A political controversy erupted in Kerala on Saturday (May 23) after the newly elected UDF government appointed State Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Kelkar as Secretary to Chief Minister V D Satheesan.&nbsp;According to the government order, “Dr Rathan U Kelkar, IAS (KL 2003), Chief Electoral Officer, Kerala &amp; Secretary, Election Department, is transferred and posted as Secretary to the Chief Minister.”&nbsp;The appointment triggered sharp criticism from the BJP, which accused the Congress of hypocrisy and linked the move to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s earlier remarks on the independence of the Election Commission.&nbsp;The BJP pointed out that Rahul Gandhi had earlier criticised the appointment of West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal as Chief Secretary under the BJP government.&nbsp;Kerala BJP, in a Facebook post, said, “Ratan Kelkar, the former Chief Electoral Officer of Kerala, has been appointed as the Secretary to Chief Minister VD Satheesan. According to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's logic, Ratan Kelkar's appointment is to be seen as a reward for the huge victory achieved by the Congress in Kerala. The Congress should stop this kind of politics that is misleading the people.”&nbsp;BJP leader Amit Malviya also attacked the Congress over the appointment and accused Rahul Gandhi of selective criticism.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-there-is-chance-iran-will-accept-a-deal-to-end-war-as-soon-as-today-says-marco-rubio-1779546574416">‘There is chance Iran will accept a deal to end war as soon as today,’ says Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;“Rahul Gandhi's selective outrage stands exposed yet again,” Malviya wrote on X.He further said, “Now compare that with Congress-ruled Kerala. Ratan U Kelkar, a 2003-batch Kerala cadre IAS officer who is not even the senior-most officer in the state, is being appointed Secretary to Chief Minister V D Satheean while continuing as Kerala's Chief Electoral Officer, a position that demands institutional neutrality and independence.”&nbsp;The controversy comes days after the Congress-led UDF registered a massive victory in the Kerala Assembly elections by winning 102 seats, with Congress alone securing 63 seats.

The BJP cited Rahul Gandhi’s earlier criticism of the BJP government in West Bengal over the appointment of then Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal as Chief Secretary, and accused the Congress of adopting double standards in Kerala

A political controversy erupted in Kerala on Saturday (May 23) after the newly elected UDF government appointed State Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Kelkar as Secretary to Chief Minister V D Satheesan. According to the government order, “Dr Rathan U Kelkar, IAS (KL 2003), Chief Electoral Officer, Kerala & Secretary, Election Department, is transferred and posted as Secretary to the Chief Minister.” The appointment triggered sharp criticism from the BJP, which accused the Congress of hypocrisy and linked the move to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s earlier remarks on the independence of the Election Commission. The BJP pointed out that Rahul Gandhi had earlier criticised the appointment of West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal as Chief Secretary under the BJP government. Kerala BJP, in a Facebook post, said, “Ratan Kelkar, the former Chief Electoral Officer of Kerala, has been appointed as the Secretary to Chief Minister VD Satheesan. According to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's logic, Ratan Kelkar's appointment is to be seen as a reward for the huge victory achieved by the Congress in Kerala. The Congress should stop this kind of politics that is misleading the people.” BJP leader Amit Malviya also attacked the Congress over the appointment and accused Rahul Gandhi of selective criticism. Also Read: ‘There is chance Iran will accept a deal to end war as soon as today,’ says Marco Rubio “Rahul Gandhi's selective outrage stands exposed yet again,” Malviya wrote on X. He further said, “Now compare that with Congress-ruled Kerala. Ratan U Kelkar, a 2003-batch Kerala cadre IAS officer who is not even the senior-most officer in the state, is being appointed Secretary to Chief Minister V D Satheean while continuing as Kerala's Chief Electoral Officer, a position that demands institutional neutrality and independence.” The controversy comes days after the Congress-led UDF registered a massive victory in the Kerala Assembly elections by winning 102 seats, with Congress alone securing 63 seats.

The BJP cited Rahul Gandhi’s earlier criticism of the BJP government in West Bengal over the appointment of then Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal as Chief Secretary, and accused the Congress of adopting double standards in Kerala

Kerala Chief Electoral Officer named CM secretary; BJP accuses Rahul Gandhi of hypocrisy

The UDF government led by V D Satheesan announced Kerala cabinet portfolios, with Ramesh Chennithala getting Home and Vigilance. Here's the full list.

Kerala cabinet portfolios announced: Who got which department? Full list here

V D Satheesan took oath as Kerala CM with a 21-member UDF Cabinet featuring veteran leaders, political heirs, youth faces and first-time MLAs from Congress and allies.

Who’s in CM VD Satheesan’s cabinet? Meet the new Kerala UDF ministers

Shortly after assuming office as the Chief Minister of Kerala, V D Satheesan on Monday (May 18) chaired the first Cabinet meeting of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government and rolled out a series of welfare-focused decisions, including free Kerala State Road Transport Corporation bus travel for women, the creation of a dedicated department for elderly welfare, and a hike in the honorarium of ASHA workers.&nbsp;Addressing the media after the meeting, the Chief Minister said the Cabinet approved a ₹3,000 monthly increase in the honorarium of ASHA workers, fulfilling a key assurance made during their prolonged protest outside the Secretariat.&nbsp;The Cabinet also cleared a monthly increase of ₹1,000 each for Anganwadi workers and helpers, school cooking staff, pre-primary teachers, and ayahs.&nbsp;In another major decision, the Cabinet approved the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the alleged attack on Youth Congress leaders during the Nava Kerala Yatra in 2023.&nbsp;The decisions came hours after V D Satheesan was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Kerala, marking the return of the Congress-led UDF government to power after a decade following its sweeping victory in the 2026 Assembly elections.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-responds-to-a-new-us-proposal-to-end-war-will-there-be-a-breakthrough-1779093137279">'Via Pakistani mediator': Iran responds to new US proposal to end war - Will there be a breakthrough?</a>&nbsp;Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office to Satheesan and his 20-member Cabinet during a ceremony held in Thiruvananthapuram.&nbsp;The swearing-in ceremony witnessed the presence of several senior political leaders, underlining the national significance of the UDF’s electoral victory. Among those present were Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and K. C. Venugopal.Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers from Congress-ruled states, including Siddaramaiah, D. K. Shivakumar, A. Revanth Reddy, and Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, also attended the event.&nbsp;Former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, former Assembly Speaker A. N. Shamseer, Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, and CPI leader Binoy Viswam were also present at the ceremony.<h2>Rahul Gandhi congratulates Satheesan</h2>Congratulating the new Chief Minister and his Cabinet, Rahul Gandhi said the new government would function in line with the aspirations of the people of Kerala.&nbsp;“The people of Kerala fought for this government. Their voice will guide it. Warm congratulations to V D Satheesan ji and the entire cabinet, who will now represent the voice of every Keralite,” he wrote in a post on X.

