"kerala"

Uncertainty over Kerala’s next chief minister continued as the Congress delayed its decision despite holding talks with key contenders. Indian Union Muslim League expressed frustration, warning prolonged indecision could trigger political repercussions within the Congress-led UDF alliance in the state

Kerala’s UDF victory has been overshadowed by uncertainty over the next chief minister, with Congress leadership unable to resolve internal factional claims among KC Venugopal, VD Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala. The high command is continuing consultations to avoid internal splits

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress of poor governance, internal power struggles and betraying allies, calling it a “parasite party.” Addressing BJP workers in Bengaluru, he highlighted NDA’s electoral gains across states and projected BJP as a symbol of stability and development

Third-gender candidates failed to secure victories in the recent Assembly elections, with only two contesting in Kerala and Tamil Nadu and both forfeiting deposits. However, voter participation among third-gender electors remained notable, especially in Puducherry and West Bengal, according to Election Commission of India data

Congress observers submitted their Kerala leadership report to Mallikarjun Kharge after consulting newly-elected MLAs and MPs. Most legislators reportedly support K C Venugopal for chief minister, while public sentiment favours V D Satheesan amid ongoing deliberations

A Crime Branch team filed a charge sheet against expelled Congress leader Rahul Mamkootathil in a sexual assault case before a Thiruvalla court. He faces rape and intimidation charges in one of three cases registered against him following allegations of sexual misconduct

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission urged authorities to expand destitute care facilities across districts, following reports of abandoned hospital patients, and recommended strengthening welfare schemes under the Social Justice Department Kerala

Chathanoor delivered a key win for the BJP as B.B. Gopakumar defeated CPI’s R. Rajendran by 4,002 votes. The result, alongside a close fight in Nemom, signals a BJP resurgence in Kerala’s evolving political landscape

Police in Kollam registered an attempted murder case after a 17-year-old boy was allegedly stabbed by a friend over giving chocolate to his sister. The accused and accomplice are absconding, and a search operation is underway

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired his final Cabinet meeting before election results, approving compensation for Valparai accident victims and key administrative decisions, as the state awaits verdict on whether he secures a historic third consecutive term

A 26-year-old nurse died in Thiruvananthapuram due to suspected amoebic meningoencephalitis, prompting concern as Kerala health officials warn of possible fresh cases linked to contaminated water and climatic conditions favouring the spread of such infections

Mallikarjun Kharge exuded confidence of Congress-led alliances securing majorities in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, while outperforming exit polls in Assam. He cited tough contests in Puducherry and West Bengal, alleging BJP intimidation, with results for five states due May 4

In Kochi, a one-year-old child was rescued by CWC and police from an intoxicated couple in a hotel. The child was placed under protection due to neglect concerns and later transferred to Palakkad CWC for further care

Exit polls projected a mixed outcome, with BJP leading in Assam and holding an edge in West Bengal, while DMK and UDF are likely to retain Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Puducherry is expected to favour the NDA

The Supreme Court of India said religious institutions must operate with defined norms and cannot function in “anarchy” while hearing the Sabarimala Temple-related case, stressing structured management and constitutional limits on religious freedom and entry practices

Dalit organisations in Kerala announced a statewide hartal seeking justice in the death of Nithin Raj, alleging caste-based harassment and police delay. The student died after falling from a building, with abetment and SC/ST Act cases registered

Hyderabad police busted a tea powder adulteration racket and arrested 10 persons during raids at 15 locations. The accused mixed synthetic chemicals and reused materials with low-quality tea, posing serious health risks to consumers.

In Thrissur, a Munthathikkode fireworks accident claimed 13 lives, with bodies still being identified through forensic analysis. Several injured remain hospitalized. Authorities opened control rooms, while a veteran fireworks maker survived, rescuing others before deciding to retire

At least 12 people died and several were injured in a fireworks unit explosion in Thrissur during Pooram preparations. PM Narendra Modi announced compensation, while authorities launched a probe into suspected safety lapses amid large-scale rescue and emergency operations

Six dead in fireworks unit blast in Thrissur during Thrissur Pooram prep; dozens injured, several critical. Massive explosion triggered by stored explosives, rescue operations ongoing, authorities probe safety lapses as area cordoned off, investigation underway, medical emergency continues, officials monitoring