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

Matrimonial site 'promised' 100 contacts but gave only 51, Kerala man wins Rs 20,000

August 14, 2026 3:11 pm

The Kerala state consumer body ordered a matrimonial website to refund a man after it failed to provide him the promised 100 contacts of prospective brides within three months.

A question in Keralam: What’s in an ‘m’?

August 14, 2026 10:36 am

Both Houses of Parliament have passed a Bill in response to two resolutions of the Kerala Assembly.

New seahorse species discovered off Tamil Nadu coast by Kerala scientists

August 13, 2026 5:36 pm

The newly identified species, discovered off the coast of Tamil Nadu, has been named in honour of Amanda Vincent, a leading seahorse researcher and founder of the conservation initiative Project Seahorse.

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Parliament passes Bill to rename Kerala as Keralam

August 13, 2026 2:52 am

On Wednesday evening, MoS Home Nityanand Rai introduced the Bill on behalf of Home Minister Amit Shah, who was not present in the House.

Nuclear scientist Parameswaran, who took people’s scientific movement to masses, dies

August 12, 2026 5:56 am

The former BARC scientist, who died at 91 in Thrissur, worked on popularising science beyond the confines of labs and classrooms, and inculcating scientific temperament in people.

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Vande Mataram, Savarkar quiz: Kerala government faces ‘RSS agenda’ charge

August 11, 2026 6:28 pm

Most of the controversies concern departments headed by ally IUML, which had claimed that a third term for the LDF could pave the way for BJP in the state

Kerala Child Rights Commission to launch certificate, diploma courses on child rights

August 11, 2026 11:12 am

The courses will help the general public, teachers, students and officials gain a better understanding of child rights and protection laws amid increasing incidents of violence, exploitation, neglect and cyber threats against children, the statement said.

Forced to travel 100 km to fix 'fault' in new electric scooter, Kerala man wins Rs 1.6 lakh

August 11, 2026 10:34 am

A Kerala consumer court has ordered Ola Electric to pay Rs 1.3 lakh refund and Rs 30,000 compensation over a faulty EV scooter which necessitated a 100-km service run.

Held for remarks against women protesters, Kerala political commentator gets bail

August 11, 2026 5:00 am

T G Mohandas, who was associated with the BJP in the past, was arrested from his home in Kochi late on Sunday night. The party's state president questioned the timing of the arrest while expressing disagreement with the remarks

Consumer court news Kerala Rubber trees Kerala woman Agreement

Kerala woman gets Rs 1.40 lakh after man fails to pay dues, maintain 710 rubber trees

August 10, 2026 4:52 pm

A Kerala Consumer Commission ordered the man to pay Rs 1.10 lakh in unpaid income, Rs 25,000 compensation and Rs 5,000 costs to a 76-year-old woman.

KERALA PHOTOS

Offbeat hill stations in Kerala you should explore

August 12, 2026 11:38 am

Looking beyond Munnar? These underrated hill stations in Kerala are worth exploring.

Traditional foods from Kerala you should try at least once

June 24, 2026 12:44 pm

Join us on a culinary journey through Kerala’s lesser-known traditional foods!

In Pictures: Attukal Pongala celebrations in Kerala

March 03, 2026 4:53 pm

On the ninth day, a full moon day, considered the pongala day, millions of women gather near the temple surroundings and prepare consecrated food made of rice in earthen pots (pongala/porridge) and offer it to Attukal Amma, the Goddess of the Temple.

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.