As dawn broke, anticipation hung thick in the air. Voters had cast their ballots, and now, at 8:00 AM, the counting commenced at 140 centers throughout Kerala. The initial phase focused on postal ballots, followed by EVM results beginning at 8:30 AM. This structured approach aimed to ensure transparency amid heightened scrutiny.

In stark contrast, West Bengal faced its own challenges with the counting of votes for 293 constituencies. Here, the Election Commission had reduced counting centers from 108 to 77, implementing strict security protocols to manage potential unrest. Observers noted that a total of 242 officials were deployed to oversee this sensitive process.

The atmosphere in Kerala was markedly different. While Vijayan’s supporters gathered outside polling stations, the Trinamool Congress faced uncertainty across the border in West Bengal. The Supreme Court’s mandate for central government staff presence during counting underscored the seriousness of maintaining order.

Key facts:

• The Vishnu Pooja was performed under the auspices of Chothi Nakshatra, symbolizing auspicious beginnings.
• Vote counting began at 8:00 AM and included both postal ballots and EVM results.
• Keralites could track real-time updates through results.eci.gov.in and the ECINET app.
• West Bengal’s security measures included QR-code identification at counting centers.
• The Election Commission emphasized transparency following previous allegations of misconduct.

The juxtaposition of these two states highlights the diverse electoral landscapes in India. While Kerala embraced tradition with ritualistic fervor, West Bengal grappled with procedural adjustments amidst political tensions. This election cycle not only reflects voter sentiment but also showcases how deeply intertwined culture and politics can be.

Pinarayi Vijayan’s administration remains under close watch as results unfold—each vote counted carries significant weight in shaping Kerala’s future trajectory.

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According to recent surveys, the UDF is projected to secure between 70-75 seats out of 140, while the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) may capture around 60-65 seats. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), meanwhile, is expected to win a mere 3-5 seats.

The backdrop to this electoral battle is significant. The 2026 Assembly election follows a historic verdict in the 2021 polls when the LDF broke Kerala’s long-standing pattern of alternating governments every five years. Voter turnout has been robust, with reports indicating a participation rate of 78.27%, reflecting a keen public interest in this pivotal election.

Political analysts suggest that the UDF’s resurgence stems from widespread discontent with the current government’s handling of various issues. Exit polls show a neck-and-neck contest between the UDF and LDF, with many voters eager for change. However, experts caution that exit polls are just predictions based on surveys and can turn out to be wrong on result day.

Key statistics:

• The majority mark in the Kerala Assembly is 71 seats.
• The UDF aims to replace the current LDF government.
• Projected seats for UDF by P-Marq range from 71-79.
• People’s Pulse suggests UDF could secure between 75-85 seats.
• Axis My India predicts UDF might achieve between 78-90 seats.

The stakes are high for both parties as they prepare for what promises to be a fiercely contested election. With Pinarayi Vijayan at the helm of the LDF and Congress rallying behind its candidates, all eyes will be on Kerala come April.

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On March 26, 2026, the Malayalam film industry mourned the loss of E.A. Rajendran, who passed away at the age of 71 at his residence in Pattathanam, Kollam, Kerala. Known for his versatile performances in both character and antagonist roles, Rajendran’s contributions to cinema and television have left an indelible mark.

Rajendran had been undergoing treatment for age-related ailments, a struggle he faced with resilience. Earlier, he had shared, “I reduced weight as per the doctor’s advice to manage my sugar levels,” reflecting his commitment to health even in challenging times.

His career spanned over several decades, during which he appeared in around sixty films and numerous television serials. Rajendran’s career-defining return began with the film Kaliyattam, which showcased his remarkable talent and solidified his status in the industry.

Born into a family with artistic roots, Rajendran was the husband of Sandhya, sister of actor M. Mukesh, and he is survived by his son, actor Divyadarshan. “My son is acting now, and we are also running a production company,” he had proudly stated, highlighting the continuation of his legacy through his family.

As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from fans and colleagues alike, including notable figures such as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who expressed condolences for the loss of such a significant personality in the arts.

Rajendran’s funeral rites are scheduled to be held on March 27, 2026, with his mortal remains set to be taken to his native village in Thrithallur, Thrissur. This final journey marks the end of an era for many who admired his work.

His legacy extends beyond his filmography; he also served as the Chairman of the State Horticulture Corporation, showcasing his diverse talents and commitment to public service.

As the community reflects on his life and contributions, it is evident that E.A. Rajendran’s influence will resonate in the hearts of many for years to come, reminding us of the power of storytelling through film and television.

In a world where the arts often reflect the human experience, Rajendran’s work will continue to inspire future generations of artists and audiences alike.

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“I had not received any official communication inviting him to the function and termed the move ‘political’ and ‘not befitting a democracy’,” stated P A Mohammed Riyas, Kerala’s Public Works Department Minister, regarding his absence from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent event in Kochi.

On March 11, 2026, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and several ministers notably skipped the official ceremony where PM Modi inaugurated various development projects, including the six-lane expansion of National Highway 66. This absence has sparked a political row, particularly surrounding the exclusion of Minister Riyas.

Riyas expressed his surprise at not being invited, claiming he had not received any official communication regarding the event. His comments reflect a broader sentiment among some state leaders who view the exclusion as politically motivated.

General Education Minister V Sivankutty echoed this sentiment, describing the exclusion of Riyas as “shocking” and “politically motivated”. The tensions have been exacerbated by the backdrop of the Left Democratic Front government’s revival of the National Highway development project after coming to power in 2016.

State Ministers M B Rajesh and K Krishnankutty also did not attend the event, with Rajesh stating, “I am not attending the PM’s programme. Yesterday, I came to know that my name was included in the list. I already have scheduled programmes in my constituency.” This further complicates the narrative surrounding the event.

