
Kerala Assembly Unanimously Approves State Name Change to 'Keralam'
The Kerala Assembly has taken a historic step by unanimously endorsing the President’s reference on the proposal to change the state’s name from ‘Kerala’ to ‘Keralam’.
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The Kerala Assembly has taken a historic step by unanimously endorsing the President’s reference on the proposal to change the state’s name from ‘Kerala’ to ‘Keralam’.

The Kerala Assembly experienced a clash during debates on disease outbreaks, leading to the opposition walking out after their adjournment motion was rejected.

The Governor of Kerala expressed displeasure over an 'incomplete' performance of Vande Mataram in the Kerala Assembly, prompting a reply from the Chief Minister who stated a full rendition is not mandatory.

Veteran Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, an eight-time MLA and the senior-most Congress legislator, has been elected as the Speaker of the Kerala Assembly.
Kerala's election results signify a major shift, leaving India without a Communist government for the first time since 1977, posing a national relevance challenge for the Left.
An analysis has identified key battleground constituencies to watch in the upcoming 2026 Kerala assembly elections. These seats are expected to be crucial in shaping the contest between the LDF, UDF, and NDA.

PC George, a veteran politician who has represented Poonjar multiple times in the Kerala Assembly, is now contesting the Kerala elections as a BJP candidate.

The 2026 Assembly elections in Kerala are set to feature a significant contest in Peravoor, where KK Shailaja will challenge three-time MLA and KPCC president Sunny Joseph.

Minor protests marred the Kerala Assembly polling as allegations of bogus voting surfaced.

Ahead of the Kerala Assembly polls, Chandy Oomen has alleged a covert alliance between the BJP and LDF. The Thrithala constituency highlights a broader electoral debate between development achievements and voter discontent, while BJP's K. Surendran faces a crucial fourth attempt in Manjeshwar.

The article provides insights into the ongoing election campaign in an industrial hub in Kerala, ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls.
A significant contrast in declared assets has been observed among ministers contesting the Kerala assembly elections, with some candidates being considerably wealthier than others.
Four LDF Ministers, K.N. Balagopal, V. Sivankutty, R. Bindu, and Roshy Augustine, have declared movable and immovable assets exceeding ₹1.84 crore each as part of their nominations for the Kerala Assembly polls.
Thrissur constituency is preparing for a fiercely contested three-cornered election in the Kerala Assembly Elections 2026, with no clear winner in sight as assembly dominance, local body numbers, and Lok Sabha momentum converge.
The upcoming Kerala Assembly Polls in 2026 are expected to have their narrative significantly influenced by a range of issues, including the energy crisis and various developmental concerns.
With IUML former constituency president Kunnath Mohammed entering the fray as Independent candidate, the LDF, which had earlier announced M.P.

Kerala's Leader of the Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, has publicly praised G. Sudhakaran as a 'just administrator,' noting he was the only LDF Cabinet member between 2006 and 2011 to avoid corruption allegations.
Congress leader Shama Mohamed lashes out at party for overlooking women in candidate selection; BJP spokesperson T.P. Sindhumol sends complaint to national leadership over denial of candidature
CPI(M) calls it a ‘hate speech’ and vows to move the Election Commission.

K. Sudhakaran has announced he will end his rebellion and abide by the Congress party's decisions for the Kerala Assembly Elections, with the 'drama' now over as he accepts the high command's 'no-MP rule'.

The Congress party has released its second list of 37 candidates for the Kerala Assembly Elections 2026, including specific selections like Mohammad Shiyas for Kochi and Manoj Moothedan for Perumbavoor, while denying a ticket to Eldhose Kunnappillly.
The Directorate of Income Tax (Investigation), Kerala, announced it will maintain strict vigil on unaccounted cash, bullion, and other valuables during the upcoming Kerala Assembly Elections to prevent their use for electoral purposes.
Projections indicate that the Kerala Assembly Elections in 2026 are likely to generate approximately 5,972 tonnes of waste, prompting efforts to reduce plastic and non-biodegradable materials during the election season. The CEO (Kerala) has issued a circular to ensure an eco-friendly conduct of the polls.