In its first major decision, Kerala’s UDF government announced free bus travel for women on state-run buses, along with a ₹3,000 monthly increase in the honorarium of ASHA workers and a ₹1,000 hike for Anganwadi workers.

Shortly after assuming office as the Chief Minister of Kerala, V D Satheesan on Monday (May 18) chaired the first Cabinet meeting of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government and rolled out a series of welfare-focused decisions, including free Kerala State Road Transport Corporation bus travel for women, the creation of a dedicated department for elderly welfare, and a hike in the honorarium of ASHA workers. Addressing the media after the meeting, the Chief Minister said the Cabinet approved a ₹3,000 monthly increase in the honorarium of ASHA workers, fulfilling a key assurance made during their prolonged protest outside the Secretariat. The Cabinet also cleared a monthly increase of ₹1,000 each for Anganwadi workers and helpers, school cooking staff, pre-primary teachers, and ayahs. In another major decision, the Cabinet approved the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the alleged attack on Youth Congress leaders during the Nava Kerala Yatra in 2023. The decisions came hours after V D Satheesan was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Kerala, marking the return of the Congress-led UDF government to power after a decade following its sweeping victory in the 2026 Assembly elections. Also Read: 'Via Pakistani mediator': Iran responds to new US proposal to end war - Will there be a breakthrough? Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office to Satheesan and his 20-member Cabinet during a ceremony held in Thiruvananthapuram. The swearing-in ceremony witnessed the presence of several senior political leaders, underlining the national significance of the UDF’s electoral victory. Among those present were Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and K. C. Venugopal. Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers from Congress-ruled states, including Siddaramaiah, D. K. Shivakumar, A. Revanth Reddy, and Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, also attended the event. Former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, former Assembly Speaker A. N. Shamseer, Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, and CPI leader Binoy Viswam were also present at the ceremony. Rahul Gandhi congratulates Satheesan Congratulating the new Chief Minister and his Cabinet, Rahul Gandhi said the new government would function in line with the aspirations of the people of Kerala. “The people of Kerala fought for this government. Their voice will guide it. Warm congratulations to V D Satheesan ji and the entire cabinet, who will now represent the voice of every Keralite,” he wrote in a post on X.

In its first major decision, Kerala’s UDF government announced free bus travel for women on state-run buses, along with a ₹3,000 monthly increase in the honorarium of ASHA workers and a ₹1,000 hike for Anganwadi workers.

Kerala CM V D Satheesan announces free bus travel for women, special department for elderly in first Cabinet meeting

Following the Congress-led United Democratic Front’s (UDF) sweeping victory in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, the race for the Chief Minister’s post has intensified, with senior Congress leaders VD Satheesan, KC Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala emerging as key contenders.&nbsp;A large group of Congress workers marched from the Palayam Martyrs’ Memorial on Thursday (May 08), demanding that the current Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan be appointed the next Chief Minister of Kerala. Supporters raised slogans in his favour as pressure mounted on the party leadership ahead of the final decision.&nbsp;At the same time, posters of Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal appeared along Trivandrum Road earlier this week as party workers celebrated the UDF’s massive election victory. The posters further fuelled speculation over who would eventually be chosen to lead the new government.&nbsp;Congress leader K Muraleedharan said the final decision on the Chief Ministerial face would be taken by the party high command after consultations with senior leaders from Kerala.&nbsp;Speaking after the Congress Legislature Party meeting at the Kerala Congress headquarters, Muraleedharan said the party’s central observers had already left for Delhi and would submit their report to the leadership.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-cm-rekha-gupta-orders-fire-building-audits-after-surprise-school-inspection-1778256311147">Delhi CM Rekha Gupta orders fire, building audits after surprise school inspection</a>&nbsp;“The central observers will submit their report today... The decision will be taken by the high command tomorrow in consultation with the senior leaders of Kerala... The name will probably be announced the day after tomorrow... The decision of the high command is final,” he said.&nbsp;Muraleedharan also said that despite internal differences, all party leaders would unite once the high command announces its final choice.&nbsp;The UDF secured a commanding victory in the 140-member Assembly, winning 102 seats in the April 9 elections. Congress emerged as the single largest party in the alliance with 63 seats, while its key ally, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), won 22 seats.Meanwhile, tensions escalated in Kerala’s Kottayam district on Friday after a Congress worker allegedly attempted self-immolation while demanding that VD Satheesan be made Chief Minister.&nbsp;According to witnesses, the worker, identified as Francis, arrived at a busy junction in Kaduthuruthy and raised slogans in support of Satheesan. He then allegedly poured petrol on himself in public and threatened to take the extreme step, saying he was frustrated over the ongoing leadership uncertainty within the party.&nbsp;The incident added to the growing political pressure on the Congress leadership as the party prepares to announce Kerala’s next Chief Minister.

A large group of Congress workers marched from the Palayam Martyrs’ Memorial on Thursday, demanding that the current Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan be appointed the next Chief Minister of Kerala.

Following the Congress-led United Democratic Front’s (UDF) sweeping victory in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, the race for the Chief Minister’s post has intensified, with senior Congress leaders VD Satheesan, KC Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala emerging as key contenders. A large group of Congress workers marched from the Palayam Martyrs’ Memorial on Thursday (May 08), demanding that the current Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan be appointed the next Chief Minister of Kerala. Supporters raised slogans in his favour as pressure mounted on the party leadership ahead of the final decision. At the same time, posters of Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal appeared along Trivandrum Road earlier this week as party workers celebrated the UDF’s massive election victory. The posters further fuelled speculation over who would eventually be chosen to lead the new government. Congress leader K Muraleedharan said the final decision on the Chief Ministerial face would be taken by the party high command after consultations with senior leaders from Kerala. Speaking after the Congress Legislature Party meeting at the Kerala Congress headquarters, Muraleedharan said the party’s central observers had already left for Delhi and would submit their report to the leadership. Also Read: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta orders fire, building audits after surprise school inspection “The central observers will submit their report today... The decision will be taken by the high command tomorrow in consultation with the senior leaders of Kerala... The name will probably be announced the day after tomorrow... The decision of the high command is final,” he said. Muraleedharan also said that despite internal differences, all party leaders would unite once the high command announces its final choice. The UDF secured a commanding victory in the 140-member Assembly, winning 102 seats in the April 9 elections. Congress emerged as the single largest party in the alliance with 63 seats, while its key ally, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), won 22 seats. Meanwhile, tensions escalated in Kerala’s Kottayam district on Friday after a Congress worker allegedly attempted self-immolation while demanding that VD Satheesan be made Chief Minister. According to witnesses, the worker, identified as Francis, arrived at a busy junction in Kaduthuruthy and raised slogans in support of Satheesan. He then allegedly poured petrol on himself in public and threatened to take the extreme step, saying he was frustrated over the ongoing leadership uncertainty within the party. The incident added to the growing political pressure on the Congress leadership as the party prepares to announce Kerala’s next Chief Minister.

