Pinarayi Vijayan | Business Upturn

‘Policy paralysis…’: BJP chief JP Nadda at NDA protest rally against CPI(M) government in Kerala

Shreyansh Raghuvanshi — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 16:10:42 +0000

On Monday, Jagat Prakash Nadda, President of Bhartiya Janta Party reached Kerala to address the protest rally outside the Kerala Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram, held by National Democratic Alliance (NDA) against the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in the state.

The rally was taken out ahead of the blast at Zamra International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Kalamassery, Kerala which caused deaths and left several injured.

While addressing the protestors, BJP chief JP Nadda: “We are all gathered here to combat the issues of misgovernance within Pinarayi Vijayan’s government, addressing the scandals and corruption plaguing the current administration. Our collective goal is to demonstrate solidarity in our efforts to bring prosperity, development, and good governance to Kerala.”

“This Dharna serves as a platform to express our dissatisfaction with the Pinarayi Vijayan government, which has been marked by disappointments and policy paralysis,” added Nadda.

“Under PM Shri Modi ji’s leadership, India has achieved remarkable progress in its economic landscape. India is now the world’s 5th largest economy, with over 13.5 crore people lifted out of extreme poverty. Over the past nine years, we have invested ₹18 lakh crore in infrastructure development. India’s growth rate stands at 6.3%, and by 2028, India is projected to contribute 18% to the global economy. This is a testament to the good governance of PM Shri Narendra Modi,” said JP Nadda, praising the economic policies of the Modi government at the Centre.

Before this, JP Nadda visited the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and offered prayers to Lord Mahavishnu. Sharing the pictures from his visit to the temple, Nadda wrote on X: “Started my day by paying obeisance at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and offering prayers to Lord Mahavishnu for our country’s progress and the well-being of our people. The divine aura at this sacred temple engulfs oneself with a feeling of immense gratitude and tranquilly. May the Lord bless us all.”

Started my day by paying obeisance at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and offering prayers to Lord Mahavishnu for our country's progress and the well-being of our people.

The divine aura at this sacred temple engulfs oneself with a feeling of immense… pic.twitter.com/4aa2LDFGlK

— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) October 30, 2023

The ruling party at the Centre is finding roots in Kerala, where the LDF (CPIM) and UDF (Congress) are the major competitors. The protest by NDA against the CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s government can be seen as a strategy for 2024 general elections.

‘Stop genocide in Gaza’: CPI(M) leaders including CM Pinarayi Vijayan protests against Israel in Delhi

Shreyansh Raghuvanshi — Sun, 29 Oct 2023 15:21:32 +0000

On Sunday, the Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) held a protest in front of AKG Bhawan office in Delhi to express solidarity with Palestine since India abstained from voting on the United Nations’ resolution.

The Polit Bureau and Central Committee (CC) members of the CPI(M) party protested in the national capital “calling for an end to genocidal aggression in Gaza by Israeli forces working with support from imperialist USA.” The party has officially supported the UN Resolution on Isreal-Palestine.

Polit Bureau and CC members of the CPI(M) sat in protest calling for an end to genocidal aggression in Gaza by Israeli forces working with support from imperialist USA.

We support the UN Resolution on Isreal-Palestine! #Israel #Palestine #GazaWar #endtheoccupatio pic.twitter.com/ArlKrYCRR1

— CPI (M) (@cpimspeak) October 29, 2023

“CPI(M) Central Committee protest dharna demanding an end to Israeli genocidal agression against Palestinians. Israel must implement UN General Assembly resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid,” said CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury in a social media post on X (formerly Twitter).

“Recollecting Rabindranath Tagore: “Give me a voice of thunder, That I may hurl imprecations upon this cannibal, Whose gruesome hunger, Spares neither woman nor child,” Yechury wrote in a another post on X.

Recollecting Rabindranath Tagore:
“Give me a voice of thunder,
That I may hurl imprecations upon this cannibal,
Whose gruesome hunger,
Spares neither woman nor child.”https://t.co/UtLmWTBSdp

— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) October 29, 2023

The protest was also joined by the Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, who addressed the protestors and said: “We are here to protest against the inhuman genocide that is going on against the Palestinian people and the support being extended to Israel by the government of India in blatant violation of time tested policy of solidarity with the Palestinian people who fight for their own land. It is really shocking that the government has gone to the extent of abstaining from discussion of the UN resolution, supporting Israel and the US,” as quoted by news agency ANI.