The CPI's long-held stronghold of Chadayamangalam in Kerala is facing a significant three-way electoral challenge in the lead-up to the 2026 Assembly elections, with shrinking margins and a rising BJP presence.
BJP State chief says the party is promising a corruption-free administration and reclamation of investments and employment opportunities for the State.

Speaking at Kochi airport on his return from Delhi, Satheesan says the party has already cleared 95 names, which will also be released later in the day
Ahead of the Kerala Assembly Polls in 2026, uncertainty persists regarding candidate selection within the Thiruvananthapuram constituency.

The IUML's first list for the Kerala polls featured a major shift for senior leader PK Kunhalikutty, who will contest from the Malappuram constituency.

The Congress party has released its initial list of 55 candidates for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, though a decision is still pending on Members of Parliament interested in contesting the state Assembly seats.

The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for Assembly elections in several states, with voting phases occurring in April. The upcoming polls are set against a backdrop of looming energy crisis concerns in the country.
Sitting MLA Thomas K. Thomas will contest in Kuttanad, and K.T. Mujeeb in Malappuram
A case has been registered against an NTK candidate for violating the Model Code of Conduct after reportedly holding a candidate introduction meeting on Car Street in Anthiyur on Sunday evening.
Congress screening committee has decided not to field a party candidate in Ambalappuzha and to extend support to dissident CPI(M) leader G. Sudhakaran instead, according to sources
Protesters say that an “outsider” candidate should not be imposed on the constituency, seek someone from Thiruvananthapuram.
Opposition leader dismisses speculation over Sudhakaran’s Facebook post; declares more surprises are in store

Thirty companies of Central Armed Police Force have arrived in Kerala, Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U. Kelkar says.

Former minister G Sudhakaran has quit the CPI(M) party in Kerala and announced plans to run as an independent candidate, a move seen as a blow to the party ahead of the upcoming Kerala Assembly polls.
Party keen on additional seats in Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, and Kozhikode, says its State secretary general Varughese George
Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala is increasing his community engagement, visiting religious and social organizations in Kottayam, ahead of the Kerala Assembly polls, a move seen as strategic by his party.

Final session before Assembly elections witnesses unruly scenes again even as UDF continues protests over Sabarimala gold theft case. Minister P. Rajeeve says ‘this is the most incompetent Opposition in the history of Kerala Assembly’. CM says UDF is ‘smarter than Goebbels at spreading lies’

“We believe it reflects hostility toward the Tantri. Otherwise, why would the minister criticise a court verdict” Mr. Venugopal said
The Kerala assembly is urging the Union government to reform national entrance exams following a NEET paper leak, citing serious irregularities that affect students’ rights.

A deadly fire at a Delhi hotel claimed 21 lives, including an African couple, leading to the arrest of the hotel owner and prompting a city-wide crackdown on fire safety violations.
Kerala's opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the Centre and BJP, stating that the full rendition of 'Vande Mataram' is part of the RSS agenda. This follows a controversy where the BJP accused the Kerala Assembly of disrespecting the national song.
During the swearing-in ceremony of Kerala's 16th Legislative Assembly, 42 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) opted for a solemn affirmation instead of an oath in God's name, showcasing diversity in their choices of language and oath type.

Prime Minister Modi's BJP party secured a historic victory in the West Bengal state election, gaining control of the state and ending the Trinamool Congress's long-standing rule.

West Bengal's assembly elections concluded with a historic high voter turnout, leading to the release of various exit poll predictions for the state and other regions like Assam, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. These polls offered initial insights into potential election outcomes across India.

Early political analysis for the 2026 Kerala assembly elections is focusing on prominent candidates, including K Surendran leading the BJP challenge and VD Satheesan. Key constituencies like Paravur are also being highlighted as crucial electoral battlegrounds.

