Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday, 1 March 2026, stood at the inauguration of the Mundakkai-Chooralmala township project in Kalpetta and delivered what was perhaps his most scathing attack on the United States in recent memory.

Calling America and Israel “rogue nations,” he condemned the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and demanded that India register a strong protest against both countries.

But the same CM who called America a destabilising imperialist power has made no fewer than five trips to the United States for personal medical treatment, spending lakhs of taxpayer money in the process.

What Did Pinarayi Vijayan Say

Speaking at the Mundakkai event, Pinarayi said, “Certain rogue nations led by the US are destabilising global peace,” he described the targeting of Khamenei, his daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter as “an act of grave cruelty” and a “cowardly, inhuman and immoral attack.”

He expressed alarm for the lakhs of Malayalis working in Gulf countries, warning that an escalation of US-Iran tensions would push the region into chaos. “Millions of our brothers and sisters in the Gulf are in panic,” he said. “The situation has been triggered by American imperialism. Their close ally is Israel. Both are responsible for creating instability.”

He went further, questioning whether US President Donald Trump had the “required mental capacity to lead a nation,” and drew comparisons to American interventions in Iraq, Libya, and Venezuela where, he alleged, rulers were killed or kidnapped to enable regime change. He also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging New Delhi not to remain silent and to take immediate steps to protect Keralites abroad.

The Same Pinarayi Vijayan Flew To USA For Treatment – 5 Times

Since 2018, Pinarayi Vijayan has made four documented trips to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota and squarely located in the heart of imperialist America.

• 2018 – First trip; his wife Kamala accompanied him; the nature of illness was not disclosed
• January 2022 – Second trip for undisclosed treatment​
• April 2022 – Third trip, again for follow-up treatment​
• 5 July 2025 – Fourth trip; a 10-day follow-up consultation at Mayo Clinic, Minnesota, travelling via Dubai, accompanied by wife and grandson

The exact nature of his illness has never been disclosed to the public. His office has maintained studied silence across all five visits, offering no explanation for what condition requires repeated, long-duration treatment at one of America’s most elite medical institutions.

Taxpayer Money, American Hospital, Communist Leader

The silence on his illness would be easier to accept if the trips were privately funded. They are not. By November 2023, the Kerala government had spent ₹72.09 lakh from the state exchequer on Pinarayi’s Mayo Clinic treatments – covering not just medical bills, but flight tickets, accommodation, and food for accompanying family members, including his grandson. This is public money from a state that has been in a severe fiscal crisis for years, perpetually struggling to pay salaries and pensions on time.

The political timing of these trips has made matters worse. His July 2025 visit to the US coincided almost precisely with the collapse of a building at Kottayam Medical College, which killed a person and exposed the crumbling state of Kerala’s public healthcare infrastructure.

The Communist Who Couldn’t Resist Capitalism?

Communists have long told their followers that capitalist nations exploit the world and destabilise global order. But calling the very country where Pinarayi Vijayan went at least four times for treatment a “rogue nation” does not cut ice. When the ideology met the illness, ideology blinked first. No government hospital in Kerala. No “model” healthcare system he never tires of boasting about could treat him.

It is one thing to condemn American foreign policy from a podium; it is quite another to do so while having spent ₹72 lakh of public money on American soil, seeking care that the workers of Kerala, the people the CPI(M) claims to represent, can only dream of affording.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post Kerala Communist CM Pinarayi Vijayan Calls US A ‘Rogue Nation’, But Has Visited It Multiple Times For Treatment At Taxpayer Expense appeared first on The Commune.

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, issued a stern warning to the State Government and sought an immediate explanation on how the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) allegedly accessed private contact details of nearly five lakh government employees, judicial officers, and welfare scheme beneficiaries.

The court was hearing a petition alleging that the CMO bypassed privacy safeguards to send unsolicited, personalised WhatsApp messages carrying the Chief Minister’s photograph and highlighting government achievements, including the recent 10% DA hike, allegedly as part of outreach ahead of the May 2026 Assembly elections.