#WATCH | Delhi: At the protest over the Israel-Hamas war with the message 'Stop this Genocidal Aggression on Gaza', Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan says, "We are here to protest against the inhuman genocide that is going on against the Palestinian people and the support being extended… pic.twitter.com/673KmD1QjR

— ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2023

On the same day, a blast at the Convention Centre in Kalamassery, Kerala left many injured, including a death. Earlier on Friday, Khaled Mashel, allegedly a former leader of Hamas, virtually addressed a meeting organized by the youth wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, on Friday.

Kerala Convention Centre Blasts: Man surrenders, claims responsibility for blast

Shreyansh Raghuvanshi — Sun, 29 Oct 2023 12:50:03 +0000

Kerala ADGP (law and order), MR Ajith Kumar, has claimed that a man has surrendered at the Kodakra Police Station, Kerala and has taken the responsibility for the blast at the convention center in Kalamassery. The man has been identified as Dominic Martin who probably belongs to the same group of people present in the center for the sabha, reported news agency ANI.

“One person has surrendered in Kodakra Police Station, in Thrissur Rural, claiming that he has done it. His name is Dominic Martin and he claims that he belonged to the same group of sabha. We are verifying it. We are looking into all aspects of this case. The blast took place in the central part of the hall,” said MR Ajith Kumar, Kerala ADGP (law and order).

#WATCH | On the blast at Zamra International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Kalamassery, Kerala ADGP (law and order) MR Ajith Kumar, says "One person has surrendered in Kodakra Police Station, in Thrissur Rural, claiming that he has done it. His name is Dominic Martin and he… pic.twitter.com/q59H7TaQC7

— ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2023

On Sunday morning, about 9:30 am, a blast took place at Jehovah Witness’s convention center (Zamra International Convention & Exhibition Centre) in Kalamassery, Ernakulam located in Kerala, which took the life of 1 woman and left around 40 injured. The gathering constituted about 2000 people.

“52 people admitted to different hospitals…30 people are admitted here, out of which 18 are in ICU and 6 are critically injured, among those 6, one is a 12-year-old child. The rest of the injured are in other private hospitals…the dead person has not been identified yet”, said Kerala health minister Veena George. (As quoted by ANI)

Several celebrities have also condemned this attack. “Deeply saddened by the blasts in Kerala. Condolences to the affected families, and praying for the recovery of those injured,” said Sachin Tendulkar in a social media post on X (previously Twitter).

Deeply saddened by the blasts in Kerala. Condolences to the affected families, and praying for the recovery of those injured.

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 29, 2023

The multiple blast which took out in the hall is counted as a serial attack done by terrorists. After the investigation was made, it pointed out towards the use of IED (improvised explosive device) inside a tiffin box to carry out the brutal attack. A suspect has been nabbed from Kannur Railway station.

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, Sitaram Yechury expresses ‘surprise’ over former PM HD Deve Gowda’s remark over alliance with BJP

Uddeshya Thakur — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 18:14:56 +0000

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has expressed surprise over JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda’s statement that the CM of Left-led government of Kerala has supported a possible alliance between JD(S) and BJP in Karnataka.

Deve Gowda also retaliated

HD Deve Gowda said: “There is some confusion regarding my statement regarding CPI(M). It seems that my communist friends did not follow the context of what I said. I never said that Kerala CPI(M) supports the alliance between BJP and JD(S). I wish CPM leaders had chosen their words better or sought clarification.”

Sitaram Yechury also raised questions

Over JD(S) chief claim, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said, “Whenever he (HD Deve Gowda) talks to me he says that it is only their party which has the word ‘secular’ in it. He added, so how can I go with BJP? Now he has gone with the BJP. Now we know what is his commitment to secularism.” (As quoted by ANI)

#WATCH | On BJP-JD(S) alliance, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury says, "Whenever he (HD Deve Gowda) talks to me he says that it is only their party which has the word 'secular' in it. He added, so how can I go with BJP? Now he has gone with the BJP. Now we know what is his… pic.twitter.com/E6O5hDLC6X

— ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2023

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan attacked former PM

Kerala CM Vijayan posted on his social media account on X, “I am absolutely astonished by H D Deve Gowda’s recent statement! The mere notion that I would even entertain the idea of supporting a JDS-BJP alliance is nothing short of a delusional fantasy. It is utterly disgraceful for a seasoned politician like Deve Gowda to make such unfounded lies. @cpimspeak has been an unwavering and unyielding force in the battle against the Sangh Parivar. There is no room for ambiguity in our stance.”

I am absolutely astonished by H D Deve Gowda's recent statement! The mere notion that I would even entertain the idea of supporting a JDS-BJP alliance is nothing short of a delusional fantasy. It is utterly disgraceful for a seasoned politician like Deve Gowda to make such…

— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) October 20, 2023

What did HD Deve Gowda say?