A large group of Congress workers marched from the Palayam Martyrs’ Memorial on Thursday, demanding that the current Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan be appointed the next Chief Minister of Kerala.

Kerala CM race intensifies as VD Satheesan supporters launch street march

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday stepped up his criticism of the Congress party, an ally of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc, asserting that its leaders were defecting to the BJP. Watch in for more details!

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan slams Congress over Defections

“Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm”, said Winston Churchill. These words drive Election King’ K Padmarajan, for whom losing is winning. The 61-year old independent candidate is now gearing up for three election battles from two Southern Indian states - Tamil Nadu and Kerala. His motto - Losing, just as he has been since 1988 when he first contested in the polls.&nbsp;

Ask him the names of leaders he’s contested against, and the list goes “Vajpayee, Narasimha Rao, Manmohan Singh, Jayalalithaa, Karunanidhi, AK Antony, Yeddyurappa, SM Krishna, APJ Abdul Kalam, Ramnath Kovind, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi”. This time around, for the Assembly polls in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, as usual, he’s picked the biggest names to contest against - Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami (who is contesting in his home turf Edappadi) and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan who is contesting from Dharmadom in Kannur, besides Mettur Assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu, where Padmarajan resides.&nbsp;

After having filed his 217th nomination to face the polls, Padmarajan is a happy man, hopeful of successfully losing this time as well. His aim is to prove that even common citizens can be in the poll fray - whether the post up for grabs is that of a Member of Legislative Assembly, Member of Parliament or even the President of India.&nbsp;

Having spent over Rs.50 lakhs, for contesting and continuously losing at the polls over the last 33 years, Padmarajan has made it to several record books, including the Limca Book of Records.&nbsp;

“I am the only Election King in the world” Padmarajan proclaims proudly. He’s also approached India’s Election Commission to register his party - the Election King Failure party. He hopes that his streak of losses will one day get him a place in the Guinness Book of world records.

“Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm”, said Winston Churchill. These words drive Election King’ K Padmarajan, for whom losing is winning.

“Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm”, said Winston Churchill. These words drive Election King’ K Padmarajan, for whom losing is winning. The 61-year old independent candidate is now gearing up for three election battles from two Southern Indian states - Tamil Nadu and Kerala. His motto - Losing, just as he has been since 1988 when he first contested in the polls. Ask him the names of leaders he’s contested against, and the list goes “Vajpayee, Narasimha Rao, Manmohan Singh, Jayalalithaa, Karunanidhi, AK Antony, Yeddyurappa, SM Krishna, APJ Abdul Kalam, Ramnath Kovind, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi”. This time around, for the Assembly polls in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, as usual, he’s picked the biggest names to contest against - Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami (who is contesting in his home turf Edappadi) and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan who is contesting from Dharmadom in Kannur, besides Mettur Assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu, where Padmarajan resides. After having filed his 217th nomination to face the polls, Padmarajan is a happy man, hopeful of successfully losing this time as well. His aim is to prove that even common citizens can be in the poll fray - whether the post up for grabs is that of a Member of Legislative Assembly, Member of Parliament or even the President of India. Having spent over Rs.50 lakhs, for contesting and continuously losing at the polls over the last 33 years, Padmarajan has made it to several record books, including the Limca Book of Records. “I am the only Election King in the world” Padmarajan proclaims proudly. He’s also approached India’s Election Commission to register his party - the Election King Failure party. He hopes that his streak of losses will one day get him a place in the Guinness Book of world records.

Meet the independent candidate taking on Tamil Nadu CM and Kerala CM 

Kerala Assembly on Tuesday passed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-cm-should-resign-and-say-i-dont-have-trust-in-constitution-says-gvl-narasimha-rao-271248">resolution seeking withdrawal</a> of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.

Before the resolution was passed against the Act, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a special Assembly session targetted RSS and said that citizenship law is part of an agenda.

"The CAA is part of an agenda. Muslims are being considered as internal enemies by RSS, who is controlling the ruling dispensation at the Centre," he alleged.

Cornering the BJP and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cab-to-function-like-a-one-time-drive-says-top-rss-functionary-267715">RSS</a>, Vijayan read a portion of a book by Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar and alleged that the "RSS is following ideas of Hitler".

The resolution moved by the Chief Minister earlier in the day was supported by all other parties except BJP that has a lone member O Rajagopal in the Assembly.

Moving the resolution Vijayan said, "The Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019 has sparked great agitation across the country. University students, workers, employees and public figures, including people from all walks of life, have come out in strong protest. This form of religious discrimination has created a false impression in the international community about our country."

"The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-is-humanitarian-opposition-creating-panic-among-people-bs-yediyurappa-271064">Citizenship (Amendment) Act</a> has raised concerns among the Malayalee community living around the world. It is in this context that the Kerala Legislative Assembly is discussing the resolution on the Act," he added.

Pinarayi said that the Act divides people on religious lines.

"There is a general feeling across the country that religion-based discriminatory provisions have been introduced in the CAA. It has spread to the streets as protests. The basis of this objection is that the amendment has been enacted by ideas which challenge the fundamental principles of our Constitution and democracy," he said.

Making clear that Kerala will not carry forward the National Population Register (NPR) process and will not build detention centres, he said: "It is important to address concerns raised in the context of the new citizenship law. Census-like activities are something that should be carried out with the full cooperation of the people."

"Attempts to make it in line with the vision of the Centre will only raise concerns. That is why it has been decided to stop the preparation of the National Register of Citizens as currently announced and the NPR for which information will be collected. At the same time, the state government is fully cooperating with the usual census related activities," he said.

He said all processes connected to detention centres has been stopped. "No detention centres will come up in Kerala," he asserted.

The new law grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

Also Watch: Gravitas: Jagmeet Singh: CAA is wrong

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Kerala Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. Before the resolution was passed against the Act, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a special Assembly session targetted RSS and said that citizenship law is part of an agenda.

