Award Heroes of society and not film stars

#Award heroes of society and not film stars 

The decision to give a state award to Vedan,  while serious allegations against him are still before the court, has caused big public anger. Many people feel it sends a wrong message to society, especially when children’s films and deserving artists were ignored.. 

Even though some say “no one is guilty until proven,” it is argued that honoring a person facing such complaints damages the credibility of the government and award committee. People feel this is unfair to the next generation and hurts public trust in the award system. A rapist rapper is unfit for any award

There is also a strong opinion that film awards are not really needed. Movie stars and film personalities are already rich and famous, so public money need not be spent on giving them cash prizes. Instead, this money could support farmers, fishermen, and soldiers who serve the nation with dedication and often struggle financially.

 Films will continue without government-funded awards, but supporting real heroes of society would bring more respect and value to public funds.

-K A Solaman

Waiting for whistle scam

#Waiting for Final Whistle Scam.

 Possibly our Sports Minister has now become Kerala’s official Messi travel agent. First he declared Messi is coming in November, then suddenly, “Oh sorry, stadium not FIFA-approved, Messi busy, calendar full, dog ate the permission letter”. 

Now he promises March next year. Meanwhile, a mysterious sponsor with more controversies than football goals keeps popping up like a surprise substitute player. 

And the ticket drama? People booked seats faster than fans clicking IPL tickets. This is only to end up watching breaking news instead of football. Now the Minister says “don’t blame us, only dates changed!   Yes, just a small change.. Argentina went to Angola, tickets vanished, but don’t worry, Messi will come next March. 

By the time he arrives, the Minister might be sitting at home watching highlights of the scam enquiry. And if the dates shift again, the next minister can handle the “Messi arrival mission,” while this sponsor runs a masterclass on how to dribble money better than Messi dribbles footballs. 

Kerala is waiting with snacks and popcorn for the Final Whistle Scam.

-K A Solaman

Toxic film award

#Taxic film award.

The decision of the jury for the 55th Kerala State Film Awards to confer the Best Lyricist award to Vedan  is a gross abdication of moral responsibility. Vedan is one who is facing multiple serious rape and sexual-assault allegations.

By endorsing his work while his case remains sub judice, the state‐awarded honour transforms what should be a celebration of artistic merit into a toxic signal. The government machinery of cultural recognition is seemingly  detached from any sense of ethical accountability.

The jury, and by extension the government is here to legitimize one who is under credible legal scrutiny. And this erodes public trust in the integrity of the award and demeans the very idea of merit‐based recognition.

The implications for society are gravely disturbing when a person accused of violating the fundamental dignity of others is publicly lauded by a state institution, 

Such a move encourages cynicism. It undermines victims’ faith in justice and sends the subtle yet pervasive message that talent can offset or even excuse alleged predation. The government’s complicity in this tarnishes the credibility of the award. Award to a so called rapist is a political favoritism or  failure of oversight for the part of government monitored jury.

The message conveyed is absolutely wrong. The Government  should not normalise an unacceptable standard.in State awards.

- K A Solaman

Poverty-tree state

#Poverty-free state

Kerala is a State drowning in debt and living off borrowed money like a college student on credit cards. But now at  a grand spectacle it is suddenly blowing trumpets and unfurling banners to declare itself poverty-free! 

And who is better to certify this miracle than three millionaire film legends descending like a celestial audit committee. Mammootty, Mohanlal, and Kamal Haasan together declare “end of extreme poverty” in Kerala. 

Anyone who dares to point out that a family can slip into poverty the moment a flood hits, or a medical emergency strikes, is conveniently labelled “anti-development.” Forget data, forget reality, a celebratory PR event is clearly more nutritious than food kits.  The State is to keep rejecting from the Centre, Kerala Piravi gift to Keralites. 

And let us applaud the admirable gender equality on display, that is,  three men representing the triumphant march of the poor to prosperity! Truly visionary. Why bother with women, self-help women collectives, or the actual beneficiaries of social welfare when we can have red carpets and movie stars? After all, a State government that refuses many Central schemes but freely queues up for loans must prove its genius at financial wizardry. Solving poverty by proclamation is a better idea 

In Kerala ordinary families are  struggling with inflation, unemployment, and post-flood rebuilding. But here we stand, watching the ruling front declare victory while reality scratches its head, wondering whether to laugh or cry.  

Of course, people  need not worry. If poverty returns tomorrow, perhaps another superstar, may be Messi,  will come for an inauguration to fix it.

- K A Solaman

Tragicomedy of PM-SHRI school in Kerala

#Tragicomedy of PM-SHRI in Kerala.

The Kerala government’s handling of the PM-SHRI schools project has turned into a classic display of political drama disguised as policy. Education Minister V. Sivankutty proudly announced that the state joined the project for the future of students. But within days, that very future was put on hold. Thanks to protests from the CPI,  coalition partner of LDF. 

Apparently, in Kerala politics, students’ education takes a back seat whenever ideological ego trips are at stake. The government that claimed to stand for progress now looks like a troupe of confused performers. They are.unsure whether to clap, cry, or exit the stage.

What’s more telling is the suspicious urgency to form a ministerial subcommittee as it is a traditional Kerala remedy for burying uncomfortable truths. When corruption or mismanagement lurks in the background, committees bloom like mushrooms after rain. The public sees through it: the government’s hesitation isn’t about protecting federal autonomy or ideology; it’s about protecting secrets. 

While the LDF partners quarrel over slogans and or so-called principles, the real victims are school students. They are left watching their so-called protectors fight over who gets to wear the moral crown. It’s a tragicomedy where the actors forget their lines, but the audience still pays the price.

-K A Solaman

Will Messi come or not?

#Will #Messi come or not?

It seems Kerala’s football dreams were briefly hijacked by a man with more ambition than authenticity. The man is the so-called “sponsor” who promised Messi but he delivered a mess. 

With a résumé that reads like a thriller of  unauthorized tree cutting from forest land, mysterious stadium “renovations,” and now a phantom international match, he tried to turn Kerala’s sports scene into his private circus. 

One wonders whether he planned to bring Messi or merely a cardboard cutout from Buenos Aires! The way this grand show evaporated proves once again that when shady businessmen step into the sports arena, the only goal scored is against public trust.