BJP leaders, however, have defended the protocol followed for the event. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, a BJP leader, remarked, “As head of the state, the CM was invited in accordance with the protocol.” They argue that the exclusion of Riyas was unnecessary and politically charged.

Adding to the controversy, BJP leader B Gopalakrishnan alleged that the state government was attempting to consolidate Muslim votes by boycotting the PM’s event. This accusation highlights the ongoing political maneuvering in the state.

The projects inaugurated during the event included significant stretches of National Highway 66, such as the Thalappady-Chengala stretch and the Vengalam-Ramanattukara stretch of the Kozhikode bypass. These developments are crucial for Kerala’s infrastructure and economic growth.

Kerala has been noted as the first state in India where the state government directly invested in national highway development, showcasing its commitment to improving transportation infrastructure.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full implications of this political rift, but the situation continues to evolve as reactions from various stakeholders unfold.

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“I had not received any official communication inviting him to the function and termed the move ‘political’ and ‘not befitting a democracy’,” stated P A Mohammed Riyas, Kerala’s Public Works Department Minister, regarding his absence from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent event in Kochi. Riyas’s comments highlight the ongoing political tensions in the state.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and several other ministers, including M B Rajesh and K Krishnankutty, also skipped the event, which was marked by controversy over Riyas’s exclusion. The Prime Minister inaugurated various development projects, including the six-lane expansion of National Highway 66, during the gathering.

Riyas claimed he had not received any official invitation, which he described as a politically motivated exclusion. This incident comes amid a backdrop of political rivalry between the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition BJP.

General Education Minister V Sivankutty expressed his dismay, stating that the exclusion of Riyas was “shocking” and “politically motivated.” This sentiment reflects a growing concern among LDF members regarding the treatment of their representatives at federal events.

BJP leaders, however, defended the protocol followed during the event. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, a prominent BJP figure, asserted, “As head of the state, the CM was invited in accordance with the protocol,” indicating that the invitation process was standard.

In a further twist, BJP leader B Gopalakrishnan alleged that the state government was attempting to consolidate Muslim votes by boycotting the Prime Minister’s event. This accusation underscores the complex interplay of local and national politics in Kerala.

The National Highway development project, which includes significant expansions such as the Thalappady-Chengala stretch and the Vengalam-Ramanattukara stretch of the Kozhikode bypass, was revitalized after the LDF came to power in 2016. This revival has been a point of pride for the state government, which was the first in India to directly fund national highway development.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the future implications of this political rift. As the situation unfolds, the dynamics between the state government and the central administration will likely remain a focal point of discussion in Kerala’s political landscape.

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Decisive Moment

The boycott stems from the exclusion of P.A. Mohamed Riyas from the invitation list, which the Kerala government interpreted as a breach of protocol. This decision led to the withdrawal of participation from other ministers, including Local Self Government Minister M.B. Rajesh, who cited previous security issues at a PMO event as a contributing factor to his absence.

Immediate Effects

As a result of this boycott, the PM event will proceed without the participation of the Kerala cabinet members, a move that underscores the growing tensions between the state government and the central administration. Riyas remarked, “The PWD minister has been excluded, while the BJP state president has been invited,” highlighting the perceived political bias in the invitation process.

Expert Perspectives

Political analysts suggest that this situation reflects deeper issues within Kerala’s political dynamics, especially as the Prime Minister’s visit coincides with the campaign for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. The Kerala government has invested ₹5600 crore in ongoing national highway expansion projects, which makes the event particularly significant for local development.

Furthermore, Benny Behannan, a Congress leader, expressed his reluctance to endorse the BJP’s political campaign, stating, “I did not want to endorse the political campaign of the BJP.” This sentiment resonates with the broader opposition to the central government’s approach in Kerala.

With the Prime Minister scheduled to spend approximately four hours in Kerala, the event will still include the inauguration of key development projects and an NDA rally. However, the absence of state ministers could impact the local political narrative and the relationship between the state and central governments.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential repercussions from this political standoff, but the implications for both the state and national political landscapes are significant.

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“The police failed to record the accuser’s statement or ensure her safety,” stated V.D. Satheeshan, highlighting the serious allegations against Ganesh Kumar that surfaced publicly on March 9, 2026. Bindhu Menon, Kumar’s wife, accused him of infidelity and domestic harassment, claiming she caught him ‘red-handed’ with another woman on March 7, 2026.

In response to the allegations, Ganesh Kumar denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the accusations are part of a political witch-hunt. “My personal life is mine. The people of Pathanapuram know me well like the back of their hand,” he remarked, emphasizing his long-standing political career as a five-term MLA.

The political ramifications of these accusations have been significant. Jeby Mather, an MP, has called for Kumar’s ousting from the Cabinet, while the Kerala Students Union has petitioned the State Police Chief to take action against him for domestic violence. These developments have prompted V.D. Satheeshan to demand an explanation from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan regarding the police’s inaction in this case.

Ganesh Kumar has also criticized R Sreelekha, suggesting that her interference in his personal life is unwarranted. He claimed, “Who is Sreelekha, after all, to interfere in my personal life?” This statement reflects his frustration with the scrutiny he is facing amid the allegations.

Moreover, Bindhu Menon alleged that during the incident, Kumar’s staff attempted to take her mobile phone, raising concerns about her safety and the handling of the situation. Kumar, however, has maintained that he is open about his affairs, stating, “I have several affairs and am honest about them.”

As the situation unfolds, the political landscape in Kerala is closely watching the developments surrounding Ganesh Kumar. The allegations not only impact his personal life but also have broader implications for his political career and the upcoming Assembly elections.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific actions that will be taken by the authorities or the political parties involved as they navigate this contentious issue.

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