Kerala Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. Before the resolution was passed against the Act, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a special Assembly session targetted RSS and said that citizenship law is part of an agenda. "The CAA is part of an agenda. Muslims are being considered as internal enemies by RSS, who is controlling the ruling dispensation at the Centre," he alleged. Cornering the BJP and RSS, Vijayan read a portion of a book by Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar and alleged that the "RSS is following ideas of Hitler". The resolution moved by the Chief Minister earlier in the day was supported by all other parties except BJP that has a lone member O Rajagopal in the Assembly. Moving the resolution Vijayan said, "The Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019 has sparked great agitation across the country. University students, workers, employees and public figures, including people from all walks of life, have come out in strong protest. This form of religious discrimination has created a false impression in the international community about our country." "The Citizenship (Amendment) Act has raised concerns among the Malayalee community living around the world. It is in this context that the Kerala Legislative Assembly is discussing the resolution on the Act," he added. Pinarayi said that the Act divides people on religious lines. "There is a general feeling across the country that religion-based discriminatory provisions have been introduced in the CAA. It has spread to the streets as protests. The basis of this objection is that the amendment has been enacted by ideas which challenge the fundamental principles of our Constitution and democracy," he said. Making clear that Kerala will not carry forward the National Population Register (NPR) process and will not build detention centres, he said: "It is important to address concerns raised in the context of the new citizenship law. Census-like activities are something that should be carried out with the full cooperation of the people." "Attempts to make it in line with the vision of the Centre will only raise concerns. That is why it has been decided to stop the preparation of the National Register of Citizens as currently announced and the NPR for which information will be collected. At the same time, the state government is fully cooperating with the usual census related activities," he said. He said all processes connected to detention centres has been stopped. "No detention centres will come up in Kerala," he asserted. The new law grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014. Also Watch: Gravitas: Jagmeet Singh: CAA is wrong ×

Kerala Assembly passes resolution seeking withdrawal of CAA

After the Kerala Assembly passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP GVL Narasimha Rao said that Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-urges-state-leaders-mamata-vijayan-to-not-stop-updating-npr-270061">Pinarayi Vijayan</a> should resign and say that he does not have trust in the Constitution.

When asked about the resolution passed by the Kerala Assembly, Rao said, "CAA is Central law passed by both Houses of Parliament. If you are passing a resolution against it that means you are making a mockery of the Indian Constitution through which you are the Chief Minister."

"In this case, Pinarayi Vijayan should resign from the (state) government and say I don't have trust in the Constitution," Rao added.

The Kerala Assembly passed the resolution on Tuesday.

Before the resolution was passed against the Act, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a special Assembly session targeted RSS and said that citizenship law is part of an agenda.

"The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/anti-caa-protests-a-ticking-ignorance-bomb-and-a-sheer-vandalism-with-truth-269453">CAA</a> is part of an agenda. Muslims are being considered as internal enemies by RSS, who is controlling the ruling dispensation at the Centre," he alleged.

Cornering the BJP and RSS, Vijayan read a portion of a book by Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar and alleged that the "RSS is following ideas of Hitler".

The resolution moved by the Chief Minister earlier in the day was supported by all other parties except BJP that has a lone member O Rajagopal in the Assembly.

Moving the resolution Vijayan said, "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-is-humanitarian-opposition-creating-panic-among-people-bs-yediyurappa-271064">The Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019</a> has sparked great agitation across the country. University students, workers, employees and public figures, including people from all walks of life, have come out in strong protest. This form of religious discrimination has created a false impression in the international community about our country."

"The Citizenship (Amendment) Act has raised concerns among the Malayalee community living around the world. It is in this context that the Kerala Legislative Assembly is discussing the resolution on the Act," he added.

Pinarayi said that the Act divides people on religious lines.

"There is a general feeling across the country that religion-based discriminatory provisions have been introduced in the CAA. It has spread to the streets as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/caa-and-nrc-protests-addressing-concerns-of-protesters-a-must-for-government-268749">protests</a>. The basis of this objection is that the amendment has been enacted by ideas which challenge the fundamental principles of our Constitution and democracy," he said.

The new law grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists, and Christians fleeing religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

After the Kerala Assembly passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP GVL Narasimha Rao said that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan should resign and say that he does not have trust in the Constitution.

After the Kerala Assembly passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP GVL Narasimha Rao said that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan should resign and say that he does not have trust in the Constitution. When asked about the resolution passed by the Kerala Assembly, Rao said, "CAA is Central law passed by both Houses of Parliament. If you are passing a resolution against it that means you are making a mockery of the Indian Constitution through which you are the Chief Minister." "In this case, Pinarayi Vijayan should resign from the (state) government and say I don't have trust in the Constitution," Rao added. The Kerala Assembly passed the resolution on Tuesday. Before the resolution was passed against the Act, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a special Assembly session targeted RSS and said that citizenship law is part of an agenda. "The CAA is part of an agenda. Muslims are being considered as internal enemies by RSS, who is controlling the ruling dispensation at the Centre," he alleged. Cornering the BJP and RSS, Vijayan read a portion of a book by Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar and alleged that the "RSS is following ideas of Hitler". The resolution moved by the Chief Minister earlier in the day was supported by all other parties except BJP that has a lone member O Rajagopal in the Assembly. Moving the resolution Vijayan said, "The Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019 has sparked great agitation across the country. University students, workers, employees and public figures, including people from all walks of life, have come out in strong protest. This form of religious discrimination has created a false impression in the international community about our country." "The Citizenship (Amendment) Act has raised concerns among the Malayalee community living around the world. It is in this context that the Kerala Legislative Assembly is discussing the resolution on the Act," he added. Pinarayi said that the Act divides people on religious lines. "There is a general feeling across the country that religion-based discriminatory provisions have been introduced in the CAA. It has spread to the streets as protests. The basis of this objection is that the amendment has been enacted by ideas which challenge the fundamental principles of our Constitution and democracy," he said. The new law grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists, and Christians fleeing religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

Kerala CM should resign and say I don't have trust in Constitution, says GVL Narasimha Rao

Congress Member of Parliament (MP) from Wayanad Rahul Gandhi on Friday wrote a letter to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urging him to help flood-affected families who have lost their essential documents due to floods in his constituency.

The MP has requested the Chief Minister to designate a nodal officer in the district who can ensure the door-step delivery of duplicate documents to the flood-affected families.

"Instead of expecting the flood victims to approach many offices, you may like to designate a nodal officer at the office of District Collector, to receive a consolidated application from the affected families, with details of the lost documents. The nodal officer may coordinate with the respective departments, collect the duplicate copies of the documents and door deliver to the families," the letter stated.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will also take stock of flood relief operations in his parliamentary constituency, Wayanad during a three-day visit starting from Monday.

Gandhi had visited his constituency earlier this month to review the flood relief measures.

Twelve people lost their lives in Wayanad while seven were missing after heavy rains and floods battered the region.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Congress Member of Parliament (MP) from Wayanad Rahul Gandhi on Friday wrote a letter to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urging him to help flood-affected families who have lost their essential documents due to floods in his constituency.

Congress Member of Parliament (MP) from Wayanad Rahul Gandhi on Friday wrote a letter to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urging him to help flood-affected families who have lost their essential documents due to floods in his constituency. The MP has requested the Chief Minister to designate a nodal officer in the district who can ensure the door-step delivery of duplicate documents to the flood-affected families. "Instead of expecting the flood victims to approach many offices, you may like to designate a nodal officer at the office of District Collector, to receive a consolidated application from the affected families, with details of the lost documents. The nodal officer may coordinate with the respective departments, collect the duplicate copies of the documents and door deliver to the families," the letter stated. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will also take stock of flood relief operations in his parliamentary constituency, Wayanad during a three-day visit starting from Monday. Gandhi had visited his constituency earlier this month to review the flood relief measures. Twelve people lost their lives in Wayanad while seven were missing after heavy rains and floods battered the region.

