala on Thursday.

TNM Staff

FB /Achayan Pillerz of Vallichira

Thousands of people from across Kerala on Thursday flocked to the Karingozhakkal house in the municipal town of Pala in Kottayam district to see their ‘Mani Sir’ for one last time. The last rites of Kerala Congress (M) chief KM Mani, who passed away on Tuesday in Kochi, were held at his native town in Pala with state honours. The Karingozhakkal house saw a continuous stream of visitors who kept coming to pay homage to KM Mani. In the midst of an overwhelming crowd of Mani’s supporters, the final rites started by 2pm at his house. KM Mani's mortal remains being taken to St Thomas Cathedral Long queues extended to about 300 meters from the house, with people turning up unmindful of the heat. From Mani’s house, the mortal remains were taken to St Thomas Cathedral in Pala for burial. About 15 bishops participated in the funeral functions which were held in the Karingozhakkal house. Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis Bava headed the funeral rites. The veteran leader was buried in his family tomb at the cathedral cemetery. The mortal remains of the Kerala Congress (M) chief reached his native town in Pala on Thursday morning after an over 20-hour long procession which started from Lakeshore hospital in Kochi on Wednesday morning. Scores of supporters lined the way as the procession was going through on Wednesday. People following KM Mani's mortal remains being taken to church KM Mani's body was kept at the historic Thirunakkara Maidan (ground) in Kottayam on Wednesday night before being brought to his house in Pala. Many prominent personalities like retired Supreme Court judge Kurian Joseph were present. Prominent political leaders of the Congress including AK Antony, Oommen Chandy, Ramesh Chennithala, PK Kunhalikutty, VM Sudheeran, Joseph Vazhakkan, MM Hassan, K Muraleedharan, VT Balram paid their last respects. CPI State secretary Kanam Rajendran and BJP leader K Surendran also came to pay their homage. R Balakrishna Pillai, who had differences with Mani, said while paying tributes to him that he was a remarkable leader and administrator. “Everyone should have stayed together but it did not happen,” said Pillai. Balakrishna Pillai and KM Mani were part of Kerala Congress initially when the party was formed. Later, KM Mani formed Kerala Congress (M) and Balakrishna Pillai formed Kerala Congress (B) party. Malayalam actor Mammooty who attended the funeral told media that KM Mani was a dynamic leader. “Mani Sir was a leader who kept strong personal relations even outside politics. He used to contact me whenever I was around Pala for movie shootings,” Mammootty said. Malayalam film actor Mammootty paying homage to KM Mani KM Mani was under treatment for severe chest infection at Lakeshore hospital in Kochi for the past one week and passed away on Tuesday evening.

Body 2:

Lok Sabha 2019

23-year-old Daya Gayathri believes the transgender community in Kerala has benefitted from the schemes put forward by the CPI (M)-led LDF government.

Korah Abraham

Twenty three-year-old Daya Gayathri’s voice was brimming with excitement as she spoke to TNM over the phone one evening. “I am feeling proud that as a trans woman, I am getting an opportunity to vote in the Lok Sabha elections,” says Daya, a first-year student of Bachelors in Malayalam at the Maharaja’s College in Ernakulam. As Kerala goes to polls on April 23 for the 17th Lok Sabha elections, Daya will be casting her vote for the first time. “It is only after the CPI(M)-led Left government came to power in Kerala that the LGBTQI+ community and its members started receiving some support and opportunities to come forward to the mainstream,” says Daya, a native of Angamaly. Daya, who will be voting in the Chalakudy Lok Sabha constituency, says that as far as the transgender community in Kerala is concerned, their hopes are pinned on the Left as they have come up with various measures for the upliftment of the community. “I am an example of a person from the transgender community who has benefitted from the schemes put forward by the Left government,” she says, adding that the Kerala government is providing transgender students with a scholarship of Rs 20,000 per year. “Along with this, we are also provided with Rs 4,000 per month as hostel rent, which makes it Rs 40,000 as rent for one entire academic year,” Daya explains. She says that the Kerala government has also passed an order, which stated that there should be a 2% reservation for transgender students in all colleges in the state. Along with pursuing her studies, Daya is also a model and a theatre artist. She will be walking the ramp at the Kozhikode Fashion Week on April 12. Daya feels that the members of the transgender communities have started receiving more job opportunities in the state, because of which, they have slowly started receiving acceptance in society. But the 23-year-old says that there is still a long battle ahead for the members of the community. “We still do not have the freedom to get married. If there is some party that I believe can give us this right, it is the Left,” she says. Daya is proud that 25-year-old Chinju Aswathi Rajappan, a Dalit, intersex person, will be contesting from the Ernakulam Lok Sabha constituency in the upcoming elections as an independent. “This is a great achievement. It doesn’t matter whether Aswathi wins or not; I would like to wish Chinju all the very best,” says Daya.