As for Kerala’s Sports Minister, he seems to have mistaken political theatrics for sports development. Instead of nurturing homegrown talent, he was busy warming up for a handshake that never came. When the state exchequer is gasping for breath, talking about crores for a foreign star’s fleeting appearance is like painting luxury boxes on a crumbling stadium wall. 

The minister’s role should be to raise players, not illusions. But alas, in Kerala’s sports field, the whistle blows not for fair play but for fouls.

-K A Solaman

Sivankutty's Intellectual Gymnastics

#Sivankutty's #intellectual #gymnastics.

When Minister V Sivankutty boldly announces that Kerala can sign a national agreement without following it, he truly breaks new ground in political comedy. Money is the main concern and not academic standard.

According to his logic, PM SHRI funding is like a buffet, that is, take the money, skip the items we don’t like.  He assures everyone that Kerala’s curriculum will remain untouched, as if the MoU is just a decorative ribbon to tie around existing practices. 

After all, this is the same education system that introduced “Party-Approved Teacher Handbooks”as it was  a proud effort to ensure that every chapter has ideological vitamins. Teachers, in return, graciously recycled these tomes into dustbin décor and silently expressed  academic creativity.

The CPI leaders clap like members of a laugh track, delighted by this new form of intellectual gymnastics. They argue that Kerala can join the scheme without joining the scheme, a Schrödinger’s Agreement, both valid and void at the same time. In their grand vision, NCERT books may arrive, but Kerala’s own ideological handbooks will remain mandatory.

With such brave innovation, Sivankutty and company are rewriting not only the curriculum but also the definition of logic by proving once again that satire is sometimes just reporting the news.

-K A Solaman

Vasavan should quit

#Vasavan should quit

Minister V.N. Vasavan seems to have taken his portfolio as “Devaswom” a little too literally, as if the gods themselves were meant to serve his convenience. Under his watch, the Travancore Devaswom Board finds itself in a golden scandal where temple ornaments apparently performed a divine metamorphosis from gold to copper! 

When the Kerala High Court takes notice and the opposition demands accountability, the minister’s only visible response is the art of denial. It seems Vasavan believes that devotion is best expressed not in service or transparency, but in silence and stubbornness. Perhaps he imagines that by ignoring the noise, the gods and the people will forgive him.

Then came the vallasadya at Aranmula, where Vasavan allegedly dined before the deity had been offered the meal, an act against conventional practice and ritual.. And if that wasn’t enough divine irony, his stoic stance behind President Murmu at Sabarimala, while she prayed with folded hands, revealed a man who could neither bow before faith nor rise to the dignity of his office. 

A minister of Devaswoms who cannot show reverence in the abode of the gods, nor responsibility in their administration, has surely lost his moral right to hold the post. It’s time for Vasavan to perform his own atonement starting with resignation.

-K A Solaman

System Failure in P2.0

#System #failure in P 2.0

The Pinarayi Vijayan government’s failure to clear a relatively small debt of ₹158 crore to medical implant distributors exposes the shocking negligence towards the state’s most vulnerable citizens. 

The government hospitals are the only hope for the poor. The poor people are forced to halt life-saving heart surgeries due to non-payment equipment suppliers to hospitals. This reflects a collapse of financial discipline and moral responsibility.

 While the government boasts of welfare schemes and social justice, patients who depend on free or subsidized treatment are left gasping for life in hospital corridors.  The surgeries are postponed indefinitely because the system cannot pay its bills.

As the LDF prepares to seek a mandate for “Pinarayi 3.0,” this situation stands as a grim reminder of misplaced priorities and arrogance in governance. A government that can spend lavishly on publicity, festivals, and unnecessary projects but fails to pay suppliers for essential medical implants shows contempt for public health and compassion. 

The poor, who trusted the state’s health system, now face unbearable agony. This is not just fiscal failure but it is moral bankruptcy at the heart of Kerala’s governance.

-K A Solaman

PM SHRI School admitted

#PM SHRI #school #admitted

The recent decision of the Kerala government to join the PM SHRI scheme, after initially opposing it, once again exposes the inconsistency and political opportunism that have become characteristic of the state’s governance.

Minister V. Sivankutty’s assurance that Kerala’s educational policy will remain uncompromised appears hollow when viewed against the government’s habitual pattern of criticizing central initiatives for political mileage and later quietly accepting them to access funds. 

This double standard reflects a lack of coherent policy vision. Instead of formulating independent, sustainable reforms in education, the government seems more focused on extracting financial benefits while maintaining a façade of ideological resistance to the Centre.

Such contradictions have weakened the credibility of the Left-led administration in Kerala. The CPI, a key constituent of the ruling front, has particularly lost its ideological clarity. They are  trying to rule and oppose all the time. 

The politics of selective resistance only exposes Kerala's dependence on central assistance for governance. While the government loudly project Kerala as a model state or even as a quasi-independent entity distinct from the Union, their inability to sustain essential programmes without central aid highlights administrative

inefficiency and fiscal mismanagement.

 This approach of opposing for politics and accepting for survival not only undermines Kerala’s governance but also erodes public confidence in its leadership.

-K A Solaman

Disregard to RTI Act

#Disregard to RTI Act.

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 was enacted to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance by empowering citizens to seek information from public authorities. 

When a citizen inquires about the reason for his name being deleted from the voter’s list, it is a legitimate request for information that directly affects their democratic right to vote. Such a query cannot be dismissed by hiding behind technicalities or by quoting irrelevant definitions from the Act. 

The Public Information Officer (PIO) has a statutory duty to provide a clear and factual response, such as the official reason for deletion or the authority responsible for the action. By refusing to give this information, the officer has not only denied the citizen’s right but also shown disregard for the principles of transparency that the RTI Act upholds.

The  kind of misleading response represents a growing trend of bureaucratic evasion that weakens the RTI framework. The officer’s answer is not only evasive but also reflects ignorance or deliberate distortion of the law. 

The RTI Act never intended to allow officers to hide information by citing procedural loopholes; instead, it obligates them to assist applicants in obtaining the correct information. The citizen’s question clearly pertains to a government record, namely, the voter list and hence falls squarely within the Act’s purview. Such misuse of authority warrants disciplinary action, as it discourages public participation and erodes faith in democratic institutions. 

To preserve the sanctity of the RTI Act, erring officials who misuse their position to deny rightful information must be held accountable under the provisions of the law.

An inappropriate reply given by the Panchayat Secretary clearly undermines the very spirit and purpose of the Right to Information (RTI).

