National Award-Winning Actor Salim Kumar Hospitalized and on Ventilator Support Salim Kumar, a National Award-winning actor, has been hospitalized and is currently receiving ventilator support. He was admitted to Amrita Hospital in Kochi on Saturday after experiencing discomfort. Hospital authorities have confirmed his critical condition but have not provided further details about his health beyond stating he is on ventilator assistance. Kumar, who previously won both the National and State awards for Best Actor for his role in the film Adaminte Makan Abu (2010), has a medical history marked by recurring health issues. His performance in the film, which was critically acclaimed, earned him recognition for his portrayal of a character facing personal and societal challenges. A known Congress supporter, Kumar actively campaigned for the United Democratic Front (UDF) during the recent state assembly elections. His efforts were focused on promoting Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, who won from Kumar’s home constituency of North Paravur. His campaign for Satheesan, however, sparked controversy, particularly with CPI(M) supporters. Kumar’s public remarks criticizing the development shortcomings during the tenure of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan drew backlash. CPI(M) supporters launched a social media campaign against him, though the specific nature of their criticism was not detailed in the source. The National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) also lodged an official complaint with the Election Commission, alleging that Kumar’s remarks degraded mental health conditions and stigmatized patients. The organization claimed his statements contributed to the marginalization of individuals with mental health issues.#united_democratic_front #kochi #salim_kumar #amrita_hospital #v_d_satheesan
Kerala Assembly Election 2026: MLA Predicts Over 554-Vote Margin in Kunnathunad Kochi: P. V. Sreenijan, the current member of the legislative assembly (MLA) for Kunnathunad constituency, has asserted that his party will secure a victory margin of more than 554 votes in the upcoming elections. The claim was made through a Facebook post, where Sreenijan emphasized his confidence in the outcome. He later clarified that the exact figure of 554 votes would be confirmed after the vote count is finalized. Sreenijan dismissed the party’s preliminary assessment that his faction is trailing by approximately 6,000 votes. Instead, he attributed his projected success to a combination of personal influence and developmental work over the past five years. He highlighted that his efforts in infrastructure and community projects have bolstered his support base. Additionally, he claimed to have received votes from both the Congress party and the Twenty20 faction, which he believes are not fully accounted for in the party’s current projections. The MLA also pointed out that the constituency’s political landscape is complex, with multiple parties vying for dominance. While the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and United Democratic Front (UDF) are major contenders, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) also has a significant presence. The contest includes candidates from the Twenty20 faction, with former mayor Babu Divakaran representing them. The UDF has fielded V. P. Sajeevendran as their candidate, aiming to reclaim the seat. In the recent local body elections, the constituency saw a split in power, with the UDF holding control over eight panchayat institutions and the Twenty20 faction managing four.#united_democratic_front #left_democratic_front #kerala_assembly_election_2026 #p_v_sreenijan #kunnathunad_constituency
Kerala Elections 2026 | Congress Confident of Gains in Left Strongholds: "Will Win Over 100 Seats" Kerala Congress President Sunny Joseph has expressed confidence in the United Democratic Front's (UDF) performance in the upcoming assembly elections, predicting the alliance will secure more than 100 seats. Speaking to NDTV, Joseph highlighted the potential for a strong showing in Left-leaning constituencies, particularly in the Left stronghold of Kannur. He pointed to recent trends in local body and parliamentary elections as indicators of growing public discontent with the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government. Joseph emphasized that issues such as governance and development have fueled dissatisfaction, which could influence the election outcome. He also underscored the Congress party's secular appeal, which he argued transcends community divisions. Joseph noted that the leadership of the next government will be determined by the party's high command following the results. Despite this, the UDF remains focused on expanding its influence in traditional Left strongholds across northern Kerala. The UDF's strategy includes targeting areas where the Left has historically held sway, aiming to capitalize on perceived weaknesses in the LDF's governance. Joseph's comments reflect broader optimism within the UDF about its prospects, though the final results will depend on voter behavior and the effectiveness of campaign messaging. The election is expected to be a pivotal moment for Kerala's political landscape, with the UDF and LDF vying for dominance. The outcome could reshape the state's governance and policy priorities, particularly in sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.#united_democratic_front #kannur #left_democratic_front #kerala_elections_2026 #sunny_joseph
Sudhakaran to Contest as Independent from Ambalapuzha, Rejecting Party and Front Allegiances Veteran CPI(M) leader G Sudhakaran announced on Thursday that he will contest the upcoming Assembly elections as an independent candidate from his constituency, Ambalapuzha, in Kerala’s Alappuzha district. The decision marks a significant setback for the Communist Party of India (Marxist), as Sudhakaran severed all ties with the party and declared his candidacy without aligning with any political party or front. Sudhakaran cited personal attacks by party cadres on social media platforms as the reason for his exit from the CPI(M). He stated that he would not seek support from the United Democratic Front (UDF) or any other group, emphasizing that he had not reached out to anyone for backing. “There is no question of support from the UDF as I have not sought it. I have not spoken to anyone,” he said during a press briefing. The former minister also ruled out organizing traditional campaign activities such as wall paintings or conventions, asserting that he would focus solely on addressing political issues during his campaign. He clarified that he would not criticize the government directly and remained uncertain about the presence of anti-incumbency sentiment among voters. However, he reiterated his commitment to opposing corruption during the election period. Sudhakaran denied submitting formal complaints to the state committee and stated that all grievances had been resolved at the local level. He emphasized that he had never approached the chief minister or party leadership for intervention or a ticket. Refuting recent media reports, he claimed that several statements attributed to him were inaccurate.#united_democratic_front #g_sudhakaran #communist_party_of_india_marxist #ambalapuzha #sn_college
G. Sudhakaran and CPM Tensions: Will Perumbalam Bridge Opening Resolve Political Rifts? Published: March 7, 2026, 9:46 AM IST Alappuzha, March 7 — The opening of the Perumbalam Bridge has become a focal point in Kerala’s political landscape, as tensions between veteran leader G. Sudhakaran and the Communist Party of India (CPI) persist. The event, scheduled to symbolize regional development, has sparked speculation about whether Sudhakaran will attend, marking a potential turning point in his relationship with the party. Sudhakaran, a former CPM MLA, has remained a controversial figure amid ongoing disputes over his political allegiance. While the CPI has made concerted efforts to reconcile with him, including a formal request from Central Committee member C.S. Sudhajata to reaffirm his commitment to the party and participate in upcoming elections, Sudhakaran’s stance remains unclear. His decision to either rejoin the party or withdraw could significantly impact the state’s political dynamics. The CPI’s internal pressure mounts as the March 20 deadline approaches for Sudhakaran to either reaffirm his membership or sever ties. Analysts note that his brother’s assassination by K.S. Uthara in 2018, which left Sudhakaran as a witness to the crime, has shaped his political identity. This legacy, coupled with his longstanding ties to the party, may deter him from taking a drastic step. Meanwhile, the United Democratic Front (UDF) is closely monitoring Sudhakaran’s decision, anticipating potential shifts in alliances. If he leaves the CPI, the UDF has hinted at supporting him as an independent candidate, though his reluctance to abandon the party’s ideological roots could complicate this scenario.#g_sudhakaran #communist_party_of_india #perumbalam_bridge #central_committee_member_c_s_sudhajata #united_democratic_front
