Magical Hiding Place

#Magical hiding Place

For two full weeks, the mighty Kerala Police, armed with modern technology, surveillance systems, and an unmatched talent for conducting intensive press conferences, tirelessly searched for MLA Rahul Mamkootathil. They combed forests, scanned highways, peeped into resorts, and perhaps even checked under a few mattresses. Yet the honourable MLA remained as invisible as a solar eclipse during monsoon.

And then, in a twist befitting a comedy serial, Rahul calmly walked into a polling booth in Palakkad, pressed the button, and walked out. He thus politely reminding us that while the police couldn’t find him for 14 days, he could find the polling station in just a few minutes. A huge police force was deployed after his arrival was anticipated, not while he was missing. The irony sparkles brighter than their star badges.

Since the police spent two weeks returning empty-handed, the MLA should do the public a favour and reveal this magical hiding place, that perfect spot where even the Kerala Police’s famed with  scientific investigation cannot reach. It will be a great public service, especially for those planning anticipatory bail. After all, if our police cannot find a well-known politician within the state, common people might also appreciate knowing where to disappear when life gets complicated.

In the end, the Kerala Police failed to find the man. But the polling booth found him. Perhaps, next time, instead of searching the state, they should simply wait at the nearest election.

-K A Solaman

Striking irony

#Striking #irony

The brutal rape and killing of the two young girls at Valayaar shocked the conscience of society, yet the public outrage and organised agitation that followed were far less intense compared to the protests triggered by the assault on a well-known cinema actress. This discrepancy raises uncomfortable questions about the selective sensitivity of certain activist groups. 

When the victims are poor, voiceless children from marginalised backgrounds, the response seems muted. But when the survivor is a public figure with visibility and media reach, the same organisations suddenly become hyperactive. This unequal response suggests a partisan approach where the identity of the victim, rather than the severity of the crime, becomes the yardstick for concern.

It is undeniable that publicity plays a major role in shaping modern-day agitations. Some activists appear more eager to engage when a case offers media coverage, public attention, and political mileage. The tragedy of Valayaar did not receive the sustained spotlight that a celebrity-related case naturally attracts, and thus failed to energise the same voices that otherwise claim to fight for women’s rights universally.

The irony is striking. Activism itself seems influenced by visibility, and not by the magnitude of suffering. This selective outrage exposes a troubling truth. that in the arena of public protest, even human rights issues can be overshadowed by the lure of attention and relevance.

K. A Solaman

Needed unbase policing

#Needed.unbiased policing.

Sir,

Former State Police Chief T.P. Senkumar’s criticism strikes at the core of what an impartial criminal investigation must be. His contention that actor Dileep was arraigned without proper or admissible evidence, based on what he saw during his brief return as State Police Chief, highlights serious concerns about the “arrest-first-find-evidence-later” approach. 

When a former DGP states that investigators worked with a predisposed condition rather than an open mind, it reflects the danger of letting public pressure, political noise, or emotional  colour to a criminal probe. Senkumar’s warning that no investigation team should ever fabricate evidence is a reminder that rule of law collapses the moment investigators begin shaping facts to suit predetermined conclusions. The recent verdict naturally invites scrutiny of earlier assumptions, and his remarks have become all the more relevant today.

Equally significant is how parts of the media conducted themselves over the last eight years. Kerala’s news channels repeatedly aired speculative, sensationalised stories in the name of supporting the survivor, but often ended up fishing in troubled waters. The channels amplifying unverified theories and prejudging the accused. The present verdict is undeniably a setback to that style of trial-by-media, and their current reactions reflect that discomfort. It's fun to watch the media cry now.

Emotional responses, like the comment by MLA Uma Thomas invoking her late husband’s “unsatisfied soul,” have no place in judicial processes. The courts work on evidence, and not on metaphysics. Moreover, the selective outrage over issues such as publication of the survivor’s image is glaring. The legal yardstick used against Rahul Easwar should logically apply to others who violated the same law. 

Senkumar’s views, read in this broader context, underline the urgent need for unbiased policing and responsible journalism, free from prejudice, theatrics, and double standards.

K A Solaman

The police must intervene

#The #Police Must Intervene

A report on a Malayalam television channel shows people fighting in the street and states that the police are not intervening due to the lack of a formal complaint. This approach is unacceptable.

When people are fighting in public and disturbing public order, the police cannot remain mere spectators.  According to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), fighting in public is considered a breach of public order, an offense punishable by law. 

These laws authorize and obligate the police and the magistrate to intervene immediately, disperse the crowd, stop the fight, and take action against the troublemakers. The police do not need a written complaint to act; they can intervene on their own initiative as soon as public peace is threatened.

As soon as public peace is threatened, even by a simple altercation between two people, the police have a legal obligation to intervene without delay. It is essential that these provisions be strictly enforced to maintain public order and prevent citizens from being forced to witness scenes of chaos in the streets.

- K A Solaman

SIR effective

#SIR #effective

The recent reports from the Bengal border show how the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) helps keep the voters’ list clean and accurate. When verification becomes strict, people without proper documents hesitate to remain on the rolls. 

This protects the rights of genuine citizens and ensures that elections are conducted fairly. The return of undocumented migrants across the border clearly shows that SIR is an effective tool to prevent misuse of our democratic system.

Opposition from groups like the INDI Front often arises because strict verification exposes long-standing irregularities in the electoral rolls. Some parties fear losing vote banks built on doubtful entries, so they question the SIR process. But SIR is essential for maintaining trust in elections. It gives confidence to ordinary voters that only eligible citizens will decide the future of the country. 

A clean and transparent voter list is the foundation of a healthy democracy, and SIR plays a key role in achieving that.

-K A Solaman

Pregnancy stories

#Pregnancy #Stories.

In Kerala, television channels often turn personal matters like pregnancies and private relationships into sensational news. These stories are repeatedly shown only to increase viewership and create political drama. 

Such reporting has no social value and only spreads confusion, gossip, and disrespect for personal dignity. Turning private issues into public entertainment lowers the quality of journalism and diverts attention from real problems faced by the people.

Children and young viewers waste their study time watching these unnecessary stories because channels highlight them as if they were major events. This trend must end. Strict rules should be introduced to prevent news channels from airing exaggerated and vulgar “pregnancy stories” for political gain. 

Media should focus on development, governance, and facts. And not on incidents that belong in private life. Responsible reporting is needed to protect society and maintain healthy public discussion.

-K A Solaman

Misuse of litigation

#Misuse of litigation

The State of Kerala has developed an unhealthy habit of rushing to the Supreme Court for every administrative or political inconvenience. This turns the highest court of the country into a forum for settling partisan disputes.

 Instead of strengthening its own institutions, improving governance, or resolving issues through proper administrative mechanisms, the state repeatedly chooses litigation as its first response. This pattern has not only earned frequent criticism from the Court but has also exposed the government’s tendency to politicise routine administrative processes. The repeated failures and reprimands received in the Supreme Court clearly show that these appeals are not based on genuine constitutional concerns but are driven by narrow political motives.

This needless legal adventurism has come at a heavy cost to the public. Huge amounts of money are siphoned from the State Exchequer for court fees, travel, and the engagement of senior counsels  Yet the outcomes consistently embarrass the state, as most petitions end in dismissal or stern rebuke. Instead of introspection, the government continues to waste public resources on legally unsustainable and politically motivated petitions. 

At a time when Kerala faces financial shortages in essential sectors, diverting funds to fight pointless legal battles is irresponsible and unacceptable. The Supreme Court’s repeated criticism should have served as a warning, but the state’s persistent misuse of litigation shows a complete disregard for public welfare and administrative accountability.

-K A Solaman

Suspend BLOS opposing SIR

#Suspend BLOs opposing SIR

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is an important exercise to ensure that only genuine voters remain on the electoral rolls. It helps remove mistakes, add eligible citizens, and prevent fraud in the next election. 

When SIR is done properly, the voters’ list becomes clean and fair, which strengthens our democracy. Every responsible official should support this process because it protects the rights of honest voters and ensures a transparent election system.

It is unfortunate that a few employees oppose SIR and try to avoid their duties by creating unnecessary drama. Such behaviour sets a very bad example in public service. Government employees are paid to serve the people, not to engage in petty politics or neglect their responsibilities. 

Those who deliberately block or refuse essential work like SIR harm the entire society. Strict action should be taken against such officials so that the work continues smoothly and without disruption.

-K A Solaman

Violence in Nigeria

#Violence in Nigeria

The recent attack on the Christian-run school in Nigeria, where nearly 300 students were abducted, is a shocking reminder of how brutally innocent lives continue to be targeted by extremist groups. 

Such acts of terror against children and peaceful communities deserve the strongest possible condemnation. These radical Islamist groups exploit weak security systems and fragile social conditions to unleash violence on vulnerable Christian populations, turning places of learning and worship into sites of fear. No ideology, no grievance, and no distorted interpretation of religion can ever justify the kidnapping, torture, or killing of civilians.

It is equally disturbing that these repeated atrocities against Christians in Nigeria rarely receive the sustained global attention they deserve, including in India. While both Christians and Muslims have been victims of extremist violence in Nigeria, the disproportionate suffering faced by Christian communities is a harsh reality that must be acknowledged. Silence or selective outrage only emboldens violent groups and deepens the wounds of those affected. 

The international community, including India, must speak out more strongly against these Islamist attacks, demand accountability, and support efforts to protect all Nigerian civilians who are continually targeted simply because of their faith.

-K A Solaman

Divine Comedy waiting

#Divine comedy waiting

The Sabarimala gold robbers seem to have discovered a new form of devotion: stealing from their own deity while chanting “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa.”

These are not ordinary thieves; they are VIP devotees who believe that Ayyappa is too busy blessing crores of pilgrims to notice a few kilograms of gold quietly peeling off the idols. They entered the sanctum not with folded hands, but with folded plans. 

And now, as the High Court sits like a modern-day Dharma Sastha, their excuses shine even brighter than the gold they stole. It is the first time in history that Ayyappa devotees needed an SIT more urgently than a Makaravilakku.

As the investigation climbs the 18 holy steps of corruption, even seasoned political climbers of the ruling party are sweating,  not from devotion, but from the fear of handcuffs. The arrested “bhaktas” now claim innocence with the same sincerity they once reserved for their poojas. 

But karma has a sense of humour. Before death, the punishment waiting for them is simple. They will have to stand in the Sabarimala queue during peak season, without VIP access, carrying an empty irumudi, while every pilgrim asks them, “Gold the gold gone?” 

And after death? Ayyappa will send them to a special naraka where they must polish temple bells for eternity, with no gold in sight. The will be only their reflections reminding them of their pious theft. Such is the divine comedy of those who thought they could outsmart their own god.

-K A Solaman

No deemed assent

#No deemed assent

The recent Supreme Court verdict on the President’s Article 143 reference is a very welcome decision. The Court made it clear that neither the President nor the Governor can be forced to act within a judicially fixed time limit while granting assent to Bills.

 It also clarified that the idea of “deemed assent” is completely against the Constitution and violates the separation of powers. This judgement protects the original constitutional balance and prevents the judiciary from taking over functions meant for the executive.

This verdict is a strong reply to the earlier stand taken by the governments of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Both had repeatedly claimed that the High Court order on “deemed assent” was final and that Governors were bound by it. The Supreme Court has now exposed that stand as unconstitutional. 

It shows how uninformed leaders in power can mislead the public and harm the rule of law. The judgement upholds constitutional discipline and restores clarity in the functioning of our democracy.

-K A Solaman

EPIC Card

#EPIC Card

The EPIC card (Electors Photo Identity Card) is an identity card issued by the Election Commission of India to every registered voter. It helps confirm a voter’s identity during elections and prevents impersonation or bogus voting. 

The card contains the voter’s name, photograph, address, and EPIC number. It is an important document because it ensures smooth, fair, and transparent elections and also serves as a useful identity proof in many official matters.

Though the Election Commission now provides a digital EPIC, downloading it is often difficult for ordinary people due to technical issues, lack of awareness, or limited access to smartphones. Therefore, it would be highly beneficial if the Government and Election Commission supplied the plastic, laminated EPIC cards directly to all voters, just as they used to. This will make the process easy and user-friendly. 

I request the Government to issue the plastic model of the EPIC card to all voters at the earliest for the convenience of the public and to strengthen the election process.

-K A Solaman

Unfair voter's list

#Unfair voter's list

The case of VM Vinu, UDF’s mayoral nominee for the Kozhikode Corporation, not appearing in the 2020 voters list has raised serious questions. The Congress has alleged that his name was purposefully omitted by the local authorities. 

Similar incidents have been reported in many Panchayats and Municipal Corporations, where officials, in support of the ruling front, have knowingly deleted or avoided adding names. The High Court’s intervention in Vaishna’s case is a clear example of how such wrongful omissions can affect citizens’ rights.

This kind of manipulation of the voters list is a serious form of corruption. It destroys trust in the democratic process and misuses official power for political gain. To avoid such corrupt practices in the future, voter list revisions should be monitored by independent agencies or special teams free from local political pressure. 

Strict action must be taken against those  officials who misused their authority. 

Technology-based systems, transparent auditing, and public verification processes should be strengthened so that no eligible citizen is left out of the voters list unfairly.

- K A Solaman

No genuine concern

#No #genuine #concern

The Muslim League approaching the Supreme Court to stop the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) appears to be driven more by political interest than genuine concern. Their claim that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) cannot complete the work in one month is not true. If the officers are willing and allowed to work freely, they can finish it in just two weeks. 

In places like Kannur, BLOs are being blocked by certain political groups from visiting households. The State government is also slow in responding and is not giving enough police support to ensure the BLOs can carry out their duties safely.

Linking the unfortunate suicide of one BLO directly to the SIR process is unfair, as the reasons may be personal. SIR is meant to ensure a clean, accurate, and fair voter list, which is essential for a healthy democracy.

People should support this effort because it strengthens the election process of the country. Those who oppose SIR are standing against a system that aims to protect fairness and transparency in elections.

-K A Solaman

First casualty

#First casualty

Once upon a time, Comrade Arsho, the self-styled revolutionary of SFI fame, had declared with great philosophical depth that slapping a dignitary like T. P. Sreenivasan was no major offence. It is merely a revolutionary pat on the cheek. 

History, however, has a curious sense of humour. Years later, when the universe decided to return the gesture it was on Arsho’s nose. The comrade’s revolution suddenly transformed into righteous indignation. 

The same crowd that once hailed “protest slaps” as political expression now mourned a “fascist attack. Truly, consistency is the first casualty in the world of revolutions.

The aftermath, too, had all the flavour of a tragicomedy. Arsho, who once mocked complaints as bourgeois weakness, now ran from police station to press conference demanding justice. 

Social media, ever eager to replay irony in slow motion, dug up the old video of him thrashing a CPI woman activist and hurling caste slurs  The CPM leadership, masters of selective amnesia, merely adjusted their spectacles and declared the matter "under examination ".

The moral stands clear: when one sows blows, one must be ready to reap them, sometimes right on the nose.

-K A Solaman

Political fearmongering

#Political #fearmongering

Binoy Viswam’s remarks are full of hypocrisy and political double standards. He calls the PM SHRI project an RSS-BJP agenda meant to “smuggle in NEP,” but conveniently forgets that his own daughter studied in a foreign university that follows far more liberal versions of the same reforms he now condemns. 

It is easy for leaders like him to preach nationalism and anti-centre rhetoric while enjoying the fruits of global education for their own families. His attempt to paint every central project as communal or anti-Kerala only exposes a narrow political mindset that places party ideology above the welfare of students.

Education Minister V. Sivankutty’s stand is equally inconsistent and opportunistic. When the Centre released ₹92 crore under the PM SHRI scheme, he welcomed it with open arms; now, under party pressure, he suddenly questions the same project. This U-turn shows that his concern is not for Kerala’s schools, but for appeasing party bosses and protecting his political image. 

If Sivankutty now believes PM SHRI is harmful, he should have the courage to return the money. Otherwise, his change of stance only proves that both he and Binoy Viswam are playing political games with Kerala’s education, misleading the people instead of leading them.

Kerala’s education system deserves progressive support, not political fearmongering.

- K A Solaman

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