UP Congress serves notices to two Dalit leaders over outreach to Mayawati
The UP Congress leadership, reportedly upset over the unauthorised visit, issued show-cause notices to both leaders while describing the visit as a personal attempt to enquire about Mayawati’s health. LUCKNOW: Amid growing political buzz in Uttar Pradesh, two senior Dalit leaders of the Indian National Congress were served show-cause notices after they allegedly led a delegation of party leaders to the Lucknow residence of Mayawati on Tuesday evening. According to sources, the delegation, which included Barabanki MP Tanuj Punia and Congress Scheduled Caste Department national chairman Rajendra Pal Gautam, was denied an audience with the BSP chief and returned without meeting her. The UP Congress leadership, reportedly upset over the unauthorised visit, issued show-cause notices to both leaders while describing the visit as a personal attempt to enquire about Mayawati’s health. The development came at a time when Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi was in Rae Bareli for two Dalit outreach programmes, including a “Bahujan Swabhiman Sabha” and the inauguration of a statue of freedom fighter Veera Pasi. Congress general secretary and UP in-charge Avinash Pande and UP Congress chief Ajay Rai clarified that the delegation had no authorisation from the party, prompting the issuance of notices seeking explanations from the leaders. Denying any political motive behind the visit, Tanuj Punia, son of senior Congress leader P. L. Punia, said the issue of Mayawati’s health had come up during a meeting of the party’s SC cell. He said he and Rajendra Pal Gautam decided to visit her residence as it was located close to the Congress office. Punia said the delegation failed to meet Mayawati because they had not informed BSP leaders in advance. Political observers, however, see the episode as a reflection of unease within sections of the Congress over its alliance with the Samajwadi Party ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Despite assurances from SP chief Akhilesh Yadav about continuing the alliance, some Congress leaders are reportedly concerned about the number of seats the SP may allocate to the party. Differences between the two allies have also surfaced repeatedly on various issues. According to political analysts, a section within the Congress has started exploring alternative alignments, including a possible understanding with the Bahujan Samaj Party, to strengthen its position against the BJP on issues related to the Constitution, Dalits and minorities. The same section also believes that an alliance with the BSP could help consolidate Dalit votes in favour of the opposition across the country. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress-SP alliance had made gains in Uttar Pradesh by campaigning around the issue of protecting the Constitution and Dalit rights against the BJP. Mayawati, however, has repeatedly ruled out alliances with other parties, maintaining that the BSP gained little from its 2019 alliance with the Samajwadi Party. She has argued that while the BSP’s Dalit vote transferred to its ally, the reverse did not happen in adequate measure. Namita Bajpai Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
21 TVK MLAs, two Congress legislators take oath in Vijay’s historic TN cabinet expansion
With the latest expansion, the strength of the Vijay-led Cabinet has risen to 33, while the total sanctioned strength of the Council of Ministers stands at 35. Nearly two weeks after assuming office, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Thursday expanded the Cabinet of the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), inducting 23 new ministers, including two legislators from the Congress, marking the party’s return to the Tamil Nadu ministry after nearly six decades. The swearing-in ceremony took place at Lok Bhavan at 10 am, where Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy to the newly inducted ministers. With the latest expansion, the strength of the Vijay-led Cabinet has risen to 33, while the total sanctioned strength of the Council of Ministers stands at 35. Among those inducted into the Cabinet are Srinath (Thoothukudi), Kamali S. (Avinashi), C. Vijayalakshmi (Kumarapalayam), R.V. Ranjithkumar (Kancheepuram), Vinoth (Kumbakonam), Rajeev (Thiruvadanai), B. Rajkumar (Cuddalore), V. Gandhiraj (Arakkonam), Mathan Raja P. (Ottapidaram), Jegadeshwari K. (Rajapalayam), and M. Vijay Balaji (Erode East). The new ministers also include Logesh Tamilselvan D. (Rasipuram), Vijay Tamilan Parthiban A. (Salem South), Ramesh (Srirangam), Kumar R. (Velachery), Thennarasu K. (Sriperumbudur), V. Sampath Kumar (Coimbatore North), Mohamed Farvas J. (Aranthangi), D. Sarathkumar (Tambaram), N. Marie Wilson (Dr. Radhakrishnan Nagar), and Vignesh K. (Kinathukadavu). In a significant political development, Congress MLAs S.Rajesh Kumar (Killiyoor) and P. Viswanathan (Melur) were also sworn in as ministers, making it the first Congress participation in a Tamil Nadu Cabinet in nearly 60 years. Meanwhile, the Indian Union Muslim League has agreed to join the government but is yet to finalise its nominee for a ministerial berth. The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi is still deliberating on whether to become part of the ruling dispensation. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Parthasarathy accuses YSRCP of Injustice to Dalits