Court Flags Privacy Concerns

During the hearing, the Bench noted a clear “lack of privacy” in the mass messaging exercise and examined claims that data may have been accessed from the SPARK (Service and Payroll Administrative Repository for Kerala) portal – a database meant strictly for salary and administrative purposes.

The court specifically scrutinised the alleged transfer of data via the Kerala State IT Mission to the CMO.

Observing that use of administrative data for political promotion could amount to a serious privacy violation, the court directed the State to clarify the legal basis for such data processing. It also instructed authorities to halt further dissemination of such WhatsApp messages until the data source is legally verified.

The court further directed the CMO to stop sending the messages immediately.

Congress Levels Sharp Allegations

The development comes a day after the Kerala Congress publicly accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of misusing official SPARK databases for election propaganda.

In a series of posts on X, the party alleged: “Kerala is witnessing state-sponsored data theft! CM @pinarayivijayan is caught red-handed using official SPARK databases to spam government employees and people with election propaganda. This is a massive breach of trust and individual privacy,” the post read.

The party further said: “Why is @AshwiniVaishnaw looking the other way? Is it because of the unholy CPM-BJP alliance we see in Kerala?. Pinarayi has clearly mastered the Modi playbook, turning governance into a PR spectacle and using public money for a “snooping” infrastructure,”

Kerala Congress also cited a previous High Court ruling that had quashed a ₹20 crore data-harvesting survey as a “colourable exercise of power” violating Article 166(3) Rules of Business.

Kerala is witnessing state-sponsored data theft! CM @pinarayivijayan is caught red-handed using official SPARK databases to spam government employees and people with election propaganda. This is a massive breach of trust and individual privacy.

Why is @AshwiniVaishnaw looking… pic.twitter.com/jB5wXLvV3G

— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) February 23, 2026

Privacy law angle

The petitioners have argued that the alleged data use violates the fundamental Right to Privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution as well as provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023.

The High Court has sought the State’s response and is expected to examine the legality of the data flow, the role of SPARK records, and whether proper consent mechanisms were followed.

Further proceedings in the matter are awaited.

Source: ANI

Subscribe to our channels on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and YouTube to get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post “Lack Of Privacy”: Kerala High Court Pulls Up Pinarayi Vijayan Govt Over WhatsApp Outreach appeared first on The Commune.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday, 19 February 2026, suffered a meltdown with regard to the upcoming film The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, urging that the sequel be viewed with “utmost gravity” and alleging that it attempts to malign the State’s secular image.

The reaction came days after filmmaker Vipul Amrutlal Shah unveiled the trailer of the sequel on 17 February 2026. Like its predecessor, the film has already sparked political and public debate ahead of its scheduled theatrical release on February 27.

Taking to X, Vijayan wrote, “The reports regarding the release of a sequel to the hate-mongering film The Kerala Story should be seen with utmost gravity. Having already seen through the communal agenda and blatant lies of the first part, Kerala will once again reject this attempt to demonise our secular fabric with contempt.”

He further stated, “It is shocking how fabricated narratives aimed at inciting communal discord receive a free pass, while critical expressions of art get gagged. We must stand united against these attempts to paint our land of harmony as a hub of terror. The truth shall always prevail.”

The reports regarding the release of a sequel to the hate-mongering film ‘The Kerala Story’ should be seen with utmost gravity. Having already seen through the communal agenda and blatant lies of the first part, Kerala will once again reject this attempt to demonise our secular…

— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) February 19, 2026

Achuthanandan’s Past Warning

The controversy has also revived references to remarks made years ago by former Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan regarding alleged “Love Jihad” activities.

In a past statement, Achuthanandan had said: “First, they started under the name NDF, they gave training, money, and weapons to young people, using them to kill those opposed or hostile to them. Or else, they do things like this: cutting off hands, cutting off legs, these are their activities.”

He had further warned, “In 20 years, Kerala will become a Muslim majority state; by influencing all young people, by giving money, converting them to Islam, marrying Muslim girls so Muslim children are born, and in this way, a move is being made with the intention of creating a majority for the Muslim community.”

If CM Pinarayi considers any discussion about forced conversions or Love Jihad in Kerala to be a propaganda, how does he explain the statements of his own predecessor, Comrade V.S. Achuthanandan (Former CM of Kerala).