-K A Solaman

Hijab issue. lacks maturity

#Hijab #issue lacks maturity

The father’s reaction to the hijab issue at St. Rita’s Public School reflects a lack of maturity and a failure to prioritize his daughter’s education over emotional impulses. Instead of resolving the issue calmly and guiding his daughter to adapt to the school’s uniform policy he has chosen to withdraw her, citing emotional distress. 

Education is meant to prepare students to face life’s realities with discipline and understanding. If the girl is not withdrawn from the school there is possibility for father constantly finding fault with the school, whether about teachers’ remarks, marks, or other grievances. His duty as a parent is to ensure her continuity in quality education, not to politicize or dramatize a manageable situation. The new school that is going to admit the girl should be beware of her father.

Equally concerning is the conduct of the Education Minister, V. Sivankutty, whose frequent and inconsistent comments on this issue only deepen the confusion. As the head of the education department, he should maintain neutrality and uphold the institutional authority of schools rather than appear to sway with political pressure. His repeated remarks, shifting tones, and lack of firmness undermine public confidence in the education system. 

A responsible minister must offer clarity, stability, and balanced judgment, not fuel controversies through impulsive statements. Both the father’s overreaction and the minister’s inconsistency ultimately harm the broader goal of maintaining discipline, respect, and educational integrity in schools.

-K A Solaman

Hijab controversy

#Hijab #controversy

The controversy surrounding the Hijab issue at St. Rita’s School, Palluruthy, Kochi, is both unnecessary and unfortunate. Every educational institution has the right to enforce a prescribed uniform code meant to promote equality, discipline, and unity among students. The decision of the school management to restrict the use of the hijab inside the classroom, if it is part of their uniform policy, is completely within their rights and in no way discriminatory. 

Parents who admit their children to such institutions must understand and accept the rules and regulations at the time of admission. If they find the policies incompatible with their beliefs, they are free to choose another school that aligns with their preferences instead of creating conflict and disruption.

The reaction of certain political and religious outfits, reportedly forcing the closure of the school, is deeply condemnable. Education spaces should never be turned into arenas for political or communal confrontation. The alleged act of the child’s father bringing activists to threaten the school authorities is a serious breach of law and order and shows a complete lack of respect for institutional autonomy.

 Such intimidation tactics undermine the very purpose of education, that is to foster harmony, discipline, and understanding. The incident highlights the need for parents and community leaders to act responsibly and protect the sanctity of educational environments from divisive political interference.

-K A Solaman

Pepper spray to doctors

#Pepper Spray to doctors

The idea of providing pepper spray to doctors as a means of self-defense, though well-intentioned, is largely impractical. Attacks on medical professionals usually occur suddenly, leaving little time for them to use any defensive tool effectively. In the tense and chaotic atmosphere of a hospital emergency, reaching for a pepper spray and using it safely without escalating the situation is almost impossible. 

Moreover, such measures shift the burden of safety onto doctors themselves, rather than addressing the root cause of violence in hospitals. The lack of adequate security, poor crowd control, and emotional volatility of bystanders are the main reasons. for violence.. Hence, relying on pepper spray is a superficial remedy that offers more psychological comfort than real protection.

To ensure the genuine safety of doctors, more concrete and systematic measures must be implemented. Hospitals should have round-the-clock police presence or at least a rapid-response system in collaboration with nearby police stations. Security personnel trained in conflict management should be deployed in sensitive areas like casualty and intensive care units. 

Strict laws against hospital violence must be enforced swiftly to deter future assaults. Educating the public on medical ethics, treatment limitations, and patient communication can help reduce misunderstandings that often lead to aggression. Only through a combination of legal enforcement, institutional security, and public awareness can doctors truly be protected from physical harm.

-K A Solaman

The Nobel Peace Prize 2025

The #Nobel Peace Prize 2025

The Nobel Committee deserves heartfelt congratulations for awarding the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to Maria Corina Machado of Venezuela, by recognizing her courageous fight for democracy and human rights under an oppressive regime,. 

The Committee has once again reaffirmed the true spirit of the Peace Prize by honoring those who uphold freedom, justice, and the dignity of the human spirit. Machado’s relentless struggle against dictatorship, her voice for the voiceless, and her unwavering belief in democratic values represent the highest ideals that Alfred Nobel envisioned when he instituted this award. Her recognition sends a strong message of hope to all who resist tyranny and continue to believe in peaceful change through courage and conviction.

The Nobel Committee must also be commended for maintaining its independence and integrity amid global political pressures and speculations. In a year when media attention and political campaigns attempted to steer the spotlight toward high-profile figures, including Donald Trump, the Committee stood firm on principle rather than popularity. 

By honoring Machado, they have demonstrated that the Peace Prize is not a tool of political propaganda but a moral beacon guiding humanity toward justice and freedom. This decision reinforces global faith in the impartiality and credibility of the Nobel institution, thus proving once again that truth, courage, and democracy are values worth defending above all else.

-K A Solaman

Duty of election officers

#Duty of Electoral Officers

The act of removing genuine voters, especially women, from the electoral rolls without proper verification is a serious dereliction of duty on the part of the electoral officers. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that every eligible citizen can exercise their democratic right to vote. 

Instead, by arbitrarily striking off names from the voter list on the assumption that married women no longer reside at their ancestral homes, these officials are not only violating the principles of fairness and justice but also undermining the very foundation of democracy. Every citizen has the constitutional right to vote, and it is the moral and legal duty of electoral officers to protect, not deny, that right.

Such insensitive and bureaucratic actions reflect a lack of empathy, awareness, and professionalism among some panchayat secretaries and election officials. Denying women their voting rights without proper enquiry, even after they personally approach the officials, is cruel and undemocratic. Instead of facilitating participation, these officers are creating unnecessary hurdles and distress for voters. 

The State Election Commission and the Government must take this matter seriously, initiate strict action against the erring officials, and conduct proper training programs to make electoral officers more responsible, people-friendly, and respectful of citizens’ rights. The aim of election officials should always be to encourage voting, not to discourage voters.

-K A Solaman

Politically charged mime

#Politically charged Mime

The teachers of Kumbala Government Higher Secondary School acted responsibly and within their rightful authority by stopping the pro-Palestine mime show. At a time when India maintains a carefully balanced diplomatic stance on the sensitive Palestine issue, allowing a politically charged performance within a school setting would have been inappropriate and potentially divisive. 

