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The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Nilambur byelection a fallout of betrayal, says Kerala CM
The Left Democratic Front (LDF) formally began its political campaigning for the Nilambur Assembly byelection with a convention at Nilambur on Sunday afternoon. Inaugurating the convention, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the people of Nilambur were facing a byelection as a fallout of a betrayal. It was the LDF's independent member P.V. Anvar's resignation of his Assembly membership that led to the June 19 byelection in Nilambur. Describing Mr. Anvar's behaviour as an act of treachery without naming him, Mr. Vijayan said that Nilambur was the land of Variankunnath Kunhahamed Haji, the hero of Malabar rebellion who led the agitation against the British. 'It is also the land of people who betrayed him. Like him, we too have been betrayed,' said the Chief Minister. Mr. Vijayan presented the achievements of his government, especially in the last four years. CPI leader P.P. Suneer presided over the function. V.M. Shoukath welcomed the gathering. CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan, CPI State secretary Binoy Viswam, LDF convener T.P. Ramakrishnan, LDF candidate M. Swaraj, CPI(M) Polit Bureau member A. Vijayaraghavan, and other LDF leaders such as Jose K. Mani, Roshy Augustin, A.K. Saseendran, K.K. Shailaja and C.S. Sujata addressed the convention. Responding to the Chief Minister's allegation of treachery, Mr. Anvar accused Mr. Vijayan of masterminding communal manipulations. 'The Chief Minister's expertise lies in using communities to his advantage and abandoning them when they are no longer needed. That is the real betrayal,' Mr. Anvar claimed through a Facebook post, adding that Nilambur was witnessing a fight for justice.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Kerala govt. plans law to allow regulated culling of wild animals endangering human lives and raiding crop lands
The Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday examined the legal prospects of introducing a Bill in the next session of the Assembly to sanction well-regulated and scientific culling of wild animals, primarily feral boars, which endanger human life, menace human habitations, and destroy farmlands in the State. It tasked the Principal Secretary, Forests, to work with the Principal Secretary, Law, to submit proposals for the draft Bill. As a stopgap, the Cabinet extended an order designating heads of local self-government institutions (LSGIs) or their deputies as honorary chief wildlife wardens to enlist empanelled shooters with licensed firearms to cull marauding wild boars and dispose of their carcasses in the presence of wildlife enforcers and independent government witnesses. After the Cabinet meeting, Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran told reporters that the government sought the Advocate General's opinion on whether the proposed law would conflict with the Indian Wildlife Act, 1972. Simultaneously, the government would seek the Centre's permission to declare wild boars as vermin and lift the conservation protection given to the species under Schedule III of the Act in the farmers' interest. The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) had flagged mitigating the wild boar menace as a political imperative ahead of the 2025 local body polls and the Assembly elections 2026. The administration has faced repeated criticism from Church-backed settler farmer communities, a significant electoral bloc, for allegedly not doing enough to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, including those involving wild elephants, leopards, tigers, and monkeys. Human-wildlife conflict deaths have turned into public ire against the government and a rallying cry for the opposition to muster popular opinion against the ruling front during the crucial run-up to the local body and Assembly polls. It's a central talking point for the opposition in the Nilambur Assembly by-election campaign. Wild boars have emerged as an existential threat to settler farmers, a politically animating issue for the community in at least 11 districts with significant forest cover. The wild boar threat spans 243 panchayats spread across 54 Assembly constituencies in the State. The menace has almost cratered the rural economy. Farmers have left large swathes of land used for pineapple, tapioca, and other tubers to lie fallow, untended and overgrown. Recently, small-scale rubber cultivators have found that wild boars have developed a taste for the bark of young trees, making replanting difficult. The wild animals also posed a threat to cardamom and coffee plantations. Moreover, wild boars have attacked humans, including schoolchildren, two-wheeler riders, pedestrians, and early-morning walkers. They have trespassed into houses, causing panic. According to government estimates, the wildlife menace has resulted in crop losses of an estimated 9,000 hectares of farmland in the State since 2020. The dearth of licensed shooters and the reluctance of certain local bodies to compensate those involved in wild boar culling operations have impeded the effective eradication of the menace.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Need to encourage leaders like Pinarayi Vijayan: Kamal Haasan