He explicitly raised alarms about Love Jihad activities years… https://t.co/fOPj8AaVGu pic.twitter.com/AGrMhIt5lr

— Anoop Antony Joseph (@AnoopKaippalli) February 19, 2026

Kerala Story 2

The original The Kerala Story (2023) had generated nationwide controversy over its depiction of alleged forced religious conversions and recruitment of women by the Islamic State. Despite the backlash, the film later won two honours at the 71st National Film Awards, best director for Sudipto Sen and best cinematography for Prasantanu Mohapatra.

The sequel’s trailer presents three parallel narratives involving Hindu women who allegedly face coercion and religious conversion after relationships with Muslim men. One storyline unfolds in Rajasthan involving a POCSO complaint by the parents of a minor girl; another is set in Madhya Pradesh involving alleged deception in marriage; and the third takes place in Kerala involving a live-in relationship that escalates into conflict over conversion.

Promoting the trailer, the makers stated, “They targeted our daughters. They broke their trust. They stole their futures. This time, we do not stay silent. The story goes beyond. Is baar sahenge nahi… ladenge.”

Starring Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia and Aishwarya Ojha, the film is produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and co-produced by Aashin A. Shah under the Sunshine Pictures banner.

The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond is scheduled to release in theatres on 27 February 2026.

Source: NDTV

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post Pinarayi Suffers Meltdown Over Kerala Story 2, Here’s What Achuthanandhan Warned About Love Jihad appeared first on The Commune.

A stop memo issued by revenue authorities, of the CPI(M) led Pinarayi Vijayan government, halting riverbank construction linked to Kerala’s proposed Kumbh Mela-style ‘Maha Magha’ festival has triggered a sharp confrontation between organisers, the state administration, and political actors, with allegations of religious interference countered by claims of environmental violations by the authorities.

The order pertains to construction activity on the banks of the Bharathapuzha at Thirunavaya, where preparations are underway for the Maha Magha festival scheduled to be held from 18 January to 3 February 2026, near the historic Nava Mukunda Temple.

Festival Projected as ‘Kerala’s Kumbh Mela’

The Maha Magha festival is being promoted by organisers as Kerala’s version of the Kumbh Mela, aimed at reviving the ancient Maha Makham tradition that was historically held every 12 years during the reign of the Chera rulers. The event also draws symbolic links to the Mamankam tradition historically associated with Thirunavaya.

Leading the initiative, Swami Anandavanam Bharathi, said preparations for the event had commenced only after applications were submitted to the authorities. He claimed that construction of basic facilities, including a temporary bridge across the Bharathapuzha, was undertaken following informal clearance from officials.

Swami Anandavanam Bharathi further stated that authorities had earlier advised organisers to proceed, citing delays caused by the model code of conduct for local body elections.

Administration Cites Environmental Violations

The stop memo was issued by the Thirunavaya Village Office, directing organisers to halt construction work. The order cited alleged encroachment into the river and the use of heavy machinery to level portions of the riverbed.

Officials stated that such activities violate provisions of the Kerala River Banks and Regulation of Removal of Sand Act, 2001, which is intended to protect fragile river ecosystems, including the Bharathapuzha.

The Malappuram District Administration clarified that the stop memo does not prohibit the religious festival itself but applies only to unauthorised construction along the riverbank. Authorities stressed that environmental safeguards cannot be diluted, even for large-scale religious gatherings.

Organisers Cry Foul Over Timing

Organisers disputed the administration’s claims, alleging that the intervention came at the eleventh hour. They said construction had already reached an advanced stage and that repeated site inspections by officials earlier had raised no objections.

Swami Anandavanam Bharathi asserted that the Maha Magha mahotsavam would proceed as planned, stating that spiritual gatherings and religious rituals could not be halted through administrative orders.

The issue acquired a political dimension after senior BJP leader Kummanam Rajasekharan criticised the stop memo, calling it illegal and an infringement on religious freedom.

In a public statement, Rajasekharan alleged a conspiracy to sabotage what he described as the “Kumbh Mela of Kerala,” and said the festival was rooted in Kerala’s civilisational and religious history linked to Thirunavaya.