According to news agency PTI, HD Deve Gowda had said in a statement, “We are part of the government in Kerala and our MLAs are ministers there. These units understood the situation, which allowed us to side with the BJP and supported our move.”

Kerala CM congratulated Madam President Elect Droupadi Murmu

News Desk — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 11:00:22 +0000

The Chief Minister of the state of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan congratulated Madam President-elect Droupadi Murmu. He Said. “May the new President lead the country forward by protecting the democratic values upheld by the Constitution, strengthening the mutual friendship of the people and overcoming obstacles.” CMO reported.

Congratulations to the 15th President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji. Hope that the new President will be able to guide our country forward by protecting the democratic values upheld by our Constitution, strengthening the fraternal bonds of our people and overcoming challenges. pic.twitter.com/aLqejfdcQs

— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) July 21, 2022

After the news of Madam President elect Droupadi Murmu becoming President broke. Moreover, locals from Droupadi Murmu’s native village were seen celebrating with lighting Diyas and taking out victory processions.

She emerged victorious in the in the presidential election by bagging a total of 6,76,803 votes. Which was over her rival Yashwant Sinha who polled 3,80,177 votes.

She is now set to take oath on July 25th. Thus, the next day after incumbent President Ram Nath Kovind’s tenure comes to and end.

Arvind Kejriwal congratulates Mamata Banerjee, MK Stalin and Pinarayi Vijayan as initial trends show them in majority

Shreejit Shelar — Sun, 02 May 2021 10:04:14 +0000

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday congratulated TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, DMK President M K Stalin and LDF’s Pinarayi Vijayan as their parties are eyeing for victory in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala assembly polls respectively.

“Congratulations @MamataOfficial didi for landslide victory. What a fight! Congratulations to the people of WB,” AAP chief Kejriwal said in a tweet.

Congratulations @MamataOfficial didi for landslide victory. What a fight!

Congratulations to the people of WB

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 2, 2021

According to the latest trends, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee now leads by 2,700 votes over BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari in the Nandigram seat.

Arvind Kejriwal also congratulated DMK President M K Stalin for his party’s performance in the Tamil Nadu assembly elections.

“Many congratulations to @mkstalin on a resounding victory in the Tamil Nadu assembly polls. I wish him a successful tenure and the very best in fulfilling the aspirations of people of Tamil Nadu,” Arvind Kejriwal wrote in a tweet on Sunday.

Many congratulations to @mkstalin on a resounding victory in the Tamil Nadu assembly polls. I wish him a successful tenure and the very best in fulfilling the aspirations of people of Tamil Nadu.

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 2, 2021

Furthermore, he also congratulated Pinarayi Vijayan and mentioned that the people of Kerala have reposed faith in him because of his pro-people governance.

“Heartfelt congratulations @vijayanpinarayi sir. People of Kerala have reposed faith in you becoz of ur pro-people governance,” Kejriwal wrote in another tweet.

Heartfelt congratulations @vijayanpinarayi sir.

People of Kerala have reposed faith in you becoz of ur pro-people governance.

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 2, 2021

The counting of votes for the state assembly elections in West Bengal, Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nadu and the union territory of Puducherry began at 8.00 am.

Kerala Education Minister KT Jaleel resigns from Pinarayi Vijayan Cabinet

Nitin Anand — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 10:20:16 +0000

On Tuesday, April 13, Kerala Higher Education Minister KT Jaleel resigns from his post and submitted his resignation to Chief Minister, and it has been forwarded to Governor.

Kerala Higher Education minister K T Jaleel released from the Pinarayi Vijayan cabinet days after the state Lokayukta held that he had ‘abused’ his position as a public servant to obtain a favour for a relative. He was found guilty of “allegations of abuse of power, favouritism, nepotism and violation of Oath of Office” & ordered that he should not continue to hold the post by Lokayukta.

The resignation comes a day after he moved to Kerala High Court seeking a stay on the Lokayukta order.

On Friday, A division bench of the Lok Ayukta had submitted the report against Jaleel to the Chief Minister and had added that the minister should not continue in the post.

The bench said that allegation of abuse of power, favouritism and nepotism against the minister was proved.

The findings by the Lokayukta Justice Cyriac Joseph and Upa Lokayukta Harul Ul Rashid are based on a complaint against the Minister,which accused him of misusing his office to appoint his relative KT Adeeb as general manager in the Kerala State Minorities Development Finance Corporation Limited.

In November 2018, A complaint was filed by a Muslim Youth League leader alleging that KT Adeeb, a cousin of Jaleel, was appointed as general manager in the Kerala State Minorities Development Finance Corporation, flouting rules.

Adeeb was the manager of a private bank when the appointment was made.