Educational institutions must remain spaces for learning, not platforms for political expression or international controversies. The teachers, therefore, rightly intervened to prevent the school from being drawn into a politically motivated spectacle under the guise of art, thereby upholding institutional discipline and neutrality.

In contrast, the statement by Kerala General Education Minister V. Sivankutty supporting the inclusion of the same mime in the State Festival is both improper and legally questionable. It undermines the authority of the school and district-level selection committees, which are the legitimate bodies to decide which performances qualify for higher-level competitions.

 Ministerial interference in such academic and artistic processes sets a dangerous precedent and risks politicizing educational events. Moreover, granting special permission to one item outside prescribed procedures could attract judicial scrutiny and erode public trust in the education department’s fairness and professionalism.

-K A Solaman

Flip-Flops of LDF

#Flip-flops of LDF

The Left Democratic Front under Pinarayi Vijayan, once boasting of reformist zeal and aggressive governance, is now visibly in reverse gear. What was once projected as bold progressive action, such as permitting women to enter Sabarimala against centuries-old traditions, has now been silently shelved for political survival. 

The same government that branded “Namajapa” protests as regressive and unlawful has now embraced the chant themselves, clearly exposing their double standards. 

From an early phase of open Muslim appeasement, the regime has now turned towards Hindu appeasement by seeking proximity to leaders like Vellappally Natesan and Sukumaran Nair, desperate to retain its footing before the 2026 elections. Such opportunistic flip-flops, rather than showing political maturity, only expose the government’s lack of vision and its obsession with securing a “Pinarayi 3.0” at any cost.

In fact, the people of Kerala continue to suffer under a regime marked by high taxation, rampant corruption, and police high-handedness. The state, under the LDF, has witnessed repeated instances of custodial torture, political violence, and the rise of goondaraj, where party-affiliated gangs operate with impunity. 

At the same time, ordinary citizens are squeezed with exorbitant taxes, backdoor appointments in government services flourish, and scams ranging from gold smuggling to KIIFB mismanagement remain unresolved. Now, the same rulers who unleashed violence and division on dissenters suddenly present themselves as peace-lovers, even convening religious summits to portray themselves as protectors of faith. 

The irony is striking: those who once wielded the stick to silence protestors now hold out garlands of harmony. For a government that has thrived on arrogance, intolerance to criticism, and misuse of power, this dramatic rebranding is  laughable.  It's certainly a retreat just to secure a few votes.

-K A Solaman

Media spreading negativity

#Media spreading negativity.

The role of the media should be to inform people with news that is relevant, constructive, and beneficial to society. Unfortunately, many newspapers and channels today give unnecessary importance to odd and disturbing incidents that happen in faraway places. 

For example, a small incident in a school in Haryana where a class 2 child hung on his legs, was reported in Kerala with great prominence, even though it has no direct connection to the lives of people here. Such reports do nothing but disturb the peace of mind of readers and spread negativity. Journalism should focus on issues that genuinely matter, like education, health, development, and public welfare, rather than sensationalizing isolated and unfortunate events.

When the media constantly highlights suicides, violence, and cruelty happening in remote corners of the country or world, it is not serving society but harming it. Most readers neither need nor benefit from knowing every disturbing incident, especially when it is presented in a sensational way. This type of reporting can create unnecessary fear, sadness, or even unhealthy curiosity in people who otherwise would not think about such matters. 

The duty of the press is to filter information wisely, not to inject poison into the minds of innocent readers. Newspapers and channels must realize that the world is vast, and not every disturbing event deserves front-page coverage. What people truly deserve is news that uplifts, informs, and guides them toward positive living.

-K A Solaman

Operation Numkhor

#Operation #Numkhor

Operation Numkhor is a strong step by Indian Customs to stop smuggling and tax evasion. Luxury vehicles were brought into Kerala through fake papers and without paying the proper taxes, which is a serious crime. No one, including film stars or other famous people, should be above the law.

 Even if some actors say they did not know about the scam, ignorance of the law cannot be used as an excuse. Tax evasion not only causes huge loss to the country but also encourages illegal networks and even possible links to terror funding. Such crimes must be punished strictly so that it becomes a lesson for everyone.

At the same time, the role of the Malayalam visual media shows clear bias. Since popular actors like Dulquer Salmaan and Prithviraj are involved, the case is being downplayed and not widely reported. If the same incident had involved Suresh Gopi, the  TV Channels would have filled their programs with debates and criticism for weeks. This double standard weakens public trust in the TV shows. 

Media should not protect celebrities or hide their faults. Instead, it must stand with the truth and the people, highlighting all wrongdoings equally, no matter who commits them.

-K A Solaman

wounds remain unhealed

#Wounds remain unhealed.

The LDF government under Pinarayi Vijayan has repeatedly shown arrogance and insensitivity towards the deeply held beliefs of crores of Ayyappa devotees. In 2018, by deliberately supporting the violation of Sabarimala’s age-old traditions and filing cases against innocent devotees, the government created wounds that still remain unhealed. 

Instead of respecting the sentiments of the faithful, Pinarayi Vijayan and his ministers ridiculed believers, dismissed their protests as political drama, and weaponized the police against ordinary pilgrims. Such actions exposed a government that placed its ideological stubbornness above the cultural and spiritual values of the people it was elected to serve.

Now, years later, the same rulers are trying to wear a mask of devotion by organizing expensive “Ayyappa meets” at Pampa with crores of taxpayers’ money. This hypocrisy has not gone unnoticed. Devotees clearly saw through the drama, as reflected in the success of the Pandalam Ayyappa protection meet compared to the flop show at Pampa. 

Spending huge sums to whitewash past mistakes will not erase the betrayal of 2018. The resurgence of people’s anger shows that the wound is still raw, and the government will be forced to face the consequences of its anti-devotee stance when the people deliver their verdict at the ballot box.

-K A Solaman

Guardians of tradition

#Guardians of tradition

The sudden discovery of devotion by the very people who once wore their atheism like a badge, now conducting Ayyappa Summit deserves an additional chapter to written in their names in the Puranas. 

Pinarayi Vijayan and Minister Vasavan, who spent nine long years refusing even a token bow before Lord Ayyappa, now parade themselves as chief priests of the  international summit. If irony were camphor, it could light the whole of Sabarimala for a hundred Mandalams. Their newfound bhakti is less about piety and more about political cosmetics, sprinkled with the holy ash of election season.