Body 2:

Lok Sabha 2019

For many people in Wayanad, it’s the candidate who is relevant this time, not the party.

Saritha S Balan

Main Image: Titus S Kumar

‘Seventy five-year-old Machy says she hasn’t witnessed any major progress in her life. The amenities she can access have more or less remained the same, she says, and it’s true for the tribal hamlet of Maikkara in Wayanad’s Muthanga, where she lives. The hamlet has 25 houses, each of them a one-room structure, with a rare two-room home in their midst. “There is no employment, and no consistent or sufficient income,” Machy says, as her granddaughter, who has recently given birth, is lying down on the floor with the baby. But one thing that has got Machy excited is the candidature of Rahul Gandhi from Wayanad. She and many others in Wayanad believe that Rahul Gandhi’s arrival in their constituency will mean development for them. Machy “Normally, we vote for a party, irrespective of who the candidate is,” says Latha, another resident of Maikkara, “But this time, we will only vote for Rahul Gandhi.” The enthusiasm is palpable in Wayanad when Rahul Gandhi visits to file his nominations on April 4. "We are happy he’s contesting from here, this is good news for us,” says Appu of Anacamp tribal hamlet in Muthanga, as his wife Kalyani nods in agreement. “Only those who are blind party workers will vote this time irrespective of the candidate,” says Sukumaran, a farmer who also runs a shop at Moolankave, “A leader like Rahul Gandhi can meet all our needs.” Some of the issues on his mind are the ban on night travel on the borders with Mysuru and Bengaluru, the demand for a medical college in the region, and railway connectivity for Wayanad. “Rahul Gandhi can function well at the national level. Also, it was the UPA government that brought in the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, and it is the Congress manifesto that has promised a minimum income for all,” he says. Sukumaran “The fact that Rahul is contesting from Wayanad itself has put us on the national or even the global map. He is a potential Prime Ministerial candidate. Even if he does not visit, if he is representing our constituency, I am sure Wayanad will be in good hands,” says Manoharan, a restaurant owner from Kalpetta. However, while several people are sure that Wayanad will benefit from Rahul Gandhi’s candidacy, there are others who are skeptical of having a high profile MP for their constituency. “Many were disappointed with MI Shanavas, the previous Congress MP from Wayanad. Although he was elected for two terms, in the last term he won only by a margin of 20,000 votes – and that’s primarily because he never visited Wayanad the previous term. Even if Rahul Gandhi wins, we fear that he will not have the time to look out for our needs as he is a very busy national leader. We can’t go to Delhi for everything,” Radhamani, a retired government employee says. The Left counters “The people of Wayanad don’t need an MP who would wave at them while flying in a helicopter,” says advocate K Gheevarghese, election committee General Convenor of the LDF at Sultan Bathery, “A people’s representative should be one who is approachable.” PP Suneer LDF candidate, PP Suneer of the Left has already completed many rounds of campaigning in Wayanad even before Rahul finalised Wayanad as his second seat. “Last time their majority was just 20,000 votes. And in Wayanad region, the lead was for the LDF,” he adds. Also Read: From rail connection to advanced medical care, there is a lot that Wayanad needs With Inputs from Sreedevi Jayarajan

Body 2:

Kerala nun rape case

Sister Lissy Vadakkel had said that she has been facing coercion from her convent ever since she gave her statement against Bishop Franco in the rape case.