Arrange delivery of duplicate copy of documents lost in rain: Rahul Gandhi urges Kerala CM

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Sunday that Congress president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-to-contest-from-wayanad-in-kerala-besides-amethi-206891">Rahul Gandhi contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Wayanad</a> in the state — apart from Amethi in UP — could only be seen as a move to fight the Left parties and not the BJP, and asserted that the LDF would defeat him in the April 23 Lok Sabha elections.

There was no need to attach any special importance to the Congress president contesting from the state and Gandhi was just one among the 20 candidates of the opposition UDF, who are trying their luck from Kerala, he said.

"If Gandhi's fight is against the BJP, he should have contested against the saffron party. In Kerala, the fight is between LDF and UDF in the elections," Vijayan told a meet-the-press programme at the Press Club here.

He was reacting to the announcement by Congress that Gandhi would contest from the hilly Wayanad, considered a fortress of the party, in addition to the Gandhi family's pocket burrow Amethi seat in Uttar Pradesh in the polls.

"The present move can only be seen as a fight against the Left. But, we have no anxiety...We are fully confident and will strive to defeat him in Wayanad," the CPI-M veteran said.

Gandhi had announced earlier he would retain Amethi in Uttar Pradesh as his constituency after elections, he said.

"So, it is like...Gandhi will continue as the MP from Amethi and in Wayand he is examining if he can defeat the Left", the Chief Minister said asking what message the Congress was conveying to the people through the move.

When asked about the proposed post-poll alliance with the Congress at the national level, Vijayan said it was a matter to be thought off after the elections.

BJP state chief P S Sreedharan Pillai said the Congress decision to field Gandhi from Wayanad showed the "decay" in the grand old party.

"After realising that he will lose from Amethi, Gandhi has decided to contest from wayand", he told reporters here.

The BJP would give a "tough fight" to the Congress candidate, he said adding Gandhi's Wayanad contest was being viewed by the party as "acceptance of defeat".

The state Congress leaders were all in a jubilant mood over the AICC chief's decision.

Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly Ramesh Chennithala said the party'saim was to ensure Gandhi's victory with a massive margin.

"I challenge Pinarayi Vijayan, if he can defeat Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad and we accept the challenge," he told reporters at Alapuzha.

It would be a "historical win" for Gandhi in Wayanad and there would be a "Rahul wave" in the entire state, he claimed.

"A prime ministerial candidate is contesting from Kerala for the first time and this will have an impact in the entire state," he said adding the UDF would win all 20 seats.

Party's state unit President Mulapally Ramachandran said the decision to field Gandhi from Wayand would be "a happy news for secular-democratic forces" in the state.

He also remembered how former Congress presidents Indira Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi had scripted impressive victories from South India.

Congress leader M I Shanavas, who died in November last year, had won Wayanad, known for its picturesque locales and spices, in the 2009 and 2014 elections.

The LDF has decided to field CPIs P P Suneer in the constituency this time while BJP-NDA yet to announce its candidate.&nbsp;

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Sunday that Congress president Rahul Gandhi contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Wayanad in the state — apart from Amethi in UP — could only be seen as a move to fight the Left parties and not the BJP, and asserted that the LDF would defeat him in the April 23 Lok Sabha elections.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Sunday that Congress president Rahul Gandhi contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Wayanad in the state — apart from Amethi in UP — could only be seen as a move to fight the Left parties and not the BJP, and asserted that the LDF would defeat him in the April 23 Lok Sabha elections. There was no need to attach any special importance to the Congress president contesting from the state and Gandhi was just one among the 20 candidates of the opposition UDF, who are trying their luck from Kerala, he said. "If Gandhi's fight is against the BJP, he should have contested against the saffron party. In Kerala, the fight is between LDF and UDF in the elections," Vijayan told a meet-the-press programme at the Press Club here. He was reacting to the announcement by Congress that Gandhi would contest from the hilly Wayanad, considered a fortress of the party, in addition to the Gandhi family's pocket burrow Amethi seat in Uttar Pradesh in the polls. "The present move can only be seen as a fight against the Left. But, we have no anxiety...We are fully confident and will strive to defeat him in Wayanad," the CPI-M veteran said. Gandhi had announced earlier he would retain Amethi in Uttar Pradesh as his constituency after elections, he said. "So, it is like...Gandhi will continue as the MP from Amethi and in Wayand he is examining if he can defeat the Left", the Chief Minister said asking what message the Congress was conveying to the people through the move. When asked about the proposed post-poll alliance with the Congress at the national level, Vijayan said it was a matter to be thought off after the elections. BJP state chief P S Sreedharan Pillai said the Congress decision to field Gandhi from Wayanad showed the "decay" in the grand old party. "After realising that he will lose from Amethi, Gandhi has decided to contest from wayand", he told reporters here. The BJP would give a "tough fight" to the Congress candidate, he said adding Gandhi's Wayanad contest was being viewed by the party as "acceptance of defeat". The state Congress leaders were all in a jubilant mood over the AICC chief's decision. Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly Ramesh Chennithala said the party'saim was to ensure Gandhi's victory with a massive margin. "I challenge Pinarayi Vijayan, if he can defeat Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad and we accept the challenge," he told reporters at Alapuzha. It would be a "historical win" for Gandhi in Wayanad and there would be a "Rahul wave" in the entire state, he claimed. "A prime ministerial candidate is contesting from Kerala for the first time and this will have an impact in the entire state," he said adding the UDF would win all 20 seats. Party's state unit President Mulapally Ramachandran said the decision to field Gandhi from Wayand would be "a happy news for secular-democratic forces" in the state. He also remembered how former Congress presidents Indira Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi had scripted impressive victories from South India. Congress leader M I Shanavas, who died in November last year, had won Wayanad, known for its picturesque locales and spices, in the 2009 and 2014 elections. The LDF has decided to field CPIs P P Suneer in the constituency this time while BJP-NDA yet to announce its candidate.

Rahul Gandhi fighting from Wayanad means he is fighting Left, not BJP: Kerala CM Pinari Vijayan

Makkal Needhi Maiam president and actor Kamal Haasan Tuesday appealed to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to "rise above politics" and extend support to the people affected by Cyclone Gaja in Tamil Nadu.

Haasan wrote to the chief minister, saying Cyclone Gaja has caused "widespread damage and destruction to life and property" in the Cauvery delta and coastal districts of Tamil Nadu.

He said his party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), has urged the Kerala government and its people to come forward and assist in a way they deem fit to help Tamil Nadu "stand up on its feet again."