And what a summit it promises to be! Those who once cheered the trampling of traditions and filed cases against namajapa protesters now claim to be the guardians of sanctity. Instead of withdrawing the cases, they garland them with silence, while loudly chanting the slogans of “tradition” to hoodwink devotees. 

The Global Ayyappa Meet under their stewardship is less about protecting faith and more about staging a grand drama, with the organisers themselves as the least believable actors in the play.

- K A Solaman

System failure

#System #failure

In many places, the voter registration system is not working properly to stop duplicate votes. Instead, genuine voters are being removed from the list. This is happening because some local officials and political party workers are working together to delete votes. 

Even when people ask to correct the mistake, their names are not added back. Election officers are either helpless or influenced by money to remove voters who support other parties. Because of this, many voters are left without the right to vote.

Again, when people apply to add their name to the voter list, the officers should check their identity by uploading their electoral ID. But in many cases, this is not being done. This makes the process unclear and unfair. As a result, there are more cases of both double voting and single votes being deleted. It is important that the authorities check this problem carefully. 

Every citizen should be able to vote, and no one’s name should be removed unfairly from the list.Election officials should try to attract voters to the booth, not to discourage them from voting.

-K A Solaman

Leadership strong

#Leadership #strong

Rajeev Chandrasekhar has shown strong leadership and a clear vision for the BJP in Kerala. He understands how to bring people together and motivate local leaders to work hard for the party. His approach may be different from the traditional way, but it is helping the BJP grow and gain support in the State. 

Instead of following old methods, he is building a disciplined and organised structure that can win more elections. This is what the party needed to become stronger and more effective.

Those who criticise Rajeev only show their weakness and fear of change. Running a party like a company does not mean ignoring values; it means working with efficiency and responsibility. Thanks to Rajeev, BJP is no longer dependent on opposing others but is actively building its own strength. 

His efforts are already bringing results, and the future looks bright for the party under his leadership. Detractors should support his vision and work towards the common goal of strengthening the party in Kerala.

-K A Solaman

Fair police

#Fair #Police

The recent protests by the Congress party about police high-handedness, custodial torture, and corruption have created a lot of concern in the State. Many incidents of mistreatment of people at police stations have come to light through social media and news channels. 

Some of these wrongdoings are said to be supported by the ruling government. Such acts of cruelty against innocent citizens must be stopped and corrected. The police are meant to protect people and maintain law and order, so they must treat everyone fairly and with respect.

At the same time, police officers face difficult situations every day. They have to deal with criminals, robbers, and rowdies who disturb peace. In such cases, the police cannot always act gently like helpers. Sometimes they must be strict to control troublemakers and protect society. But it is important for them to know the difference between innocent people and wrongdoers. 

With proper training and guidance, police can handle such situations wisely. We should appreciate their hard work and bravery in keeping our communities safe.  Hope they continue to serve with courage, fairness, and understanding.

-K A Solaman

Misuse of power

#Misuse of power

The police action of booking 27 people for making the Onam pookalam with inscription "Operation Sindoor" at the Parthasarathy temple in Muthupilakk is unfair and too harsh. 

Onam is an important cultural and religious festival for the l Kerala, and the flower decoration is a way to show happiness and thankfulness. It is not violent or dangerous, but a harmless tradition that is part of Kerala’s culture. Moreover Operation Sindoor is a response to a the barbaric attack by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists  and the action focussed on dismantling terror. The nation is proud of it.

So, treating the making of  floral carpet with inscription "Operation Sindoor/  as a crime only scares people and stops them from celebrating. Instead of protecting the feelings and traditions of the community, the police have targeted them, which causes fear and breaks trust. This action is wrong and shows a misuse of power that goes against the spirit of unity and joy that Onam stands for.

K A Solaman

Unfair demand

#Unfair demand by Ilayaraja

Ilayaraja’s demand for ₹5 crore as compensation from actor Ajith is unfair and shows greed. A film song is created by many people working together. The writer, singer, music director, and producer are the partners.. Once the song is released in the film, it becomes a part of public culture and is enjoyed by everyone. 

Claiming huge money for using it again is wrong because the producer, who owns the film rights, already has the permission to use the song. Asking for extra money now is just trying to profit from something that is already shared with the public.

This is not the first time a famous artist has tried to demand money for songs that people love. Earlier, singer KJ Yesudas also asked for royalties, but due to public criticism, he had to withdraw the demand. The people understood that enjoying songs should not come with unnecessary costs.

Similarly, Ilayaraja’s demand is not fair. Instead of focusing on creativity and sharing his music, he is trying to make more money from it. Such behavior makes him look selfish and damages his image as a respected musician. He should rethink this approach and support the public’s right to enjoy his songs freely.

-K A Solamen

Election Stunt

#Election #Stunt.

The Pinarayi-led Kerala government, after spending years bruising the faith and sentiments of Ayyappa devotees, has suddenly discovered the magic potion of an “Ayyappa Summit.” Like a conjurer who first sets fire to the tent and then invites the audience to a fire-safety seminar, the government is now attempting to rebrand itself as the guardian of temple traditions.

 Unfortunately, the devotees have not forgotten the lathi charges, arrests, and countless cases slapped during the Sabarimala protests. The cases that still sit in files, untouched. The summit, instead of being seen as a gesture of reconciliation, resembles a desperate election-season stunt, a festival of hollow words wrapped in political garlands.

What was intended as a grand olive branch has quickly become a prickly cactus. The so-called Ayyappa Summit is less of a religious dialogue and more of a tragicomedy staged for TV cameras. It is as if the government, having shattered the pot of rituals, now tries to mend it with chewing gum, expecting the devotees to drink from it once again. 

In reality, the move has backfired, leaving the ruling front in the same position as a cat that has foolishly thrust its head into a narrow pot and unable to see forward, unable to pull back, and inviting nothing but laughter from onlookers.

-K A Solaman

Chasing Shadows

#Chasing #Shadows

The Kerala Crime Branch seems to have found a new hobby of chasing shadows instead of criminals. With no complaint, no petitioner, and no case file worth reading, they proudly march behind gossip, as if abortion reports in Bengaluru hospitals were the missing piece in solving Kerala’s crime puzzle.

