Tag: Kerala

2024 Lok Sabha Elections | Why Kerala is in focus as the second phase begins to vote

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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As the country began to vote for the second of the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections this morning, attention is now on to another state of south India — Kerala. After Tamil Nadu voted during the first phase, focus turned to Kerala or as one of the smartest taglines describes — the God’s Own Country .

Among the five states in Southern India, Kerala with 20 seats figures fourth in the list in terms of the number of representatives it sends to the Lok Sabha. It follows Tamil Nadu (39), Karnataka (28), Andhra Pradesh (25), and is succeeded by Telangana (17) and one seat of Union Territory of Puducherry whose conclaves share borders with three states.

Of the 16 crore voters, who in 88 Lok Sabha constituencies on Friday are going to elect the next government, Kerala will be on the radar of the governing Bharatiya Janata Party government for more reasons than one.

The  reason is clear. Kerala is the second state after Tamil Nadu the BJP focussed its energies in order to maximise its tally of seats from the South. The calculations are simple. The party is more secure in Karnataka, a state which elects half of its representatives on Friday.

The BJP is  acutely aware that having garnered the maximum in the Hindi-speaking and traditional seats in other parts of the country in 2019 polls, the party needs to break beyond Karnataka and increase the area of ‘Lotus’ bloom to achieve its grand plan of ‘Abki Baar 400-Paar’.

There was much hype in Tamil Nadu for the BJP after its under-40 years of age state party president, K. Annamalai created a splash. Whether it was on the electoral pan or otherwise can best be judged only after June 4.

Nonetheless, the BJP has made a determined push in Kerala, which can claim  to be Numero Uno in terms of literacy, and retains a different electoral matrix. The BJP is playing upon the dichotomy of the Congress-Left relations. These two parties, as is known, are allies in the I.N.D.I. Alliance elsewhere and daggers drawn in Kerala. 

Will this work? Difficult. Can the BJP raise its vote share? Uncertain. Union Minister Rajiv Chandrasekhar taking on Sashi Tharoor or Anil Antony, son of Congress stalwart A.K. Antony is making a determined bid.  Leave it to the wisdom of the people to exercise a preference on these high-profile seats or elsewhere to the electorate.

Yet, as the electoral race began in Kerala, the battle of the ballot in the state was essentially between the Congress-led United Democratic Front and the Communist Party of India-led Left Democratic Front.

 It is here that the landscape changes. The LDF-Government in Kerala is led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The perception is that the state government is unable to handle its finance, even as the state administration claims it is severely handicapped accusing the Centre of denying it of its rightful share of funds.

The Chief Minister held a public protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi during the Budget session of Parliament accusing the Modi Government, yet the plea of his government in the Supreme Court was more on limits on borrowings. The people in the state appear more concerned about Dearness Allowance and Old Age Pension accruals, which were in the arrears. Pinching in the pocket does hurt.

As per reports emerging from the ground, the Congress-led UDF is moving ahead in the race and Rahul Gandhi, MP from Wayanad is seeking to defend the seat. The CPI (M) and its allies are contesting on a difficult turf owing to what observers characterise as ‘anti-incumbency’.

The CPI (M) knows it needs to win a certain number of representatives to retain its national party status. The party cannot expect any concessions of the qualification norm altered by the polls body a little over three decades ago.

The irony is that one of the constituents of LDF, the Revolutionary Socialist Party, has moved out from the camp and is firmly with the Congress-UDF for over a decade. Of the 20 seats at stake, the Congress is contesting 16, the Muslim League 2, and one each by the Kerala Congress (Joseph) and RSP, where sitting MP and former LDF Minister N.K Premachandran is back in the fray.

The campaigning has been intense and no holds barred. Congress leader and its former President Rahul Gandhi criticised the BJP for not taking any action against the Chief Minister even as the CPI (M) suggested he withdraw it. In a state where people remain cued in with political realities,  realpolitik should have its way. 