"Damage to crops, standing trees and boats is so extensive that the very source of life of our farmers and fishermen has been uprooted," the actor said in a letter to chief minister an veteran communist leader Vijayan.

"We urge you to rise above politics and other affiliations to demonstrate a true spirit of human kindness. Being humane is the fulcrum of humanity," the MNM chief said.

He said that "human benevolence shines brighter" during such times, adding that the damage caused by the cyclone will take years to overcome.

"However, we can begin now and start the process to rehabilitate and restore a sense of normalcy to our fellow brethren," Haasan, known to share a good rapport with Vijayan, said in the letter.

Cyclone Gaja crossed the Tamil Nadu coast between Nagapattinam and Vedaranyam on November 16, and left a trail of destruction, besides claiming 63 lives.&nbsp;

Makkal Needhi Maiam president and actor Kamal Haasan Tuesday appealed to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to "rise above politics" and extend support to the people affected by Cyclone Gaja in Tamil Nadu.

Makkal Needhi Maiam president and actor Kamal Haasan Tuesday appealed to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to "rise above politics" and extend support to the people affected by Cyclone Gaja in Tamil Nadu. Haasan wrote to the chief minister, saying Cyclone Gaja has caused "widespread damage and destruction to life and property" in the Cauvery delta and coastal districts of Tamil Nadu. He said his party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), has urged the Kerala government and its people to come forward and assist in a way they deem fit to help Tamil Nadu "stand up on its feet again." "Damage to crops, standing trees and boats is so extensive that the very source of life of our farmers and fishermen has been uprooted," the actor said in a letter to chief minister an veteran communist leader Vijayan. "We urge you to rise above politics and other affiliations to demonstrate a true spirit of human kindness. Being humane is the fulcrum of humanity," the MNM chief said. He said that "human benevolence shines brighter" during such times, adding that the damage caused by the cyclone will take years to overcome. "However, we can begin now and start the process to rehabilitate and restore a sense of normalcy to our fellow brethren," Haasan, known to share a good rapport with Vijayan, said in the letter. Cyclone Gaja crossed the Tamil Nadu coast between Nagapattinam and Vedaranyam on November 16, and left a trail of destruction, besides claiming 63 lives.

'Rise above politics': Kamal Hassan to Kerala CM on Cyclone Gaja aftermath

The political slugfest over the Sabarimala issue touched a new low Tuesday with BJP President Amit Shah accusing the Kerala government of treating pilgrims as 'Gulag inmates', prompting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to allege the Sangh Parivar was making the pilgrims 'scapegoats'.

As the stand-off continued over the entry of menstrual age women to Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala after the Supreme Court lifted the ban, Shah slammed the CPI(M)-led government's handling of the situation as "disappointing" and accused it of making them spend nights next to "pig droppings".

In a series of tweets, Shah said, "If several reports of flushing resting places for devotees and them having to spend nights next to pig droppings and dustbin are true, then Pinarayi Vijayan must realize that he can't treat Ayyappa devotees like inmates of Gulag. We won't let LDF crush people's faith with impunity."

Gulag was a system of forced labour camps established during Joseph Stalin's rule in the Soviet Union.

Shah's comments underlined his party's support to devotees protesting against the state government's move to implement the apex court order that allowed the entry of women of all groups to the temple.

Shah said the way Vijayan's government is handling the sensitive issue of Sabarimala is disappointing as the "Kerala police is treating young girls, mothers and aged inhumanly, forcing them to take the arduous pilgrimage, without even basic facilities like food, water, shelter and clean toilets".

"If Pinarayi Vijayan thinks he can rise against people's movement to preserve Sabarimala by arresting K Surendran, BJP's Thrissur district president and six others, then he is mistaken," Shah said.

Vijayan on his part lashed out at the BJP and right-wing outfits, accusing them of exploiting the Sabarimala issue for their "political gains" and trying to 'capture' and take control of the hill-top shrine.

In hard-hitting remarks, he alleged that the Sangh Parivar's agenda was to create trouble by sending "kar sevaks" to take control of the temple and make the pilgrims "scapegoats".

Addressing a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayan also defended the arrest of 69 people from the temple complex on Sunday night and slammed the Congress for opposing implementation of the Supreme Court order.

He alleged the RSS and Congress "have become one" on the Sabarimala issue.

Vijayan asserted that Sabarimala would not be allowed to be transformed into a "centre of violence" and his government "will not compromise" with those perpetrating violence in the temple complex. 
He alleged Sangh Parivar was "exploiting Sabarimala in the name of faith" and trying to take control of the temple.

"All protection would be given to the pilgrims visiting the shrine for darshan," Vijayan said.

Targeting the main opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front, he said the Congress' national leadership wanted the Supreme Court verdict to be implemented, but the state unit had a different take.

"Ramesh Chennithala (leader of the opposition in the state assembly) has changed his stance multiple times which ultimately helped the Sangh Parivar politics," he said.

Defending the police action on Sunday night arresting 69 devotees from 'Sannidhanam' (the main temple complex), the chief minister said "conscious efforts" were made by some people to stay back there even after the customary closing song "Harivarasanam" and despite prohibitory orders.

"Most of them have not come to the temple through the normal route but preferred the forest path evading checking.

"Conscious efforts were made by some people to stay back at Sannidhanam even after 'Harivarasanam'," he said.

"Their specific plan is to gain full control of Sabarimala," Vijayan charged and named six Sangh Parivar office-bearers whom he alleged posed as devotees to create problems at Sabarimala on Sunday night.

The Chief Minister also referred to a BJP circular through which, he said, it had planned to deploy its cadre in an organised manner at Sabarimala to ensure that no young women would enter the shrine on the strength of the September 28 court verdict.

"As per the circular of the BJP, they would be sending the "karsevaks" with a hidden agenda to capture and take control of Sabarimala," Vijayan alleged.

He also pointed to statements reportedly made by BJP state chief P S Sreedharan Pillai, including that the Sabarimala issue was an "opportunity for the Sangh parivar" and the saffron party and their agitation was "not against women's entry" but against the Communist party.

"Pillai has made it clear earlier itself that Sabarimala issue was a good opportunity for the Sangh parivar," Vijayan alleged.

Alleging that the Sangh Parivar has a "doctorate in peddling fake news", he said it has unleashed "fake campaign" against the state maligning its image.

The political slugfest over the Sabarimala issue touched a new low Tuesday with BJP President Amit Shah accusing the Kerala government of treating pilgrims as 'Gulag inmates', prompting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to allege the Sangh Parivar was making the pilgrims 'scapegoats'.

