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.

News
Photos
Videos

KERALA NEWS

Using razor, straw and phone lights, Kerala doctors attempt roadside surgery on crash victim

December 24, 2025 7:09 am

Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar led a chorus of praise for the doctors. A Raj Bhavan release said the Governor personally spoke to them and lauded their efforts.

The EC announced the SIR of electoral rolls on June 24, in which all registered electors are required to submit enumeration forms.

SIR 2.0 draft rolls: 3.68 crore electors deleted; Andaman tops with 21%, Kerala, MP, Chhattisgarh see up to 13% deletion

December 24, 2025 5:51 am

Draft rolls of Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattsigarh and Andaman & Nicobar Islands published on Tuesday; only Uttar Pradesh left.

Heart transplant surgery at Govt general hospital Ernakulam .

Orphan from Nepal needed a new heart. A district hospital in Kerala came to her rescue

December 24, 2025 7:59 am

On Monday, the heart of S Shibu, a native of Kollam, was harvested at the Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, where he was declared brain-dead, and flown to Kochi by an air ambulance.

Rivals in Bengal, partners in Kerala: TMC now Congress-led UDF’s ‘associate member’

December 22, 2025 8:00 pm

Congress-led alliance announces two estranged NDA constituents also joining it. But miffed with not being made UDF partner, Kamaraj Congress denies quitting the BJP-led coalition.

A 31-year-old migrant worker from Chhattisgarh was tragically lynched in Kerala's Palakkad district after being falsely suspected of theft while appearing mentally disoriented. (File)

5 held for beating Chhattisgarh man to death in Kerala

December 20, 2025 1:15 am

Police say Ramnarayan Baghel, 31, was questioned on camera by a group of men before being assaulted on suspicion of theft

Kerala V-C appointments’ deadlock ends: SC hails ‘happy ending to saga’

December 19, 2025 4:35 am

A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan also recorded its satisfaction over the development. The court had said last week that it would make the appointments if the two sides were unable to resolve their differences.

Singed by Kerala local body polls, CPI(M) raises storm over Lord Ayyappa song parody

December 20, 2025 5:23 am

Opposition hits back at LDF govt for its “double standards” over free speech and for targeting those behind the parody song instead of examining the reasons behind its poll setback

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

December 18, 2025 6:52 am

These include the writer, singer and producer of the song besides the company which shot the video. No one has been arrested yet

The Film and Television Institute of India Students' Association (FTIISA) condemned the denial of censor exemption by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to several films to be screened at the IFFK.

'Cultural vandalism', 'censorship by omission': FTII students' body condemns denial of clearance for movies at Kerala film festival

December 17, 2025 4:20 pm

Several films related to Palestine were denied clearance at IFFK, and the Film and Television Institute of India Students' Association criticised the I&B ministry for 'targeting' Palestinian cinema.

After deliberation meet, CPI(M) rules out understanding with Congress

December 16, 2025 2:23 am

Both the CPI(M) and the Congress are part of the INDIA bloc at the national level but arch-rivals in Kerala.

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.

air india express, air india kerala crash, air india crash, kerala plane crash, kerala plane crash pictures, kerala plane crash photos

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.