Get all your news in one place.

100's of premium titles.
One app.

Get all your news in one place.

100's of premium titles. One news app.

The Latest Breaking News from UDF

Finance Bill passed 'hurriedly' to give tax benefits to liquor cos: Kerala LoP Vijayan

Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan accused the UDF government of hastily passing the Finance Bill to benefit liquor companies through tax cuts, disregarding assembly rules. He alleged Chief Minister VD Satheesan was determined to grant these tax benefits, which he believes will lead to increased liquor availability. The Assembly approved…

The Economic Times

Kerala may lose over Rs 2,000 crore if it exits PM SHRI scheme: Education Minister Samsudheen

Kerala faces a potential loss exceeding Rs 2,000 crore by withdrawing from the Centre's PM SHRI scheme, as the prior LDF government's agreement restricts unilateral exit. The state could forfeit Rs 1,000 crore for schools and risk other education funds. The current government is working to resolve issues stemming from…

The Economic Times

Speaker Radhakrishnan denies backing low-alcohol liquor policy during LDF regime

Kerala Assembly Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan refuted claims of supporting low-alcohol liquor sales during his previous tenure. He stated that minutes from a Subject Committee meeting incorrectly recorded his assent to amendments by the LDF government. Radhakrishnan asserted he had voiced dissent in writing and opposed related proposals, maintaining his consistent…

The Economic Times

From analysis to the latest developments in health,
read the most diverse news in one place.

Kerala liquor policy to be decided after talks with coalition parties, says Kerala Revenue Minister A P Anil Kumar

Kerala Revenue Minister A P Anil Kumar stated that any policy on tax cuts for low-alcohol beverages will be decided after internal UDF discussions and consultation with Congress leadership. This follows a budget proposal to reduce taxes on such drinks, drawing criticism for potentially encouraging consumption. Chief Minister V D…

The Economic Times

PM SHRI protest turns tense as police use water cannons on CPI activists near Kerala Assembly

Police deployed water cannons on CPI student and youth activists protesting the PM SHRI scheme outside the Kerala Assembly. Former minister K Rajan was addressing the gathering when the incident occurred. The CPI-affiliated groups demand the state government withdraw from the scheme, which the previous LDF government had agreed to.

The Economic Times

Kerala to review pension rolls, reiterates Rs 3,000 pension promise

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced a comprehensive review of welfare pension beneficiaries to eliminate ineligible recipients and ensure all deserving individuals receive benefits. He reiterated the government's commitment to raising the social security pension to Rs 3,000, a key promise from the UDF's 'Indira Guarantee' program. The government…

The Economic Times

Kerala CM VD Satheesan presents maiden UDF budget for 2026-27

Kerala's Chief Minister VD Satheesan presented the state's first budget for the financial year 2026-27. The government inherited a significant financial crisis. Public debt stands at Rs 5.07 lakh crore. A large portion of revenue goes to salaries and pensions. Development spending is low. The state faced treasury stress for…

The Economic Times

Read news from The Economist, FT, and more,
with one subscription

Kerala launches free KSRTC travel scheme for women, transgender persons

Kerala's UDF government has launched the 'Priyadarshini' scheme. This initiative offers free travel for women and transgender individuals on ordinary KSRTC buses. The scheme aims to ease financial burdens for daily commuters. It fulfills a key election promise. Beneficiaries will receive zero-value tickets. The government expects statewide coverage.

The Economic Times

UDF govt attempting to implement PM SHRI scheme, alleges CPI(M) leader Sivankutty

Senior CPI(M) leader V Sivankutty alleged the Kerala government is spreading misinformation about the PM SHRI scheme. He stated the previous LDF government froze the agreement due to concerns over the National Education Policy. The current UDF government faces accusations of adopting contradictory stances, having opposed the scheme earlier. Discussions…

The Economic Times

Brother-in-law resigned to avoid nepotism controversy: Kerala Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph

Kerala Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph confirmed his brother-in-law Benny Thomas resigned as personal staff. Thomas stepped down following opposition claims of nepotism. Joseph stated Thomas's public standing was strong and his colleagues supported his continuation. Thomas resigned due to the controversy. Joseph needed a trusted aide for his key portfolios.