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Pathanamthitta Lok Sabha election: 62.08% voter turnout till 6:30 pm, BJP pitches Antony against INC’s Antony

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Pathanamthitta, one of the 20 parliamentary constituencies in Kerala, is witnessing an intense political slugfest, with the Congress striving to maintain its hold, while the the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Communist Party Of India (Marxist) vying to secure the key seat in the southern state.

The voter turnout till 6:30 pm was 62.08%. In the 2019 general elections, the seat saw a voter turnout of 74.24%.

Congress’ sitting MP Anto Antony, who has held the seat since 2009, is looking forward to a fourth consecutive term from here as the grand old party is banking on its success from the previous election.

However, Anto Antony is facing strong opponents this time. These include BJP national secretary Anil K Antony, the son of veteran Congress leader and former Union Minister AK Antony.

Meanwhile, the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF has pinned its hopes on former state finance minister TM Thomas Isaac, leveraging his political clout in the state and experience to sway voters in their favour in the 2024 elections.

All three candidates — Anto Antony, Anil K Antony and TM Thomas Isaac — hail from the Christian community, which comprises a significant nearly 40% of the total population in the district.

The saffron party, which managed to increase its vote share significantly in the constituency — from 16% in 2014 to 29% in 2019 — by raking up several issues including the women’s entry into Sabarimala, is aiming to further improve its performance in the area.

While the Congress-led UDF won from Pathanamthitta in the 2019 general elections, in the subsequent state Assembly election in 2021, all five seats in this district went to the LDF.

Voting date

Voting for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Kerala will take place across all 20 seats, including Pathanamthitta, in the second phase on Friday, April 26. The counting of votes will be done on June 4.

In the 2019 polls, this seat witnessed a total voter turnout of 74.30%.

List of candidates

A total of eight candidates are trying their luck from the Pathanamthitta seat in Kerala in the 2024 elections. Here’s the complete list of candidates from this constituency:

2019 result

Congress’ Anto Antony won the last general elections from Pathanamthitta by securing 3,80,927. He defeated rival CPI(M) candidate Veena George by over 44,000 votes.

Click here to follow Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 2 Voting Live updates. 

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Pannian Ravindran: Thiruvananthapuram’s Left candidate who’s lived in party office for 40 years

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Pannian Ravindran, the 78-year-old veteran communist leader – tall and lanky with shoulder-length hair – is quite a contrast to his two rivals contesting the Lok Sabha election from Kerala’s capital city of Thiruvananthapuram.

Pannian, known as Pannian Sakhavu (comrade Pannian) among party colleagues and Ravi ettan (brother Ravi) among others, faces the Congress party’s three-time MP Shashi Tharoor (68) and Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology and BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar (59).

Though Tharoor and Chandrasekhar belong to different ideologies, they share some commonalities—both wear trademark kurtas and dhotis, both are foreign educated, both speak less-than-fluent Malayalam (often preferring to say ‘Trivandrum’ instead of ‘Thiruvananthapuram’), and both have been Union ministers.

While Tharoor is a diplomat-turned-politician, Chandrasekhar is a technocrat-turned-politician. In contrast, Pannian, who dropped out of school in the sixth grade due to poverty, joined politics at the age of 15 and loves to read.

Wealth, too, separates Pannian from his rivals.

According to Tharoor’s election affidavit, his assets are valued at ₹55 crore, while Chandrasekhar has about ₹28 crore (The Congress has approached the Kerala High Court, alleging that Chandrasekhar filed a false affidavit about his assets and income in his nomination papers).

In comparison, Pannian and his wife together have assets of ₹14 lakh. Pannian himself has declared cash in hand of ₹3,000 and ₹59,729 in bank savings – a total of ₹62,729. He owns land worth Rs 5 lakh, along with a 1,600 square foot house in Kannur worth ₹11 lakh.

His only source of income is ₹25,000 per month in pension as a former MP. His wife has declared cash in hand of ₹2,000 and owns 48 grams of gold worth ₹2.5 lakh.

Party office home for 40 years

Although he has a house in Kannur, Pannian, a former CPI state secretary, has lived by himself in a room at the CPI state council office near Model School Junction in Thiruvananthapuram for the past 42 years. The CPI has 17 MLAs in Kerala, four of whom serve as ministers in the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government.

Pannian recently moved to the office of the Joint Council, the trade union wing of the CPI’s state government employees, near the secretariat, due to renovation at his previous accommodation.

His wife stays in Kannur, and he occasionally takes the train to visit his family.

The CPI leader is a football fan and a commentator and has written three books on the game. His day starts with lemon tea, puttu (rice cake), and a banana from the nearby teashop.

“I have a cupboard full of books in the party office,” he beamed in pride. “I will be shifted there once the renovation is over.”

Asked why he hasn’t bought or rented a house to bring his wife to the state capital, the senior CPI leader explained, “I receive an MP pension of ₹25,000 per month. I need to pay ₹4,000 every month to the party as a levy, leaving me with ₹21,000. Renting a house in Thiruvananthapuram requires a minimum of ₹10,000. Though many well-wishers have offered me houses, I’ve politely declined because I prefer not to accept favours from anyone.”

Pannian doesn’t own a vehicle and prefers not to travel in state government cars.

“The party is beyond the government, so I always avoid red-board government cars,” he said, referring to some official vehicles that are fitted with boards displaying department names or designations.

Born into a poor family, Pannian’s father passed away when he was only 11 years old.

“The party has given me everything beyond my expectations. I will die as a communist,” he said.

Reluctant candidate

Pannian contested the 2005 Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha by-poll and was elected as an MP. In 2009, the CPI asked him to contest again, but he politely declined the request. This time too, he was reluctant, but the CPI, which lost its national party status, insisted on him since they could not find any other popular candidate in the constituency.

In 2011, he contested in the assembly polls in Paravur, Ernakulam, but lost to senior Congress leader and opposition leader VD Satheesan, who has been unbeaten in the constituency since 2001.

“This is a crucial election in the country, so the party asked me to contest. I have the responsibility to fight against the fascist BJP and also the Congress, which often compromises the vision of an inclusive India, so the Left is the only alternative,” he told Moneycontrol.

“I don’t have money to spend like the other two crorepatis (Tharoor and Chandrasekhar). I haven’t even seen ₹1 crore in my lifetime, but I have crores of people with me. However, I receive donations from people, even from poor auto drivers and daily wage workers who contribute as little as ₹10 for the campaign,” he said.

Pannian’s candidature makes the election a three-way fight in Thiruvananthapuram, and not just a contest between the Congress and the BJP.

“I was hurt when Tharoor said that the fight is only between him and Chandrasekhar in this election. That is his arrogance,” he said. “UPA-1 delivered better governance since the Left was part of it. The INDIA alliance should come to power with the support of the Left. The views of Congress and BJP leaders are alike, so there is a need to have more Left MPs in Parliament to raise the issues of the common people,” said Pannian.

He said his vision is to develop railway infrastructure, an AIIMS, metro rail, and a high court bench for Thiruvananthapuram, and he plans to raise these issues in Parliament.

“The sitting MP has not even done 10% of the work that I did when I was the MP from Thiruvananthapuram,” he claimed.

Long hair

There is a story behind Pannian’s long hair.

“I decided to grow my hair as a reminder of the police atrocities during the Emergency (1975-1977). At that time, hippie culture was popular, and many young people had long hair. The then police sub-inspector in Kannur, Pulikkodan Narayanan, used to take youngsters to the police station and shave their long hair. I believed it was a violation of our freedom, so I decided to grow my hair like hippies as a mark of protest. I’ve cut my hair only once – for a cancer patient who lost her hair after radiation treatment.” said Pannian.

Campaign trail

Cheenikonam in Vattiyoorkavu, situated in northeast Thiruvananthapuram, was in a festive mood. Old Malayalam revolutionary songs of the Communist Party filled the air as a group of youngsters beat their drums in sync with the music.

Members of various Left parties set up a red table and red chairs at the junction. They adorned the table with flowers – bougainvillea, cassia fistula (golden shower), and even jackfruit and mangoes gifted by locals for candidate Pannian.

Cheenikonam served as a pitstop for the candidate and his campaign team during the afternoon break. The CPI’s flag with its symbol – ears of corn and sickle – along with his posters and red festoons were tied up on the electricity poles. However, they had fewer posters and banners than the other parties.

“These are all crowdfunded by us and like-minded individuals in this area. The people love Pannian, so they give him fruits and other gifts. He gives back to the people, and some of the shawls he received were donated to old age homes,” said a CPI leader.

An elderly woman in mundu, blouse and thorthu (dhoti, blouse and thin towel) gifted him a jackfruit grown in her yard.

“Pannian Sakhavu (Comrade Pannian) is an ordinary man. He is very down to earth,” she said.

A local leader was collating a list of members who would welcome him with flowers and towels, while another was making red garlands using ribbons.

A few minutes later, an announcement vehicle arrived, followed by a red campaign vehicle with Pannian accompanied by Vattiyoorkavu MLA VK Prashanth.

The sun was beating down and Pannian was visibly tired. He waved and smiled. Party workers on scooters waved red flags and set off crackers. He climbed down from the vehicle and delivered a speech. He was offered jackfruits, mangoes, and red ribbons.

He spoke in Malayalam, opposing both the Congress and the BJP and emphasising that the Left is the alternative. He hugged an auto driver and reminded him to vote.

Another elderly woman approached him, and his first question to her was, “Oonu kazhicho? (Have you had lunch)?”

“I’ve received an overwhelming response from the people, especially women who wait for us even until 11 pm. I’m confident of winning this election. They gave me fruits, vegetables, and flowers, and that love is from the bottom of the heart and cannot be bought with money,” said Pannian, who then proceeded to a party worker’s home for lunch.

A young man sitting outside a shop was asked what he thought of Pannian as a candidate.

“Nalla manushan (a good human being),” he responded.

“Will you vote for him?”

He smiled with a half-nod.

Kerala votes on April 26.

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Lok Sabha elections 2024: BJP’s bid for breakthrough in Kerala is an uphill battle, say experts

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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With less than 72 hours remaining before the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections, all eyes are on Kerala as the state prepares to cast its votes for all 20 parliamentary seats on April 26.

In Kerala, the primary electoral battle is between the alliances led by the Congress and the Left parties. However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is seeking to make significant strides, particularly in Trissur, where it has nominated popular actor Suresh Gopi as its candidate.

According to MG Radhakrishnan, a senior journalist, “Kerala is the only state in the south where the BJP has never won a single seat until now. Though there are contests in about four to five constituencies that the BJP considers to be ‘A grade constituencies’, there is a bitter fight going on between these three major political friends, but I don’t think there is any particular seat where the BJP has a very easy chance at all.”

In the 2019 elections, the Congress secured victory in 15 out of 20 seats, while the Left parties claimed two seats. Despite failing to secure any seats, the BJP garnered a notable vote share of 12%.

Political analyst Rahul Easwar notes, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying to tap into the Hindu and Christian vote banks in a major way. That’s the reason why he was connecting with the Christian bishops in a very meaningful and deep manner. But unfortunately, due to the Manipur issues and all, there is some kind of a dampening that has really happened. But Narendra Modi is a hugely popular brand. Even though the BJP will increase seats, it is still doubtful how many seats will come; they may increase votes for sure, but brand Modi has a very strong presence even in Kerala because he has a pan India appeal and he has rightly reached out to Kerala many times.”

One of the most closely watched contests is in Thiruvananthapuram, where incumbent MP Shashi Tharoor faces stiff competition from prominent CPI (M) leader Panniyan Raveendran and the BJP’s Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

MG Radhakrishnan emphasises, “Thiruvananthapuram is actually the constituency where the contest is the sharpest. This is the only seat among the 20 where the BJP came in second in the last election and the election before that. So with the candidature of Rajeev Chandrasekhar, this has become a hot seat. Shashi Tharoor has already completed a hat trick here; he is trying it for the fourth time. Tharoor was absolutely formidable in the beginning, but with the entry of Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the match has become quite unpredictable.”

As Kerala braces for the upcoming elections, the political landscape remains dynamic, with key battles shaping the state’s future representation in the Lok Sabha.