Kerala Elections 2021: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra alleges Kerala CM of smuggling gold and selling state assets to corporates

Shreejit Shelar — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 18:30:06 +0000

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday, March 30, began campaigning for her for Kerala’s assembly polls which are slated to be held on April 6. Taking out a road show through a town in the Alappuzha district, Priyanka stepped out in full force for the upcoming Kerala elections.

Earlier on Tuesday, she addressed a rally in Karunagappalli and targeted the Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan who leads the LDF government and alleged that he is busy in smuggling gold when the people of Kerala are real gold of the state.

She reportedly asserted that the LDF government is pursuing a corporate manifesto and their agenda is to sell state assets to corporates.

“The people of Kerala are real gold of the state. But CM is busy smuggling gold & giving out fishing contracts to foreign companies. They’re pursuing a corporate manifesto. Their agenda is to sell state assets to corporates,” Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said addressing a rally in Karunagappalli.

The people of Kerala are real gold of the state. But CM is busy smuggling gold & giving out fishing contracts to foreign companies. They're pursuing a corporate manifesto. Their agenda is to sell state assets to corporates: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Karunagappalli pic.twitter.com/doWuenVkR3

— ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2021

The Congress leader further tried to reassure the voters about party’s manifesto and highlighted “Congress’ politics of futuristic vision for Kerala.” Slamming the CPM, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said that for five years the party was about fraud, fear and favouritism.

“You’ve a choice between 3 types of politics. Politics of CPM which is repression, scam & violence. BJP politics which spreads hate & divisiveness; & Congress’ politics of futuristic vision for Kerala. For 5 years, CPM was about fraud, fear & favouritism,” Priyanka Gandhi Vadra added, reported news agency ANI.

You've a choice b/w 3 types of politics. Politics of CPM which is repression, scam & violence. BJP politics which spreads hate & divisiveness; & Congress' politics of futuristic vision for Kerala. For 5 years, CPM was about fraud,fear&favouritism: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress pic.twitter.com/uK4HtCyREJ

— ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2021

In retrospect, the Congress leader has mainly focused on campaigning in Uttar Pradesh. Priyanka is set to take a chopper ride to Kottarakkara where she will campaign for UDF candidates in Pathanapuram, Punalur, and Chadayamangalam, reported Indian Express. She is also set to campaign in Thiruvananthapuram’s Nemom, the lone BJP constituency in Kerala.

Kerala gold smuggling case: CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s private secretary, CM Raveendran appears before ED

Shalmali Bhagwat — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 06:38:34 +0000

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s additional private secretary CM Raveendran on Thursday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning with regards to the gold smuggling case, Hindustan Times reported.

Raveendran has already been summoned four times by the Central agency. He was first instructed to appear last month, but he could not as he had tested positive for COVID-19. Later, he avoided the instructions, shielding himself by citing post-COVID-19 complications. He was issued a fresh summons after he was discharged from Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital last week.

Raveendran approached the high court, seeking anticipatory bail but the ED declined it, saying he was not made an accused in any case. The court is set to address his plea later in the day. CM’s other secretary, senior Indian Administrative Service officer, M Sivasankar, is already in remanded judicial custody in relation with the case. Raveendran was summoned on the basis of Sivasankar’s statement, as disclosed by a senior official of the multi-agency probe team, requesting anonymity.

Last week, the CM had tried to vouch for him, saying he was not able to attend the questioning due to ill-health. He said the Central agencies can’t take any action against him as “he holds a good track record”. He had criticised the agencies, alleging that they were just fulfilling orders as dictated by their masters in Delhi.

The gold smuggling racket was unfurled on July 5 after the seizure of 30 kgs of the metal from a consignment addressed to the United Arab Emirates consulate in the state Capital. A multi-agency team lead by the National Investigation Agency is investigating the case and 34 people have been arrested so far.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurates 34 renovated school buildings in Kerala

Nivedya P T — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 06:32:49 +0000

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) led government on Wednesday inaugurated 34 renovated school buildings across the state as part of its mission to protect public education. The buildings have been renovated with financial assistance from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).

Taking to Twitter, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the LDF government has fulfilled its election promises and that these schools will play an integral role in inclusive development.

https://twitter.com/vijayanpinarayi/status/1303728451224965121?s=20

He also inaugurated the schools through video conference and said, “The government is committed to the development of public education and as part of this, we will build 250 more schools. KIFFB, a state government agency, which funds the mission, plays a major role in shaping a new Kerala.”

The 34 buildings were constructed as part of the Pothu Vidyabhyasa Samrashana Yajnam (mission to protect public education) by spending Rs 5-10 crore for one school in each constituency including computerisation and other facilities. The minister said the public education system of the state is has improved during the tenure of this government and that they strive to make it better.