Neethu Joseph

Sister Lissy Vadakkel, one of the witnesses in the rape case against Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal, has been granted police protection by an order of the Kottayam District Judge. Per the order, dated April 9, Sister Lissy Vadakkel should be given police protection and that she can continue to stay at her present abode in Muvattupuzha until another, safer location is allotted. The District Judge also ordered the state government to look into whether there is any requirement to transfer Sister Lissy to another safe location. A legal expert, who is associated with Sister Lissy, told TNM that the court ordered police protection per the Witness Protection Scheme, 2018. “To my knowledge, this is the first order in the country associated with the scheme since it was formulated in December last year,” he said. With this, Sister Lissy is considered a Category ‘A’ witness. As per the Witness Protection Scheme 2018, a person is categorised as Category A if ‘threat extends to the life of witness or his family members and their normal way of living is affected for a substantial period, during investigation/trial or even thereafter’. Witness Protection Scheme was formulated jointly by the National Legal Service Authority (NLSA) and the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) and was sanctioned by the Supreme Court in 2018. In 2015, the nun, who accused Franco of raping her multiple times, shared her ordeals with Sister Lissy. Finally, in February 2019, Sister Lissy gave a statement against Bishop Franco. Since then, Sister Lissy said, she has been facing coercion from the higher-ups in Franciscan Clarist Congregation (FCC), of which she is a member. She was also given transfer order from the Muvattupuzha convent of FCC in Ernakulam, where she had been staying, to join the Vijayawada community in Andhra Pradesh. Though she joined the convent in Vijayawada, Sister Lissy returned to Kerala soon. Recently, in March, FCC had sent an ultimatum to Sister Lissy, asking her to report to the congregation headquarters in Vijayawada. Sister Alphonsa Abraham, the provincial superior of the congregation who sent the letter, asked her to reach the congregation headquarters by March 31. Sister Lissy had also revealed recently that she was ostracised by the officials of the Vijayawada and Muvattupuzha convent. She was also asked to move out of the convent, which she refused. It was following this that Sister Lissy sought police protection from the court.

Body 2:

Lok Sabha 2019

“What matters for the Congress are group equations and narrow interests,” CPI General Secretary Sudhakar Reddy said, while speaking at a Meet the Press event in Thiruvananthapuram.

TNM Staff

PTI / File photo

“What matters for the Congress are group equations and narrow interests,” CPI General Secretary Sudhakar Reddy said on Thursday, while speaking at a Meet the Press event organised by the Kerala Union of Working Journalists in Thiruvananthapuram. The senior leader of the Communist party flayed the Congress for failing to reach a consensus to form alliances in several states. ‘The narrow interests and factional feud prevented the Congress from realising its mission of forming a secular, democratic alliance. In Uttar Pradesh, the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) have kept the Congress out of the alliance. This has created doubts among large sections of the people,” he said. He blamed the Congress ‘for being opportunistic when it comes to secularism and for being soft on communalism.’ “We are trying for a committed opposition that will raise the voice of the people and only the Left can do that,” he said. On Rahul Gandhi contesting in Wayanad he said, “Why is he coming all the way from Amethi to get defeated here? In Kerala, we will win all the 20 seats. Since Rahul Gandhi is a candidate here, the fight will also be against him. It is for him to explain what the message his candidature will give; it doesn’t give a good signal because in Kerala the fight is not against the BJP but against the Left.” About the opinion polls conducted by two major media houses in the state, he said that even in 2004 elections, when there was a Left wave, the opinion polls had predicted otherwise. The recent opinion polls have predicted an upper hand for the UDF and one even predicted BJP’s victory in Thiruvananthapuram seat where the LDF’s candidate is CPI’s C Divakaran. “Sometimes it is biased, sometimes purposeful. How can a survey with the voices of a few hundred people and leaving out the majority, reflect the opinion of the people,” he asked. On the entry of young women into Sabarimala, Sudhakar Reddy said that the Congress and the BJP used it politically. “But the Left government handled it carefully,” he said. About the ongoing debate on whether Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is a secular party or not, he said the party represents the Muslim community. IUML is an ally of the Congress in the UDF. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had recently remarked that IUML is a virus that has infected the Congress. Reddy said that he is not supposed to answer for what Adityanath has said while adding, “We never said IUML is communal, neither that they are secular.”