Watch the accompanying video for the entire conversation

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Thiruvananthapuram Airport to suspend flight services for four hours on April 21

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Ltd (TIAL) will suspend flight services for five hours on April 21 for the smooth continuation of the holy ‘Painkuni Arattu’ procession of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple across the runway.

The flight services will be suspended from 4 pm to 9 pm on April 21, Sunday.

Every year, the airport has been pausing operations and rescheduling flights twice every year to enable the bi-annual centuries-old ceremonial procession of the shrine to pass through the runway.

The practice of the temple procession taking that path to reach the Shangumugham beach for the holy bath of the idols began centuries ago. The ritual continued even after the establishment of the airport in 1932.

When the airport was constructed at the particular place, the then Travancore King Sree Chithira Thirunal had made it clear that then facility would be open for the public for 363 days in a year and two days for Lord Padmanabha, the titular deity of the royal family, according to historians.

The royal era ritual has continued even after the Adani Group took over management of the airport.

The airport issues a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) twice every year before the runway is closed during the bi-annual Alpassi festival which falls in October-November and the Painkuni festival in March-April.

With inputs from PTI

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Kerala High Court rules Malabar ‘Parota’ to be treated as bread at 5% GST

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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In another unique case stemming from GST classification challenges, the Kerala High Court ruled that Malabar ‘Parota’ is akin to ‘bread’ and should thus be categorised under Heading 1905 for taxation purposes. The decision contradicts the previous rulings of the Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) and  Appellate Authority for Advance Ruling (AAAR).

The Kerala High Court determined that both ‘Classic Malabar Parota’ and ‘Whole Wheat Malabar Parota’ products should be taxed at the GST rate of 5% rather than 18%, as they share similarities with items listed under HSN code 1905, such as bread.

The high court ruled that products “are eligible at the rate of 5% GST (2.5 % CGST + 2.5 % SGST) and not 18% as was being pleaded by the government, which was citing orders of the Advance Ruling Authority and the Advance Ruling Appellate Authority,” where the treatment was decided to be 18%.

The ruling was delivered by Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh at the Kerala High Court.

Advocates M. Gopikrishnan Nambiar, K John Mathai, Joson Manavalan, Kuryan Thomas, Paulose C Abraham, Raja Kannan, R Chethan Krishna and S Parvathi appeared on behalf of the assesee, whereas Advocate P G Jayashankar and Special Government Pleader (Taxes) Muhammed Rafiq were representing the government.

The assessee, Modern Food Enterprises Pvt. Ltd, is engaged in the manufacturing and supply of food products ‘Classic Malabar Parota’ and ‘Whole Wheat Malabar Parota’ (products). The assessee had sought clarity from the authority for advance ruling on classification, rate of GST, and whether the product can be treated as ‘bread’ under GST or not.

The assessee had filed a writ, which was allowed by the Kerala High Court via observations that according to Rule 4 of the General Rules of Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), the goods that cannot be classified in accordance with Rules I to III shall be classified under the Heading appropriate to the goods to which they are akin. Thus, paving the way for the product to be treated under 5%.

The high court also elaborated on the explanatory notes to HSN sub-heading 1905, which provide that the most common ingredients of the products in this heading are cereal flours, leaves, and salt but they may also contain other ingredients that facilitate fermentation and improve characteristics and appearances of the products.

The Kerala High Court further noted that the products of this heading may also be obtained from dough based on the flour of any cereal, whereas Chapter Heading 21, particularly HSN 2106, prescribes food preparation not elsewhere specified or included and assessee products or not akin to any of the products which are mentioned in Chapter Heading 2106.

The court observed that the assessee’s products are to be included in Chapter Heading 1905 as the petitioner’s products are akin to the products mentioned in the said Chapter Heading 19 and will be eligible to be taxed at the rate of 5% GST and not 18%.

Meanwhile, experts say that the ruling will help several other cases that are under litigation and are similar in nature. However, the government continues to hold the view that the Kerala High Court decision is not fair and would need more clarity.