The political slugfest over the Sabarimala issue touched a new low Tuesday with BJP President Amit Shah accusing the Kerala government of treating pilgrims as 'Gulag inmates', prompting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to allege the Sangh Parivar was making the pilgrims 'scapegoats'. As the stand-off continued over the entry of menstrual age women to Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala after the Supreme Court lifted the ban, Shah slammed the CPI(M)-led government's handling of the situation as "disappointing" and accused it of making them spend nights next to "pig droppings". In a series of tweets, Shah said, "If several reports of flushing resting places for devotees and them having to spend nights next to pig droppings and dustbin are true, then Pinarayi Vijayan must realize that he can't treat Ayyappa devotees like inmates of Gulag. We won't let LDF crush people's faith with impunity." Gulag was a system of forced labour camps established during Joseph Stalin's rule in the Soviet Union. Shah's comments underlined his party's support to devotees protesting against the state government's move to implement the apex court order that allowed the entry of women of all groups to the temple. Shah said the way Vijayan's government is handling the sensitive issue of Sabarimala is disappointing as the "Kerala police is treating young girls, mothers and aged inhumanly, forcing them to take the arduous pilgrimage, without even basic facilities like food, water, shelter and clean toilets". "If Pinarayi Vijayan thinks he can rise against people's movement to preserve Sabarimala by arresting K Surendran, BJP's Thrissur district president and six others, then he is mistaken," Shah said. Vijayan on his part lashed out at the BJP and right-wing outfits, accusing them of exploiting the Sabarimala issue for their "political gains" and trying to 'capture' and take control of the hill-top shrine. In hard-hitting remarks, he alleged that the Sangh Parivar's agenda was to create trouble by sending "kar sevaks" to take control of the temple and make the pilgrims "scapegoats". Addressing a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayan also defended the arrest of 69 people from the temple complex on Sunday night and slammed the Congress for opposing implementation of the Supreme Court order. He alleged the RSS and Congress "have become one" on the Sabarimala issue. Vijayan asserted that Sabarimala would not be allowed to be transformed into a "centre of violence" and his government "will not compromise" with those perpetrating violence in the temple complex. He alleged Sangh Parivar was "exploiting Sabarimala in the name of faith" and trying to take control of the temple. "All protection would be given to the pilgrims visiting the shrine for darshan," Vijayan said. Targeting the main opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front, he said the Congress' national leadership wanted the Supreme Court verdict to be implemented, but the state unit had a different take. "Ramesh Chennithala (leader of the opposition in the state assembly) has changed his stance multiple times which ultimately helped the Sangh Parivar politics," he said. Defending the police action on Sunday night arresting 69 devotees from 'Sannidhanam' (the main temple complex), the chief minister said "conscious efforts" were made by some people to stay back there even after the customary closing song "Harivarasanam" and despite prohibitory orders. "Most of them have not come to the temple through the normal route but preferred the forest path evading checking. "Conscious efforts were made by some people to stay back at Sannidhanam even after 'Harivarasanam'," he said. "Their specific plan is to gain full control of Sabarimala," Vijayan charged and named six Sangh Parivar office-bearers whom he alleged posed as devotees to create problems at Sabarimala on Sunday night. The Chief Minister also referred to a BJP circular through which, he said, it had planned to deploy its cadre in an organised manner at Sabarimala to ensure that no young women would enter the shrine on the strength of the September 28 court verdict. "As per the circular of the BJP, they would be sending the "karsevaks" with a hidden agenda to capture and take control of Sabarimala," Vijayan alleged. He also pointed to statements reportedly made by BJP state chief P S Sreedharan Pillai, including that the Sabarimala issue was an "opportunity for the Sangh parivar" and the saffron party and their agitation was "not against women's entry" but against the Communist party. "Pillai has made it clear earlier itself that Sabarimala issue was a good opportunity for the Sangh parivar," Vijayan alleged. Alleging that the Sangh Parivar has a "doctorate in peddling fake news", he said it has unleashed "fake campaign" against the state maligning its image.

Sabarimala pilgrims treated as 'Gulag inmates', alleges Shah; Kerala CM hits back 

Kerala Chief Minister Pinari Vijayan has accepted Dr Kafeel Khan's offer of help.&nbsp;

"I request Kerala chief minister Mr Pinarayi Vijayan to allow me to serve at Calicut Medical college to save innocent lives," Khan said in a Facebook post.&nbsp;

Vijayan wrote back: "There are several doctors who serve in the medical field without any concern to their life and health. I am seeing Khan as one among them."&nbsp;

The Kerala chief minister asked Dr Khan, and other health workers who wished to help, to get in touch with the Kozhikode Medical College Superintendent.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dr-kafeel-khan-request-to-rejoin-hospital-if-cm-yogi-renounces-suspension-133531">If CM Yogi revokes my suspension, I will go back to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dr-kafeel-khan-request-to-rejoin-hospital-if-cm-yogi-renounces-suspension-133531">hospital</a>

Khan's Facebook post had read: "After sehri n fajr namaz was trying to sleep but couldn't. Disturbed with increase no of mortality due to Nipah Virus (NiV )infection n rumors spreading on social media platforms."&nbsp;

"I request Kerala chief minister Mr Pinarayi Vijayan to allow me to serve at Calicut Medical college to save innocent lives. Sister Lini is a inspiration and I am more than willing to sacrifice my life for the noble cause," he added.

As many as 11 people have died in Kerala from confirmed and suspected cases of the Nipah virus. That includes the nurse (<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-am-almost-on-the-way-cant-meet-you-kerala-nurse-who-died-treating-nipah-patients-writes-to-husband-138928">Sister Lini</a>) who was looking after patients suspected to have contracted the virus.&nbsp;

Dr Khan was a paediatrician at the Baba Raghav Das Medical College in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur where over 60 children died in one week in August last year.&nbsp;

News reports at the time said the hospital had run out of oxygen cylinders. And that the agency supplying the oxygen cylinders had stopped doing so because the government-run hospital had not paid its bills despite repeated reminders.&nbsp;

The UP government had denied the allegation.&nbsp;

The UP government later recommended the filing of charges against Dr Khan and others, including the hospital's principal.&nbsp;

Khan was arrested in September last year. He was also suspended from duty.&nbsp;

He was given bail in April this year.&nbsp;

He says he has been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/being-framed-by-administration-for-gorakhpur-tragedy-jailed-doctor-kafeel-khan-131437">framed by the </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/being-framed-by-administration-for-gorakhpur-tragedy-jailed-doctor-kafeel-khan-131437">UP</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/being-framed-by-administration-for-gorakhpur-tragedy-jailed-doctor-kafeel-khan-131437"> government</a>.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vfS9gcV8RoA" width="560"></iframe>

'I am more than willing to sacrifice my life for the noble cause,' Dr Khan said. 'There are several doctors who serve in the medical field without any concern to their life and health. I am seeing Khan as one among them,' Vijayan wrote back

