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New Indian Express
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Kerala's Governor opposes inclusion of Vedan song in Calicut University syllabus
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has sought an explanation from Calicut University for its inclusion of rapper Vedan's song Bhoomi Njan Vaazhunna idam. The university recently made it a part of its undergraduate course in Malayalam Language and Literature. However, the Governor has opposed the move and asked for the university's explanation for it, based on a complaint by a BJP supporter named AK Anuraj. The Governor is also a Calicut University Chancellor, and he has sought the explanation from its Vice Chancellor. The Governor's contention stems from the fact that Vedan has been under fire following his arrest for consumption of drugs and possession of a tiger's tooth. The Governor argued that including his song in the syllabus would make him a bad idol among students, prompting them to follow in his footsteps. It is worth noting that, in 2021, a group of women also accused the rapper of sexual misconduct, a claim to which he agreed and an act for which he apologised. Vedan has been in the news following the LDF-led Kerala Government's invitation to him to take part in a recent event marking its 10th anniversary in power. Subsequently, filmmaker Pa Ranjith supported the embattled rapper as he shared an image carrying a piece of text that read, "We Stand With Vedan".
New Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Thiruvananthapuram corporation turns into battleground as BJP, LDF trade corruption charges
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With just months left for the Thiruvananthapuram corporation council's term to end, tensions are escalating between the BJP and LDF, as both fronts trade corruption allegations. The corporation's main office has effectively turned into a protest zone, frequently disrupting normal functioning and causing inconvenience to the public. The latest council meeting too was marred by noisy confrontations, with corruption charges dominating the session, leaving little room for meaningful discussion on civic issues. BJP councillors have raised a slew of corruption charges against the ruling LDF, including irregularities in the distribution of laptops for students, the purchase of kitchen bins, and other issues. On the other hand, the LDF has levelled serious accusations against BJP women councillors, including misappropriation of Rs 3 lakh by the Punnakkamughal councillor and bribe collection for distributing application forms for various welfare schemes by the Pappanamcode councillor. On Monday, the corporation's main office witnessed yet another round of protests. A march led by Haritha Karma Sena workers belonging to CITU reached the corporation office, demanding the resignation of the tainted BJP councillors. They also demanded that Haritha Karma Sena workers who were suspended in connection with the incident in the Punnakkamughal ward be reinstated. UDF parliamentary party leader P Padmakumar criticised both the BJP and LDF, stating that the two parties were hurling allegations at each other to divert attention from their own corruption. 'The ruling front has been mired in corruption since it assumed power. Backdoor appointments, anomalies in tax collection, and irregularities in the purchase of kitchen bins and laptops, as well as misappropriation of SC/ST funds, are among the many allegations involving the LDF,' he said. Meanwhile, amidst the allegations against BJP women councillors, the BJP staged a march to the corporation office, highlighting corruption in the LDF-led laptop distribution scheme. 'This LDF-led administration is corrupt and is targeting our councillors to divert attention from their own misdeeds. The allegations against us are baseless. As the Opposition, we don't have access to public funds to misappropriate,' said BJP parliamentary party leader M R Gopan. The LDF has announced plans to intensify protests against BJP councillors accused of corruption at the ward level. LDF parliamentary party leader D R Anil demanded the resignation of the accused councillors. 'The Pappanamcode councillor herself admitted that corruption took place in her ward. This has embarrassed the entire council and betrayed public trust. We will launch a protest to make the public aware of their actions,' he said.
