Kerala

Kerala, a state on the southwestern Malabar Coast of India, has a unique political landscape that stands out within the Indian political spectrum. Known for its high literacy rates, progressive social policies, and political activism, Kerala's political profile is shaped by a vibrant democratic tradition and a history of electoral politics that swings between the Left and the Right, making it a significant study in contrast to many other Indian states.

The political scene in Kerala is predominantly marked by the competition between two major coalitions: the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF). The LDF is led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M), and includes other left-wing parties, while the UDF is primarily led by the Indian National Congress, along with other centrist and right-leaning parties. This bipolar political structure has led to a pattern where power alternates between these two coalitions in state elections, reflecting a politically engaged and ideologically motivated electorate.

Kerala's political distinctiveness is also underscored by its history of land reforms, educational policies, and healthcare initiatives, which have contributed to its high human development indices. The state's commitment to social welfare is evident in its achievements in public health, education, and social security, often setting benchmarks for the rest of the country.

Moreover, Kerala has a strong tradition of political activism and mass movements, dating back to the struggle for independence and reform movements that aimed at caste and gender equality. The state's political culture is characterized by high levels of political participation and awareness among its citizens, which is reflected in the significant voter turnout during elections.

In recent years, Kerala has also seen the rise of identity politics, with various caste and religious groups asserting their influence. However, the state's political discourse remains largely focused on development issues, social justice, and secularism. The environmental and developmental challenges, such as those posed by climate change and sustainable development, are increasingly becoming part of the political conversation in Kerala.

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KERALA NEWS

Amit Shah lays out BJP’s Kerala game plan, 3-point agenda: A look at ‘Mission Keralam’

January 12, 2026 8:31 am

“Today, the BJP has a mayor in Thiruvananthapuram. Tomorrow, there will be a BJP chief minister in Kerala," Union Home Minister tells party's newly elected civic body members

Kerala 'Chief Minister's mega quiz' kicks off Monday, winner to get Rs 5 lakh

January 11, 2026 9:35 pm

The first prize winner will receive Rs 5,00,000, while the second and third prize winners will be awarded Rs 3,00,000 and Rs 2,00,000, respectively.

Sabarimala, gold theft, Kandararu Rajeevaru, Tantri,

In Sabarimala priest’s arrest, BJP sees an opening to take on the Left

January 10, 2026 7:27 pm

Party plans protest, says arrest meant to shield CPM, Congress leaders involved in gold theft scandal

No backbenchers, lighter schoolbags: Kerala schools will change from next academic year

January 09, 2026 11:11 am

Some schools in the state have already changed the sitting arrangements in classrooms to a horseshoe shape, doing away with backbenches

His controversial yet prophetic report became a rallying point for environmentalists against projects like the Athirappally hydel plant.

For Kerala, Madhav Gadgil’s voice was ‘nature’s conscience’, echoing through a decade of natural disasters

January 08, 2026 1:46 pm

The Gadgil Committee report in 2011 recommended a slew of measures for protecting the fragile balance of the Western Ghats.

For parody based on Lord Ayyappa song, Kerala police book 3, claim 'religious belief' insulted

From rescue to ‘attempted murder’: How a Kerala man’s attempt to ‘win back girlfriend’ backfired

January 07, 2026 11:00 pm

A Kerala woman was injured in a hit-and-run case on December 23. This week, two men were arrested for having staged the accident in an attempt to patch up a broken relationship.

The first International Spice Routes Conference in Kerala tells the story of spices through ancient trade networks and social histories

January 06, 2026 6:23 pm

The conference in Kochi that has delegates from 22 countries revisits the cultural, religious and commercial potential of global networks

KEAM 2026 exams will be held on April 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23.

KEAM 2026 registration begins at cee.kerala.gov.in; exam in April

January 07, 2026 10:01 am

Last year, KEAM engineering exam took place on April 23 and again from April 25 to April 29. KEAM 2025 pharmacy exam was conducted on April 24 and 29.

Decode Politics: A car ride and the CPM’s uneasy turn — why Kerala’s Left is divided over Ezhava leader Vellappally Natesan

January 04, 2026 7:46 pm

Natesan, who is known for making anti-Muslim remarks, is being courted by the CPM. Its ally CPI believes this led to the minority community distancing itself from the Left in the recent local polls.

Raju, the lone legislator of CPI(M) ally Janadhipathya Kerala Congress, is currently representing the assembly constituency of Thiruvananthapuram. (Image: @advantonyraju/X)

Kerala legislator convicted of tampering with evidence – drug accused client's underwear – in 1990 case

January 04, 2026 4:42 am

Antony Raju, who was a practising lawyer at the time of the case, was accused of tampering with the size of the underwear in which hashish was found to prove that it did not belong to his client. He now faces disqualification from the Assembly

KERALA PHOTOS

Wayanad Landslide: 93 dead, Coast Guard dispatches equipment and dog teams for rescue ops

July 30, 2024 10:05 pm

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said 93 people have died and around 128 were injured in the massive landslides in the northern Wayanad district, leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair.

Heavy rain, floods wreak havoc in part of India

June 08, 2024 1:43 pm

The southwest monsoon, which entered Maharashtra continued to pass over the state and has advanced into parts of central Arabian sea, parts of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, coastal Andhra Pradesh, central Bay of Bengal and northwest Bay of Bengal.

Kerala on high alert following Nipah outbreak

September 15, 2023 1:36 pm

Indian fans celebrate Argentina's long walk to World Cup victory

December 19, 2022 12:53 pm

Indian fans celebrate Argentina's win at the FIFA World Cup 2022, held in Qatar.

'Sea erosion, loss of traditional livelihood': Kerala fishermen up in arms against Adani Port project

August 22, 2022 10:32 pm

'Sea erosion, loss of traditional livelihood': Fishermen up in arms against Adani Port project

Orange alert issued in Kerala, heavy rainfall leads to waterlogging in the state

August 01, 2022 2:19 pm

An Orange alert has also been issued in eight districts for August 2, 12 for August 3 and 12 on August 4, according to an IMD district rainfall forecast.

Frost in Munnar as temperature dips below zero

February 02, 2022 9:11 pm

On February 2, Chundavurri estate, near Munnar recorded a temperature of minus 1-degree celsius.

In Pictures: Rahul Gandhi swimming with Kerala fishermen during his recent Kollam visit

February 26, 2021 10:36 am

During his recent visit to Kerala, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi interacted with the fishing community, ventured into the sea with the fishermen and took a stab at fishing.

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Air India Express flight from Dubai crashlands in Kozhikode | See pictures

August 08, 2020 12:02 pm

An Air India Express flight with 190 passengers on board skidded off the runway and split into two while trying to land at Kerala’s Kozhikode airport in heavy rain on Friday evening.