Vice President's 'Youngsters Will Follow The Cockroach' Warning To Media Vice President C P Radhakrishnan warned on Sunday that young people risk being influenced by negative narratives if media fails to highlight positive developments, using the metaphor of the "cockroach" to reference the satirical Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). Speaking at the 140th anniversary celebrations of the Malayalam daily Deepika, Radhakrishnan emphasized the need for constructive journalism to guide society and foster public confidence. He argued that without balanced reporting, youth could be swayed by fleeting controversies rather than meaningful progress. Radhakrishnan stressed that media must prioritize coverage of achievements and role models to shape the mindset of the younger generation. "Positive activities should be reported well. Only then will youngsters receive the right information. Otherwise, they will lose interest and end up following the 'cockroach,'" he said. The vice president linked this call to India's broader development goals, noting that the nation's progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership requires collective societal effort. The reference to the "cockroach" drew attention to the CJP, a satirical social media account that gained traction after a controversy involving Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. The CJI had made remarks about "cockroaches" and "parasites" during a court hearing, which were later clarified as criticism of individuals entering the legal profession through fraudulent means. The CJP evolved from a meme-based satire into a platform addressing issues like unemployment, exam leaks, and education, sparking debates on digital dissent and youth frustration.#deepika #vice_president_cp_radhakrishnan #vd_satheesan #cockroach_janata_party #rajendra_vishwanath_arlekar
Mohanlal Praises VD Satheesan: A Vision for Kerala's Future Actor Mohanlal praised Chief Minister VD Satheesan for his integrity and transparency during a meeting in Paravur, where he highlighted the unique public demand for Satheesan's leadership. Mohanlal emphasized that the process of selecting Satheesan as chief minister involved a nationwide call for unity, a rare occurrence in Kerala's history. He recounted the political discussions within the Congress party regarding Satheesan's election, underscoring the significance of the moment. Mohanlal described Satheesan as a man "whose heart is filled with the love of justice," expressing admiration for his qualities. He spoke of the joy and pride of Kerala's people in having a leader who embodies hope and dedication. "The moment Satheesan became the chief minister, the entire state felt a surge of optimism," Mohanlal said. He acknowledged the immense responsibility Satheesan carries, noting that Kerala's people entrusted him with their aspirations. The actor also addressed the growing issue of drug trafficking in Kerala, referencing a character in one of his films who warned about the dangers of narcotics. "The state is currently facing a surge in drug-related problems," Mohanlal stated. He expressed confidence in the government's ability to combat this crisis, urging a united effort to eradicate the menace. Mohanlal stressed the importance of non-partisan support for Kerala's development, emphasizing that the elected government belongs to all citizens. He called for collective action to build a new, prosperous Kerala, vowing to contribute his support as both an artist and an individual. "Let us work together to realize this vision," he concluded, highlighting the shared responsibility of the people in shaping the state's future.#kerala #congress_party #mohanlal #vd_satheesan #paravur
Fact Check: Did VD Satheesan Revoke Vellappally Natesan's Y-Category Security? The claim that Chief Minister VD Satheesan revoked the Y-category security granted to Vellappally Natesan, a former general secretary of the SNDP, is false. A viral social media post alleging this was debunked by Mathrubhumi’s Fact Check team, which confirmed the narrative was fabricated. The original claim, based on a screenshot of a breaking news report, falsely asserted that the state government had withdrawn the security. However, the Central Government had initially provided the Y-category protection in 2016, and it remains active today. The Y-category security was granted by the Central Government in 2016 following reports of threats from the banned terrorist group Al Umma. At the time, Natesan faced alleged threats of assassination, prompting the Centre to deploy 11 armed personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to ensure his safety. The decision came after a series of incidents, including a threatening letter received at his SNDP office in Kollam, which was linked to Al Umma’s activities. Despite the initial security measures, the state government later withdrew the protection in 2017. This action was part of a broader context of political tensions, including allegations that Natesan had made divisive statements about the state government’s handling of minority communities. The state police and Central Government conducted joint investigations into the threats against Natesan, but no credible evidence of imminent danger was found. Media outlets like The Hindu reported that the threat perception had diminished after key Al Umma leaders were imprisoned, reducing the group’s influence in Tamil Nadu.#central_industrial_security_force #vd_satheesan #vellappally_natesan #sndp #al_UMMA
V.D. Satheesan Elected Kerala Chief Minister Amid Political Drama After a 10-day political deadlock, the Congress party’s high command announced V.D. Satheesan as the new Chief Minister of Kerala. The decision, likened to a dramatic last-minute goal in a football match, saw Satheesan overtake K.C. Venugopal, who had been leading the race for the position. The outcome raised questions about the role of seniority, the MP contest criteria, and the influence of public sentiment and social media in shaping the high command’s final choice. The political drama unfolded as the Congress leadership faced intense pressure to resolve the crisis. Venugopal, a senior leader with a long-standing reputation, had been favored for the post. However, Satheesan’s appointment came as a surprise, with analysts pointing to a combination of strategic maneuvering and shifting dynamics within the party. The decision to replace Venugopal sparked debates about the criteria for selecting candidates, particularly the requirement for MPs to contest elections, which some argued had been a key factor in the outcome. Satheesan’s rise to the top was described as a “last-minute injury-time goal,” a metaphor for his unexpected victory. Critics questioned whether Venugopal’s failure to secure the position was due to a lack of support from key factions or a misstep in navigating the party’s internal politics. Meanwhile, the role of seniority in the selection process was called into question, as Chennithala, a veteran leader, was reportedly forced to step aside despite his experience. The high command’s decision was also influenced by the growing impact of social media and public opinion.#kerala #congress #chennithala #kc_venugopal #vd_satheesan