Body 2:

Court

“It appears that displaying of fireworks has been an integral part of the celebrations of this festival. Hence, we see no reason why the festivity should be suspended,” observed the court.

Korah Abraham

In what comes as a relief to the Thiruvambady Devaswom and the Paramekkavu Devaswom, which organises the famous Thrissur pooram in Kerala, the Supreme Court of India on Thursday has given permission to conduct the traditional fireworks display during the festival. Both the Thivumbady and Paramekkavu devaswoms had filed a petition before the Supreme Court requesting to exempt the traditional display of fireworks during the Thrissur Pooram from its verdict in October last year. The Supreme Court in a judgement in October last year said that only less polluting ‘green’ firecrackers can be sold in the market and that too only through licensed traders. The court had also imposed regulations on the timing of bursting crackers for various festivals like Diwali and other religious festivals. This also included the Thrissur Pooram. According to R Basant, Senior Counsel who appeared for the two applicants, Thrissur Pooram is a festival that has been celebrated since 1798. “It appears that displaying of fireworks has been an integral part of the celebrations of this festival. Hence, we see no reason why the festivity should be suspended,” observed the court. A bench comprising of Justice SA Bobde, Justice Mohan M Shantanagoudar and Justice Indira Banerjee noted that the temples get the fireworks manufactured through their own licensees. "They may do so subject to the written approval to be granted by the PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation) recording the new formulation that can be used in the firecrackers. However, they shall ensure that barium is not used in the fireworks," observed the bench. The Court, however has requested both the petitioners that it must make sure that the fireworks manufactured for the festivity are used and retained by them and that it does not find their way into the market. “The fireworks will be displayed according to the usual customs of the applicants temples,” noted the court.

Body 2:

From Pinarayi Vijayan to Oommen Chandy, Kerala leaders mourn KM Mani’s demise

NIA arrests accused Shaibu Nagar in ISIS Wandoor case

Hundreds turn up to bid farewell to KM Mani at Kochi hospital

KM Mani – A leader and unifier whose presence the Congress will sorely miss

3 years after Puttingal temple fire in Kerala, chargesheet approved by Collector

‘Pappu Strike’ remark on Rahul Gandhi’s candidature inappropriate: CPI (M)'s P Rajeev

‘Can’t make out if it’s India or Pakistan’: Amit Shah on Rahul Gandhi’s Wayanad roadshow

How KM Mani’s career ran parallel to Kerala’s coalition politics

3-year-old assaulted and left to starve by grandmother in Malappuram

Independent MLA PC George’s Kerala Janapaksham party joins NDA

Kerala police register case against Cardinal George Alencherry in land deal

Lok Sabha 2019: PM Modi to address election rally in Kozhikode on April 12

‘What does Amit Shah know about Wayanad?’: Pinarayi Vijayan slams Pakistan jibe

Lok Sabha 2019: In Thiruvananthapuram constituency, an uphill battle for Tharoor?

Thousands pay last respects at funeral of Kerala veteran politician KM Mani

‘As a trans woman, my hope is on LDF’: Daya Gayathri, a first-time voter in Kerala

Rahul wave engulfs Wayanad, but the Left says it will give him a tough fight

Kerala court grants police protection to Sister Lissy, a witness in Franco rape case

‘Why is Rahul coming from Amethi to get defeated in Wayanad?’: CPI’s Sudhakar Reddy

SC gives green signal for fireworks display during Thrissur Pooram