Perhaps the next step is to raid maternity wards and question nurses about who sneezed during surgery. While drug mafias and gold smugglers enjoy their evening tea, our police are busy polishing their magnifying glasses to investigate “whispers” that even the women themselves chose not to share.

And what about the minister guiding this drama? He appears like a stage manager of a village play, whispering orders from behind the curtain while the police dance like puppets. Instead of protecting citizens from real threats, they script soap operas with half-baked scandals as the main plot.

 

Kerala deserves policemen, not stand-up comedians in uniform. If this continues, we may soon see a new Crime Branch department known as “Department of Rumours and Channel Gossips.”

- K A Solaman

Gimmick to cover up failures

#Gimmick to cover up failures

The present political leaders of Kerala, whether in the ruling LDF or the opposition UDF, have reduced politics to a business of votes and money. They shamelessly knock at the doors of ordinary people not only to beg for votes but also to demand donations, as if the public owes them for doing nothing. 

Instead of standing with the people, they have perfected the art of extracting money through unfair means like nokkukooli and party levies. Trade unions, under their patronage, are filled with party workers who neither work nor produce, but survive by threatening citizens and businesses. This has created a climate of fear and exploitation, making politics in Kerala a burden rather than a service.

Now, at the fag end of their rule, these same leaders suddenly speak of "seeking public opinion" for development projects. Where were they all these years when the state desperately needed vision and planning?

 It is clear that this move is nothing but a gimmick to cover up their failures and to polish their image before elections. Real leadership means long-term planning, consistent action, and accountability and not last-minute promises. 

The foul game of Kerala’s political heads has left the people frustrated and cheated, as both fronts continue to put party interests above public welfare.

-K A Solaman

Global Ayyappa Summit

#Global #Ayyappa Summit

The Kerala government’s decision to organize a Global Ayyappa Summit shows a lack of clear priorities. 

At a time when the state is facing serious issues such as the unresolved Kerala University turmoil, financial stress, unemployment, and the everyday struggles of ordinary people, giving importance to such a summit appears unnecessary and misplaced.

 Religion and faith are personal matters, and the government should not use them as tools to divert people’s attention from pressing problems. Instead of solving real issues that affect the future of students and the well-being of citizens, the government seems more interested in creating events that generate political noise.

Moreover, the timing of this summit makes the government’s intentions even more questionable. With elections approaching, the move appears to be a political strategy to stir emotions and distract the public from governance failures. 

The people of Kerala need solutions to burning issues, not controversies over religion. Organizing such a summit, especially when led by people who are not genuine followers of Ayyappa, only deepens mistrust and creates unnecessary tension.

 A responsible government should focus on stability, education, development, and people’s welfare instead of fishing in troubled waters with thoughtless religious spectacles.

-K A Solaman

Rahul Mankottathil should not resign

#Rahul #Mamkootathil

Amid the flurry of allegations, what stands out in the case against MLA Rahul Mamkootathil is the absence of solid proof. Much of the noise originates from certain media outlets, notably Reporter TV, which have a history of running paid campaigns. 

In the era of artificial intelligence, creating fake calls, chats, or even convincing videos is no challenge. When such material suddenly floods the public space, it raises a serious question. Are we witnessing truth or a well-orchestrated character assassination? The loopholes are glaring enough to caution against rushing to judgment.

Rahul Mamkootathil is one of the few young Congress leaders who has shown the courage to openly confront Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. That defiance alone makes him a target for the ruling front. Demands for his resignation, before due process establishes facts, amount to political victimisation.

 If morality is to be the yardstick, leaders across the spectrum should examine their own record before casting stones. Rahul should not resign his MLA post because esignation under pressure would only reward vested interests. The wiser path for Rahul is to hold his ground, face scrutiny, and prove his innocence, rather than bow out prematurely.

-K A Solaman

Television court

#Television #Court.

Many women in Kerala today prefer to go to television channels instead of approaching the police or legal institutions when a crime happens. Earlier, they would go straight to the police station, but now they seem to believe that the media can give them justice faster, or at least make their issue known to the public. 

This change shows a lack of faith in the police, Women’s Commission, Human Rights Commission, and courts. Some women may also think that even if justice is delayed or denied, at least society will talk about their problem if it is shown on TV. 

But the truth is, media houses are running after sensational news, not justice. By highlighting such cases day and night, they even expose young children to matters that should be dealt with more carefully and privately.

When it comes to sex-related issues, both men and women are responsible, yet in Kerala’s mindset, men are often branded as guilty while women are always seen as innocent. This is an unfair attitude that causes many men to suffer. Media trials worsen this by making one side appear as the victim and the other as the sinner. 

There should be clear regulations that prevent TV channels from repeatedly discussing sex abuse cases for hours and days. Such discussions create more harm than good. A few women with attention-seeking behavior misuse the media for their personal benefit, and society pays the price. 

To protect both men and women, justice must come through proper legal systems, not through the court of television

-K A Solaman

Dirty politics

#Dirty #politics.

Many selfish political workers are misusing the system by giving fake complaints to the election officer to remove genuine voters from the list. They do this without any proof, only to trouble their political opponents.

This is a cruel act because the innocent voter is forced to lose a day’s work and attend a hearing just to prove his right. The complainant faces nothing, but the voter suffers harassment and mental stress. Such tricks are a clear attack on democracy and show the cheap mentality of those who cannot win votes in a fair way.

This injustice must stop immediately. If someone files a false complaint against a genuine voter, strict criminal action should be taken against them. They must be punished so that others will not dare to misuse the system. The election officer should not rely only on complaints but should personally verify the voter at their residence. 

A person’s right to vote is sacred, and nobody should be allowed to play dirty politics with it. Those who try to destroy the democratic rights of citizens through fake complaints are enemies of the people and deserve to be treated as lawbreakers.

-K. A. Solaman

Cool down Brittas

#Cool down Brittas

John Brittas, the ever-excited nominated MP, seems to believe that the sun rises and sets only to listen to his speeches. Without ever winning a single vote from the public, he acts as if the Parliament is his personal theatre stage. 

The latest bill from Amit Shah has made him restless, as though it was written only with him in mind. But one wonders, why such panic, Mr. Brittas? After all, there are no opposition ministers in the Union Cabinet. Is he secretly imagining himself as one? Or perhaps he is simply rehearsing his usual act of crying wolf whenever the government sneezes.