India Gazette
23-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"This victory is result of teamwork, commitment," Priyanka Gandhi congratulates Aryadan Shoukath on Nilambur by-poll win
New Delhi [India], June 23 (ANI): Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday congratulated Aryadan Shoukath on his victory in the by-election in Nilambur in Kerala and praised the party's dedication and focus for the win. The Congress leader thanked the people of Nilambur for their trust in the United Democratic Front's (UDF) vision and expressed confidence that their support would guide the party forward. In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi wrote, 'We worked as a team, each one with commitment and single-pointed focus, that is the most important lesson of this success. Heartiest congratulations to Aryadan Shoukath whose dedication and service has shone through and to all the leaders and workers of the UDF whose efforts made this victory possible.' 'Most of all a big thank you to my sisters and brothers of Nilambur for your support. Your trust and belief in the values of our constitution, and in the UDF's vision for progress will be the guiding light for our way forward,' the post read. After his win the UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath of Congress today criticised the government for years of neglect in Nilambur and said the result reflects widespread frustration and suffering among the people of Kerala. Shoukath emphasised the rising anti-incumbency sentiment and said that victory is against the LDF-led State government. Addressing reporters, Aryadan Shoukath said, 'This victory is really against the state government. I already said that there is an anti-incumbency. For the past years, Nilambur has been suffering from negligence by the state government. This victory is against Left Government. People of Kerala are suffering and this is the reflection of their sentiment.' While Congress MLA Chandy Oommen said the victory, achieved after 9 years, reflected the people's sentiments. He also showed confidence that the UDF would come to power in Kerala's next election, with Congress forming the government and having a Congress Chief Minister. 'The entire party leadership and workers unitedly fought for this victory and we have achieved this victory after 9 years. This was the seat of Aryadan Muhammed. Now, his son has taken back the seat from CPI(M) after nine years. This shows the people's sentiments in Kerala, which is going to elections next year. We are sure that UDF is coming to power next year. Congress party is coming to power and we will have a Congress CM by this time next year,' Oommen said. In a significant blow to the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government in Kerala, Shoukath of Congress defeated LDF's M Swaraj of CPI(M) by a large margin of 11,077 votes in the Nilambur assembly by-election. As per the Election Commission website, Shoukath had secured 77,737 votes, a lead of 11,077 votes from M Swaraj of the CPM after 19 rounds of counting. The bypoll for the Nilambur seat was necessitated after the resignation of Left Democratic Front independent legislator PV Anvar, who later joined the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) after his acrimonious break-up with the ruling alliance. (ANI)
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
21 more people come under stray dog attacks in Kannur
Kannur: Amid growing public anger over the authorities' failure to address the stray dog menace in Kannur, 21 more people were attacked by stray dogs in the town on Wednesday. This comes just a day after nearly 50 people were bitten, triggering panic and widespread protests. The latest attacks were reported from areas including Railway Station Road and SBI Junction. Most victims were elderly people and students, who suffered bite injuries on their legs and hands. All were treated with anti-rabies vaccines at various hospitals and later discharged. The issue disrupted a council meeting of the Kannur corporation, with opposition councillors staging a protest. The meeting ended abruptly after mayor Muslif Madathil passed 74 agenda items without discussion. Speaking to the media, the mayor blamed the LDF-led district panchayat, saying it failed to set up an animal birth control centre despite receiving Rs 20 lakh from the Corporation. District panchayat president K K Rathna Kumari refuted the claim, calling it misleading. She said under the Kerala Municipal Act, the corporation is solely responsible for handling stray dog issues. She added that no funds were received from the corporation and the panchayat is working with local bodies to set up ABC centres.
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Minor flooding raises concerns in Kalamassery amid delayed canal renovation project
Kochi: Incessant rains triggered minor flooding in Kalamassery on Sunday morning, with water entering at least five houses on VR Thankappan Road. Though water receded following a break in the downpour, locals remain anxious about the possibility of repeated flooding as monsoon continues. Athulya K N, a local and schoolteacher, said they face this ordeal every year. "Due to last night's heavy rain, water entered our homes again. Though it has now receded, we are busy cleaning up. This is a recurring issue," she said. She added that during such instances, normal life comes to a standstill, often forcing families to move to relief camps or seek shelter with relatives. Locals expressed frustration that repeated promises by authorities to address the issue have gone unfulfilled. A Rs 14.5 crore drainage project under Rebuild Kerala Initiative was approved by state govt last year. The project includes construction of a 1.96km-long canal, Pottachal, considered vital for proper drainage in the area. Although the plan received administrative sanction, no visible progress was made. Haritha residents' association president V P Siyad blamed the inaction on political differences between Congress-led municipality and LDF-led state govt. "The project is stuck in limbo due to political conflicts. Meanwhile, ordinary people continue to suffer," he said, urging authorities to act without further delay.