Nuzvid (Eluru district): Information and public relations and housing minister Kolusu Parthasarathy said the coalition government is giving special priority to the welfare, protection and development of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Andhra Pradesh. Participating in a Dalit Reform Meeting held at Dr B R Ambedkar Centre in Nuzvid on Tuesday, the minister paid floral tributes to the statue of B R Ambedkar and remembered Dalits who allegedly suffered injustice during the previous YSRCP government. As part of the programme, the minister and participants held placards and lit candles in memory of Dalit victims who, according to him, were subjected to injustice during the earlier regime. Addressing the gathering, Parthasarathy described the previous five-year YSRCP rule as a “dark phase” for Dalits. He alleged that many Dalits were subjected to severe hardships and humiliation during that period. He referred to the case of Dalit doctor Dr Sudhakar, stating that despite rendering medical services for several decades and earning a good reputation, he was mentally harassed and driven to a tragic end during the previous government. He also mentioned the death of Dalit youth Veedhi Subrahmanyam, alleging that he was brutally assaulted and killed. The Minister claimed that the postmortem report showed multiple injury marks on the victim’s body and criticised the handling of the incident by leaders of the previous regime. Parthasarathy said the NDA coalition government, under the leadership of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and IT minister Nara Lokesh, with the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is committed to ensuring inclusive development and social justice in the state. He alleged that during the previous YSRCP government, SC communities were denied proper welfare benefits and political importance. According to him, funds and welfare measures meant for Scheduled Castes were diverted, and several sections of society faced oppression and neglect. The Minister stated that the present NDA government is working with commitment towards the empowerment and comprehensive welfare of SC communities. He also said that every poor person in the constituency would be protected and supported “like the apple of his eye.” Criticising the opposition, Parthasarathy said the YSRCP, which was reduced to only 11 Assembly seats, had failed to learn lessons from the people’s verdict and continued to make baseless allegations against the coalition government. Public representatives, coalition leaders, youth representatives, SC organisation leaders, local residents and members of SC communities participated in the programme. Courtesy : THI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehansindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit politics in Bihar erupts again; Union Minister Manjhi’s statement raises political heat
Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has launched a scathing attack on the RJD and Tejashwi Yadav over the Dalit-Mahadalit issue in Bihar. He accused the RJD of suppressing Dalits. Manjhi accused the RJD of suppressing Dalits. He vowed to respond with the “power of Ambedkarism.” The political temperature in Bihar has risen following the Barachatti incident. Patna. The rhetoric surrounding the Dalit-Mahadalit issue has intensified in Bihar politics. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has once again launched a scathing attack on Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav and the Rashtriya Janata Dal. In a post on the social media platform X, Manjhi accused the RJD of engaging in politics aimed at suppressing the Dalit and Mahadalit communities. He said that the Dalit-Mahadalit community has now awakened and the politics of intimidation will not last long. “The power of Ambedkarism will provide the answer.” In his post, Manjhi wrote, “RJD goons have always said… ‘There’s no strength in the power, now ask for your life.’” In response, he invoked Ambedkarism and wrote that the Dalit and Mahadalit community will now give a befitting reply. Manjhi said in a poetic style, “As long as there is a trace of faith among Dalits and Mahadalits, the sword of Ambedkarism will reach the throne of RJD.” He said that the Dalit community has now become politically and socially aware and is not afraid of any kind of pressure or threat. Following the arrests in this case, the RJD has questioned the police action. The RJD leader alleged that innocent people, especially women, are being harassed in this case. The RJD said that the police are taking action under pressure from Manjhi. EDITATED BY: VYAS CHANDRA Courtesy: Hindi News
