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Budget Betrayal: Kerala ASHA Workers Left in Limbo as Honorarium Hike Lacks Funding

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Budget Betrayal: Kerala ASHA Workers Left in Limbo as Honorarium Hike Lacks Funding

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Thousands of ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activists) workers in Kerala, the backbone of the state’s grassroots healthcare system, find themselves in a state of uncertainty. Despite a high-profile announcement by Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal in the 2026-27 Budget to increase their monthly honorarium by ₹1,000, official documents reveal that the necessary funds have not been allocated.
The Math Doesn’t Add Up

During his budget speech, the Finance Minister promised to raise the monthly honorarium of ASHA workers from ₹8,000 to ₹9,000. However, the budget documents tell a different story.

For the state’s 26,125 ASHA workers, the government has allocated only ₹250.80 crore under the head 2210-06-112-98-34 (Non-Plan). This amount only covers the previous rate of ₹8,000 per month.
Category Requirement Allocated in Budget Deficit
Total Annual Cost ₹282.15 Crore ₹250.80 Crore ₹31.35 Crore

Health Department Seeks Emergency Funds

Recognizing the shortfall, the Health Department has reportedly approached the Finance Department to request an additional ₹31.35 crore. Without this supplementary allocation, the promised hike cannot be implemented, leaving workers with the same pay they received last year despite the public “applause-winning” announcement.
Growing Discontent and Political Backlash

The discrepancy has sparked outrage among ASHA workers’ unions, who label the move a “budgetary gimmick” ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

"We work under extreme pressure for a pittance. To announce a hike for headlines and then fail to set aside the money in the actual budget is a cruel joke on thousands of women workers," said a representative of a leading health workers' union.

If the Finance Department does not approve the additional funds soon, ASHA workers face two grim possibilities:

The promised ₹1,000 hike will remain on paper only.

Disbursement of existing honorariums could face delays in the coming months due to fund exhaustion.

Kerala Election 2026: Pro-CPM Journalists in Panic Over Potential Power Shift

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Kerala Election 2026: Pro-CPM Journalists in Panic Over Potential Power Shift

Thiruvananthapuram: The political corridors of Kerala are buzzing with more than just election rallies. With indications growing that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) might struggle to retain power for a third consecutive term, a sense of “professional panic” has gripped several high-profile journalists in the capital.

For the past decade, a specific circle of media persons has been accused of enjoying unprecedented proximity to the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government. Now, faced with the prospect of a United Democratic Front (UDF) victory , many are reportedly making desperate “course corrections.”
The ‘PR Empire’ Under Threat

Sources allege that over a dozen senior journalists in Thiruvananthapuram have been receiving substantial monthly payouts under the guise of “government PR activities.” Furthermore, there are long-standing allegations regarding the appointment of journalists and their relatives to high-paying positions in:

KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board)

Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS)

Various strategic government departments.

With a potential change in administration, these “unauthorized” appointments and financial pipelines are expected to come under intense scrutiny, fueling the current desperation.
Sudden Shifts: From Red to Khadi

The political climate has birthed some surprising maneuvers. A prominent journalist, known for years as a fierce defender of CPM policies, is reportedly “dusting off” his old Congress connections. Leveraging a close relative who is a senior UDF leader, he is allegedly attempting to ensure that his “PR empire” remains untouched if the Congress-led alliance takes the reins.

Even more shocking are reports involving a well-known female journalist, traditionally aligned with the Left. She is allegedly managing the secret social media promotion for certain BJP candidates in this election.

"The line between political loyalty and professional survival has completely blurred. We are seeing people who sang praises for the LDF for ten years suddenly trying to find shelter in the UDF or even the BJP camps," said a senior political analyst in the capital.

The ‘Undercurrent’ Allegations

These shifts have added fuel to the UDF’s ongoing campaign rhetoric regarding a “secret deal” between the CPM and the BJP. The fact that journalists once loyal to the ‘Hammer and Sickle’ are now reportedly working for ‘Lotus’ candidates is being cited by critics as evidence of an unholy nexus aimed at undermining the Congress.

As the state moves closer to the polling date of April 9, 2026, the frantic movement of these “media power brokers” suggests that they, perhaps more than the politicians, fear the verdict of the people.

