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‘₹2 Crore Reputation’ Scam: Satheesan Fires Fresh Salvo at Kadakampally Over Temple Theft, Alleges CPM Role

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‘₹2 Crore Reputation’ Scam: Satheesan Fires Fresh Salvo at Kadakampally Over Temple Theft, Alleges CPM Role

Kottayam: Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan has intensified his attack on former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran and the ruling CPI(M) over the alleged theft of a Dvarapalaka sculpture, claiming the minister’s reputation plummeted in value following key arrests in the case.

​Addressing the media in Kottayam, Satheesan alleged that after the arrest of the two accused, Padmakumar and Vasu, the compensation amount Kadakampally Surendran sought from him for defamation dramatically shrank.

​”Kadakampally Surendran sent me a notice seeking a staggering ₹2 Crore in damages after I asked which billionaire the Dvarapalaka sculpture was handed over to. However, when the case reached the court, the demand dropped to just ₹10 Lakh. It was only after Padmakumar and Vasu were arrested that the ₹2 Crore valuation of his reputation was reduced to ₹10 Lakh,” Satheesan stated.

​CPM Complicity Alleged in Conspiracy

​The Opposition leader did not stop at accusing the former minister; he broadened the scope of the allegations, pointing fingers directly at the ruling party.

​Satheesan claimed that Padmakumar and Vasu had provided statements revealing who sent Unnikrishnan Potti and asserted that he possesses evidence detailing the association between Kadakampally and Potti. He confirmed he would present this evidence when the defamation case against him comes up for hearing in court.

​Furthermore, Satheesan alleged that the Devaswom Board and the current Devaswom Minister were complicit in facilitating the latest theft, despite being fully aware of a similar robbery that took place in 2019.

​”The procession towards jail has already begun, and many more will join that procession. The CPM also has a role in this conspiracy,” Satheesan warned. He concluded that the party’s reluctance to take action against the jailed Padmakumar stems from the fear that it would implicate more senior CPM leaders in the controversy.

​‘200% Sure’: Congress MLA Claims DK Shivakumar Will Be Karnataka CM Soon, Fuels Leadership Row

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​‘200% Sure’: Congress MLA Claims DK Shivakumar Will Be Karnataka CM Soon, Fuels Leadership Row

BENGALURU: Political uncertainty is surging in Karnataka as a ruling Congress MLA has unequivocally stated that Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is “200 per cent” certain to take over as the state’s next Chief Minister soon.

​The bold claim was made by Ramanagara MLA Iqbal Hussain, who reaffirmed his confidence in Shivakumar’s elevation amidst mounting speculation over a potential leadership change. The Congress government recently crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term, intensifying the public debate and internal lobbying for the top post, currently held by Siddaramaiah.

​”I always stand by that statement… 200 per cent, he will become the CM soon. The high command will decide,” Hussain stated. He added cryptically that the transfer of power is based on a “secret deal among five to six party leaders, and those five to six people will decide.”

​The declaration comes hot on the heels of a visit by a group of Congress legislators, widely viewed as Shivakumar loyalists, to New Delhi. Their mission was to meet with senior party leaders to push for the Deputy CM’s elevation. The visit follows a separate meeting last week where nearly ten MLAs reportedly met Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.

​The ongoing tussle for leadership has caused alarm within the party. Magadi MLA H. C. Balakrishna emphasized that the central leadership must intervene quickly to resolve the situation. “We went to discuss with the high command to clear the confusion because a final decision is needed. Who becomes CM is not important; the current situation is detrimental to the Congress party,” he stressed, urging an end to the debilitating uncertainty.

​However, Mr. Shivakumar has sought to distance himself from the lobbying efforts. Speaking to reporters, he stated, “I have not called or spoken to any of them. I am not asking why they went. I don’t need to,” suggesting that the MLAs might have travelled to the capital in search of ministerial roles during a proposed cabinet reshuffle. Despite his dismissal, the persistent noise from his staunch supporters ensures the Chief Ministerial leadership question remains the central focus of Karnataka politics.

Global Indian Diaspora: US Overtakes UAE as Home to the Most Indian People

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Global Indian Diaspora: US Overtakes UAE as Home to the Most Indian People

New Delhi: The dynamics of the worldwide Indian diaspora have shifted dramatically, with the United States officially emerging as the country hosting the largest population of Indian people. New figures place the Indian community in the US at an impressive 5,409,062, moving ahead of the traditional Gulf leader, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

​The data highlights a significant trend of migration toward North America, driven largely by professional and educational opportunities. While the Gulf region remains crucial for Indian expatriates, the US and Canada have seen a rapid surge in their Indian-origin populations.