Kolkata civic body issues notices to Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee seeking property documents
The notices were issued under Section 400(1) of the KMC Act, 1980, which allows owners of allegedly illegal constructions an opportunity to appear before civic authorities and present their case. KOLKATA: The Trinamool Congress-ruled Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has issued notices to Abhishek Banerjee, party’s all India general secretary and MP from Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha (LS) constituency in West Bengal asking him to submit plans of around 21 landed properties to the KMC soon, according to highly-placed sources at the civic body. Sources requesting anonymity said that the KMC’s building department has issued the notices seeking to verify whether the construction works come up on these land match with building plans approved by the corporation concerned. The MP has also been asked to produce the necessary documents in connection with building plans and construction works of these properties allegedly linked to a company named ‘Leaps and Bounds’, sources said. The KMC authorities wanted to know whether these properties are legal. The civic body headed by the Trinamool Congress MLA Firhad Hakim as its mayor served notices on the properties owned by Abhishek or linked to him, asking him or his representatives to appear for a hearing with approved building plans, civic body sources said. The properties include 188A Harish Mukherjee Road, Abhishek’s residence, and an adjacent building on Kalighat Road. The notices were issued under Section 400(1) of the KMC Act, 1980, which allows owners of allegedly illegal constructions an opportunity to appear before civic authorities and present their case. An official said the notices followed an internal inquiry by the KMC that found deviations from sanctioned building plans. “We served notices on properties owned by Abhishek Banerjee or having links with him. Some notices were pasted on the facades of the buildings, while others were handed over to people present there. The owners have been asked to appear before the special officer (building) at the KMC headquarters. They can also send their representatives,” an official of the KMC said. Following an instruction of the Suvendu Adhiokari-led first-ever BJP government in West Bengal, the KMC has prepared a list of properties belonging to Abhishek Banerjee individually or jointly with other partners in the KMC area. Neither Abhishek nor his secretary Sumit Roy responded to the WhatsApp messages sent to them by TNIE on Monday seeking their reactions on the matter. The notices were served on Monday evening, around the same time Suvendu speaking at BJP’s victory celebration rally on Camac Street where Abhishek’s office is located, said he had directed senior government officials to obtain property details of four Trinamool leaders, including the Diamond Harbour MP and number two after Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee. “I had asked the secretary of the municipal affairs department and the commissioner of the KMC (to obtain property details) of four persons,” Suvendu said at the rally before naming them. The first one is Beleghata’s Raju Naskar, who has 18 properties recorded in his name. Second is Kasba’s Sona Pappu, who has 24 properties. Third is ‘Bhatija’ (nephew) Abhishek Banerjee. There are 14 properties registered in the name of the Leaps and Bounds company, four in his own name and six in the name of his father, according to the CM Suvendu. The fourth is the son of Javed Khan, Trinamool Congress’ three-time MLA from Kasba constituency, who has 90 properties, Suvendu claimed. Suvendu had made similar allegations against Abhishek on Saturday when he was addressing a rally for re-election in Falta constituency under the Diamond Harbour LS seat sharpening attacks on Mamata and her nephew. He had also threatened to initiate inquiries against the former CM on the brutal rape and murder of a woman doctor at R G Kar Medical College Hospital and Abhishek’s alleged disproportionate properties. He alleged that Mamata during her regime had used three IPS officers to supress facts and tamper evidences related to the incident. Subhendu Maiti Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Modi government failed to address energy crisis amid war: Opposition on fuel price hikes