Source: Mathrubhumi

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post Bharathapuzha Riverbank Construction Halted By CPI(M)-Led Kerala Govt Ahead Of Maha Magha Festival appeared first on The Commune.

Several schools in Kozhikode witnessed disruptions on Tuesday as student wings of the Congress and Indian Union Muslim League – the Kerala Students’ Union (KSU) and Muslim Students Federation (MSF) held protests demanding that the state government withdraw from the Central Government’s Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme.

The protests, called under the United Democratic Students Front (UDSF), began in the morning and spread to several institutions including Devagiri Savio School and allegedly also the Mukkam High School. Police detained about 20 student leaders after they attempted to blockade offices and halt classes.

At the Devagiri campus, activists surrounded the principal’s office, while at Mukkam High School, classes were stopped after students were allegedly urged to leave by protestors. Videos circulated online showed groups believed to be from KSU and MSF entering classrooms, raising slogans calling for protests against the PM SHRI scheme and against the RSS, and accusing the government of surrendering Kerala’s education to the Sangh Parivar. They raised slogans in Malayalam, translating to, “Did you know oh students, education in Kerala has been surrendered to the RSS.”

They also raised slogans against CM Pinarayi Vijayan and Education Minister V Sivankutty.

They were also seen confronting and intimidating teachers who attempted to continue lessons by asking them if they were supporting the RSS. The exact school location in the videos has not been officially confirmed.

Look at the Situation in Kerala. The LDF Govt signs the agreement with the Central Govt under “The Prime Minister’s Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) programme . A Central Govt initiative to upgrade existing model schools to implement the principles of the National Education… pic.twitter.com/6kOQRoJMaC

— Madhu S Menon (@MadhuSMenon4) November 3, 2025

Among those detained were MSF State General Secretary C.K. Najaf, District President Afnaz Chorode, KSU District President V.T. Suraj, and MSF Haritha General Convener Rima Mariam. The protesters were later released after brief detention.

The agitation followed days of political turmoil within the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s administration halted all ongoing PM SHRI procedures after four CPI ministers boycotted the cabinet meeting, accusing the government of signing the memorandum of understanding with the Centre without consultation.

A seven-member cabinet subcommittee has been appointed to review the scheme, and the Education Department has been instructed to suspend finalisation of schools until the review report is submitted. Kerala is also preparing to write to the Centre seeking relaxation of provisions it considers “unacceptable.”

The PM SHRI initiative aims to upgrade 14,500 schools nationwide with improved infrastructure, technology, and pedagogy under the National Education Policy. While states ruled by Congress and its allies including Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh have implemented the scheme, Kerala’s participation has become a political flashpoint.

(Source: Manorama Online)

Subscribe to our channels on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and YouTube to get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post Student Wings Of Congress & Muslim League Disrupt Classes In Kozhikode Schools Demanding Kerala Govt To Withdraw From PM-SHRI Scheme appeared first on The Commune.

Kerala has been in the news lately for quite a few things – be it the Global Ayyappa Summit or the missing gold sheets that were taken from the Sabarimala temple without permission to Chennai.

In this report, we will take a look at 14 major incidents from 2019 to 2025 which shows persistent and systematic interference by the Kerala government in the administration and traditions of Hindu temples across the state. Despite repeated demands from devotees and Hindu groups for greater autonomy, the government has defended its control, claiming it is necessary for temple revival.

#1 CM Pinarayi Vijayan Rejects Devotee Administration Handover

In September 2025, at the Global Ayyappa Summit in Pamba, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan firmly rejected demands to return temple administration to devotees. Defending the current system, he stated that government control via the Devaswom Boards was essential for reviving temples. This stance was seen by critics as a direct dismissal of long-standing calls from the Hindu community for autonomy, reinforcing the perception that temples are kept under political control for non-religious purposes.

#2 Sabarimala Gold Scandal Probe Stalled

In September 2025, the Travancore Devaswom Board faced fresh outrage over allegations of missing temple gold. Ornaments sent for remodelling in 2022 were reportedly returned lighter, with claims that up to 90 kg of gold was unaccounted for. Critics allege that the Crime Branch investigation, under the Chief Minister’s purview, has been deliberately stalled, pointing to a potential political cover-up. Devotees accused the CPI(M)-controlled board of misusing Sabarimala’s substantial annual income and turning faith into a business.