R Sreelekha, Kerala's first woman IPS officer and DGP, is making her debut in the Kerala Assembly elections as a candidate for the BJP. She was born and raised in Thiruvananthapuram.

Analysis highlights key seats and the high stakes for the upcoming Kerala Assembly Elections in 2026, described as a do-or-die battle for Congress and CPI(M) in a three-way contest.
Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has expressed his ambition for the Chief Ministerial position in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, stating that the party leadership will make the final decision. He highlighted his long-standing ties with the Nehru family.
The BJP's election manifesto for the 2026 Kerala assembly elections has been unveiled, promising welfare initiatives such as a Rs 3,000 monthly pension for needy women and seniors, 20,000 litres of free water, two free LPG cylinders annually for poor families, and a Rs 2,500 pledge. The manifesto also includes commitments for an AIIMS hospital and a significant Sabarimala pledge, detailing development-focused policies.
All three major political fronts in Kerala, including LDF, UDF, and NDA, have finalized their candidates for the 140 assembly constituencies, with polls scheduled for April 9.

Rahul Gandhi is set to kickstart the Congress party's campaign for the Kerala Assembly polls with a rally in Kozhikode on March 25, signaling the official beginning of their electoral efforts.
A rift has emerged within the UDF in Idukki as Kerala Congress leaders rebel against a seat takeover, openly voicing dissent and questioning their participation in the campaign for UDF candidate Roy K. Paulose for the 2026 Kerala Assembly polls.

Despite Rahul Gandhi’s 2019 LS victory, the UDF won only four of seven Wayanad Assembly segments in 2021, with slimmer margins; key regional issues include tribal development, corruption…

The BJP has announced its third list of 11 candidates for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, including Karamana Jayan from Thiruvananthapuram.
Should the RSP fail to open its account again in the Assembly election, the resulting migration of cadre and leaders may well signal the end of the party as a significant force in Kerala politics
T.K. Govindan is a CPI(M) dissident
If the NDA candidate polls above 25,000 votes, the winner’s margin will likely drop substantially, making it one of the closest victories in the State
Billed as the first e-learning platform of its kind in the country, eVidya is meant to be a comprehensive digital platform that streamlines the electoral exercise

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan officially filed his nomination from the Dharmadom Assembly constituency for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, declaring assets worth ₹1.01 crore.

High drama and protests have erupted in Kannur supporting K. Sudhakaran's candidature, even as the AICC bars sitting MPs from contesting and the UDF considers T.O. Mohanan for the seat.
Party State general secretary K.K. Abdul Jabbar will contest from the Kalliassery constituency in Kannur
Attingal MP Adoor Prakash has changed his position on contesting Assembly polls, now keen on Konni, which is causing confusion within the Congress party in the Pathanamthitta constituency for the 2026 Kerala Assembly Elections.
An NDA ally, Twenty20, is facing issues in the Kerala Assembly Elections 2026 as another one of its candidates, actor Veena Nair, found her name missing from the voters' list for Ettumanur. This follows a similar incident where their Perumbavoor candidate also had to withdraw.

The BJP announced its second list of candidates for the Kerala Assembly polls, including Kummanam Rajasekharan who will contest from Aranmula.

West Bengal has argued before the Supreme Court that the Enforcement Directorate cannot claim a 'fundamental right' to probe, flagging a threat to the federal structure in the context of alleged obstruction during I-PAC raids.

Breaking from expectations of retaining most of its 15 sitting MLAs, whose average age is above 63, the party introduced 11 new faces, including six young leaders, two women and one non-Muslim…
Rashtriya Janata Dal to field M.K. Bhaskaran from Vadakara in Kozhikode, P.K. Praveen from Koothuparamba in Kannur, and P.K. Anil Kumar from Kalpetta in Wayanad as LDF candidates

The Bharatiya Janata Party has announced its initial list of 47 candidates for the upcoming Kerala assembly elections, including key leaders like Rajeev Chandrasekhar and George Kurian, aiming for a stronger presence in the state.