Sandeep Sehgal, Partner-Tax, AKM Global, a tax and consulting firm, states, “This decision highlights the importance of accurate classification in tax matters, ensuring fair treatment for businesses and consumers alike. The ruling marks a victory for the petitioner in this case, and serves as a precedent for similar disputes in the future.”

“The classification rule is that the specific entry will prevail over the general entry and hence from that perspective, this is a very welcome decision. This will not only help this sector but several other sectors based on the principles formulated by this court” said Abhishek A Rastogi, founder of Rastogi Chambers, who is arguing before different Courts on classification issues.

“The intent of the GST Council was always to keep the basic necessary supplies under a lesser category of rate and this decision tilts the balance in that flavour as well,” added Rastogi.

However, rate rationalisation remains the key, and the industry will closely watch how this is done in the months ahead, Rastogi said.

Yogesh Kale, Executive Director, Nangia Andersen India said, “The Karnataka AAR had also ruled in 2020 that Whole Wheat Parota and Malabar Parota were classifiable under HSN code 2106 (the AAR ruling was held to be void-ab-initio by the AAAR due to suppression of facts by the taxpayer). The Kerala High Court ruling puts an end to the controversy over classification of Malabar Parotas, highlighting time and again the need for accurate classification, importance of the Explanatory Notes to the headings and that in case of doubt, the products must be classified under the heading to which they are most akin. The principle would also serve as a guidance in classification of other products.”

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Lok Sabha elections 2024: A SWOT analysis of the triangular contest in Kerala

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Left Democratic Front (LDF), headed by the CPI(M), and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) have dominated Kerala’s political landscape for a long time, shaping the south Indian state’s governance for decades.

However, Kerala is witnessing a triangular contest in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, with the two established alliances facing a challenge from the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Kerala has a total of 20 parliamentary constituencies, where polling for the 2024 elections will be held in a single phase on April 26.

During the 2019 general elections, the UDF registered victories in 19 of the 20 seats. Of these, 15 seats were won by the Congress party itself, while the rest were distributed among IUML (2), RSP (1) and KEC(M) (1). The remaining seat was taken by CPI(M), while the BJP failed to open its account in the state.

This time, a major shift towards a three-way contest is evident on several seats in the state, signalling a departure from the traditional two-party dominance.

Here’s a SWOT analysis of the three alliances in Kerala:

United Democratic Front (Congress, IUML, RSP and Kerala Congress)

1. Strengths

Despite not being in power in the state, the UDF has a strong traditional support base of minorities, who constitute 50% of the state’s total population.

During the 2019 polls, Congress ex-president Rahul Gandhi contested the Wayanand seat for the first time and registered a historic win. Backed by Gandhi’s strong presence in the state, the UDF managed to win 19 seats and is now hoping to repeat its performance in 2024.

Over the last few years, the UDF has led several protests in the state against the alleged misrule of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government in the state and the NDA government at the Centre, energising its cadre for the polls.

2. Weaknesses

In recent times, a lot of local Congress leaders have defected to the BJP in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Experts believe that the grand old party continues to rely more on Rahul Gandhi’s star power and has failed to give a greater role to charismatic leaders like Shashi Tharoor in Kerala politics. Due to this, there is also a lack of unity among several key leaders in the state.

Moreover, the Congress-led UDF has fielded just one woman candidate in the upcoming polls.

3. Opportunities

Besides the Lok Sabha elections, the UDF also has an opportunity to take advantage in the next Assembly polls in Kerala, riding high on the anti-incumbency factor against the Left government, which has been in power since 2016.

Experts say that a majority of minorities in the state believe that only the Congress can challenge the BJP on the national level. Besides this, the UDF also has the opportunity to target both the central and state governments over their alleged inaction in preventing the rising cases of human-animal conflicts.

4. Threats

Looking back at the records, the UDF has primarily failed in preventing its traditional upper-caste Hindu vote base in the state from shifting towards the BJP’s side. Along with the neighbouring Tamil Nadu, Kerala is also witnessing a strong presence of the BJP, particularly in areas like Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, and Pathanamthitta.