Shashi Tharoor to Miss Kerala CM Swearing-In Ceremony, Apologizes for Absence Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has announced that he will not attend the swearing-in ceremony of Kerala’s new Chief Minister, VD Satheesan. In a social media post, Tharoor expressed regret for missing the event, explaining that he will be in Boston for a graduation ceremony at the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy at Tufts University. He will deliver the commencement address there, which coincides with the 50th anniversary reunion of his batch. Tharoor also mentioned that he will participate in a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of his batch, which he described as a significant event in his personal history. Tharoor’s absence has been met with understanding, as the event is scheduled for May 18, following Satheesan’s selection as the leader of the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) on Thursday. Satheesan was chosen by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) after a meeting held in the assembly premises. Senior Congress leader Tiruvanchir Raghavan supported the decision, while senior leader Ramesh Chennithala sent a letter endorsing Satheesan’s candidacy. The selection came shortly after the United Democratic Front (UDF) secured a strong victory in the state elections. Satheesan’s swearing-in ceremony will take place on May 18, following his formal nomination by the All India Congress Committee (AICC). The event will see the participation of several political figures, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who have been invited to attend. The KPCC president, Sunny Joseph, and AICC’s Kerala in-charge, Deepa Das Munshi, have already met with the state governor, Rajendra Vishwanath Araker, to discuss the proceedings.#shashi_tharoor #kerala_pradesh_congress_committee #vd_satheesan #fletcher_school_of_law_diplomacy #tufts_university
Sonia Gandhi, AK Antony Solved Kerala Stalemate: Inside Story The Congress party's political deadlock in Kerala was resolved nine days after the state's assembly election results were announced, marking a pivotal moment in the party's strategy to navigate the aftermath of the polls. The stalemate centered on the selection of a new Chief Minister, with three prominent candidates—KC Venugopal, VD Satheesan, and others—refusing to yield ground. Sources revealed that Sonia Gandhi, the party's senior leader and chairperson of the INDIA alliance, played a decisive role in breaking the impasse by consulting her long-time confidant, AK Antony, a former Chief Minister of Kerala known for his integrity and strategic acumen. The situation escalated as the Congress faced internal pressure to finalize a candidate quickly. Observers Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik were dispatched to Kerala to engage with legislators, while leaders were summoned to Delhi for consultations with Rahul Gandhi. Despite these efforts, the deadlock persisted, prompting Sonia Gandhi to involve Antony in the decision-making process. Antony, who had previously served as Kerala's Chief Minister from 2001 to 2004, was recalled for his deep understanding of the state's political dynamics and his reputation for balancing competing interests. Antony's advice proved critical. He warned Sonia Gandhi that appointing KC Venugopal as Chief Minister would trigger by-elections, as the incumbent MLA would need to vacate his seat, and Venugopal's parliamentary constituency would also face a by-election. Given the recent conclusion of general elections, Antony argued that contesting these by-elections could destabilize the party's position. He further emphasized that the electorate had effectively endorsed VD Satheesan, with the Congress's allies also favoring him.#kerala #sonia_gandhi #kc_venugopal #vd_satheesan #ak_antonny
Let the Party Decide the Chief Minister; VD Satheesan VD Satheesan emphasized that the decision regarding the Chief Minister’s position should be left entirely to the party, rejecting any individual claims or public debates on the matter. He stated that the party’s collective judgment must prevail, and he personally refrained from expressing opinions or making assertions about the selection process. Satheesan highlighted his confidence in the party’s ability to make the right choice, asserting that his role was fulfilled and that he carried pride in the outcomes achieved. He also accused the CPI(M) and BJP of engaging in a political deal, citing the loss of three parliamentary seats and two ministerial positions in the state. While acknowledging that the full extent of the deal did not materialize across Kerala, Satheesan claimed it had partially influenced certain constituencies. He criticized the CPI(M) for its challenges, referencing recent setbacks in Bengal and Tripura, though he clarified that his intent was not to dismantle the party but to ensure its continued presence in the political landscape. Satheesan praised the UDF’s efforts, describing their coalition as a significant political platform that had brought together multiple parties. He credited the team’s work for reuniting fractured factions and for implementing strategies that countered the ruling government’s shortcomings. He emphasized the UDF’s role in addressing public grievances while maintaining a positive impact, even amid criticism of the government. He further highlighted the historical significance of the UDF’s performance, stating that no political alliance in India’s history had achieved such a level of collaboration and resilience.#kerala #bjp #cpi_m #udf #vd_satheesan