​The Top Five Destinations

​The United Arab Emirates (UAE), long considered the hub for Indian workers and families, now holds the second position with 3,568,848 Indian residents. The difference underscores the growing popularity of Western nations as long-term settlement destinations.

​Rounding out the top five are:

  1. ​United States (5,409,062)
  2. ​United Arab Emirates (3,568,848)
  3. ​Malaysia (2,914,127)
  4. ​Canada (2,875,954)
  5. ​Saudi Arabia (2,463,509)

​Notably, Canada is swiftly catching up, trailing Malaysia by only a few thousand, reflecting its welcoming immigration policies and strong economic pull.

​Traditional and New Migration Corridors

​The list further reveals the importance of historical migration paths. Countries like Myanmar (2,002,660), the United Kingdom (1,864,318), and South Africa (1,700,000) retain large Indian communities, established over centuries.

​However, modern economic migration continues to define the rest of the top 30. Other significant concentrations of Indian expatriates include:

  • ​Kuwait (995,528)
  • ​Australia (976,000)
  • ​Qatar (836,784)
  • ​Oman (686,635)

​The figures underscore the massive global footprint of the Indian diaspora, reaching every corner of the world, from the Caribbean nations like Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana to European countries like Germany, Netherlands, and Italy.

​The data suggests a continued diversification of Indian emigration, moving from Gulf-centric labor migration towards highly skilled, family-settlement patterns primarily concentrated in North America and Oceania.

Kerala SEC Discontinues Home Voting for Local Body Polls; Priority Given to Senior Citizens at Booths

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Kerala SEC Discontinues Home Voting for Local Body Polls; Priority Given to Senior Citizens at Booths

Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant move ahead of the upcoming Local Self-Government (LSG) elections, the Kerala State Election Commission (SEC) has announced the discontinuation of the postal ballot system, popularly known as “vote from home.” This facility, which was previously extended to vulnerable groups during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, will not be implemented this year.

​The decision impacts senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PwDs), and other special consideration groups who had benefitted from the convenience of casting their votes at home during the 2020 local body elections and subsequent Assembly polls. The system involved election officials or healthcare workers visiting residences to collect ballots.

​According to the SEC’s announcement, the complete withdrawal of the home voting system is attributed to the widespread relaxation of COVID-19 safety protocols and restrictions across the state.

​Queue-Free Access Instead of Postal Ballots

​While the home voting facility is being removed, the Commission has assured that measures will be taken to ensure voter convenience for the affected segments. Instead of postal ballots, special consideration will be granted to senior citizens and PwDs at the polling stations. This provision will allow them to skip the general queue and cast their votes swiftly, minimizing wait times and physical strain.

​The home voting system, though helpful for bedridden patients and those in isolation, had sparked controversy in the past. The SEC is now reverting to conventional voting procedures while retaining special privileges at the booth level for vulnerable voters. The upcoming local body polls will thus require all voters, including those previously eligible for home voting, to physically arrive at their designated polling stations.

UDF Manifesto Gets ‘Karnataka Touch’: Promises Subsidized Food with ‘Indira Canteen’ Model in Kerala

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UDF Manifesto Gets ‘Karnataka Touch’: Promises Subsidized Food with ‘Indira Canteen’ Model in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: The United Democratic Front (UDF) has introduced a key promise in its local body election manifesto that draws direct inspiration from the Congress-run government in Karnataka, announcing plans to establish improved canteens, modeled after the successful ‘Indira Canteen’ scheme, to provide food at minimal rates across Kerala.

​This move marks a significant ‘Karnataka Touch’ to the UDF’s developmental agenda, aiming to tackle food insecurity among the poor and floating population in the state.

​Subsidized Meals for the Needy

​The announcement directly references the Indira Canteen scheme, which was first launched by the Congress government in Karnataka. The canteens are designed to cater to the poorest sections of society, including daily wage laborers, students, hospital attendees, and the floating population, who often find hotel food unaffordable.

​The model offers highly subsidized meals:

  • ​Breakfast at ₹5 per plate.
  • ​Lunch and Dinner at ₹10 per plate each.

​Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah first opened the canteens in 2017. He emphasized that the initiative was aimed at providing food and satisfying the hunger of people who might otherwise go to work hungry. Although the network faced neglect after the Congress lost power in 2018, the party began strengthening the scheme again after returning to power in 2023.

​By adopting this proven model, the UDF intends to replicate its success at the local self-government level in Kerala, ensuring that affordable and wholesome food is accessible to all residents.

