Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan strongly criticized the Vice-Chancellors of Kerala, Mahatma Gandhi, and Malayalam universities for attending an event with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, calling their presence a "grave lapse" and demanding an apology.
CPI(M) leader MA Baby criticized Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's comments at the INDIA bloc meeting, stating Gandhi should not facilitate ED/Modi govt actions by demanding opposition arrests, rather than hugging political rivals like Pinarayi Vijayan.
Kerala Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, stating his political approach weakens the INDIA alliance and benefits the BJP. Vijayan noted that other non-Congress parties also raised objections during a meeting regarding the Congress's stance.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted raids at 10 locations linked to former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and others in the CMRL monthly payment case, following a Kerala High Court order allowing the investigation to proceed.
The 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly's oath ceremony highlighted diversity, with MLAs choosing different languages and opting for solemn affirmation or oath in God's name. Political rivals showed camaraderie, and CM V D Satheesan addressed caste name controversy.
CPM's MA Baby defended Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, stating the party's defeat is a collective responsibility, not an individual's. He emphasized self-criticism and corrective measures for the entire leadership. Baby also expressed concern over the rise of right-wing forces and the BJP's gains in Kerala.
Kerala's CPI(M) is assessing five potential successors to 80-year-old Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who has led the state since 2016 and is seeking a historic third consecutive term. The five candidates — MV Govindan, KK Shailaja, KN Balagopal, PA Mohammed Riyas, and V Sivankutty — bring varying credentials including party positions, ministerial experience, and electoral records. The April 9 votes will be counted on May 4.