Opposition leaders slammed the Modi government over the second consecutive fuel price hike in less than a week. They argued that the profits from the fuel cess, at a time when crude oil prices were low, were not being passed on to the public. Petrol and diesel prices were increased by around 90 paise per litre on May 19, and the state-run oil companies resumed revisions following a nearly four-year freeze. In New Delhi, petrol prices rose to Rs 98.64 per litre from Rs 97.77, while diesel increased to Rs 91.58 from Rs 90.67. The latest revision follows a Rs 3 per litre hike announced on May 15, the first increase in over four years, as soaring global crude oil prices, triggered by the Iran conflict. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Economic shock will not hit Adani, Ambani, Modi but youth and small traders: Rahul Gandhi in Raebareli
Gandhi said a major economic shock not seen for many years is on the way. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said “very, very tough times are coming”. He claimed that an “economic shock” is coming and it will not hit “Adani, Ambani, or Modi,” but the youth, labourers, and small traders. Gandhi said a major economic shock not seen for many years is on the way. He also accused the Prime Minister of not following his own call for austerity. “In times of crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is telling the countrymen not to travel outside but he himself is travelling around the world instead of handling the situation,” said Gandhi while addressing a gathering. Rahul Gandhi alleged that the economic structure created by PM Modi would not affect Adani and Ambani, nor the Prime Minister, but would hit ordinary people the hardest. “He will sit in his palaces, and the youth of Uttar Pradesh and the public will face a complete shock,” he added. Rahul Gandhi said the situation would lead to a shock “unlike anything seen before” and warned of the difficult times ahead. “It will be a shock unlike anything seen before. Difficult times are ahead,” he warned. The Congress MP made the attack on PM Modi while visiting the Churuwa Hanuman Temple in his home constituency Raebareli on the occasion of Bada Mangal. While interacting with media persons, when Rahul was asked about the possible alliance with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, he said he did not want to divert attention from key issues, stressing that fuel prices remained a major concern at present. On Tuesday, Gandhi, the Lok Sabha MP from Raebareli, landed at the Lucknow airport and left for his constituency straight from there. Gandhi is on a two-day visit to the party bastions of Raebareli and Amethi. He was received by UP Congress chief Ajay Rai and Congress Legislative Party leader Aradhana Mishra at the airport. Within the Congress, the visit is being seen as politically significant, with leaders saying the message Gandhi delivers from the family bastions could help shape the party’s strategy ahead of the state assembly election due early next year. During his visit on May 19 and 20, the Rae Bareli MP would inaugurate development projects, address public meetings, interact with women and party workers, and hold Janata Darbars. Party leaders say the outreach is aimed at laying the foundation for the Congress’ “Mission UP” campaign ahead of the Assembly elections. From Lucknow, Rahul left for Rae Bareli by road. On the way, he stopped his convoy and visited the Churuwa Temple to offer prayers to Lord Hanuman. Later, he inaugurated a marriage hall built through MP funds in Bachhrawan and interacted with local villagers. Rahul Gandhi will stay in Rae Bareli on Tuesday. On May 20, he will meet people during a public interaction programme and unveil the statue of freedom fighter Veera Pasi. After that, he will leave for Amethi. Since the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi has visited Rae Bareli six times. This is his seventh visit. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Ernakulam pins high hopes on UDF’s ‘power cabinet’
With CM from dist, a stronger voice in policy making is expected KOCHI: As Kerala steps into a new political era under Chief Minister V D Satheesan, expectations are running especially high in Ernakulam district, the state’s commercial hub that now enjoys unprecedented representation in the cabinet. From the long-pending Angamaly bypass, additional ring roads and stronger road-rail connectivity to the development of emerging urban centres like Muvattupuzha, residents and industry leaders are hoping the new government will finally fast-track projects that have remained on paper for years. With the chief minister himself representing the district, along with ministers Roji M John, Anoop Jacob and V E Abdul Gafoor, Ernakulam expects a stronger voice in policy making and infrastructure planning. The demand for improved connectivity has once again taken centre stage. Civic groups and planners argue that Kochi can no longer sustain rising traffic pressure without large-scale interventions including new bypasses, ring roads and alternative urban corridors connecting nearby towns. “The government should design a strategy to reduce pressure on the city. Along with the Sabari Rail project, a 50 to 60-metre-wide road should also be developed,” said V J Kurian, former managing director of Cochin International Airport Limited. “If such a high-speed corridor becomes a reality, it could significantly reduce congestion in the city. This will particularly benefit people travelling from Erumely,” he said. Kurian also stressed that development should not remain confined to Kochi.