Arya Out, Next Sachin Dev? The ‘Yadu Factor’ Haunts CPM as Capital Fortress Crumbles

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Arya Out, Next Sachin Dev? The ‘Yadu Factor’ Haunts CPM as Capital Fortress Crumbles

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The political downfall of Kerala’s most prominent “power couple”—Arya Rajendran and Sachin Dev MLA—has become the focal point of the 2026 Assembly election campaign. Following the CPI(M)’s catastrophic loss of the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation to the BJP in December 2025, the party appears to be systematically distancing itself from the former Mayor.
The Symbolic “Backbencher” Moment

The image of Arya Rajendran standing as a commoner in the audience, holding her child during an election convention attended by veteran leader M.A. Baby, has sent shockwaves through the party cadres.

The Contrast: Only a year ago, Arya was the face of the LDF's youth-centric governance, flanked by security and protocols.

The Reality: Today, she sits excluded from the dais, a move many see as the CPM’s silent acknowledgement that her "brand" has become a liability.

“Yadu’s Curse”: The Ghost of the Road Rage Incident

The primary catalyst for this shift remains the 2024 spat with KSRTC driver H.L. Yadu. While the police recently submitted a chargesheet excluding the Mayor and her husband from direct criminal charges, the “court of public opinion” has been less forgiving.

The sight of a young, powerful couple allegedly using their position to intimidate a common transport worker resonated deeply with the working-class voter base.

Social media narratives labeled the LDF’s loss in the capital as "Yadu’s Revenge," a sentiment the opposition is now successfully milking.

Is Sachin Dev Next? The Battle for Balussery

While Arya has been effectively sidelined in the capital, all eyes are now on Balussery, where her husband Sachin Dev is fighting a desperate battle to retain his seat.

Internal Churn in the CPM

Inside the AKG Centre, the post-mortem of the Corporation defeat is ongoing. Reports suggest a section of the district leadership blames the “elitist” image projected by Arya and Sachin for alienating the traditional Left voters. By placing Arya “among the crowd,” the party is attempting to signal a return to its grassroots, proletarian roots—but for Sachin Dev, the shadow of the past remains a hurdle.

"The party celebrated their rise as a symbol of new-age politics. Now, they are treating them as a cautionary tale of what happens when youth is mistaken for entitlement," says a political analyst.

UDF Wave Sweeps Across Kerala: Internal Assessments Predict Massive 106-Seat Win as LDF Fortresses Crumble

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UDF Wave Sweeps Across Kerala: Internal Assessments Predict Massive 106-Seat Win as LDF Fortresses Crumble

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A powerful anti-incumbency wave is reportedly surging through Kerala, with political analysts forecasting a historic comeback for the United Democratic Front (UDF). According to the latest assessments, the UDF is expected to secure a staggering 106 seats in the 140-member Assembly, effectively ending the LDF’s hope for a third consecutive term.

The Northern Surge
The UDF is predicted to exhibit total dominance in Northern and Central Kerala. In the 87 constituencies spanning from Kasaragod to Ernakulam, the front is expected to secure 71 seats—reaching the majority mark before the southern tallies are even fully accounted for. This shift is attributed to a massive change in voting patterns in Malabar and the Kochi belt, where public anger against the state government is most palpable.

Southern Consolidation
The momentum continues into the south. Out of the 53 seats from Idukki to Thiruvananthapuram, the UDF is projected to win at least 35 seats. While fierce battles are expected in several key constituencies, any further swing in favor of the opposition could push the UDF’s final count well beyond the 106-seat mark.

Factors Behind the LDF’s Decline
Analysts point to three critical factors driving this “UDF Wave”:

Economic Burden: Widespread resentment over increased taxes and the rising cost of essential commodities.

The Faith Factor: The "Sabarimala Gold Theft" allegations have reportedly created deep-seated friction between the government and the believer community.

Leadership Style: Increasing internal and public criticism of "Pinarayism" and allegations of family-centric politics (referred to as "Marumon-ism").

The Chief Minister’s recent “intolerant” public interactions have further fueled the narrative of a leadership disconnected from the masses. As the state moves toward the polls, the 106-seat projection stands as a testament to a political landscape ready for a major overhaul.

RIYAS MUST FAIL: Sudden Exit of Minister’s Top Aide Triggers “Sinking Ship” Allegations Ahead of Polls

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RIYAS MUST FAIL: Sudden Exit of Minister’s Top Aide Triggers “Sinking Ship” Allegations Ahead of Polls

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – With only days remaining for the high-stakes Kerala Assembly elections, a sudden resignation within the personal staff of Public Works and Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas has sent ripples through the state’s political circles.