Left Democratic Front (CPI(M), CPI and Kerala Congress (M))

1. Strengths

The LDF has a strong cadre base in the state, especially among the youth. It is led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who has been in power in the state for over seven years now.

The alliance has been hugely successful in reaching out to minorities, particularly Muslims.

2. Weaknesses

The LDF lacks young candidates who can play an influential role in Lok Sabha polls. The alliance has also suffered a lot due to the alleged involvement of CPI(M)’s student outfit in campus violence.

Moreover, CM Vijayan and his family are currently facing a few corruption allegations from the Opposition parties.

3. Opportunities

In the 2024 polls, the UDF is going all out against the notification of the CAA rules, besides taking a stand against the Centre’s alleged neglect toward Kerala on financial matters.

4. Threats

PM Modi’s repeated visits to Kerala are giving an edge to the BJP in the state, as there is anti-incumbency against the ruling party. This comes amid alleged irregularities in the cooperative sector and related investigations by the Enforcement Directorate.

Also, there is a lot of discontent among farmers over various issues, including delays in payments for paddy procured from them.

National Democratic Alliance (BJP, BDJS)

1. Strengths

The BJP is contesting the 2024 elections under the strong leadership of PM Modi and focusing its poll campaign on various developmental works done by his government in the state.

In recent times, several key local Congress leaders have left the party and joined the BJP.

2. Weaknesses

There is a lack of trust in minorities towards the BJP, which also faces a dearth of strong state-level leadership.

The alliance performed badly in the 2021 Assembly polls and by-polls held for local bodies.

3. Opportunities

In Kerala, the BJP has a strong opportunity to raise its voice against the alleged appeasement politics of the UDF and LDF in the state.

It can further take advantage of effective diplomatic intervention of the central government to rescue Indians who were earlier trapped in conflict-hit zones like Ukraine.

4. Threats

The BJP-led NDA is not been able to get strong support from the local alliance partners in Kerala. Also, it faces charges of allegedly neglecting the state over various financial matters.

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Antony vs Antony: Son, father in war of words as poll heat intensifies

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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“Very unfortunate to see a former defence minister supporting a party which has an anti-India stand,” BJP leader Anil Antony told Moneycontrol on April 9 after his comments were sought on his father and veteran Congress leader AK Antony’s statement earlier in the day.

Speaking to media persons in Thiruvananthapuram, former defence minister AK Antony said Anil, the BJP’s candidate from Pathanamthitta parliamentary seat, should lose.

The 38-year-old, who joined the BJP on April 6, 2023, is up against sitting MP and Congress leader Anto Antony.

“I have immense respect for my father, but I don’t appreciate his statement. He is standing with a party (Congress) whose leaders have insulted the sacrifice of our jawans,” Anil told Moneycontrol over the phone from Pathanamthitta, where he was canvassing.

“Instead of standing for national security and nation building, Congress leaders are always seen criticising our forces. And it’s unfortunate to see a former defence minister (my father) supporting that party.”

The former defence minister said the Congress and Rahul Gandhi were continuously fighting against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP, and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

The Congress has always stood for vested interests, and its leaders supported only one family, Anil said.

The Congress has been supporting radical elements and it was for everyone to see in Pathanamthitta where the sitting MP levelled serious allegations against the BJP, claiming the party secured victory in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections by exploiting the sacrifices of jawans killed in the Pulwama attacks.

“My father needs to understand the gravity here. His party is giving clean chit to Pakistan with such statements,” Anil added.

He claimed that the sentiment in Kerala, where electoral success in the assembly, as well as the Lok Sabha, has eluded the party, is turning in favour of the BJP.

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Eid al-Fitr 2024 in India on April 10 or 11? Know the role of crescent moon sighting in Saudi Arabia today

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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As the day of Eid al-Fitr draws near, the nation is preparing for festivities to commemorate the completion of Ramadan, the holy month during which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. The Islamic festival is celebrated annually on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Muslim (lunar) calendar.

However, the date of the celebration depends on the visibility of the new moon. This leads Muslims in different parts of the world to celebrate the festival at different times. India, meanwhile, is all geared up to celebrate Eid al-Fitr on April 10 or 11 this year. However, the exact date is yet to be known.