“There should be equal focus on developing cities like Muvattupuzha. After the airport, the Kochi Metro was the only major project Ernakulam received, and even that is yet to be fully completed,” he said. According to him, the long-pending Kundannoor-Angamaly bypass must figure among the government’s top priorities. Industry leaders, meanwhile, have highlighted the need to create a more business-friendly ecosystem in Kochi. Vinodini Sukumar, president of the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the government must focus on youth-centric initiatives and startup support. “Kochi has a large youth population and the government should introduce startup training programmes and youth-oriented initiatives,” she said. There is a growing trend of entrepreneurs starting ventures here but registering them outside Kerala because of the lack of a conducive business environment in the city, she added. D Dhanuraj, chairman of the Centre for Public Policy Research, stressed the need to improve urban living standards. “From water supply to roads and electricity, Kochi deserves focused attention as it hosts major institutions including Cochin Shipyard,” he said. Social activist Ranjith Thampi echoed similar concerns. “Infrastructure continues to be one of Ernakulam’s biggest concerns. The district needs more ring roads and better connectivity,” he said. “Now, with a minister from Angamaly in place, people are once again hoping the Angamaly bypass project will finally become a reality. There is also a growing demand for a second bridge connecting mainland Kochi and Bolgatty, which has long been a dream for many residents,” he added. What District wants Early completion of Angamaly bypass More ring roads and smoother connectivity Development of Muvattupuzha and eastern belt Better climate for startups and business Upgraded roads, water and transport infrastructure Abhirami Anil Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Stage overrun as massive crowd threatens to derail security protocol in Kerala
But for the Congress-led UDF, for whom the event marked a historic return to power after a decade, a restrained ceremony would have undermined the spirit of the occasion. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After the swearing-in ceremonies of the new governments in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, all eyes were on whether Kerala too would opt for a flamboyant, festival-like spectacle or stick to the sombre tradition usually associated with such occasions in the state. When the protocol wing of the general administration department got in touch with Lok Bhavan, the latter preferred to follow convention – seating on the dais only for the governor, the ministers being sworn in and the chief secretary. But for the Congress-led UDF, for whom the event marked a historic return to power after a decade, a restrained ceremony would have undermined the spirit of the occasion. Late on Sunday, Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan made a special request to Governor Rajendra Arlekar to permit additional dignitaries on the dais. “Though Satheesan initially preferred a simple ceremony, there was pressure from the AICC to ensure that Rahul Gandhi and other senior Congress leaders were accommodated on the stage,” said a source privy to the developments. “Since the governor did not want the new government’s tenure to begin on a sour note, he did not object to the chief minister’s request,” said a top official. The presence of nearly two dozen chairs in the front row and an almost equal number behind them offered an early indication of what was to come. However, matters soon spiralled beyond expectations. The swearing-in ceremony began nearly 15 minutes late after security personnel reportedly informed officials that the arrangements on the dais did not conform to the governor’s security protocol. Besides the dignitaries, members of their personal staff too remained standing behind the chairs, further crowding the stage. Governor Arlekar himself was seen navigating through nearly 60 people on the dais upon his arrival. “When the chief minister met the governor after the ceremony, he expressed regret over the way the arrangements had eventually unfolded. Even P K Kunhalikutty felt that the scale of the crowd frenzy had gone beyond expectations and resulted in a degree of chaos,” the official added. Sovi Vidyadharan Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Team Satheesan kicks off on a welfare note