P.K. Sabarish Kumar, the Minister’s Private Secretary, officially stepped down from his position on March 18. While personal staff members typically serve until a minister vacates office, this pre-emptive exit—occurring just as the government’s tenure nears its end—has provided fresh ammunition for the Opposition.
The Pension Rush: A “Tactical Exit”?

The timing of the resignation has come under intense scrutiny. Records indicate that on the very day of his resignation, Sabarish Kumar applied for Terminal Surrender, a financial benefit provided to personal staff for their years of service.

The General Administration Department (GAD) moved with notable speed, issuing an official order on March 24 to approve the benefits. Under current norms:

Personal staff members are entitled to surrender one month’s salary for every year of service.

Having served since June 7, 2021, Sabarish Kumar is eligible for five months' salary as a terminal benefit.

Reports suggest the payout will amount to approximately ₹7 Lakhs.

Opposition Allegations: “Writing on the Wall”

The Opposition has been quick to frame the move as a sign of desperation within the LDF camp. They allege that the early resignation and the rush to secure financial benefits indicate a lack of confidence in Minister Riyas’s re-election from the Beypore constituency.

"This is a clear sign that even those closest to the Minister have seen the writing on the wall," a senior Opposition leader remarked. "The haste to pocket nearly ₹7 lakhs in benefits before the election results are out suggests they don't expect to return to power."

Social media has also been abuzz with debates, with many users questioning why a top official would exit mere weeks before the natural conclusion of the government’s term unless a defeat was anticipated.

Betrayal and Backlash: The Bitter ‘Political Exile’ of Kerala’s Party-Hoppers

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Betrayal and Backlash: The Bitter ‘Political Exile’ of Kerala’s Party-Hoppers

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the high-stakes arena of Kerala politics, the 2026 Assembly Elections have delivered a harsh reality check to the “political migratory fish”—those leaders who abandoned their parent organizations for the allure of power. As the dust settles on candidate announcements, figures who once commanded the front lines of the Congress party now find themselves marginalized, proving that switching sides does not always guarantee a “silk shawl and golden bangle.”
The Sarin Setback: From Rebel to Rejected

The most glaring example is Dr. P. Sarin. After a high-decibel exit from the Congress over the Palakkad seat and a subsequent defeat as a Left-backed independent, Sarin has been completely sidelined this time. Despite his vocal tirades against the Congress leadership and his adoption of the “red shawl,” the CPI(M) has reportedly ignored his claim for a ticket in the current elections.

Political observers note that the CPI(M) cadre, known for their deep-rooted loyalty, remained skeptical of a leader who “betrayed” his followers for personal ambition. Sarin now stands as the latest victim of the “use and throw” strategy often attributed to the AKG Centre’s tactical playbook.
The Fall of the ‘Grand Old Tree’: K.V. Thomas

Once a titan in the Congress corridors of power, K.V. Thomas (Thomas Master) has seen a pathetic decline. Seeking refuge at the feet of Pinarayi Vijayan, Thomas was given a high-profile administrative post in Delhi—a move seen by many as a “golden cage” to keep him out of active electoral politics.

The Result: No party membership, no election ticket, and a career relegated to a salary-drawing representative in a corner of the national capital.

Zero Gains for Anil Kumar and Prasanth

The story is no different for K.P. Anil Kumar and P.S. Prashanth.

K.P. Anil Kumar: After resigning from his KPCC leadership role with much fanfare, he has been left with a "zero" in the current candidate list. His fiery speeches for the Left were not enough to convince the CPI(M) leadership to trust him with a constituency.

P.S. Prashanth: Following a similar path of defection, he remains in the political wilderness, reinforcing the sentiment among grassroots workers that "traitors will always be viewed as traitors."

The Hard Lessons of 2026

The current political climate in Kerala offers three distinct lessons for aspiring defectors:

The Trust Deficit: No political movement fully trusts those who abandon their original ideology for immediate gains.

Cadre Resentment: Leadership is often forced to respect the anger of ordinary workers who spill blood for the party and resent "parachute" candidates.

Political Suicide: Crossing over for positions is increasingly being proven as an act of political self-destruction rather than a career advancement.

As the “political merchants” who tried to trade their loyalty for power face this cold isolation, the question remains: will the political landscape of Kerala ever forgive those who put personal greed above organizational integrity?