'We must encourage leaders like Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan who are not shy of criticism and recognise them for their good work,' actor Kamal Haasan has said. He was speaking at the release of a documentary Pinarayi the Legend brought out by the Kerala Secretariat Employees' Association in connection with the fourth anniversary of the second Left Democratic Front (LDF) government led by Mr. Vijayan on Wednesday. The actor who had kicked up a controversy with his recent statement that the Kannada language was 'born out of Tamil,' leading to a fierce backlash, began his speech in Malayalam. He made it a point to underline that Kerala was his State too and he was thankful to Malayalis for counting him as one of their own since his younger days. 'Proven the opposite' The actor who then shifted to speaking in Tamil so that what he said 'could be heard there too' said there were complaints that south India was not flourishing but Mr. Vijayan was one of the leaders who had proven the opposite. He said their political ideologies might diverge but when it came to social service, both he and Mr. Vijayan were comrades. People should be made the centre of all ideology. 'We are all workers. Mr. Vijayan is a leader of the workers,' the actor said. Kerala, he said, had everything going for it to make progress. It was the State's need that Mr. Vijayan live a long and healthy life. Mr. Vijayan's birthday was celebrated by cutting a cake. Unbreakable bond Welcoming the actor, Mr. Vijayan said Kerala was the actor's home. He had forged an unbreakable bond with the audience here. He had also shown that an artiste had a social commitment beyond art, and had led many protests for social justice in recent times. Mr. Haasan cared about people and had a Left mindset, Mr. Vijayan said. He spoke about the LDF returning to power for a historic second consecutive term and the response of the people to public meetings held in connection with the fourth anniversary of the government. The 30-minute documentary throws light on Mr. Vijayan's life and political career.
United News of India
6 days ago
- Business
- United News of India
Over 42000 MSMEs shutdown past 9 years under CPI(M) rule in Kerala: BJP
Thiruvananthapuram, May 28 (UNI) Nine years of misgovernance by the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) Government have severely damaged Kerala's industrial landscape, with over 42,000 MSMEs forced to shut down, State BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar has alleged. An increasingly hostile business environment has forced major companies such as Hindustan Unilever and Kitex to exit the state under the CPI(M) rule, the BJP chief said in a message. "The tragic death of NRI entrepreneur Sajan underscores the growing sense of despair within the business community," he said. "Outdated communist ideologies like 'Nokku Kooli' and business-unfriendly practices continue to repel private investment, leaving the state's youth with dwindling job opportunities and an uncertain future," he blamed. UNI DS ARN
The Hindu
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Transformative Governance Reshaping Kerala's Future
As the Left Democratic Front (LDF) Government in Kerala marks its fourth year in office, it presents not just an occasion for celebration but a compelling narrative of consistent, progressive governance. Following its resounding mandate in 2016 and its subsequent reelection in 2021, the LDF has charted a trajectory of sustained development, social equity, and administrative transparency—transforming Kerala into a model of inclusive progress. This government represents nine years of uninterrupted stewardship, with a clear vision to build a Nava Keralam—a New Kerala founded on the pillars of economic development, social justice, and sustainability. Unlike other aspirational slogans, Nava Keralam is a lived experience, steadily taking shape through policies that integrate technological advancement, infrastructure development, and human welfare. A distinctive hallmark of the LDF administration is its tradition of annual performance reporting. Every year, the government publicly presents its achievements against its electoral promises. This year too, a comprehensive Progress Report has been unveiled during a state-wide celebration in Thiruvananthapuram, reflecting on milestones and mapping future goals. This has been a moment of celebration for the entire State with special programmes, seminars and exhibitions being organised in all districts under the umbrella title Ente Keralam (My Kerala). Kerala has weathered profound challenges—from the COVID-19 pandemic to debilitating financial constraints imposed by the Central Government. The withholding of legitimate dues by the Centre has necessitated both legal action and public advocacy. Yet, the State has emerged stronger, propelled by a resilient civil society and a responsive government. Skeptics who once doubted Kerala's capacity for large-scale development have been silenced by visible, impactful progress. Landmark projects like the Vizhinjam International