National

Catholic Congress Criticizes Congress for Joining Forces with Welfare Party in Nilambur Bypoll

Published

1 year ago

June 12, 2025

The Catholic Congress, representing Syro-Malabar Catholics, has issued a strong criticism of the Congress party for its electoral alliance with the Welfare Party, the political wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, during the Nilambur Assembly by-election. They view this partnership as a direct challenge to Kerala’s secular democratic values.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Catholic Congress claimed that the Congress has compromised its foundational secular principles by associating with a party “ideologically tied to religious fundamentalism.”

The statement, authored by Catholic Congress Director Fr. Mathew Thoommoolil, President Dr. Chacko Kalampparambil, and General Secretary Shaji Kandathil, cautioned that such collaborations could normalize extremism in mainstream politics.

The Catholic Congress argued that by teaming up with the Welfare Party, which has global connections to theocratic ideologies, the Congress is eroding public trust and sacrificing its values for electoral gain. They condemned the current alliance as a betrayal of the Congress party’s historical role as a secular entity, criticizing attempts by Congress leaders to rationalize their partnership based on the LDF’s association with the PDP. They stressed that “one wrong cannot justify another.”

The Catholic Congress urged both the Congress-led UDF and the CPI-M-led LDF to avoid political alliances that foster communal division. They encouraged voters in Nilambur and beyond to recognize the “duplicity of parties that publicly condemn communalism while privately collaborating with radical factions.”

In related comments, CPI-M state secretary MV Govindan remarked that the Welfare Party’s unconditional support for the Congress-led UDF reflects the Opposition’s desperation to ally with fundamentalist groups in a bid to strengthen its dwindling campaign amidst internal strife. He asserted that the UDF has lost its moral authority to criticize communalism: “The UDF has become a coalition of communal forces and can no longer speak against communalism.”

Responding to Govindan’s assertions, senior Congress leader and Opposition Leader in the Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan argued that while Jamaat-e-Islami’s support to the CPI-M is viewed as secular, it is suddenly seen as communal when it backs the UDF. Satheesan recalled previous discussions between Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Jamaat-e-Islami, noting the inconsistency in the CPI-M’s stance, which he suggested shifts as often as a chameleon.

Former BJP Kerala President K Surendran stated that both the ruling CPI-M-led LDF and Congress-led UDF are leveraging communal sentiment in Nilambur. Speaking to reporters, Surendran accused both fronts of courting communal and religious extremists to secure victory in the Nilambur bypoll. He pointed to the UDF’s acceptance of support from the Welfare Party and noted the LDF’s alliance with the PDP, labeling it as a partnership with a group linked to terrorism. Surendran warned that this approach could have serious repercussions for Kerala’s social fabric.

National

Couple Uses Dupatta to Rescue Biker from Flash Flood

Published

5 days ago

September 1, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: A family in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba risked their lives to rescue a biker trapped in a flash flood following heavy rainfall.

The incident occurred on the Kakiara-Tunuhatti road in the Bharmala area of Bhatiyat. Heavy rain caused water to flood the road, creating a strong and dangerous current.

The biker struggled to stay safe as he was caught in the fast-flowing water. Two women, including a newlywed woman, quickly used a dupatta as a makeshift rope to rescue him.

The biker held onto the dupatta while the family members pulled him towards safety. Another person also joined the rescue effort.

A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. The family’s courage and quick thinking have received widespread praise online.

National

Two Arrested for Alleged Assault on Minor Girl in Moving Bus

Published

6 days ago

August 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: Two men, including a bus driver and conductor, have been arrested for allegedly gang-raping a 16-year-old girl on a moving sleeper bus in Greater Noida.

Police said the incident occurred on August 4 when the girl boarded an empty bus while travelling to Noida Sector 63.

The accused allegedly assaulted the girl and later abandoned her near Kashmere Gate in Delhi, around 40 kilometres away.

Following the survivor’s complaint, police launched an investigation and arrested both accused from Timarpur in North Delhi.

The bus has been seized, and CCTV footage and forensic evidence are being examined.

Further investigation is underway.

National

21-Year-Old Model Murdered Inside Home, Gym Trainer Accused

Published

1 week ago

August 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: A 21-year-old woman was allegedly stabbed to death inside her home in West Delhi on Wednesday. The police suspect her gym trainer, identified as Imran, in the case.

The victim, identified as Muskan, was a student and model. She was reportedly alone at her home on the second floor of a building in Tilak Nagar when the incident took place.

According to the police, Imran allegedly attacked Muskan with a knife. He then fled from the spot.

Neighbours heard Muskan’s screams and rushed to her house. They found her lying in a pool of blood.

The neighbours immediately took her to a nearby hospital. However, she died while undergoing treatment.

Police teams have launched a search for the accused. Investigators are also checking CCTV footage from the area to trace his movements.

Muskan’s friend Aman said she was the youngest of three sisters. He said her elder sister, who is in Chandigarh, called him after learning about the attack.

Aman said he immediately asked another friend to reach the house and take Muskan to the hospital. By the time he arrived, an ambulance had already taken her away.

He also claimed that Muskan’s sisters had earlier told him that Imran used to harass her. He said Imran had allegedly behaved in a similar manner in the past.

The police are investigating the exact motive behind the murder. Further details are awaited.