#3 Communist Govt Conducts ‘Global Ayyappa Sangamam’, Draws Flak

In September 2025, the CPI(M)-led government organized a ₹4 crore Global Ayyappa Sangamam event through the Devaswom Board. While projected as a global pilgrimage meet, opposition parties labelled it an election gimmick to regain Hindu voter support after the contentious 2018 Sabarimala issue. The event was boycotted by the Pandalam royal family, with critics asserting that the government was once again using faith as a political tool rather than focusing on genuine devotional aspects.

#4 Accusations of Commercializing Ayyappa Sangam

Again, in September 2025, the Bharatheeya Vichara Kendram strongly criticized the Kerala government for allegedly using the Ayyappa Sangam event for political and commercial gains instead of fostering devotion. The group accused the state of mismanaging Sabarimala affairs, lacking transparency in temple finances, and interfering in religious traditions. They warned that such actions were undermining the sanctity of the holy site, transforming it into a commercial hub for non-devotional purposes.

#5 Ban on Political Flags in Temple Premises

In September 2025, the Kerala government’s Devaswom Department issued an order prohibiting political flags, pictures, and publicity materials inside all temple compounds under its control. While presented as a regulatory measure, the move was interpreted by many as direct government intrusion into temple management. Critics argued that it reinforced state control over sacred spaces, limiting the expression of devotees and traditional practices associated with temple festivals.

#6 Devotee Backlash Over Global Ayyappa Event

In September 2025, the government’s plan to host a “Global Ayyappa Sangamam” was met with significant criticism from devotees and Hindu groups, who perceived it as political interference. In protest, the Sabarimala Karma Samithi announced a parallel “Sabarimala Samrakshana Sangamam” in Pandalam to defend the temple’s customs. This opposition highlighted a deep-seated mistrust, with devotees arguing that the state was dividing worshippers and undermining the temple’s spiritual autonomy for political spectacle.

#7 Push to Open Padmanabhaswamy Temple Vault-B

In August 2025, during a governing body meeting for the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the Kerala government’s representative pressed for a decision to open the sacred Vault-B. This move was opposed by the Travancore royal family and the temple’s tantri (head priest), who consider the vault inviolable. Devotees saw the government’s push as a severe disregard for centuries-old traditions and the sentiments of millions, representing unwarranted state interference in one of India’s most revered temples.

#8 CPI(M) Party Songs Played at Temple Festival

In March 2025, a controversy erupted at the Kadakkal Devi Temple in Kollam when songs associated with the CPI(M)’s youth wing, DYFI, were played during a musical program at the Thiruvathira festival. The presence of party symbols sparked accusations of politicizing a religious event. While the festival committee claimed the songs were audience requests, the Travancore Devaswom Board sought a report, and opposition leaders condemned the incident as an “arrogant misuse of power.”

#9 Restrictions on Sabarimala Pilgrim Numbers

In October 2024, the Kerala government’s decision to limit daily pilgrim entry to Sabarimala to 80,000 and mandate an online queue system triggered widespread protests. Devotees argued that these restrictions unfairly impacted those traveling long distances and represented excessive government control over temple access. The move was perceived as unnecessary interference that disrupted the traditional practice of free darshan (holy viewing), further straining the relationship between the administration and the worshipping community.

#10 Police Demand Removal of Saffron Buntings

In February 2023, at the Vellayani Bhadrakali Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Police officials ordered the temple committee to remove traditional saffron buntings ahead of the triennial Kaliyootu Mahotsavam, citing vague law-and-order concerns. The verbal demand, made without a written order, was met with resistance from devotees who viewed it as an assault on their age-old customs. The incident was seen as another example of authorities harassing temples and interfering in their religious expressions.