Actor Kamal Haasan has extended his wishes to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan ahead of the upcoming elections, expressing hope for the right decision and success for Vijayan and Kerala.
Political parties in Kerala are engaged in a dispute over government advertisements as the 2026 Assembly elections approach.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expects to miss the final two weeks of Parliament to campaign for the Kerala Assembly elections, noting the critical importance of the polls and his strong attendance record.

The CPI, which won the seat in the maiden contest in 1957, emerged victorious the last time in 1996. Since then, it has been V.D. Satheesan all the way. This time, the Left party is fielding E.T.
EC has completed all arrangements to facilitate voting for the tribal community in Edamalakkudy, says Chief Election Commissioner
Roshy has represented the Idukki constituency since 2001

State unit of the NCP(SP) has prepared a panel of three names for consideration by the central leadership for the Elathur seat which includes Saseendran, NCP(SP) Kozhikode district president Mukkom…
IAS officers P.B. Nooh and Geromic George have been appointed as Additional Chief Electoral Officers for the upcoming Kerala Assembly polls.

Gyanesh Kumar says such persons shall submit application in Form No 6 of ECI along with relevant documents and that any complaints regarding wrong inclusion of voters on list can challenged by submitting applications in Form 7

The Kerala Assembly on June 24, 2024, had unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Centre to officially change the State’s name to Keralam
The Kerala assembly has passed a resolution to officially change the state's name to 'Keralam', a significant decision expected before the state polls.

The Kerala Assembly Budget session resumed amidst uproar from the Opposition, demanding the Devaswom Minister's resignation and alleging Chief Minister's office interference in the Sabarimala gold theft probe.

The Kerala assembly has adopted a resolution urging the Centre to reform the NEET and other entrance exams, citing irregularities, with support from UDF and LDF, and opposition from BJP.
A White Paper on Kerala's financial health, tabled in the state Assembly, has sparked a heated debate and war of words among political factions.
Eight-time MLA Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan has been elected as the Speaker of Kerala's Legislative Assembly, securing 101 votes and emphasizing democratic values.

Following his election as the CPI(M) legislature party leader, former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is anticipated to be chosen as the Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly.
Kerala's political future will be decided tomorrow with the counting of votes for the assembly election, with exit polls predicting a close contest.

VK Prasanth of CPI(M) is looking to retain his Vattiyoorkavu seat in the upcoming 2026 Kerala assembly elections, facing a three-way contest against candidates from BJP and Congress.

In a notable shift, poet and cultural activist Alankode Leelakrishnan has been named as the Communist Party of India (CPI) candidate for Thrissur in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections.

The Vattiyoorkavu constituency in Kerala is witnessing a triangular electoral battle between the LDF, UDF, and NDA. Previous elections have shown the BJP's growing presence in the seat, which has also seen shifting competition between the LDF and UDF.
The Aam Aadmi Party's decision to contest all seats in the Kerala assembly polls poses a significant challenge for the Congress party, potentially altering the political landscape as seen in Gujarat.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi met with UDF leaders over local snacks to discuss the upcoming 2026 Kerala assembly elections, emphasizing the need for change through education reform, youth opportunities, and improved social support.
The CPI(M) in Kerala is grappling with internal rebellion and anti-incumbency sentiment ahead of the assembly polls, as four leaders challenge the party leadership over concerns of nepotism and corruption.
UDF would back G Sudhakaran, who is contesting in Ambalappuzha constituency, P K Sasi in Ottapalam, T K Govindan in Taliparamba, and V Kunhikrishnan in Payyannur
Candidates for the Kerala Assembly polls in 2026 have filed 537 nomination papers by Saturday evening, with only one day remaining for submissions.
Film and television personality Ramesh Pisharody is the UDF candidate, contesting against BJP State general secretary Sobha Surendran and LDF-backed Independent N.M.R. Razak

IUML leader P.K. Kunhalikutty has filed his nomination for the Kerala Assembly Elections 2026 in Malappuram, with his electoral security deposit jointly provided by representatives of three different communities.
BJP leader Sobha Surendran has dismissed allegations by Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan of a secret deal between the BJP and CPI(M) in the Kerala Assembly polls, attributing Satheesan's remarks to his party's fear of defeat.