End of an Era: Bollywood Legend Dharmendra Dies at 89; Funeral in Mumbai Draws Stars and National Mourning

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End of an Era: Bollywood Legend Dharmendra Dies at 89; Funeral in Mumbai Draws Stars and National Mourning

Mumbai: Veteran film icon Dharmendra, celebrated across generations as the ‘He-Man of Bollywood,’ passed away on Monday morning at his residence in Mumbai after a brief illness. He was 89.

​The legendary actor, whose career spanned over six decades and included classics like Sholay, Satyakam, and Phool Aur Patthar, had been discharged from Breach Candy hospital just 12 days prior to his demise. His death comes weeks before his 90th birthday, which was slated for December 8, 2025.

​Final Farewell in Mumbai

​The film industry and national leaders converged in Mumbai to bid farewell to the superstar. Dharmendra’s last rites were performed at the Pawan Hans crematorium.

​The cremation ceremony saw the presence of numerous film fraternity members, including his wife Hema Malini, co-stars like Amitabh Bachchan, and a host of prominent actors such as Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Ranveer Singh, and Govinda, who arrived to offer their final respects to the Deol family.

​Tributes Pour in from Across India

​Condolences poured in from the highest echelons of politics and cinema, highlighting the actor’s universal appeal. Political figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, extended their tributes on social media.

​Cinema legends also expressed their sorrow. Kamal Haasan wrote that Indian cinema had lost one of its kindest icons, while Zeenat Aman remembered him as a “jewel from the Hindi film industry” whose “down to earth demeanour” was a warm comfort on set. Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar also penned an emotional note, stating, “Aisa lagta hai jaise mera 10 kilo khoon kam ho gaya hai.”

​In light of the passing, the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) announced the cancellation of all on-stage events for a day at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) as a mark of respect.

​Dharmendra’s final screen appearance is expected to be in Sriram Raghavan’s much-anticipated war drama Ikkis, which is scheduled for release on December 25, 2025. The film icon leaves behind a towering legacy defined by his versatility, honesty in performance, and unparalleled warmth.

IAS Officer Prasanth Faces govt action After raising Corruption charges against Kerala Chief Secretary

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IAS Officer Prasanth Faces govt action After raising Corruption charges against Kerala Chief Secretary

Thiruvananthapuram: In a stunning turn of events, IAS officer Prasanth Nair has revealed that he is facing fresh disciplinary proceedings, just one week after he formally complained to the Chief Minister’s Office regarding serious allegations of corruption and disproportionate assets against a senior bureaucrat, Dr. Jayathilak.
​Taking to Facebook, Prasanth IAS wrote a sarcastic post, “Congratulations to me again! Timely action has come, but only against me.”

​The Original Complaint

​The controversy began when retired school teacher and RTI activist Anil Bose Kanjirappally submitted a detailed complaint to the Vigilance Department alleging that Dr. Jayathilak, a senior IAS officer, had amassed disproportionate assets and engaged in benami (proxy) property transactions.

Prasanth IAS followed up by submitting a formal complaint to the Chief Minister, the disciplinary authority under All India Service Rule 7, demanding departmental action. He noted that the allegations were corroborated by official records from the government’s own Registration, Revenue, and Survey departments, which allegedly proved that Dr. Jayathilak had misled the government with false affidavits and suppressed property details.

​Action Taken: Against the Whistleblower

​Instead of action against the accused, Prasanth IAS revealed he received news from the media, of a fresh disciplinary proceeding initiated against him, at the behest of Dr. Jayathilak. The formal order was delivered today.

The new action appears to stem from Prasanth’s previous online posts where he highlighted Dr. Jayathilak’s alleged non-cooperation with the Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) during his tenure as Finance Secretary. The officer shared documentary proof showing Dr. Jayathilak’s alleged refusal to respond to repeated letters from the CAG on audit observations.

​The official charge now leveled against Prasanth is that stating the truth about the audit observations has caused “defamation to the departments.”
​
Constitutional and Legal Implications

​Prasanth IAS strongly refuted the charge, citing sections 19(1), 13 to 21, and 24 of the Comptroller and Auditor-General’s (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971. He argued that the non-cooperation with the audit process of a constitutional body like the CAG constitutes a serious, conscious, and illegal attempt to obstruct the audit process.