#11 Forcible Takeover of Mattannur Temple

In October 2021, the CPI(M)-controlled Malabar Devaswom Board forcibly took over the Mattannur Mahadeva Temple in Kannur amidst protests, including attempts at self-immolation by devotees. Officials broke the temple lock, citing a court order that deemed the temple government property. The Board President’s statement that temples are “public” while churches and mosques are “private” sparked accusations of discriminatory treatment of Hindu religious institutions, with many labelling the takeover as politically motivated interference.

#12 Court Rules Temple Donation to CMDRF Illegal

In December 2020, the Kerala High Court struck down the Guruvayur Devaswom Committee’s decision to divert ₹5 crore from temple funds to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF). The court ruled that the temple’s wealth belongs solely to the deity and cannot be used for government purposes. The judgment was a significant indictment of the state’s attempts to misuse temple funds, highlighting a pattern of diverting religious donations for secular government projects.

#13 Widespread Allegations of Corruption in Devaswoms

In November 2019, a report highlighted allegations of systemic corruption, political misuse, and mismanagement against the Devaswom Boards that control over 3,000 temples in Kerala. Accusations included financial theft, sex scandals, and the appointment of non-Hindus to management roles. Critics argued that temple funds were being diverted to non-religious projects, sidelining devotees and priests, and causing lasting damage to the sanctity and financial health of these institutions under political control.

#14 Government’s Firm Stance on Sabarimala Entry

In August 2019, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reaffirmed his government’s commitment to enforcing the Supreme Court’s order allowing women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple, despite massive protests. The LDF government’s stance was widely perceived as insensitive interference in core temple traditions, leading to widespread unrest. The incident became a major political flashpoint and was cited as a key factor in the ruling party’s poor performance in the subsequent parliamentary elections.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post 14 Times When Kerala Communist Govt. Meddled In Temple Affairs appeared first on The Commune.

He did not stop there, he also slammed Tamil Nadu’s HR&CE department saying, “You might have recently watched a Netflix series called ‘Scam 1992’ about how two people worked together to scam the Bombay Stock Exchange. Today in India, two people are doing something similar: one is Stalin and the other is Vijayan. In Tamil Nadu, Hindu temples are managed by the TN HR&CE (Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments) Department. In 1985, the HR&CE had 525,000 acres of land. In 40 years in the 46,000 temples managed by HR&CE it has lost 125,000 acres of that land and right now we have 4 lakh acres. The Tamil Nadu government cannot find out what happened to these 125,000 acres. Our HR&CE Minister, Sekar Babu, came to this Ayyappan meeting on behalf of the Tamil Nadu government. He’s asking, ‘Just give us five acres of land in Pandalam.’ What’s surprising is that 125,000 acres of land are missing in Tamil Nadu, yet the minister who came to the Global Ayyappa Conference on September 20th is asking for five acres for Tamil Nadu. Why? To steal more? To add to the 125,000 acres of land? My dear friends, we need to carefully watch what is happening. A group is united and organizing this event just to deceive us. We need to ask the important question, who is politicizing God? Is it us, or is it the government, especially the Communist party?”

The post “Nastik Dramacharis”: BJP Leader Annamalai Blasts Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan And TN CM M.K. Stalin At Sabarimala Samrakshana Sangamam appeared first on The Commune.

The upcoming Global Ayyappa Summit, planned as part of the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), has triggered a political storm in Kerala. On Tuesday, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan accused the ruling CPI-M of organising the event to appease majority communal sentiments.

“The CPI-M is using Sabarimala’s name for majority appeasement. This newfound devotion began only after its parliamentary poll defeat. Now they are clinging to Lord Ayyappa, making communalism their political weapon, even moving in tandem with the Sangh Parivar,” Satheesan said. He warned that the CPI-M’s move was “like scratching one’s head with fire”, adding that what happened to the Left in Bengal awaited them in Kerala.

“We know nothing about this so-called Ayyappa congregation,” he said. The Global Ayyappa Summit is scheduled for September 20 on the banks of the sacred Pampa River near Sabarimala. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the event, conceived as one of the largest spiritual congregations in South India.

Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan formally extended invitations to political leaders, including the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, during a visit to Chennai. However, Chief Minister Stalin later conveyed his inability to attend due to prior commitments. Instead, Tamil Nadu Ministers P.K. Sekarbabu and Palanivel Thiaga Rajan will represent the state government at the event.