Chiesa recalled to Italy's World Cup playoff squad The Daily Star
Left Democratic Front has an upper hand at present in these seats, and the United Democratic Front has only one MLA
Two Youth Congress leaders joined the BJP on Friday

Kerala's Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan has dismissed reports of internal discord within the Congress party regarding seat-sharing for the upcoming state elections, stating the process was completed smoothly.

Though the Bharatiya Janata Party has been making visible inroads in this left bastion, the Left Democratic Front continues to dominate in most panchayats.
Two candidates from the Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) have filed their nomination papers in the Thiruvananthapuram and Nemom constituencies for the Kerala Assembly polls in 2026.
Ahead of the 2026 Kerala Assembly Polls, land-related issues and wildlife attacks are becoming significant talking points in the Idukki district, where the LDF currently holds four of five seats.

The BJP is strategically focusing on securing Christian votes in the upcoming 2026 Kerala Assembly Elections, demonstrated by naming seven candidates from the Christian community across its first two candidate lists.
Abdurahman Randathani has reaffirmed his loyalty to the IUML and the Panakkad Thangal family, deleting critical social media posts after being denied a ticket for the 2026 Kerala Assembly polls.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has reiterated he is not contesting the upcoming Kerala assembly elections and believes the Chief Minister post should be held by an elected MLA.
The outcome of this election could mark the culmination of years of political twists and turns the Assembly constituency has witnessed since the death of K.M. Mani, the Kerala Congress patriarch

Satheesan seeks action against people responsible for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and demands strong monitoring mechanisms to prevent further breaches of the MCC

While LDF has announced incumbent MLA V. Sivankutty as its candidate, Rajeev Chandrasekhar will contest for NDA. UDF yet to propose its candidate.
Women constitute 51.5 percent of the electorate, while men account for 48.49 percent
Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala will establish 440 new polling stations in preparation for the upcoming Kerala Assembly polls.
The district secretariat member of the party unhappy with the party fielding P.K. Shyamala at Taliparamba. He says since party secretary M.V. Govindan was a three-time MLA from the constituency, the seat should not be given to his wife for the fourth term. T.K. Govindan plans to enter the fray as in Independent
A poster war has erupted within the UDF in Kasaragod, Kerala, ahead of the candidate announcement for the Assembly polls, with posters reportedly from IUML workers urging against a specific 'imported' candidate.

Says CPI(M) facing unprecedented crisis as leaders quit party; accuses government of last-minute decisions to mislead voters
Ganesh Kumar has been at loggerheads with NSS Pathanapuram taluk union over various issues, including allegations of one-upmanship as well as disputes related to utilisation of funds for construction of Padma Café

Sudhakaran’s emotional social media post defending his decision to contest from Kannur triggers political discussion within Congress

Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, VD Satheeshan, has countered allegations of Congress having a 'communal ally' in the IUML, while also alleging a nexus between the BJP-ruled Centre and the CPM-led Kerala government.

KPCC president Sunny Joseph says public declarations of candidature and premature proclamations on coalition seat-sharing will invite disciplinary action. The ultimatum assumes significance against backdrop of former KPCC president K. Sudhakaran ‘declaring’ his candidature from Kannur

Friction between the RSP and Congress parties has intensified in Kerala's Eravipuram constituency, as local Congress leaders push for Karthik Premachandran as their candidate for the upcoming Assembly polls.

The Kerala Assembly has passed nine Bills, including the Nativity Card Bill, amidst continued non-cooperation from the Congress-led UDF Opposition.

The Kerala Assembly has referred the 'Kerala Nativity Card Bill' to a Subject Committee, which aims to provide legal backing for the nativity card initiative to issue authoritative identity proof to Keralites.
The Kerala Assembly session is scheduled to resume its proceedings on February 23.