Stray Dog Menace Grips Second Pinarayi Era: 1.5 Million Bitten, 122 Dead Since 2021

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Stray Dog Menace Grips Second Pinarayi Era: 1.5 Million Bitten, 122 Dead Since 2021

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Shocking data released in the State Assembly indicates that the stray dog crisis in Kerala has reached an unprecedented peak during the tenure of the second Pinarayi Vijayan government. Minister for Local Self-Government, M.B. Rajesh, revealed that over 1.5 million people were bitten by dogs between 2021 and 2025, painting a grim picture of public safety in the state.

Responding to a legislative inquiry on January 27, 2026, the Minister confirmed that the state recorded 1,502,737 dog bite cases and 122 rabies-related deaths in this five-year window. The statistics show a relentless year-on-year increase, suggesting that existing control measures have failed to curb the growing canine population.
A Half-Decade of Escalation

The data highlights a nearly 67% surge in annual bite cases since the second Pinarayi administration took office. In 2021, the state recorded 2.21 lakh cases; by 2025, that figure skyrocketed to 3.69 lakh.

Year-Wise Breakdown (2021–2025):
Year Dog Bite Cases Rabies Deaths
2021 2,21,379 11
2022 2,88,866 27
2023 3,06,427 25
2024 3,16,793 26
2025 3,69,272 33
Total 15,02,737 122

Policy Failures and Public Anxiety

The “Second Pinarayi Era” has seen intensified debates over the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program. Despite the government earmarking significant funds and launching the “Rabies-Free Kerala” project, the rising death toll—peaking at 33 in 2025—has led to widespread criticism from the opposition and the public.

Minister Rajesh noted that the implementation of ABC rules has faced hurdles, including stringent Central Government norms and local resistance to setting up sterilization centers. However, for the citizens of Kerala, the numbers represent a terrifying daily reality where public spaces, including streets and beaches, have become increasingly hazardous.

The Narcotic Shadow: 48,000+ Youth Cases and ₹554 Cr. Haul Mark a Decade of “Drug Mafia” Surge in Kerala

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The Narcotic Shadow: 48,000+ Youth Cases and ₹554 Cr. Haul Mark a Decade of “Drug Mafia” Surge in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – As the state concludes a decade under the Pinarayi Vijayan-led administration, the shadow of a burgeoning drug mafia looms larger than ever. Recent data presented in the State Assembly suggests that 2016–2026 may go down in history as the period when Kerala’s youth became the primary targets—and often the conduits—for a sophisticated narcotics trade.
A Decade of Alarming Growth

Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh, responding to queries in the Assembly on January 27, 2026, revealed that between 2016 and January 20, 2026, the state registered 48,371 cases under the NDPS Act involving students and young adults. This surge highlights a systemic effort by drug syndicates to embed themselves within educational institutions and youth hubs.
The ₹554 Crore Inventory

The financial scale of the seizures over this decade is unprecedented. The total market value of confiscated drugs reached ₹554.57 crore, with high-value synthetic drugs and traditional narcotics flooding the streets.

Value of Major Drug Seizures (2016–2026):

Hashish: ₹272.24 Crore

Cannabis (Ganja): ₹146.13 Crore

Methamphetamine: ₹65.66 Crore

MDMA: ₹60.99 Crore

Heroin: ₹8.30 Crore

Brown Sugar: ₹0.54 Crore

Cocaine: ₹0.42 Crore

Opium: ₹0.29 Crore

The “Source” Problem

While the government points to these high seizure numbers as proof of proactive enforcement, critics argue that the sheer volume proves that the state has become a major destination for traffickers. The most critical failure highlighted is the inability of investigative agencies to identify and dismantle the “Source” of these drugs, which often originate from international routes or industrial synthetic labs outside the state.

Observers note that while thousands of students are booked, the “kingpins” and the logistical backbone of the mafia remain largely intact, creating a cycle that continues to trap the next generation.

Sunil Kanugolu Survey Predicts UDF Wave in Kozhikode; P.V. Anvar to Pull Off Major Upset in Beypore

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Sunil Kanugolu Survey Predicts UDF Wave in Kozhikode; P.V. Anvar to Pull Off Major Upset in Beypore

KOZHIKODE: In what could be a seismic shift in North Kerala’s political landscape, a new survey report by renowned election strategist Sunil Kanugolu suggests a massive wave in favor of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kozhikode district for the upcoming Assembly elections.