Meanwhile, the BJP also sharpened its attack. Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar accused both Vijayan and Stalin of repeatedly insulting Sabarimala traditions and Hindu devotees.

“Pinarayi Vijayan jailed and assaulted Ayyappa devotees, while Stalin and his son Udhayanidhi have called Hindu faith a virus. This Ayyappa event is nothing but an election drama,” Chandrasekhar wrote in a Facebook post. He added that the CPI-M leaders could attend only if they apologised to Hindus and Ayyappa bhakts.

– IANS

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post Kerala Congress Hits Out At CM Pinarayi Vijayan Over Global Ayyappa Summit, Calls It ‘Majority Appeasement’ appeared first on The Commune.

Following the announcement of the 71st National Film Awards, Sudipto Sen’s ‘The Kerala Story’ was awarded the Best Cinematography honour. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, publicly expressed displeasure against the recognition granted to the film.

Taking to his official X account, Vijayan expressed his displeasure, criticizing the central government and the jury for honouring a film that, “By honouring a film that spreads blatant misinformation with the clear intent of tarnishing Kerala’s image and sowing seeds of communal hatred, the jury of the #NationalFilmAwards has lent legitimacy to a narrative rooted in the divisive ideology of the Sangh Parivar. Kerala, a land that has always stood as a beacon of harmony and resistance against communal forces, has been gravely insulted by this decision. It is not just Malayalis, but everyone who believes in democracy, must raise their voice in defence of truth and the constitutional values we hold dear.”

By honouring a film that spreads blatant misinformation with the clear intent of tarnishing Kerala’s image and sowing seeds of communal hatred, the jury of the #NationalFilmAwards has lent legitimacy to a narrative rooted in the divisive ideology of the Sangh Parivar. Kerala, a…

— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) August 1, 2025

This public denouncement raised severe questions, Is the Chief Minister’s opposition driven by genuine concern, or is it a move rooted in appeasement politics and a desire to maintain minority vote banks?

About the Film: The Kerala Story

‘The Kerala Story‘ is a 2023 Hindi-language drama directed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah. Featuring Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Siddhi Idnani, and Sonia Balani, the film revolves around inspired by true events.

The narrative focuses on a group of young women from Kerala who are allegedly lured into converting to Islam and subsequently recruited by the Islamic State (ISIS). Central to the film is the controversial theme of “Love Jihad”, portraying the systematic targeting of non-Muslim women under the guise of romantic relationships to facilitate religious conversion and extremist recruitment.

Plot Overview

The story follows four college girls Shalini (Adah Sharma), Geetanjali (Siddhi Idnani), Nimah (Yogita Bihani), and Asifa (Sonia Balani) who come from Hindu, Christian, and Muslim backgrounds. Set in a nursing college in North Kerala, the film paints a picture of ideological conflict and cultural manipulation. The character Asifa, a devout Muslim, gradually begins influencing her roommates, convincing them to adopt Islam with the help of community elders, Quranic verses, and young men posing as romantic partners.

As the story progresses, it delves into the transformation of the protagonist, Shalini, from a cheerful student to Fatima, an ISIS recruit and mother, desperate to escape the life she was forced into. The film shows how these girls are manipulated emotionally, psychologically, and physically eventually trafficked into war zones.

The film doesn’t shy away from depicting disturbing scenes of rape, religious coercion, and violence under Sharia law. While unsettling, these portrayals are claimed to reflect real incidents of exploitation in extremist circles.

Link to Real-Life Incidents

The film draws heavily from the 2016 ISIS recruitment case involving 21 individuals from Kerala, including four women: Sonia Sebastian (Ayisha), Merrin Jacob (Mariyam), Nimisha (Fathima Isa), and Raffaela. These women reportedly converted to Islam and left India with their husbands to join ISIS-K (Khorasan Province) in Afghanistan.

Their cases came into the public domain after being captured and investigated abroad. Documentaries, including one by StratNews Global, have presented detailed testimonies of the women and their radicalization. The film builds its narrative around these documented accounts while expanding it through dramatization.

While The Kerala Story captures the emotional and psychological trauma faced by the women, it also takes significant creative liberties, particularly in its representation of Kerala’s culture and Muslim communities. The film’s core messaging remains consistent: the use of love and emotional manipulation as a tool for religious conversion and extremist recruitment. The closing scene features a real-life victim’s testimony, further blurring the line between fiction and documentary.

Though the leftist and political parties blame it as heavily dramatized and politically charged, The Kerala Story has succeeded in bringing the term Love Jihad into mainstream discussion. Whether viewed as a wake-up call or propaganda, it has undeniably ignited a national conversation about religious extremism, conversion, and the thin line between fact and fiction in storytelling.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post ‘The Kerala Story’ Receives National Award, Pinarayi Vijayan Suffers Meltdown appeared first on The Commune.

A Right to Information (RTI) reply has revealed that the Kerala Tourism Department, headed by P.A. Mohammed Riyas, the son-in-law of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, fully sponsored the travel and accommodation of Jyoti Malhotra, a Haryana-based YouTuber who is currently under arrest for alleged links with Pakistani intelligence. The revelation has triggered sharp criticism and raised serious concerns over security protocols and political accountability.

An RTI has revealed that Pakistani spy Jyothi Malhotra was sponsored by Kerala tourism department in recent years. It must be noted that most of her secret visits were to Kerala and she is alleged to have conducted many secret meetings with her Pakistani counterparts in the… pic.twitter.com/zvR1v2N5gV

— S.Jayashankar (@jaypanicker) July 6, 2025

According to official records, Malhotra was among 41 social media influencers invited by the Kerala Tourism Department between January 2024 and May 2025 under its influencer outreach programme. Her trips to Kannur, Kozhikode, Kochi, Alappuzha, and Munnar were funded by the state government as part of efforts to promote Kerala as a digital travel destination.

Opposition leaders pointed out that when the issue was raised a month ago, it was ignored by both the Kerala government and most mainstream media outlets. They alleged that the new RTI response had validated earlier claims, showing that a person now under investigation for espionage was officially hosted by a department overseen by the Chief Minister’s close family member – his own son-in-law.

When I raised this a month ago, Kerala’s mainstream media turned a blind eye.

Now, RTI documents prove every word I said.

Why did Kerala Tourism, controlled by CM’s son-in-law, sponsor a Pak-linked spy’s trip?

Kerala’s security is not your family business, Mr.… pic.twitter.com/Yx1yYfQMHR

— K Surendran (@surendranbjp) July 6, 2025

Critics of the government claimed that the administration had treated the state’s security apparatus like a family-run enterprise. They raised questions about how an individual with documented ties to Pakistan-based operatives could be selected for a government-sponsored initiative, and why no background verification had been carried out.

The BJP claimed that Malhotra’s participation in the tourism campaign had gone beyond casual oversight and represented a deeper governance failure. They argued that her presence in Kerala under official invitation, particularly her visit to Kannur, needed to be scrutinized in detail, including whom she met and whether any sensitive material was collected.

The Kerala Tourism Minister, who manages the influencer programme, dismissed the accusations, attributing them to political propaganda. However, opposition parties and civil society groups insisted that the controversy could not be dismissed lightly given the national security angle involved.

Investigative agencies reported that Malhotra had made multiple trips to Pakistan, where she established contact with individuals connected to the Pakistani intelligence network. Among her contacts was a staffer at the Pakistan High Commission who was expelled from India in May 2025 for espionage.

Malhotra is one of 12 individuals arrested across several states in connection with a suspected intelligence-gathering network targeting Indian content creators. While authorities have not yet confirmed whether she had access to any classified information, officials maintained that she was knowingly in touch with foreign intelligence handlers.

The controversy has deepened the political fallout surrounding the Kerala government’s influencer collaborations, especially given the familial connection between the Chief Minister and the Tourism Minister. Critics alleged that the tourism department, under such control, had failed in its basic duty to safeguard the state’s interests while engaging with external influencers.

(With inputs from Times Of India)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post Kerala Tourism Under Communist Govt Headed By CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s Son-in-Law, Funded Alleged Pakistani Spy Jyoti Malhotra’s Trip, RTI Confirms appeared first on The Commune.