​”If non-cooperation with the audit of a constitutional body is a government decision, if corruption is state policy, if violating the CAG Act is permissible, and if Dr. Jayathilak is ‘the Government’—then I respectfully bow to the order that he signed,” Prasanth wrote.
​He concluded by questioning the perceived impunity, asking what special privilege a senior officer holds over a village assistant or traffic policeman caught taking a bribe, noting that they do not claim to be “the state” to silence critics. He ended with a powerful historical reference: “‘I am the state!’ – the delusion of being the government is a passing fantasy for many in history. Great dictators, kings, and rulers who went through this psychologically delusional phase are all dumped in the dustbin of history.”

​The development has reignited public debate over accountability and the protection of officers who report corruption within the state bureaucracy. The inaction of the Chief Minister despite large scale corruption allegations against the Chief Secretary has ignited speculations about the involvement of political corruption in these matters.

Messi Magic Continues: Reaches Staggering 1300 Career Goal Contributions in Inter Miami Playoff Thriller

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Messi Magic Continues: Reaches Staggering 1300 Career Goal Contributions in Inter Miami Playoff Thriller

Lionel Messi has once again rewritten the history books, demonstrating his timeless brilliance by reaching the monumental figure of 1300 career goal contributions (Goals and Assists) during a pivotal MLS Playoff match for Inter Miami CF tonight.

​The Argentine maestro delivered an exceptional performance, directly contributing to all four goals in a crucial victory that sends the Herons deeper into the postseason. Messi’s stat line for the evening was a breathtaking one goal and three assists, solidifying his claim as the sport’s most prolific playmaker and finisher.

​The Astounding Numbers

​The 1300 G/A milestone is comprised of:

  • ​Goals: 896
  • ​Assists: 404
  • ​Total Goal Contributions: 1300

​The achievement further cements Messi’s legacy, placing him in an elite category of athletes who have sustained unparalleled offensive output across two decades at the highest level of professional football.

​Playoff Masterclass

​In a tightly contested and high-pressure playoff encounter, Inter Miami desperately needed inspiration, and the World Cup winner delivered. His three assists were textbook examples of his vision—a perfectly weighted through ball, a delicate chip over the defense, and a precision cut-back from the flank. He capped the evening with a trademark finish from outside the box, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.

​”It’s incredible what he does,” said Inter Miami Head Coach, who declined to be named, following the match. “Thirteen hundred goal involvements is not just a statistic; it’s a testament to his longevity, genius, and dedication. He’s making the difference when it matters most in the playoffs.”

​As Inter Miami look ahead to the next round, the focus remains firmly on the form of their captain. With milestones still being broken and game-winning performances delivered, the Messi era in MLS is proving to be as electrifying as fans worldwide had hoped.

UDF Unveils Ambitious Manifesto for Kerala Local Polls: Pledges ‘Aasraya 2.0,’ 48-Hour Pothole Fix, and ‘Pink Washrooms’

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UDF Unveils Ambitious Manifesto for Kerala Local Polls: Pledges ‘Aasraya 2.0,’ 48-Hour Pothole Fix, and ‘Pink Washrooms’

Kochi : The United Democratic Front (UDF) has officially unveiled its manifesto for the upcoming Kerala Local Body Elections, promising a five-year blueprint aimed at achieving fundamental, citizen-centric changes in both urban and rural areas.

​Speaking at the launch, Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan asserted that the manifesto comprises “fully implementable projects,” formulated after extensive study and deliberation. He expressed confidence that the people of Kerala would embrace the UDF’s vision for local governance.

​The manifesto, designed to be a “people’s document,” places special emphasis on poverty alleviation, swift infrastructure repair, and modernizing public services.

​Key Highlights of the UDF Manifesto

​The core of the UDF’s development agenda is structured around several critical sectors:

​1. Poverty and Welfare

The UDF has promised to reintroduce and strengthen the poverty alleviation program with ‘Aasraya 2.0,’ which aims to mitigate the poverty experienced by Yellow and Pink ration cardholders. This includes a special action plan and the introduction of an improved ‘Indira Canteen’ model to provide food at subsidized rates.

​2. Infrastructure and Urban Development

Addressing the public’s perennial frustrations with poor roads, the manifesto outlines aggressive timelines for repair:

  • ​An Emergency Team will be constituted to fix potholes on local roads within 48 hours of receiving a complaint.
  • ​All severely damaged Panchayat roads are slated for repair within the first 100 days of the UDF assuming power.
  • ​To tackle seasonal flooding in cities, the UDF proposes implementing the ‘Operation Anantha Model’ for permanent solutions to waterlogging.