Seaport, once dismissed as impractical, are now nearing completion under the LDF's watch. While the foundation stone was laid during the previous UDF government, more than 90% of the work has been executed under LDF leadership. The State's long-stalled national highway development was revitalized only after the LDF assumed office. When the Centre imposed harsh conditions and withdrew support, the Kerala government stepped in, committing ₹6,000 crore for land acquisition. As a result, the long-held dream of a modern highway network is now being realized. While the first Pinarayi Vijayan government completed or fast-tracked the Kochi Metro Rail, Kannur Airport, GAIL pipeline, and the Idamalayar-Kochi Power Highway, the present government has been working with ceaseless enthusiasm on such as projects as the Digital Science Park, Kochi-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor, Kochi Water Metro, K-FON broadband network, and the Thiruvananthapuram Smart Road and Outer Ring Road projects. Kerala has also led in transparent employment practices. According to UPSC data, 42% of the nation's PSC appointments are from Kerala. Since 2016, over 2.8 lakh appointments have been made via the PSC, underscoring a commitment to merit-based opportunities. Through the LIFE Mission, 4.5 lakh homes have been built and handed over, aiming to make homelessness a thing of the past. Over 4 lakh title deeds have been distributed since 2016, with the majority issued after 2021. Simplified land use policies now offer relief to residents in hilly areas. Kerala leads the nation in the NITI Aayog's Multidimensional Poverty Index, with just 0.48% of its population affected. As part of its drive to eliminate extreme poverty, the State government identified 64,006 families, of whom 59,707 have already been supported. The goal is to achieve an 'Extreme Poverty-Free Kerala' by November 1, 2025. Simultaneously, the government has enhanced social welfare pensions from ₹600 to ₹1,600, benefiting 60 lakh citizens with reliable monthly disbursements. Kerala's public health system has undergone a dramatic transformation. 674 out of 886 primary health centers have been upgraded to family health centers. District hospitals now boast coronary care units, cath labs, and additional dialysis units. Over ₹7,000 crore in free treatments have been provided in four years, and the CARE scheme for rare diseases is now operational. In the education sector, the LDF has spearheaded a renaissance. Over ₹5,000 crore has been invested in school infrastructure. Out of 973 approved school renovations, 513 are complete, and over 50,000 classrooms have been modernized with AI, robotics, and tinkering labs. In higher education, eight universities and 359 colleges now have NAAC accreditation. Sixteen of these colleges are among India's top 100. The State has also launched initiatives like the Higher Education Commission, Navakerala Postdoctoral Fellowships, and Kairali Research Awards to foster research. The Loka Kerala Sabha, organised annually, has emerged as a platform for Malayalis worldwide, enabling diaspora participation in state development. Its success has inspired the Union Ministry of External Affairs to explore similar initiatives in other States, following commendations from a Parliamentary Committee. Kerala is emerging as a tech powerhouse. Major achievements include: India's first Digital University, Digital Science Park, Graphene Innovation Centre, and the Institute of Advanced Virology. The K-FON project is closing the digital divide, delivering broadband to homes and government offices. In IT, employment has surged to nearly 1.5 lakh people across Technopark, Infopark, and Cyberpark. Since 2016, 66,000 new jobs have been created. IT exports have nearly tripled to ₹90,000 crore. Kerala's startup ecosystem, valued at ₹5,800 crore, has grown by 254% between 2021 and 2023. From just 300 startups in 2016, the State now hosts 6,400, employing over 63,000 people. By 2026, the goal is 15,000 startups and 1 lakh jobs. Kerala is the top state in multiple indices. These include: Least poverty in India (NITI Aayog); first in Sustainable Development Goals Index; first in Health Index and Public Affairs Index; best performing State in Education (Ministry of Education); and most free medical treatments (Ayushman Bharat). Other accolades include: first Super Fab Lab in India; first Graphene Centre; first Digital Science Park; and first Water Metro system. Kerala is also the first to achieve total electrification and declare internet access a basic right. Kerala had been featured in The New York Times' in 2023 as one among the '52 Places to Visit'. Kerala has also blazed a laudable trail by instituting the Vayoshreshtha Samman for the elderly and creating India's most affordable talent pool. The fourth anniversary marks not just a milestone but a mission. It is one more landmark in Kerala's journey towards becoming a developed, equitable knowledge economy, with resilience, vision, and the people's unwavering support as its hallmarks. The LDF government's legacy is being written not just in policy documents but in the everyday lives of its citizens. 'This article is part of sponsored content programme.'