The irony is, Brittas is more alarmed about protecting ministers with criminal baggage than about safeguarding the common man from such politicians. His passionate outbursts would make sense if he was defending democracy, but here he is defending the right of tainted ministers to remain in power! 

For someone who entered Parliament not by the people’s will but by nomination, his over-enthusiasm is amusing. Maybe it is time for Brittas to realise that constant shouting does not make him a people’s leader. It only makes him the Parliament’s loudest background music.

-K A Solaman

a Another Futile Yatra

#Another futile Yatra

Rahul Gandhi’s new “Voter Adhikar Yatra” is nothing but another failed attempt to remain in the news. Instead of strengthening democracy, he constantly attacks the Election Commission, the Supreme Court, and even the people’s mandate. 

By doing so, he shows that he has no faith in the very institutions that safeguard our country. His journey may give him and his party some exercise and temporary energy, but it has no real benefit to the nation. A leader who doubts everything except his own misplaced ideas cannot inspire confidence in the people.

What is most condemnable is his repeated attempts to defame India on foreign soil. In his speeches abroad, he belittles our country, giving strength to those who wish to weaken India’s image globally.

 Misguided by outsiders like George Soros and similar forces, he forgets that politics should never cross the line of national interest. Criticising the Election Commission without reason is an insult to the democratic framework that has given power to different parties over decades.

 Rahul Gandhi should stop playing into the hands of foreign powers and learn to respect India, its institutions, and its people.

-K A Solaman

Foolish complaints

#Foolish #complaints

Former MP T. N. Prathapan’s complaint against Suresh Gopi is nothing but a childish political stunt.

In India, the law is very clear that a voter only needs to be an "ordinarily resident" of a constituency, not a resident for any fixed number of days. If Suresh Gopi has shifted his residence, updated his documents, and followed the proper legal process, there is nothing illegal about it. 

Prathapan, instead of respecting the democratic process, is trying to create unnecessary controversy for cheap publicity. This is an insult to the very electoral system that ensures free and fair voting in our country. Such baseless allegations waste the time of law enforcement and distract from real issues.

It is shameful that Rahul Gandhi and his Congress leadership back such silly arguments that show complete ignorance of the law. The Representation of the People Act is a cornerstone of Indian democracy, and questioning it without reason is a direct attack on the fairness of elections. 

Instead of educating the public about their voting rights, the Congress is spreading confusion for political gain. This behaviour is irresponsible and shows the party’s desperation. Leaders should protect the credibility of elections, not undermine them with baseless and foolish complaints.

-K A Solaman

Dedicated aap

#Dedicated #app?

The Kerala Excise Minister's stance on Bevco's alcohol delivery app reflects a strange mix of hypocrisy and illogicality.

On the one hand, he claims that the "Kerala psyche" isn't mature enough for such a service, as if his government's elected members can't be trusted. . But at the same time, alcohol is already being sold online on platforms like Amazon and Flipkart without any moral warning.

If alcohol can reach homes through these channels, why does a dedicated Bevco app suddenly pose a threat to public maturity? This excuse sounds less like a legitimate concern than an attempt to cover up inefficiency or a lack of planning.

The funny thing is, Bevco could easily secure home delivery by adding age verification at the point of delivery. And who will verify the age, the delivery person?  This is a poor idea, because checking identity before handing over the bottle seems stupid..

Instead of using technology wisely, the minister is content to make immature statements about the population's maturity. The whole affair only reveals the incompetence and double standards of Bevco and the Minister of Excise.

-K A Solaman

Draconian priorities

#Draconian #priorities.

The Kerala Government’s new ordinance to remove the Governor from the process of forming the Vice-Chancellor search panel for the Digital University is a blatant violation of UGC regulations and constitutional norms. 

The role of the Governor in university administration is clearly outlined in the law, and bypassing it shows open disrespect for the Constitution.

Instead of working with constitutional authorities, the LDF government is trying to centralise power in its own hands, ignoring the checks and balances that safeguard democracy. This kind of governance sends a dangerous message that rules can be bent or broken whenever it suits the ruling party’s political agenda.

What is even more troubling is the way the government mobilises its student wing, the SFI, to intimidate and attack those who oppose its decisions, including the Governor and Vice-Chancellors. This “rule by strike” approach is a mockery of democratic principles and only deepens the suffering of the common people.

 Not focusing on development, education quality, and public welfare, the government wastes energy on political battles and personal vendettas. Such draconian priorities erode public trust, weaken institutions, and push Kerala further away from the ideals of good governance.

-K A Solaman

Rewarding Loyalists

#Rewarding #loyalists

The Kerala government has decided to recruit vloggers to promote its so-called "development achievements" through social media. This move may appear harmless at first, but many see it as a clever way to misuse public money.

Instead of using official media or public platforms that already exist, the government is choosing selected vloggers, probably supporters or party workers, to make them happy by  paying with public funds.

Unless the list of vloggers is made public, the people will not know how this money is being spent and to whom it is going. 

This is a classic trick often used by those in power to drain public money under the cover of publicity and social media promotion. What exactly are these vloggers going to promote?

 Kerala today is struggling with serious issues like school buildings are in poor condition, the health sector is full of corruption, unemployment and what else. There is nothing to boast about in sports. 

The state mainly survives on the income from liquor and lottery, which are destroying families. So, what positive image can vloggers paint?

Fixing not the real problems, the government is wasting time and money on fake promotion. This is not about development, it is about creating an illusion and rewarding loyalists at the cost of the public.

-K A Solaman

Chain Snatching

#Chain #Snatching

Chain snatching has become a big problem in Kerala, and one reason is the very high price of gold. Many people still choose to wear real gold when going out, which makes them easy targets for thieves. Instead, they could wear imitation gold to stay safe. 

Police inaction in some areas also encourages such crimes, as snatchers feel they can escape without punishment. To control this issue, police patrolling should be increased in public places, and strict action must be taken against offenders.

Public awareness campaigns can also help people understand the risks of wearing gold in public. Only by people, working together with police, can reduce this crime.

- K A Solaman

Education needs practical leadership

Education needs practical leadership.

Kerala’s General Education Minister V. Sivankutty seems to be pushing strange and impractical ideas without proper thought or consultation. His latest plan to remove the concept of "backbenchers" in classrooms appears to be inspired by a Malayalam movie rather than real educational needs. 