Kerala Chief Minister Pinari Vijayan has accepted Dr Kafeel Khan's offer of help. "I request Kerala chief minister Mr Pinarayi Vijayan to allow me to serve at Calicut Medical college to save innocent lives," Khan said in a Facebook post. Vijayan wrote back: "There are several doctors who serve in the medical field without any concern to their life and health. I am seeing Khan as one among them." The Kerala chief minister asked Dr Khan, and other health workers who wished to help, to get in touch with the Kozhikode Medical College Superintendent. Also read: If CM Yogi revokes my suspension, I will go back to hospital Khan's Facebook post had read: "After sehri n fajr namaz was trying to sleep but couldn't. Disturbed with increase no of mortality due to Nipah Virus (NiV )infection n rumors spreading on social media platforms." "I request Kerala chief minister Mr Pinarayi Vijayan to allow me to serve at Calicut Medical college to save innocent lives. Sister Lini is a inspiration and I am more than willing to sacrifice my life for the noble cause," he added. As many as 11 people have died in Kerala from confirmed and suspected cases of the Nipah virus. That includes the nurse (Sister Lini) who was looking after patients suspected to have contracted the virus. Dr Khan was a paediatrician at the Baba Raghav Das Medical College in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur where over 60 children died in one week in August last year. News reports at the time said the hospital had run out of oxygen cylinders. And that the agency supplying the oxygen cylinders had stopped doing so because the government-run hospital had not paid its bills despite repeated reminders. The UP government had denied the allegation. The UP government later recommended the filing of charges against Dr Khan and others, including the hospital's principal. Khan was arrested in September last year. He was also suspended from duty. He was given bail in April this year. He says he has been framed by the UP government. (With inputs from PTI)

Nipah virus: Dr Kafeel Khan offers to help, Kerala CM Pinari Vijayan accepts

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said the government would take stern action against the students who insulted the retiring woman principal of a college in Kasargod district last month. Vijayan was replaying to a submission by opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala who brought to the notice of the assembly the incident related to bursting of crackers and display of posters with writings ‘condolence’ in the campus as a farewell to the retiring College Principal P V Pushpaja.

Referring to the allegation of Chennithala that students behind the incident belonged to Students Federation of India, (SFI), the student wing of CPI(M), Vijayan said SFI never agree or accept this kind of actions. The students should consider teachers as their mothers and that was our culture, Vijayan said.

Insulting a teacher cannot be agreed, he said, adding, all would condemn such acts and nobody would support it. Education Minister C Raveendranath said that two students have been suspended and further steps would be taken after getting the report of the Director of College Education.

The incident came to the media limelight after a video of students bursting crackers and a condolence message put at the auditorium of the College campus went viral on the social media. The incident triggered widespread condemnation from different quarters.

Referring to the allegation of Chennithala that students behind the incident belonged to Students Federation of India, (SFI), the student wing of CPI(M), Vijayan said SFI never agree or accept this kind of actions.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said the government would take stern action against the students who insulted the retiring woman principal of a college in Kasargod district last month. Vijayan was replaying to a submission by opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala who brought to the notice of the assembly the incident related to bursting of crackers and display of posters with writings ‘condolence’ in the campus as a farewell to the retiring College Principal P V Pushpaja. Referring to the allegation of Chennithala that students behind the incident belonged to Students Federation of India, (SFI), the student wing of CPI(M), Vijayan said SFI never agree or accept this kind of actions. The students should consider teachers as their mothers and that was our culture, Vijayan said. Insulting a teacher cannot be agreed, he said, adding, all would condemn such acts and nobody would support it. Education Minister C Raveendranath said that two students have been suspended and further steps would be taken after getting the report of the Director of College Education. The incident came to the media limelight after a video of students bursting crackers and a condolence message put at the auditorium of the College campus went viral on the social media. The incident triggered widespread condemnation from different quarters.

Students' act of insulting woman principal deplorable: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday praised North Korea for its tough anti-US agenda.

News agency ANI quoted as the CM saying that North Korea refused to bow to pressure imposed on it by the US.

The Kerala CM was speaking at the CPM Kozhikode&#39;s district committee meeting.&nbsp;

&quot;North Korea has been following tough anti-USA agenda. North Korea has successfully defended the pressure imposed by the US&quot; said Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at CPM Kozhikode district committee meeting&nbsp;

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&quot;North Korea has been following tough anti USA agenda. North Korea has successfully defended the pressure imposed by US&quot; said Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at CPM Kozhikode district committee meeting (02.01.18) <a href="https://t.co/6sj47sEefF">pic.twitter.com/6sj47sEefF</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948791638888931328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The US and North Korea share a turbulent relationship since Donald Trump became the president of the US. Despite several threats from Washington, Pyongyang refused to back down from nuclear weapons programme. Despite Washington&#39;s opposition, North Korea has conducted more than 20 missile launches since US President Donald Trump came to power in January last year.

On several occasions, North Korea has reacted strongly to Trump&#39;s pressure tactics and refused to bow to Trump&#39;s pressure tactics.&nbsp;

Last week, Kim in his annual New Year&#39;s Day address had warned Washington that his nuclear launch button was &quot;always on my table&quot;.

In his response to North Korean leader&#39;s statement, Trump said that he to have a nuclear button - much bigger and more powerful.

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North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the &ldquo;Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times.&rdquo; Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger &amp; more powerful one than his, and my Button works!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/948355557022420992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&#39;&#39;Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the &ldquo;Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times.&rdquo; Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger &amp; more powerful one than his, and my Button works,&#39;&#39; Trump tweeted.&nbsp;

On several occasions, North Korea has reacted strongly to Trump's pressure tactics and refused to bow to Trump's pressure tactics.?

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday praised North Korea for its tough anti-US agenda. News agency ANI quoted as the CM saying that North Korea refused to bow to pressure imposed on it by the US. The Kerala CM was speaking at the CPM Kozhikode's district committee meeting. "North Korea has been following tough anti-USA agenda. North Korea has successfully defended the pressure imposed by the US" said Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at CPM Kozhikode district committee meeting "North Korea has been following tough anti USA agenda. North Korea has successfully defended the pressure imposed by US" said Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at CPM Kozhikode district committee meeting (02.01.18) pic.twitter.com/6sj47sEefF — ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018 × The US and North Korea share a turbulent relationship since Donald Trump became the president of the US. Despite several threats from Washington, Pyongyang refused to back down from nuclear weapons programme. Despite Washington's opposition, North Korea has conducted more than 20 missile launches since US President Donald Trump came to power in January last year. On several occasions, North Korea has reacted strongly to Trump's pressure tactics and refused to bow to Trump's pressure tactics. Last week, Kim in his annual New Year's Day address had warned Washington that his nuclear launch button was "always on my table". In his response to North Korean leader's statement, Trump said that he to have a nuclear button - much bigger and more powerful. North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the “Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times.” Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 × ''Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the “Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times.” Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works,'' Trump tweeted.

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan lauds North Korea's 'tough' anti-US stance

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