Kerala polls: Buzz over Congress’ CM candidate continues despite leadership’s efforts to rein it in Intra-party speculation about the Congress’ potential Chief Ministerial candidate for Kerala, should the United Democratic Front (UDF) secure victory in the 2026 Assembly elections, remains a focal point of political discourse despite attempts by party leaders to suppress such discussions. Veteran Congress leader P.J. Kurien, a former Deputy Chairperson of Rajya Sabha, recently amplified the debate by publicly endorsing Ramesh Chennithala as the likely choice for the post. Kurien’s remarks, delivered at a UDF election convention in Thiruvalla, Kottayam, sparked renewed speculation about the internal dynamics of the Congress leadership. Kurien asserted that the UDF would win the polls on May 4, the scheduled result day, and directly linked Chennithala’s candidacy to the outcome. “I have no doubt that Mr. Chennithala will be the Chief Minister,” Kurien stated, adding that Chennithala might protest the claim, arguing that the final decision rests with the party’s High Command. His comments were met with mixed reactions, with some media outlets suggesting that senior Congress leaders, including K. Sudhakaran, had quietly supported Chennithala over rival candidates like Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan and All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary K.C. Venugopal. Chennithala, however, downplayed Kurien’s assertion, aligning himself with the AICC’s stance that the national High Command, in consultation with the Congress Legislative Party (CLP), would determine the final choice. He emphasized that the party’s primary focus should be on winning the elections, stating, “The Congress and the UDF are marching in lockstep to end Left Democratic Front (LDF) rule.#congress #udf #kottayam #ramesh_chennithala #kerala_polls
Screening of 'The Kerala Story 2' Disrupted by Protest in Kottayam A protest organized by the DYFI group disrupted the screening of 'The Kerala Story 2' in Kottayam, Kerala, on March 17, 2026. A police official stated that authorities are unsure of the film’s filming location and suspect the incident may have been orchestrated by unscrupulous elements. The official emphasized that the disruption reflects broader concerns about the misuse of cinema as a tool for political propaganda. The police official, speaking on X, criticized the BJP government for fostering narratives that target Muslims and exacerbate communal tensions. He warned that deploying cinema to stigmatize a community risks transforming prejudice into organized discrimination, further fueling anti-Muslim sentiment. The official’s remarks highlight the growing debate over the role of media in shaping public perception and inciting division. Social media users in Kerala responded to the film’s trailer with sarcastic jabs, referencing the dish "beef-porotta" as a metaphor for the film’s alleged portrayal of Muslims. This reaction underscores the polarizing nature of the film, which has sparked intense public discourse since its release. Critics argue that the film exaggerates certain narratives, while supporters claim it exposes uncomfortable truths about societal issues. The controversy surrounding 'The Kerala Story 2' has intensified since its February 2026 release, following the initial 2023 debut of its predecessor. Political and cultural debates have centered on whether the films promote divisive agendas or serve as a platform for critical discussion. An MP reiterated the importance of secularism and equality, condemning calls for economic or social boycotts of any community as a threat to India’s democratic values.#kerala #the_kerala_story_2 #bjp #dyfi_group #kottayam