Satheesan, who had sharply criticised the previous LDF government over its “poor handling” of the economy, also announced the cabinet’s decision to release a white paper on the state’s financial health. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid thunderous cheers from a teeming crowd and in the presence of a galaxy of VIPs, V D Satheesan was sworn in as Kerala’s 13th Chief Minister along with 20 cabinet colleagues at a glittering ceremony at Central Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, on Monday. True to his word, Satheesan wasted no time after assuming office, rolling out two major poll promises: free travel for women on KSRTC buses from June 15 and the launch of India’s first dedicated government department for senior citizens. In a major relief for striking ASHA workers, the government also announced a Rs 3,000 hike in their monthly honorarium. Satheesan, who had sharply criticised the previous LDF government over its “poor handling” of the economy, also announced the cabinet’s decision to release a white paper on the state’s financial health. Addressing a packed press conference after his cabinet’s first meeting, a composed Satheesan said he was fully aware of the enormity of the task ahead and made it clear that his administration was determined to break from rigid precedents. While the finer details of the free transit scheme are being worked out, Satheesan said the new elderly welfare department would, within two months, prepare a comprehensive road map inspired by global models such as Japan’s to ensure senior citizens can live with dignity. The chief minister said the government’s goal was to build a system that would make Kerala proudly stand out as a truly civilised society. Signalling immediate relief for grassroots health and welfare workers, the cabinet approved a first-phase `3,000 hike in the honorarium of ASHA workers, raising their monthly pay from Rs 9,000 to Rs 12,000, with the promise of a second-stage increase later. Satheesan said a final decision on their retirement benefits would be taken within a month. The government also announced a Rs 1,000 salary hike for anganwadi workers, helpers and cooks, as well as pre-primary teachers and nannies. On the fiscal front, Satheesan said the government would publish a white paper, prepared with the support of economic experts, to give people a clear picture of the state’s financial health. SIT will probe ‘police excesses’ during Nava Kerala Sadas: CM The administration will also chart its next course after receiving a detailed report on the economic impact of the fuel price hike, while simultaneously reviewing monsoon preparedness. In a major political and administrative move, Satheesan announced the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the alleged police excesses against Congress workers during the Nava Kerala Sadas in 2023. Declaring, “We will not forget anything,” he insisted the move was not driven by political vendetta. Justifying the decision, the chief minister accused the previous regime of inaction, pointing out that a court in Alappuzha had ordered a reinvestigation of the case but no steps were taken. “The SIT will reinvestigate the case,” he said. In another clear departure from the previous administration, Satheesan assured greater access for the media to the state secretariat, saying the additional restrictions imposed by the former government would be reviewed. Portfolio row pushes govt into first crisis T’Puram: Hours after assuming office, the V D Satheesan government is facing its first major test as the chief minister and the Congress leadership have failed to arrive at a consensus over allocation of portfolios to certain ministers. 1st cabinet meeting Major decisions Free travel for women in KSRTC buses from June 15 Dedicated department for senior citizens; expert study to be initiated soon Rs 3,000 hike in monthly honorarium of ASHA workers; decision on retirement benefits in one month Rs 1,000 hike for anganwadi workers and helpers, noon-meal workers, pre-primary teachers and helpers Special Investigation Team to probe attacks during Nava Kerala Sadas in 2023 White paper to be published on financial status of treasury Decision to reduce fuel price hike burden will be taken after fiscal impact analysis To monitor monsoon preparedeness Assembly Session Special assembly session to held on May 21; MLAs to be sworn-in on the day Senior leader G Sudhakaran to be pro tem speaker Speaker’s election on May 22 Governor’s policy declaration on May 29 First session of 16th Kerala Assembly from May 29 Budget most likely on June 5 New appointments Advocate General: Adv Jaju Babu (Senior High Court lawyer) Director General of Prosecution: Adv T Asaf Ali Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights