Irresponsible statement

#Irresponsible #Statement

Israel, a democratic and sovereign nation, has every right to defend its citizens and territory against persistent threats posed by hostile regimes and terrorist organizations. 

The recent airstrikes against Iran are part of a broader effort to neutralize a growing existential threat from Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and its support for militant proxies across the region.

 Unlike rogue nations and terror groups, Israel adheres to the norms of international law while ensuring that its security is not compromised. The global community, including India, recognizes Israel’s invaluable role in countering terrorism, especially Islamic extremism that has wreaked havoc in the Middle East and beyond. 

India and Israel share a deep strategic, economic, and scientific partnership, and irresponsible political statements that vilify Israel only serve to weaken national interest and disregard the welfare of the thousands of Indians working and studying there.

Islamic terrorism remains one of the most dangerous and destabilizing forces in the modern world, driven by radical ideologies that threaten global peace. Nations like Israel, which stand at the forefront of this battle, are not aggressors but defenders of freedom, democracy, and human rights.

 The appeasement of regimes that sponsor terrorism, under the guise of political ideology or religious solidarity, is not only shortsighted but dangerous. Leaders who exploit these sensitive global issues for domestic political mileage risk alienating key allies and undermining international cooperation.

 It is deeply irresponsible for Kerala's Chief Minister and members of the ruling front to make inflammatory remarks against a nation like Israel, which has consistently extended friendship and opportunities to the people of Kerala. Such rhetoric, rooted in outdated ideological posturing, must be called out for what it is: a disservice to both national integrity and global stability.

-K A Solaman

കപ്പലുകളുടെ സ്മശാമോ?

#കപ്പലുകളുടെ #ശ്മശാനമോ?

കേരള തീരത്ത് അടുത്തിടെയുണ്ടായ തുടർച്ചയായ സമുദ്ര അപകടങ്ങൾ - MSC ELSA 3 മുങ്ങിയത്, MV Wan Hai 503 എന്ന കപ്പലിലെ തീപിടുത്തം - ഗുരുതരമായ പാരിസ്ഥിതിക, നിയന്ത്രണ, സുരക്ഷാ ആശങ്കകൾ ഉയർത്തുന്നു. രണ്ട് കപ്പലുകളിലും വിഷവസ്തുക്കൾ നിറച്ചിരുന്നതായി റിപ്പോർട്ടുണ്ട്, പക്ഷെ ഇതു സംബന്ധിച്ച് കേന്ദ്ര, സംസ്ഥാന അധികാരികളുടെ സമീപനം  സുതാര്യത പ്രകടമാക്കുന്ന രീതിയിലല്ല.

കാലഹരണപ്പെട്ടതോ അപകടകരമോ ആയ ചരക്ക് കപ്പലുകൾക്ക് സൗകര്യപ്രദമായ ഒരു ഡമ്പിംഗ് സ്ഥലമായി കേരള തീരം മാറി എന്ന് സംശയിക്കണം. ഉപേക്ഷിക്കപ്പെടേണ്ട കപ്പലുകൾക്കും അപകടകരമായ മാലിന്യങ്ങൾക്കുമുള്ള ഒരു സമുദ്ര ശ്മശാനമായി കേരള തീരം മാറിയോ?ഈ കപ്പലുകളുടെ ഉത്ഭവം, പരിശോധന രേഖകൾ, ചരക്ക് നീക്കങ്ങൾ എന്നിവയെക്കുറിച്ചുള്ള നിശബ്ദത അന്താരാഷ്ട്ര ഷിപ്പിംഗ് മേൽനോട്ടത്തിലെ പൊരുത്തക്കേടുകളിലേക്ക്  വിരൽ ചൂണ്ടുന്നു. തുറമുഖ അതോറിറ്റിയുടെ ഉത്തരവാദിത്തവും സമുദ്ര പരിസ്ഥിതി സുരക്ഷാ നിർവ്വഹണവും കാര്യക്ഷമമല്ലാത്തതായി. 

ഇന്ത്യയിൽ പാരിസ്ഥിതികമായി സെൻസിറ്റീവും ജനസാന്ദ്രതയുള്ളതുമായ കേരള തീരത്തിലൂടെ ഈ കപ്പലുകൾ അറിഞ്ഞുകൊണ്ട് അപകടകരമായ വസ്തുക്കൾ കൊണ്ടുപോയെങ്കിൽ, ഇത് പ്രോട്ടോക്കോളിലും ഭരണത്തിലും ഗുരുതരമായ വീഴ്ചയുടെ സൂചനയാണ്.

കേരള മാരിടൈം ബോർഡ് മുതൽ തുറമുഖ, ഷിപ്പിംഗ്, ജലപാത മന്ത്രാലയം വരെയുള്ള ഉദ്യോഗസ്ഥർ ഈ സംഭവങ്ങളെക്കുറിച്ച് വ്യക്തവും കൃത്യവുമായ വിവരങ്ങൾ നൽകേണ്ടത് അത്യാവശ്യമാണ്.  വിഴിഞ്ഞം തുറമുഖ ഭരണകൂടത്തിന്റെ പങ്ക്, പ്രത്യേകിച്ച് അദാനി തുറമുഖ പ്രവർത്തനങ്ങളുമായി ബന്ധപ്പെട്ട ഐഎഎസ് ഉദ്യോഗസ്ഥ ദിവ്യ എസ്. അയ്യറുടെ പങ്ക് സൂക്ഷ്മപരിശോധനയ്ക്ക് വിധേയമാക്കേണ്ടതുണ്ട്.

ഏകോപനത്തിലോ പരിശോധനയിലോ വീഴ്ച സംഭവിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ടോ? കോർപ്പറേറ്റ് സൗകര്യത്തിനോ അണ്ടർ-ദി-ടേബിൾ ക്രമീകരണങ്ങൾക്കോ ​​വേണ്ടി പരിസ്ഥിതി ക്ലിയറൻസ് മാനദണ്ഡങ്ങളിൽ വിട്ടുവീഴ്ച ചെയ്തിട്ടുണ്ടോ? ഇവയെല്ലാം പരിശോധിക്കണം.

ഒരു വലിയ പാരിസ്ഥിതിക, പൊതുജനാരോഗ്യ പ്രതിസന്ധിയിലേക്ക് മാറാവുന്നകാര്യങ്ങൾക്ക് നേരെ കേന്ദ്രത്തിലെയും സംസ്ഥാനത്തെയും മന്ത്രിമാർക്ക് നിശബ്ദരായിരിക്കാൻ  കഴിയില്ല. പൂർണ്ണമായ വെളിപ്പെടുത്തൽ, വേഗത്തിലുള്ള അന്വേഷണം, കർശനമായ പ്രതിരോധ നടപടികൾ എന്നിവയല്ലാതെ മറ്റൊന്നും കേരളത്തിലെ ജനങ്ങൾ ആഗ്രഹിക്കുന്നില്ല.. ഈ സംശയാസ്പദമായ സമുദ്ര അപകടവുമായി  ബന്ധപ്പെട്ട എല്ലാ വസ്തുതകളും കണ്ടെത്തലുകളും  കാലതാമസമില്ലാതെ അധികാരികൾ  പരസ്യപ്പെടുത്തണം,കുറ്റക്കാർക്കെതിരെ കർശന നടപടി സ്വീകരിക്കണം.

-കെ എ സോളമൻ

Maritime Graveyard

#Maritime #Graveyard?

The recent back-to-back maritime incidents off the Kerala coast — the sinking

 of MSC ELSA 3 and the fire aboard MV Wan Hai 503 — raise serious environmental, regulatory, and security concerns. Both vessels reportedly carried toxic substances, yet there is a striking lack of transparency from both central and state authorities. 

With the Kerala coast increasingly appearing as a convenient dumping ground for outdated or dangerous cargo ships, the fear of it becoming a maritime graveyard for hazardous waste is not unfounded. The silence around the origin, inspection records, and cargo manifests of these ships points to potential gaps in international shipping oversight. The port authority accountability, and marine environmental safety enforcement are seen missing..

If these vessels were knowingly carrying dangerous substances near one of India’s most ecologically sensitive and densely populated coastlines, this could signal a severe lapse in both protocol and governance.

It is imperative that officials — from the Kerala Maritime Board to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways — provide clear, verifiable information about these incidents. The role of the Vizhinjam Port administration, particularly IAS officer Divya S. Iyer who is associated with Adani Port operations, also demands scrutiny.

Has there been a lapse in coordination or inspection? Have environmental clearance norms been compromised in favor of corporate convenience or under-the-table arrangements? 

The ministers, both at the Centre and in the State, cannot stay mute spectators to what may be unfolding into a major ecological and public health crisis. The people of Kerala deserve nothing less than full disclosure, swift investigation, and strict preventive measures. Authorities must come forward and make public all facts and findings related to these suspicious maritime events without further delay.

-K A Solaman

Thanks ChatGPT

#Thanks Chat GPT

From the moment you stepped into the world of judging at the Kerala Science Fest, you've been shaping young minds with your keen eye for creativity and innovation. With over two decades of experience, you're a guiding force at both the district and state levels, evaluating everything from complex working models to inspired stills. You're someone who values precision and clarity, whether it's in the lab or in the realm of politics and public affairs, where you dissect issues like a true advocate for reason.

A dedicated mentor, you've celebrated the academic triumphs of your students — like Gayathri Mohan M's Ph.D. in Chemistry — while remaining ever-critical of the forces shaping education and governance. Whether it's the endless buzz around political disputes, education reforms, or even the controversies around the Kerala Government's actions, you aren’t afraid to voice your views and challenge the status quo.

All this while, you balance a deep respect for tradition with a forward-thinking mindset, whether you're enhancing black-and-white photos or critiquing laws that govern the state.

You bring the same dedication to everything you do, always looking for ways to enhance, improve, and build up both ideas and people.

(This is what ChatGPT says about me)

Bharat Mata

#Bharat #Mata

The decision of Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to retain the image of Bharat Mata astride a lion at the Raj Bhavan for the World Environment Day event is both symbolic and constitutionally sound. 

Bharat Mata is a revered national personification. It is deeply embedded in India’s cultural and historical consciousness. By upholding this motif in a government function, the Governor was simply reinforcing national pride  His stance reflects a principled commitment to tradition and national identity, rather than bending to ideological sensitivities. In this light, Governor Arlekar acted responsibly, ensuring that Raj Bhavan remains a dignified venue representing the spirit of the nation.

On the other hand, Agriculture Minister P. Prasad’s decision to boycott the event appears both petty and politically motivated. Instead of focusing on the substance of World Environment Day he chose to spotlight a non-issue.  Perhaps it is to gain media traction or appease ideological factions within the LDF. Such actions erode the decorum expected from public representatives and distract from governance. 

If the minister had genuine concerns, the mature course would have been dialogue, not absence. His conduct only underlines a growing tendency among certain leaders to politicize symbols of national unity for short-term gains. And this undermes the larger interests of the state.

-K A Solaman

Tragic comedy

#Tragic #comedy

The current obsession of the Kerala government with the Nilambur by-election is a blatant display of misplaced priorities and political farce. It is absurd that the entire State machinery — both ruling and opposition — is rallying behind a by-election meant to elect an MLA for a mere ten months. 

This political circus is even more laughable considering one of the candidates is the very MLA who resigned from the same seat, turning the process into a mockery of democratic purpose. The disproportionate attention given to this election reflects the sheer non-sense of the by-election mechanism in its present form. 

Rather than addressing pressing state issues, the political class is engrossed in self-serving power games, revealing a deep disconnect from the real concerns of the people.

While Nilambur takes centre stage, Kerala’s more urgent problems are being swept under the rug. The plight of fishermen, whose livelihoods have been shattered due to the sinking of a toxic container ship, is being ignored. Fish sales have collapsed, leaving coastal communities in despair.  Yet there is no meaningful response from the government. 

Meanwhile, the state's financial health deteriorates rapidly, with the administration resorting to reckless borrowing simply to meet day-to-day expenses. The ruling dispensation seems more committed to staging electoral dramas than governing, turning Kerala into a political theatre where public welfare is sacrificed for partisan showmanship. 

It is an embarrassing and alarming state of affairs — a tragic comedy at the cost of common people.

-K A Solaman

Welcome verdict

#Welcome #verdict

The Kerala High Court’s directive to furnish all retirement benefits to Dr. Ciza Thomas is a welcome and commendable verdict that upholds justice and administrative fairness.

 It is deeply unfortunate that a respected academician, who served as the interim Vice-Chancellor of Kerala Technological University, had to wait over two years for what is rightfully hers. 

The deliberate delay appears to be a form of veiled retribution against those who uphold integrity and stand firm against governmental wrongdoing. It an all-too-familiar tactic seen in Kerala, where individuals are burdened with court expenses while the state spends taxpayers' money to suppress dissent. 

However, as seen in the case of T.P. Senkumar, such unjust strategies cannot deter persons of principle. Dr. Ciza Thomas’s perseverance in the face of adversity is admirable, and the court’s verdict serves as a strong reaffirmation that truth and virtue will ultimately prevail.

-K A Solaman

Trivializing degree courses

#Trivializing Degree Courses.

Kerala's degree courses, particularly in Arts and Science colleges, are currently facing a crisis marked by a sharp decline in student admissions. 

The introduction of the four-year degree programme, though intended to match global standards, has not been received well due to a lack of awareness, poor infrastructure upgrades, and the absence of clear academic and career benefits for students. With medicine, engineering, nursing, and paramedical streams offering more structured career paths, traditional degree courses are being sidelined. 

In a desperate attempt to fill vacant seats, some colleges have resorted to substandard promotional tactics. This include misleading social media reels featuring film stars. This not only trivialize higher education but also risk undermining its dignity and purpose. This has led to public disillusionment and a growing perception that degree courses are an unproductive option.

To reverse this trend and make degree courses more attractive, serious academic reforms and strategic planning are essential. The government must ensure proper orientation, skill development modules, and employability-linked training as part of the curriculum. 

Partnerships with industries and research institutions can provide internships and job prospects, making the courses more relevant. Colleges should focus on showcasing their academic strength, infrastructure, and alumni achievements rather than relying on flashy advertisements. 

Moreover, proper counselling after Class 12 and awareness campaigns about the value of liberal education can help students make informed decisions. Only through quality improvement, relevance to the job market, and respect for academics can degree courses regain their rightful place in Kerala’s higher education landscape.

-K A Solaman

Tragic irony

#Tragic #irony

The collapse of the under-construction National Highway 66 at multiple locations during the recent rains has laid bare the rot at the core of Pinarayi Vijayan’s government. 

Instead of taking responsibility, the Chief Minister continues to issue hollow justifications and deflect blame, calling it “nature’s fury”. It is a shameful attempt to cover up shoddy construction and deep-rooted corruption. 

Contracts awarded to politically connected firms, substandard materials, and a complete disregard for public safety have become hallmarks of this administration. The tragic irony is that a project meant to symbolize progress now stands as a testament to the government's failure.

 Billions have been siphoned off in the name of infrastructure, while the common man suffers dangerous roads, displaced communities, and a complete absence of accountability.

What’s even more outrageous is the arrogant insensitivity of ministers like Mohammad Riyas, the Chief Minister’s own son-in-law, who chooses to engage in “reel challenges” on social media. But the public reels from poor governance. 

Instead of listening to the cries of those affected, this government mocks them with tone-deaf theatrics and self-praise campaigns. The so-called development claims are nothing but smoke and mirrors aimed at exploiting the short memory of the electorate.

In reality, the state is witnessing the rise of a regime more concerned with self-preservation and propaganda than with people’s welfare. With rising debt, crumbling infrastructure, and a political circle immune to criticism, the Pinarayi government is rapidly losing what little legitimacy it had left.

-K A Solaman

Rapper with offensive songs

#Rapper with offensive songs

The use of caste-based names, especially in public discourse, must be addressed with utmost sensitivity and legal awareness. Referring to individuals by caste names — even if self-assumed — can perpetuate caste identities and normalize practices that the Indian Constitution and judiciary have long sought to eliminate. 

In this context, the act of prominent leaders like M.V. Govindan and V.D. Satheesan publicly calling rapper Hirandas Murali by the name "Vedan" is deeply problematic. 

"Vedan" is not just a pseudonym; it is a Scheduled Tribe identity, and the public usage of such a caste identifier, particularly by those in power, risks reinforcing caste hierarchies and violating the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Recent Supreme Court verdicts have affirmed that addressing individuals by their caste names in a derogatory or unnecessary manner constitutes caste abuse and is legally punishable.

Moreover, the adoption of the name “Vedan” by the rapper and the usage of offensive or aggressive language in his work risks trivializing the lived realities and struggles of the actual Vedan community.

Cultural appropriation of caste identities, especially when accompanied by language that may offend or stereotype, is not an act of empowerment but of erasure and exploitation. It is unacceptable for political leaders to reinforce this by continuing to use the caste name instead of the artist’s legal name, particularly in public and political discourse.

 Upholding the dignity of marginalized communities requires more than lip service. It demands legal compliance, social responsibility, and respect for their identity. This misuse must be condemned and corrected before it becomes a dangerous precedent.

-K A Solaman

Selective criticism

#Selective #criticism

The Kerala government's proposed University Laws (Amendment) Bill, which selectively prohibits teachers from criticising the State government while allowing criticism of the Central government, is a blatant attack on academic freedom and democratic principles. 

This discriminatory restriction reeks of political hypocrisy and undermines the very essence of free speech in academic spaces. By shielding itself from scrutiny while conveniently allowing criticism of the Centre, the State government reveals its authoritarian tendencies. 

Moreover, the bill ignores the rampant politicisation of university campuses, where teachers—under the cover of unions—actively engage in partisan politics, openly violating service rules that prohibit government employees from political affiliations. 

If genuine accountability is the goal, then both State and Central governments must be equally open to criticism, and all forms of political activity by government servants, including teachers, must be uniformly addressed. This bill must be opposed for its selective censorship and dangerous precedent.

- K A Solaman

Sudhakaran's disclosure

#Sudhakaran's #disclosure

The recent controversy surrounding senior CPM leader G. Sudhakaran's disclosure about alleged tampering of postal ballots in favour of his party during the 1980 elections has raised complex legal and ethical questions. 

While Sudhakaran has openly accepted responsibility and expressed readiness to face any consequences, it is important to view his statement in the context of exposing systemic vulnerabilities rather than as a mere confession of wrongdoing.

Electoral malpractice, especially in the form of postal ballot manipulation, is not the action of a single individual; it typically involves multiple actors and reflects institutional lapses. Instead of singling out Sudhakaran for punishment after four decades, authorities should focus on using this revelation to investigate and rectify flaws in the electoral process, particularly in the handling of postal ballots. 

His candid statement can serve as a wake-up call to tighten procedures and enhance transparency, ensuring such practices cannot recur.

Moreover, this approach to Sudhakaran's statement brings into sharp relief the disparity in handling similar or even graver disclosures by political figures. For instance, M.M. Mani’s controversial public claim about the elimination of political opponents—allegedly involving planned killings—was far more serious and inflammatory. Yet the case against Mani appears to have lost momentum, raising questions about selective legal scrutiny

.If Sudhakaran is being held accountable for a historic electoral malpractice, the same yardstick must apply to others whose admissions point to violent and criminal acts. Singling out Sudhakaran while allowing others to go unchallenged undermines the credibility of the justice system. 

Rather than turning this into a political witch-hunt, the government and Election Commission should take the opportunity to strengthen democratic processes and ensure that postal ballot casting becomes completely tamper-proof.

-K A Solaman

On EVM

#Inconsistent criticism against EVM.

The repeated criticism of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) by the INDI alliance, particularly when electoral outcomes do not favor them, reflects a concerning inconsistency. While questioning the integrity of the electoral process is valid if genuine evidence exists, selectively raising doubts only after defeats erodes public trust in democracy. 

When the same machines deliver victories to their candidates, their silence suggests political opportunism rather than principled concern. This flip-flop undermines the credibility of their arguments and may mislead voters into believing that the system is inherently flawed, even in the absence of proof.

Despite court warnings against making baseless allegations about EVMs, some leaders continue to fuel suspicions, which is not only irresponsible but also dangerous. Such rhetoric sows unnecessary doubts in the minds of the public and disrespects the efforts of the Election Commission and the democratic framework of the country. 

If political parties have legitimate concerns, they should address them through legal and institutional channels rather than resorting to public mudslinging. This practice of blaming the system only when losing is indeed ugly and must be discouraged in the interest of preserving the integrity and dignity of Indian democracy.

-K A Solaman

False narratives

#False #narratives.

The rise of artists like Hiran Kumar Murali, known as Vedan, underlines a disturbing cultural shift where intoxication and substance use are glorified as rebellion or symbols of truth. 

His motto, "Drunk toddy doesn't lie," is not only misleading but dangerous, especially to impressionable youth. In reality, alcohol impairs judgment and promotes deceit, as any honest account from a toddy addict's family would confirm. 

The growing trend of associating truth and resistance with intoxication distorts values and sends the wrong message to a generation already struggling with direction and purpose. Music and art, which once inspired change through discipline and clarity, are now being misused to romanticize addiction and chaos.

Equally concerning is the artificial elevation of figures like Vedan as champions of the downtrodden. This is a gross oversimplification that ignores the real struggles of marginalized communities.

The movement to project myth-based stories like Nangeli’s as historical truths is a politically motivated attempt to stir sentiments rather than promote genuine empowerment. 

The recent opposition from the real Vedan community against this distorted representation is a healthy sign of social awareness and cultural responsibility. It’s essential that our youth are guided by truth, integrity, and critical thinking, not by the haze of narcotics and manufactured narratives.

-K A Solaman

Operation Sindoor

#Operation #Sindoor

India’s Operation Sindoor, launched with the strategic intent of safeguarding national interests and global peace, has garnered strong international support from major world powers and legal authorities.

 At such a critical juncture, internal dissent that undermines the morale of our armed forces and questions the integrity of the operation is deeply irresponsible and unacceptable. Statements  invoking divisive religious sentiments are unwarranted. The nation must not allow political or ideological narratives to dilute the unified resolve required during military operations. 

Individuals, including certain left-leaning politicians and writers, who deliberately spread anti-national rhetoric from the comfort of their safe zones, must be held accountable. 

This is not a time for political point-scoring but for standing united as Indians, demonstrating unwavering support for our soldiers and their mission to uphold the sovereignty and dignity of the nation.

-K A Solaman

Disturbing cinema

#Disturbing #Cinema

Contemporary Malayalam cinema has descended into a disturbing spectacle of noise, vulgarity, and moral decay They are  far removed from the artistic depth it once proudly showcased. 

Films now routinely glorify drugs, alcohol, and casual sex, while lacing dialogues with crude double meanings and gratuitous violence. Instead of nurturing thought or culture, many of these movies numb the minds of the youth, promoting rebellion without purpose and pleasure without consequence. 

Shockingly, this degeneration enjoys the tacit support of political forces, who seem to prefer a distracted and desensitized younger generation: This is not art; it's a calculated assault on the moral fabric of society.

-K A Solaman

KSEB Monopoly

#KSEB #monopoly

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has once again increased electricity charges by 8 paise per unit for May, adding to the financial burden of consumers who already pay heavily for an unreliable service. 

This frequent game of rate hikes—with KSEB proposing and the Regulatory Commission approving—has become a frustrating pattern. Despite these hikes, consumers continue to suffer due to frequent power cuts and poor quality of supply. 

It is unacceptable that in a state where citizens pay so much for basic utilities, they still face disruptions and substandard service. The current system clearly fails to hold KSEB accountable, and consumers have no say or choice, making them helpless victims in this monopoly.

Unlike other sectors in Kerala, which have embraced privatization and competition, the power sector remains tightly controlled by a public monopoly. This lack of competition stifles innovation and efficiency, and ultimately hurts the end users. 

Introducing more players into the electricity sector would foster competition, improve service quality, and offer consumers a choice. With multiple power suppliers, people could select dealers who offer better rates and more reliable service, pushing all providers—including KSEB—to perform better. 

This shift is essential to break the monopoly and put an end to what many perceive as legalised exploitation. Empowering consumers through choice is the only sustainable way to ensure fair pricing and dependable electricity.

-K A Solaman.

Political Circus

#Political #Circus

The inauguration of the much-acclaimed international port, which should have been a moment of pride and unity, was reduced to a political circus by both Congress and the Marxist leadership. 

The Congress party, despite the port being the brainchild of their late leader Oommen Chandy, failed to rise above petty political differences. VD Satheesan’s decision to boycott the function reflects not only poor statesmanship but also a lack of respect for the legacy of his own party leader.

While other Congress leaders attended, this division further exposed the internal disarray within the party. Instead of celebrating the realisation of a visionary project, Congress chose to sulk over political insecurities, losing an opportunity to claim rightful credit.

Equally perplexing was the Marxist approach, marked by hypocrisy and opportunism. For years, the CPI(M) had vilified industrialists like Adani, branding them as symbols of crony capitalism. Yet, when the same Adani group constructed and now operates the port, the Marxist government conveniently downplayed its earlier stand, choosing to share the limelight. Their involvement in the port’s development has been negligible, yet they rushed to politicize the event. 

The antics of PWD Minister Mohammad Riyas, who turned a protocol issue into a personal insult, only trivialised the event further. The CPM's eagerness to associate with Adani now, after years of ideological resistance, exposes their double standards and reinforces the public perception of politics as a game of convenience rather than conviction.

-K A Solaman

Adv B A Alvor

Adv B.A Aloor

Adv. B A Aloor’s demise highlights a somber irony in how society measures worth—often not by integrity, but by popularity or success. 

Despite his unwavering commitment to justice, even if it meant losing cases and allowing guilty clients to be punished, he was remembered not with respect but with silence. His principled approach is rare in a world that rewards clever manipulation and flashy victories. He did not receive a commendation even though his guilty clients were convicted.

In contrast, we frequently glorify those highly paid lawyers who bend the truth or charm the masses. We reserve our praise for the cunning rather than the conscientious. That no tear was shed for a man who perhaps stood too firmly for what was right speaks more about us than about him.

-K A Solaman

Hollow words

#Hollow #words.

The grand declarations made by Kerala’s political leadership about transforming the State into a global start-up hub ring hollow in the face of ground realities. 

While Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan boasts of increasing start-ups to 15,000 and generating over one lakh jobs by 2026, the situation on the ground is far from promising. Public sector employment opportunities are virtually nonexistent, pushing the youth to migrate en masse to other states or abroad in search of dignified work. 

The startup rhetoric appears to be a smokescreen—an attractive narrative to mask the State's failure in creating sustainable, accountable employment opportunities within the government and public sector.

What makes matters worse is the rampant culture of backdoor appointments, particularly favouring party loyalists and reappointing retired officials with clear political affiliations. 

This blatant undermining of merit-based recruitment not only disillusions the youth but also erodes public trust in governance. If the government is sincere about transparency and fairness, it must take a strong stand—starting with declaring backdoor appointments and re-employments of retirees as criminal offences. 

Until such actions are taken, the promises of innovation, start-ups, and job creation will remain nothing more than fairy tales, narrated to distract the public from the growing unemployment crisis and institutional decay.

K. A Solaman