In many government and aided schools, only two or three students are enrolled per class due to low admissions, making the idea of eliminating backbenches meaningless.Policies based on cinema themes only show how disconnected the minister is from ground realities in education.

This is not the first time the minister has come up with questionable suggestions. His earlier proposal to shift the summer vacation to June and July during Kerala's peak monsoon season, was met with strong public criticism. It shows poor understanding of the state's weather and school schedules. 

Meanwhile, his idea of introducing a five-star menu in schools, though it may sound appealing, has left school heads worried about budget, logistics, and practicality. Instead of chasing fancy ideas, the minister should focus on improving student enrollment, ensuring teacher availability, and upgrading facilities. 

Education needs practical leadership, not gimmicks.

-K A Solaman

Open Tata Hospital

#Open #Tata #Hospital

On September 10, the Tata Group handed over the keys of its newly built hospital in Kasaragod district, proposed to be used for COVID-19 care, to the Kerala government. But government has taken no action to open Hospital till date. This is a clear indication of negligence of Health department towards Covid patients.

Tata has kept its promise, and completed the construction in five months. It has been 19 days since this development, but the hospital is yet to open its doors to the COVID-19 patients. 

Though the hospital, which was built at approximately Rs 60 crore, provides 540 beds, patients are in desperate bid to get treatment at District hospital. The Health department, therefore, should stop testing the patience of the people of that area.

-K A Solaman

Sir and Madam are still intact?

Sir and Madam are still intact?

After Mathur, Muttar and Ambalapuzha panchayats,  Angamaly and Paravur block panchayats in Ernakulam district also decided to ban the use of greetings like "Sir" and "Madam".

Greetings like Sir and Madam are vestiges of colonial rule, according to these LSG institutions and they have no suggestion for a suitable greeting. They all asked the State Language Institute to suggest alternatives.

However, so far, the State  Language ​​Institute has not offered any alternative terms for Sir and Madam. This is completely reprehensible and if the Language Institute considers this matter to be stupid, it should disclose it. Do not let the people of the aforementioned local institutions suffer more because of the wicked approach of the  local politicians.

K A Solaman

Pricing Liquor bottle

#Foul #Liquor #policy

The decision by the Kerala government to charge an extra ₹20 per liquor bottle, after already raising prices by 10% months ago, is a harsh and foolish move. It will hit ordinary people the most especially daily wage workers and the poor who seek small pleasures in life.

 Liquor is already heavily taxed, and this additional charge, without any improvement in service or product, is nothing but exploitation. When someone buys a product, the price includes everything, we don't pay separately for the bottle, cap, or label. Why should it be any different for liquor?

Kerala is slowly turning into a state where the government survives on liquor and lottery money taken from poor people. Instead of reforming the system or promoting better habits, the government is squeezing every drop out of the common man. 

It is shameful that BEVCO shows huge losses despite selling liquor worth crores every day. This actually points to corruption and mismanagement. 

Making drinkers pay for a bottle in parts is a cheap trick. If this continues, the government will soon ask people to pay separately for the cork, the paper seal, and even the barcode. This foolish policy reduces people to donkeys carrying the burden of the state’s failure.

-K A Solaman

Bizarre decision

#Bizarre #decision

Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty has recently suggested shifting the school summer vacation from April-May to June-July, claiming that changing weather patterns and heavy monsoons in June often disrupt school functioning. However, this proposal seems to ignore the unpredictable nature of today’s climate. 

In the past, when a similar change was tried, the rains came in May instead of June, completely defeating the purpose. Such decisions, taken without proper study or long-term data, appear to be based more on guesses than on solid planning. 

It's not wise for a minister, especially towards the end of a government's term, to push such drastic changes that would affect lakhs of students, teachers, and families.

Minister Sivankutty has also drawn criticism for encouraging activities in schools that many believe are unnecessary or inappropriate. His open promotion of Zumba dance in schools raised questions about the real priorities in education. 

More controversial was his ministry’s inclusion of a song by Vedan, a rapper who has faced serious allegations,  in the syllabus. 

Many feel that instead of focusing on core subjects, values, and academic improvements, the minister is bringing in flashy, attention-seeking ideas. These actions, driven by personal whims rather than educational merit, have led many to call his decisions "Tuglakian",  bizarre and impractical, like the historical ruler known for strange policies.

-K A Solaman

Unjustified blame game

#Unjustified blame game

Two Catholic nuns from Kerala, Sister Preeti Mary and Sister Vandana Francis, were arrested in Chhattisgarh on July 25, 2025, along with a young man named Sukaman Mandavi. The arrest was made at Durg Railway Station under the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 1968, and human trafficking laws. 

This Act prohibits religious conversion through force, fraud, or inducement. It also requires official permission to take minors or tribal people out of the state, especially when religious activities are involved. If the nuns did not get prior permission, it is treated as a violation of this law, and that forms the legal basis of the arrest.

Protests in Kerala by Congress, the Left parties, and SDPI appear politically motivated and ignore the facts of the case. Some media houses are exaggerating the issue, giving it a communal and political angle. However, there is no clear evidence of any role played by the BJP in this arrest.

 The action was taken by local authorities in Chhattisgarh based on that state’s special legal provisions. So blaming the BJP or central government without proof is not justified. The case should be handled according to law, and not turned into a political or religious controversy.

-K A Solaman

Unnecessary criticism

#Unnecessary #criticism

Kerala’s Higher Education Minister R. Bindu has strongly criticised the Vice Chancellors who took part in the ‘Gyan Sabha’, claiming it was organised by a group linked to the RSS. However, this criticism seems unnecessary and politically motivated. 

The Gyan Sabha is an education-focused event meant for academic discussions. Vice Chancellors, being senior academicians, have every right to attend such gatherings to share and gain knowledge. Their presence does not mean they are supporting any political ideology. Attending a seminar does not automatically make someone a follower of the organiser’s beliefs.

Vice Chancellors are public servants, not political workers. If there were concerns about official protocol, the issue could have been resolved with a simple step, ie, like taking a day’s leave. It is not reasonable to expect them to avoid every platform that has any political link.

 Ministers in Kerala, who openly follow communist principles, attend many events that reflect their own ideology. If they can do so, others too should be given the freedom to take part in educational events without fear of political attacks. A more practical and balanced approach would help maintain the dignity of our education system.

-K A Solaman