The Economic Times

LDF accuses Congress-led UDF of politically motivated staff transfers; government rejects it

The Kerala government has dismissed Left Democratic Front (opposition) accusations of politically motivated employee transfers. Minister Sunny Joseph stated transfers are routine for administrative needs and efficiency. Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan alleged transfers serve vested interests and increase corruption. The Speaker denied the opposition's request to adjourn the House for…

The Economic Times

Kerala CM V D Satheesan condemns attack on ED officials during Pinarayi Vijayan residence search

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has strongly condemned the attack on Enforcement Directorate officials. The incident occurred during a search at former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's rented residence. Satheesan stated that attacking investigators and damaging their vehicles is a serious crime. He emphasized that the state government intervenes only in…

The Economic Times

Kerala will inform public about its actual fiscal position: Governor's address

The new Kerala Legislative Assembly session has begun. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar presented the UDF government's policy. The government will inform the public about the state's financial situation. A white paper will clarify liabilities and obligations. Welfare measures for the poor will continue. Clean governance and fiscal discipline are priorities.…

The Economic Times

Munambam residents will not be evicted, Kerala CM Satheesan assures

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan has assured that residents facing the Munambam land dispute will not be evicted. His government will legally fight to protect their land rights. Satheesan alleged the Waqf Board's registration of the land on the UMEED portal was politically motivated. The BJP supports the protesting…

The Economic Times

Get all your
news in one place.

100's of premium titles.
One news app.

The Economic Times

Senior Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan elected Kerala Assembly Speaker

Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan has been elected Speaker of the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly. He secured 101 votes. A C Moideen received 35 votes and B B Gopakumar got 3 votes. The Congress-led UDF holds a majority in the 140-seat Assembly. The opposition fronts announced their nominees earlier.

The Economic Times

Kerala: Newly elected MLAs administered oath of office

In an event marking the start of the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly, newly elected legislators swore their oaths on May 21. The oath-taking ceremony was conducted in alphabetical order.

The Economic Times

BJP to contest Kerala Speaker election for first time, fields newly elected MLA Gopakumar

The Bharatiya Janata Party is stepping into uncharted territory by nominating B B Gopakumar, an MLA from Chathannoor, for the Speaker's chair in Kerala's assembly election, which takes place this Friday. This nomination represents a pivotal moment for the BJP in the state.

The Economic Times

Kerala Cabinet full list: CM Satheesan to handle Finance, Ramesh Chennithala gets Home portfolio

Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar has approved the portfolio allocation for the new UDF government, led by Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan. Satheesan will handle 35 departments, including finance and law, while Ramesh Chennithala secures the key home portfolio. The UDF secured a decisive victory in the recent Assembly elections.

Get all your
news in one place.

100's of premium titles.
One news app.

The Economic Times

Kerala CM V D Satheesan reveals UDF was unaware full rendition of Vande Mataram would be sung at swearing-in ceremony

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan clarified the full Vande Mataram rendition at the UDF swearing-in was a Lok Bhavan decision. He and his colleagues were unaware of the full song being sung. The CPI(M) criticized the move as inappropriate for a pluralistic society. The BJP countered, accusing the CPI(M)…

The Economic Times

'Just remembered my father, what's wrong,' asks Kerala CM VD Satheesan on row over use of caste surname in swearing-in

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan has defended using his caste surname Menon during his swearing-in. He stated he was only mentioning his father's name. This move sparked debate on social media and among Congress leaders. Some see it as a political message to the Hindu community. Satheesan belongs to…

The Economic Times

In major development, Satheesan-led new Kerala govt set to scrap Silverline high-speed rail project

Silverline high-speed rail project: The scrapping of SilverLine marks the end of a project that had dominated Kerala’s political discourse for years and sharply divided public opinion across the state.

The Economic Times

Work in Kerala begins now: Rahul Gandhi after govt sworn in

Following the UDF's victory in Kerala, Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi expressed optimism for the state's "true progress" and "future-led development." Gandhi emphasized that the people's voice will guide the new government, led by V D Satheesan, and that "work begins now." Kharge highlighted the commitment to dignity,…

The Economic Times

Congress leadership 'capitulated' to demands of Muslim League, Jamaat-e-Islami in Kerala: BJP

The BJP has criticized the Congress following V D Satheesan's oath as Kerala Chief Minister. Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla alleged the Congress has surrendered to Islamist groups like the IUML and Jamaat-e-Islami. He claimed the decision was made under pressure for vote-bank politics. Poonawalla stated the Muslim League effectively runs…

The Economic Times

V D Satheesan govt: Mix of experienced and new faces

V.D. Satheesan sworn in as Kerala's new Chief Minister, leading a UDF government with 20 ministers. The cabinet blends experience with 14 newcomers, including two women and two Scheduled Caste members. Key figures like Ramesh Chennithala and P.K. Kunhalikutty are set to take on significant portfolios, promising a fresh political…

The Economic Times

Congress’ comeback face in Kerala: Inside V D Satheesan’s rise to Chief Minister

V D Satheesan has become the new Chief Minister of Kerala. He led the Congress-led UDF to power after a decade. Satheesan is a lawyer-turned-politician known for his sharp speeches. He previously served as Leader of the Opposition. His leadership revived the Congress in Kerala. He focused on corruption and…

1 2 3 4 5

People

Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar

18 stories

Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan

From analysis to the latest developments in health,
read the most diverse news in one place.

Organisations

Bharatiya Janata Party

Read news from The Economist, FT, and more,
with one subscription

Topics

Places

Fourteen days free

Download the app

One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.