​3. Health, Sanitation, and the Stray Dog Menace

Public health and cleanliness are designated as the primary responsibility of local governing bodies. Key initiatives include:

  • ​Implementing world-class, modern technology for efficient waste management, including setting up compost units in all wards and biogas plants in cities within one year.
  • ​A firm commitment to control the stray dog menace through the strict implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program alongside scientific meat waste disposal. The plan also includes establishing modern abattoirs and a Dog Shelter in every assembly constituency.
  • ​Modernizing Anganwadis and setting up dedicated sanitation squads.

​4. Social Justice and Empowerment

  • ​Women and Youth: A ‘Youth Advisory Council’ with 50% female representation will be formed. Furthermore, the manifesto guarantees the construction of ‘Pink Washrooms’ for women across public spaces and specific funds for women entrepreneurs.
  • ​Housing: The goal of ‘housing for all’ will be achieved by identifying beneficiaries through Grama Sabhas and providing rental assistance to low-income families.
  • ​Employment: The state-level ‘Ayyankali Employment Guarantee Scheme’ will be reformed to guarantee 100 days of work, bringing it on par with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

​5. Governance and Decentralization

The UDF proposes deep decentralization reforms, including providing an unconditional development fund to wards and treating local body development funds as an entitlement. Policy innovations include the establishment of ‘Nyay Panchayats’ (Justice Panchayats) and a drive towards achieving Carbon-Neutral Local Bodies.

​Scathing Criticism of the Ruling Front

​Mr. Satheesan used the occasion to launch a sharp attack on the ruling CPI(M) government, criticizing them over the recent rejection of nomination papers for the election. He described the actions—alleging the use of officials to dismiss applications on flimsy grounds—as anti-democratic and questioned, “What difference is there between the BJP and the CPI(M)?”

​He further accused the CPI(M) of controlling government officials, but concluded with a firm conviction that UDF candidates would secure a resounding majority despite these alleged tactics.

Kerala Political Earthquake: UDF Roars Back with 93% Win Rate Since 2021, Pinarayi Vijayan’s LDF Faces ‘Zero’ Success

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Kerala Political Earthquake: UDF Roars Back with 93% Win Rate Since 2021, Pinarayi Vijayan’s LDF Faces ‘Zero’ Success

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, November 24, 2025 — The political landscape of Kerala has seen a dramatic shift since the historic re-election of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in 2021. According to an analysis of electoral outcomes, the Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) has achieved a stunning 93% victory rate in major elections held over the last four years, while the ruling LDF, directly led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, has reportedly been relegated to a 0% success rate.

​The data suggests a significant erosion of public support for the LDF, marking a series of crushing defeats for the front led by the Chief Minister.

​The UDF Resurgence and LDF’s Electoral Drought

​Political victories are the ultimate barometer of public opinion, and by this metric, the opposition UDF has overwhelmingly dominated. The analysis highlights that in every significant by-election and general election since 2021, the UDF has emerged victorious, signaling a powerful anti-incumbency wave.

​Under the leadership of V. D. Satheesan, the UDF successfully rebranded itself as ‘Team UDF’, capitalizing on growing discontent against the government.

​Key Electoral Milestones since 2021:

  • ​By-Elections: The UDF swept nearly all key by-elections, securing record margins in constituencies like Thrikkakara, Puthuppally, Nilambur, Palakkad, and Wayanad. While the LDF managed to retain the Chelakkara seat, the UDF significantly slashed the LDF’s 2021 majority of 40,000 votes down to just 12,000, demonstrating a clear shift in momentum.
  • ​2024 Lok Sabha Election: The UDF delivered a decisive victory in the national polls, capturing 18 out of the 20 Lok Sabha seats in the state. The LDF’s sole triumph was in Alathur, attributed largely to the personal popularity of K. Radhakrishnan, further highlighting the party’s dependence on individual charisma rather than front-wide appeal.

​Factors Behind the LDF’s Downfall

​The dramatic fall from grace for the LDF is attributed to a combination of internal issues and public alienation. Political commentators point to widespread anti-incumbency fueled by the perceived arrogance of the Chief Minister and alleged mismanagement.

​Furthermore, controversies surrounding the cabinet reshuffle, particularly the inclusion of the Chief Minister’s son-in-law, P. A. Muhammad Riyas, while sidelining experienced veterans, reportedly resulted in an ineffective council of ministers that failed to deliver governance.

​The mounting political pressure has also been exacerbated by major corruption allegations. The Chief Minister’s legacy is now increasingly entangled with the Sabarimala Gold Smuggling case, a major scandal that saw multiple CPI(M) leaders jailed and which critics argue will define his place in history.

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