The report, which has sent shockwaves through the ruling camp, predicts that the UDF is poised to capture 12 out of the 13 legislative seats in the district. This would be a dramatic reversal from the 2021 results, where the Left Democratic Front (LDF) maintained a dominant hold over the region.
The ‘Anvar Factor’ in Beypore

The most sensational finding of the Kanugolu report is the prediction for the Beypore constituency. Traditionally considered an impregnable fortress of the LDF—currently represented by Public Works Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas—the survey suggests a historic upset.

According to the data, P.V. Anvar, the former Nilambur MLA who recently parted ways with the LDF to form his own political platform, is expected to clinch victory in Beypore. The report attributes this potential “giant-killing” to:

Anvar’s aggressive grassroots campaigning.

A consolidation of minority votes and anti-incumbency sentiments.

Internal fractures within the local LDF cadre following recent political controversies.

Widespread Anti-Incumbency

The survey highlights a “suffocating” level of anti-incumbency against the state government across Kozhikode. Voted out in several traditional strongholds last time, the UDF is now seeing a resurgence in voter trust. The report indicates that even in constituencies where the LDF won by huge margins in the previous election, there is a visible shift in the “mood of the voter.”

Key Takeaways from the Report:
Category Forecast
Total Seats in Kozhikode 13
Predicted UDF Wins 12
Major Upset Beypore (P.V. Anvar victory)
Primary Driver Strong Anti-Government Sentiment

Credit to Politicians, Suspension for the Officer: The Bitter Irony of Kerala’s Overseas Scholarship Hero Prasanth IAS

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Credit to Politicians, Suspension for the Officer: The Bitter Irony of Kerala’s Overseas Scholarship Hero Prasanth IAS

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM — As the election heat intensifies in Kerala, the LDF government has been vigorously highlighting the ‘Unnathi’ Overseas Scholarship as one of its crowning achievements. With 1,160 SC/ST students successfully placed in prestigious foreign universities, the project is a centerpiece of the ruling front’s developmental narrative. However, behind the glossy campaign posters lies a turbulent saga of systemic reform, a fight against recruitment mafias, and the subsequent “witch-hunt” of the officer who made it all possible—Prasanth N. IAS.
The Order That Broke the Lobby

While political leaders now scramble to claim credit for the 1,160 success stories, the foundation of this achievement was laid by a revolutionary Government Order dated August 1, 2023. Sources reveal that before Prasanth IAS took charge, the overseas education sector for underprivileged students was a playground for private recruitment lobbies and middlemen.

Prasanth, known popularly as ‘Collector Bro’, reportedly dismantled this nexus by:

Centralizing Operations: Bringing admission, visa processing, and documentation under a single window.

Empowering ODEPEC: Bypassing private consultancies to entrust the mission to the government-run agency, ODEPEC.

Safety Nets: Introducing mandatory insurance and legal aid for students to prevent them from being stranded abroad—a first for such a state scheme.

The Resistance from Within

The reforms did not come without a price. It is alleged that high-profile consultancy firms—some with alleged links to influential political circles—actively lobbied to stall the project. Internal resistance was equally fierce. Reports suggest that senior bureaucrats, including Dr. A. Jayathilak and K. Gopalakrishnan, frequently locked horns with Prasanth over the implementation of the project.

Insiders state that it was the unwavering support of the then Minister K. Radhakrishnan and the looming threat of judicial intervention that eventually allowed the file to move forward, turning the “Unnathi” dream into a reality for thousands.
Reward for Success: A Suspension Order?

The irony of the situation is stark. Today, as the government uses the 1,160-student milestone to woo voters, the man who engineered the system, Prasanth IAS, remains under suspension. His fallout with the bureaucratic top brass escalated when he publicly accused senior officials of “orchestrating fake reports” and “deliberately sabotaging” welfare files.

While the government maintains that the suspension is purely on disciplinary grounds regarding his social media conduct, supporters of the officer and even some pro-left secretariat staff argue that he is being punished for “cleaning the system.”

"It is a classic case of the system consuming its own reformers," said a senior Secretariat official on condition of anonymity. "The political leadership is happy to harvest the crop, but they have sidelined the person who tilled the soil and fought the locusts."

As the ‘Unnathi’ success story echoes in election rallies, the continued sidelining of its primary architect remains a glaring contradiction in the government’s “pro-people” rhetoric.

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