It needs to be noted that the date to celebrate Eid al-Fitr might change by one or two days depending on the location as well. Therefore, the exact day will be revealed closer to the day of the festival. Meanwhile, Kerala is the only Indian state that celebrates the festival based on a sighting of the moon in Saudi Arabia.

Eid Al-Fitr 2024: Moon Sighting Date in Saudi Arabia, India

Additionally, Indian Muslims, along with those residing in South Asian countries, will gear up for the sighting of the Crescent moon on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. This year, the month of Ramadan commenced on March 11, 2024, in many countries, including those in the Middle East, North America, and the UK.

Ahead of the Islamic festival, the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia made an announcement asking Muslims to see the crescent moon for the month of Shawwal on the evening of April 8. This sighting of the moon on this particular day marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid al-Fitr.

As far as astronomical calculations are considered, Eid al-Fitr is expected to be observed on Wednesday, hinting at a 30-day fast in Ramadan instead of 29 days for Muslims this year.

If the crescent moon is not sighted in Saudi Arabia on April 8, Eid al-Fitr will be observed on April 11 and the night before Eid (Chand Raat) will be observed on April 10.

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Lok Sabha elections 2024: CAA to human-animal conflict, a look at key poll issues in Kerala

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Weeks ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the political scenario in Kerala is buzzing with debates over several key political issues, including the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA) and electoral bonds, which could sway voter sentiments significantly.

Kerala has been traditionally dominated by the Left parties and Congress. The Bharatiya Janata Party is making all possible efforts to make a mark in the 2024 general elections.

The Lok Sabha elections 2024 will be held in seven phases across the country from April 19 to June 1. The counting of votes will be held on June 4.

In the southern state, voting will take place on April 26 for all the 20 parliamentary constituencies.

During the 2019 elections, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) won 19 of the 20 seats in Kerala. Out of these, 15 seats were secured by the grand old party, while the rest were bagged by its allies IUML (2), Kerala Congress(M) (1) and Revolutionary Socialist Party (1). On the other hand, the Left Democratic Front (LDF), led by the CPI(M), registered victory in only one seat, while the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) could not open its account in the state.

Here’s a look at some of the major poll issues in Kerala in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections:

1. CAA

While the BJP is expected to go all out on its promise of granting citizenship to migrants from other countries, the Opposition parties are challenging the move, calling the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, as ‘unconstitutional’. CAA has been a hot political issue in Kerala. During the discussion on the Bill after its introduction in the Lok Sabha on December 19, 2019, several MPs from the state opposed the bill while participating in the debate.

The Chief Minister has been quite vocal against the central law calling it ‘discriminatory against Muslims’ in the past. He also lashed out at Congress for not mentioning the CAA in its manifesto for Lok Sabha elections, released on April 5.

2. Human-animal conflicts

Last month, the state government declared man-animal conflict as a state-specific disaster, making Kerala the first state in the country to do so. In recent months, multiple people have lost their lives while numerous others have been injured in wildlife attacks, particularly by elephants, wild boars and tigers.

The LDF and UDF have been batting for amendments to the Wildlife Act of 1972, arguing that it is necessary to address the increasing incidents of human-animal conflicts. However, the BJP-led Central government reportedly contends that the existing provisions of the Wildlife Act are sufficient to handle the situation.

3. Electoral bonds

The Opposition parties have been targeting the BJP-led central government over the electoral bonds scheme, which was struck down by the Supreme Court earlier this year.

Much like other states, the Congress, CPI(M) and other regional parties have been raking up the issue during their poll campaigning in Kerala as well.

4. Left Front vs Congress

The CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) are two main rivals in the state, despite both belonging to the opposition alliance INDIA bloc. The ruling LDF, under the leadership of CM Pinarayi Vijayan, aims to sail through the Lok Sabha elections with its opposition to the CAA, fight against the BJP ‘communal agenda’ in the state and the development work done by the government. On the other hand, Congress is going to people as a viable alternative to the BJP at the national level. Both parties are eyeing minority votes, which could be decisive in several seats.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow