May 19, 2026
Atmanirbhar atom: Why India’s PFBR at Kalpakkam, a ‘breeder reactor’ that produces its own fuel, is a game-changer

Atmanirbhar atom: Why India’s PFBR at Kalpakkam, a ‘breeder reactor’ that produces its own fuel, is a game-changer

Vamsikrishna012 mins mins

NEW DELHI: India on Monday made a decisive breakthrough in its nuclear energy programme as the indigenously developed 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam attained criticality at 08.25 pm on April 6, signalling the start of a controlled, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction. The milestone represents one of the final and most crucial…

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Indian restaurant faces 10-day suspension after serving alcohol to minor without checking ID in Canada

Indian restaurant faces 10-day suspension after serving alcohol to minor without checking ID in Canada

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

An Indian restaurant in Canada has been handed a 10-day suspension of its alcohol licence after serving a minor without checking identification, reports CBC News.The action was taken against Taaz Indian Restaurant, located on Pandosy Street in Kelowna, British Columbia, for disregarding liquor laws in the province. The suspension will begin at the close of…

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Deepika Padukone breaks ‘silent treatment’ on Dhurandhar 2 amid Ranveer Singh’s success: ‘I watched it way before any of you did’

Deepika Padukone breaks ‘silent treatment’ on Dhurandhar 2 amid Ranveer Singh’s success: ‘I watched it way before any of you did’

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Amid chatter around her absence from the screening of Dhurandhar: The Revenge, Deepika Padukone has finally addressed speculation surrounding her “silence” on husband Ranveer Singh’s latest blockbuster. The sequel, which hit theatres on March 19, has been receiving praise from both audiences and industry insiders, with Ranveer’s performance drawing particular acclaim. However, fans had been…

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Us Citizenship Laws: Woman gives birth on NYC-bound plane: Immigration attorney explains if baby will be considered US citizen

Us Citizenship Laws: Woman gives birth on NYC-bound plane: Immigration attorney explains if baby will be considered US citizen

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

A woman gave birth on an NYC-bound Caribbean Airlines plane this weekend. (Representative image) Amid the hearing on birthright citizenship, a passenger gave birth during a flight to the US raising a debate over whether this baby is automatically a US citizen. The passenger whose identity has not been revealed was flying from Jamaica to…

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Image: IANS, PTI GUWAHATI: An Assam Police team searched Tuesday the New Delhi residence of Congress neta Pawan Khera in connection with a case filed by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, escalating a political clash over alleged multiple passports and foreign assets.Khera was not found at his Nizamuddin residence during the search carried out with assistance from Delhi Police, officials said. “We will trace him wherever he is,” said DCP Debajit Nath.Police seized electronic devices during the operation. “Some incriminating material was found, but its details cannot be disclosed at this stage,” Nath added. An FIR was lodged in Guwahati around midnight Sunday after Khera and Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi alleged Riniki held passports of UAE, Egypt and Antigua and Barbuda, owned properties in Dubai and had assets routed through US shell companies. The case includes charges such as forgery under BNS.CM Sarma rejected the allegations, calling documents shown by Congress “AI-generated fake”. “Khera had dared Assam Police to arrest him, but I’ve come to know through media that police went to his residence in Delhi, but he ran away to Hyderabad. The law will take its own course,” Sarma said. Opposition voices sharpened demands for scrutiny. Congress ally Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi called for a CBI probe into allegations that Sarma’s family holds assets abroad. Gogoi accused the CM of deflecting questions. “Khera’s questions should be answered directly. The CM doesn’t have the courage and is using police instead,” he added.Khera must face consequences: BJP; Congress calls it witch huntBJP and Congress sparred over Assam Police’s action against Khera Tuesday, with the governing party backing the move and the latter calling it a “witch hunt”.If someone makes fake allegations and raises questions over the citizenship of the CM’s wife, he should be ready to face consequences, BJP said. He should face police and not run away after levelling such a big charge, it said.Congress’s Jairam Ramesh said the deployment of a “full army of police officials” to arrest Khera for asking basic questions in public interest proves that the CM is “disturbed, desperate, and rattled”. Sarma is acting like a bully who is rattled by questions asked in public interest, he said.On the action, he said, “This is not due process but instead a witch hunt, a bully using state machinery to muzzle and silence the voice of the opposition that is exposing his many black deeds.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Erupts Again After Deadly Blast Kills 2 Children; Curfew Imposed, Internet Shutdown’Avoid Military Areas, Stay Indoors’: India Issues Advisory For Indians In Iran As Tensions RiseManipur Erupts Again: Curfew, Internet Shutdown As Violence Returns Over Killing Of Two ChildrenTejas Back In Air After Setbacks, But Reliability And Delays Raise Fresh Questions’Target Of Akhand Bharat’: Pakistan Senator Sounds Alarm Over Growing India-UAE Ties’At The Behest Of Mamata’: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s Shocking Claim On Pakistan’s Kolkata ThreatIndia Seeks US Waiver On Chabahar Amid Conflict; Iran Envoy Hints At Key Port Revival After WarBJP Calls Kharge’s ‘Snake’ Remark Dangerous, Alleges Communal ProvocationAssam Passport Row Turns Personal: Himanta Sarma Takes ‘Peda’ Jibe At Pawan Khera, Congress Responds’Pakistan Will Be Divided Into…’: Rajnath Singh’s Strong Response To Khawaja Asif’s Kolkata Threat123PhotostoriesFrom Divyanka Tripathi to Karishma Tanna confirming their pregnancies to Surbhi Jyoti flaunting her baby bump; TV actresses who are all set to embrace motherhoodWhy this is the only Indian dish among the 50 Best Bean Dishes in the World5 fun and unusual vacation ideas for the summer holidays in IndiaStep inside Kapil Dev’s Delhi residence that defines understated luxurySimple remedies to attract wealth based on your numberHappy birthday Jackie Chan: ‘Drunken Master’, ‘Police Story’ to ‘Rush Hour’ – The legend’s greatest hitsHeartbroken? 7 inspiring quotes on why this isn’t the end of your storyBrad Pitt, Tom Cruise and more: Hollywood stars who adore Bollywood actors, trends and movies4 non-negotiable rules for a healthy relationshipTamil Nadu’s Buckingham Canal gets Rs 45 crore makeover: Walkways, cycling tracks, Miyawaki forests planned123Hot PicksLuka Doncic InjuryUpdated IPL Points TableOil PriceSilver Rate TodayLPG NewsPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingRory McilroyBlake LivelyKerala pollsWest Bengal assembly electionEA FC 26 Team of the SeasonKerala ElectionStrait of HormuzIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date

Image: IANS, PTI GUWAHATI: An Assam Police team searched Tuesday the New Delhi residence of Congress neta Pawan Khera in connection with a case filed by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, escalating a political clash over alleged multiple passports and foreign assets.Khera was not found at his Nizamuddin residence during the search carried out with assistance from Delhi Police, officials said. “We will trace him wherever he is,” said DCP Debajit Nath.Police seized electronic devices during the operation. “Some incriminating material was found, but its details cannot be disclosed at this stage,” Nath added. An FIR was lodged in Guwahati around midnight Sunday after Khera and Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi alleged Riniki held passports of UAE, Egypt and Antigua and Barbuda, owned properties in Dubai and had assets routed through US shell companies. The case includes charges such as forgery under BNS.CM Sarma rejected the allegations, calling documents shown by Congress “AI-generated fake”. “Khera had dared Assam Police to arrest him, but I’ve come to know through media that police went to his residence in Delhi, but he ran away to Hyderabad. The law will take its own course,” Sarma said. Opposition voices sharpened demands for scrutiny. Congress ally Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi called for a CBI probe into allegations that Sarma’s family holds assets abroad. Gogoi accused the CM of deflecting questions. “Khera’s questions should be answered directly. The CM doesn’t have the courage and is using police instead,” he added.Khera must face consequences: BJP; Congress calls it witch huntBJP and Congress sparred over Assam Police’s action against Khera Tuesday, with the governing party backing the move and the latter calling it a “witch hunt”.If someone makes fake allegations and raises questions over the citizenship of the CM’s wife, he should be ready to face consequences, BJP said. He should face police and not run away after levelling such a big charge, it said.Congress’s Jairam Ramesh said the deployment of a “full army of police officials” to arrest Khera for asking basic questions in public interest proves that the CM is “disturbed, desperate, and rattled”. Sarma is acting like a bully who is rattled by questions asked in public interest, he said.On the action, he said, “This is not due process but instead a witch hunt, a bully using state machinery to muzzle and silence the voice of the opposition that is exposing his many black deeds.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Erupts Again After Deadly Blast Kills 2 Children; Curfew Imposed, Internet Shutdown’Avoid Military Areas, Stay Indoors’: India Issues Advisory For Indians In Iran As Tensions RiseManipur Erupts Again: Curfew, Internet Shutdown As Violence Returns Over Killing Of Two ChildrenTejas Back In Air After Setbacks, But Reliability And Delays Raise Fresh Questions’Target Of Akhand Bharat’: Pakistan Senator Sounds Alarm Over Growing India-UAE Ties’At The Behest Of Mamata’: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s Shocking Claim On Pakistan’s Kolkata ThreatIndia Seeks US Waiver On Chabahar Amid Conflict; Iran Envoy Hints At Key Port Revival After WarBJP Calls Kharge’s ‘Snake’ Remark Dangerous, Alleges Communal ProvocationAssam Passport Row Turns Personal: Himanta Sarma Takes ‘Peda’ Jibe At Pawan Khera, Congress Responds’Pakistan Will Be Divided Into…’: Rajnath Singh’s Strong Response To Khawaja Asif’s Kolkata Threat123PhotostoriesFrom Divyanka Tripathi to Karishma Tanna confirming their pregnancies to Surbhi Jyoti flaunting her baby bump; TV actresses who are all set to embrace motherhoodWhy this is the only Indian dish among the 50 Best Bean Dishes in the World5 fun and unusual vacation ideas for the summer holidays in IndiaStep inside Kapil Dev’s Delhi residence that defines understated luxurySimple remedies to attract wealth based on your numberHappy birthday Jackie Chan: ‘Drunken Master’, ‘Police Story’ to ‘Rush Hour’ – The legend’s greatest hitsHeartbroken? 7 inspiring quotes on why this isn’t the end of your storyBrad Pitt, Tom Cruise and more: Hollywood stars who adore Bollywood actors, trends and movies4 non-negotiable rules for a healthy relationshipTamil Nadu’s Buckingham Canal gets Rs 45 crore makeover: Walkways, cycling tracks, Miyawaki forests planned123Hot PicksLuka Doncic InjuryUpdated IPL Points TableOil PriceSilver Rate TodayLPG NewsPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingRory McilroyBlake LivelyKerala pollsWest Bengal assembly electionEA FC 26 Team of the SeasonKerala ElectionStrait of HormuzIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

GUWAHATI: An Assam Police team searched Tuesday the New Delhi residence of Congress neta Pawan Khera in connection with a case filed by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, escalating a political clash over alleged multiple passports and foreign assets.Khera was not found at his Nizamuddin residence during the search carried out with…

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Samay Raina roasts Amitabh Bachchan, admits he lied on KBC about his grandmother being Big B’s fan: ‘You play the room’ | Hindi Movie News

Samay Raina roasts Amitabh Bachchan, admits he lied on KBC about his grandmother being Big B’s fan: ‘You play the room’ | Hindi Movie News

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Comedian Samay Raina is back with his no-holds-barred special Still Alive, where he opened up about everything from his Kaun Banega Crorepati appearance to the controversy around India’s Got Latent. Recalling his time on KBC, hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, Samay admitted that he wasn’t being truthful when he claimed his grandmother was a fan of…

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Aries Horoscope Today, April 8, 2026: A calm choice brings better returns today

Aries Horoscope Today, April 8, 2026: A calm choice brings better returns today

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Prepare for a sunlit day where positivity reigns! The stars align to amplify your ambitions and strengthen family bonds. Connections flourish effortlessly, and learners engage with clarity. Opportunities in your career become vivid, yet keep a grounded perspective on your financial aspirations. Make daily habits a priority to nurture your body and uplift your spirit….

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Indian man arrested in New York state for 0,000 scam; called people and told them ‘you are wanted on a warrant’

Indian man arrested in New York state for $200,000 scam; called people and told them ‘you are wanted on a warrant’

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

23-year-old Indian man, Tushar Sharma, was arrested in New York State for a $200,000 scam where he called individuals and told them they would be arrested if they didn’t pay. Tushar Sharma, a 23-year-old Indian, was arrested earlier this month by the New York State Police after an investigation into a $200,000 fraud led the…

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Theo Von draws criticism after Easter post with Candace Owens leaves fans debating his stance following Joe Rogan episode

Theo Von draws criticism after Easter post with Candace Owens leaves fans debating his stance following Joe Rogan episode

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Theo Von draws criticism after Easter post with Candace Owens leaves fans debating his stance following Joe Rogan episode (Image via Getty) Theo Von is getting heavy criticism online after a simple Easter post turned into a big debate. The comedian shared photos from his day, but one picture stood out. It showed him with…

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The story of Kerala’s electoral politics is often told through binaries. Left versus Congress, secular versus communal, reform versus identity. But beneath these familiar frames lies a quieter, decisive current that has shaped outcomes for decades and is now beginning to shift in ways that could redraw the map ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. At the centre of that churn stands the Ezhava community, a group whose journey from social exclusion to political centrality mirrors Kerala’s own transformation, and whose evolving political choices may well determine who governs God’s Own Country next. Watch Assembly Election 2026: CVOTER’s BIGGEST Opinion Poll In Bengal, Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nadu All about Ezhava communityLong before electoral arithmetic began to matter, the Ezhavas were fighting for something more fundamental. Recognition, dignity and access. In 1896, a petition signed by 13,176 members of the community was submitted to the Travancore maharaja, protesting their exclusion from government jobs. It was not merely a grievance letter. It was an early articulation of collective political consciousness.The community, classified as avarna within the rigid caste hierarchy, faced restrictions that extended into every aspect of life. Access to temples, public roads and even education was limited. Yet, unlike many other marginalised groups, the Ezhavas began organising early, using petitions, reform movements and education as tools of resistance. Kerala demographics This phase of mobilisation found its most powerful expression in the teachings of Sri Narayana Guru. His philosophy rejected caste hierarchies and emphasised education, self respect and social equality.In 1903, the formation of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam marked a turning point. The organisation became the institutional backbone of the community’s transformation, promoting rational thinking and social reform in a region then steeped in orthodoxy.What followed was not just social upliftment but a gradual politicisation. Leaders such as T K Madhavan aligned with broader national movements, including Gandhi’s non-cooperation campaign. By the early twentieth century, the Ezhavas had become one of the most organised and educated communities among those once labelled untouchable. Ezhavas based on a 1998 sample survey The Left connectionIt is no coincidence that the rise of the Ezhavas coincided with the emergence of Left politics in Kerala. The ideological overlap was almost natural. A community shaped by anti-caste reform and a political movement rooted in class struggle found common ground.By the 1930s and 1940s, many followers of Narayana Guru were actively involved in the early Communist movement. Over time, the Ezhavas became the backbone of Left parties, especially the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India Marxist (CPM). Their support was not episodic. It was structural. Castes & communities respresentation in the 2021 Kerala state assembly The numbers highlight this relationship. The community constitutes around 23 percent of Kerala’s population, making it the largest Hindu caste group in the state. Their presence is geographically spread across Travancore, central Kerala and parts of Malabar, ensuring influence across regions rather than in isolated pockets.Electorally, this translated into consistent support for the Left Democratic Front (LDF). Leadership positions within the Left also reflected this bond. Chief ministers such as VS Achuthananthan and Pinarayi Vijayan emerged from the community, reinforcing the perception of representation and alignment.The assembly composition further highlights their weight. Ezhava legislators account for roughly 19 percent of seats, a significant share in a state where no single community dominates beyond a quarter of the assembly. Their rise since the late 1980s has also coincided with the decline of other backward caste groups, consolidating their position as the most politically influential segment within the OBC category.Shifting towards Sangh?What appears stable on the surface appears to be undergoing a gradual but unmistakable shift. The recent electoral cycles, particularly the Lok Sabha elections, have revealed cracks in the long standing alignment between the Ezhavas and the Left.The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) growing vote share in Kerala, touching nearly 20 percent, has been partly attributed to inroads into the Ezhava base. Constituencies such as Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Attingal and Kottayam have shown signs of this shift. The BJP’s victory in Thrissur, its first Lok Sabha seat in the state, has added symbolic weight to this trend. Sub-regions of Kerala In several assembly segments, the party has emerged as the leading force based on vote share, a first in Kerala’s political history. The numbers alone do not tell the full story, but they indicate a change that is no longer marginal.At the centre of this realignment is the evolving role of the SNDP Yogam and its leadership. Accusations from Left leaders that sections of the organisation are aligning with the Sangh Parivar have been met with both denial and defiance. Leaders within the SNDP argue that the shift is a response to perceived neglect and political marginalisation.The argument is framed in terms of betrayal. That a community which formed the backbone of Communist movements feels reduced to a vote bank. That representation has not translated into equitable distribution of power or opportunities. Those policies are seen as favouring other communities at their expense.These perceptions, whether entirely accurate or politically amplified, have created fertile ground for alternative political narratives. Castes and communities distribution among parties’ MLAs in 2021 polls The push factorsSeveral factors are driving this shift, and they are not purely ideological. Economic change is one of the most significant.Kerala’s economy has moved away from agrarian structures towards services, migration driven remittances and emerging sectors such as information technology and tourism. Within the Ezhava community, this transition has created a divide. A section has moved up the economic ladder, becoming professionals, entrepreneurs and part of the global workforce. Another large segment remains tied to traditional occupations or informal labour, facing economic uncertainty. Religion and caste wise votes polled for parties in 2016 and 2019 elections This divergence has produced new aspirations and frustrations. Younger, educated members of the community often find limited opportunities within the state, leading to migration or dissatisfaction. Welfare schemes, while providing support, are seen as insufficient to address structural challenges.Political messaging has tapped into these sentiments. The idea that the Left has shifted focus towards minority appeasement, whether accurate or not, has been a recurring theme in the rhetoric of leaders seeking to draw the community towards alternative platforms.The role of identity politicsThe attempt to bring the Ezhavas into a broader Hindutva fold represents a significant departure from their historical trajectory. The community’s reformist legacy, rooted in anti caste principles and universalism, sits uneasily with identity driven mobilisation.Critics argue that this shift risks undermining the very foundations laid by Narayana Guru. Voices within the community, including religious and social institutions such as the Sivagiri Mutt, have expressed concern over the politicisation of the Guru’s teachings.At the same time, proponents of the shift argue that political realities have changed. That communities must adapt to new alignments to secure their interests. That ideological purity cannot come at the cost of political relevance.This tension between legacy and pragmatism is playing out within the community, making it far from a monolithic voting bloc.Electoral arithmetic for 2026As Kerala heads towards the 2026 assembly elections, the importance of the Ezhava vote becomes even more pronounced. In a state where no single community dominates, even marginal shifts can have outsized effects.The distribution of Ezhava voters across regions means their influence is not confined to a handful of constituencies. They play a role in shaping outcomes in dozens of seats, particularly in interior districts where their presence is strong. Kerala party-wise seat The Left Democratic Front continues to field a higher proportion of Ezhava candidates compared to its rivals, reflecting an awareness of this importance. However, candidate selection alone may not be sufficient if voter sentiment continues to shift.The United Democratic Front, while historically less dependent on the Ezhava base, could benefit indirectly from any fragmentation of votes that weakens the Left.For the BJP and its allies, the strategy is clear. Consolidate incremental gains, deepen engagement through organisational networks such as SNDP branches, and present themselves as a viable alternative. Even if outright victory remains challenging, increasing vote share and influencing seat outcomes can reshape the political landscape. Beyond numbersReducing the Ezhava community to electoral arithmetic alone would miss the larger point. Their significance lies not just in numbers but in the ideas they have historically represented.From early petitions against discrimination to leading social reform movements, from shaping Left politics to now questioning it, the community has consistently been at the forefront of Kerala’s socio-political evolution.Their current crossroads reflects broader changes within the state. The tension between welfare and growth, identity and ideology, tradition and modernity. How the Ezhavas navigate these choices will offer insights into the direction Kerala itself may take.The 2026 assembly polls are unlikely to produce a sudden, dramatic realignment. Political shifts in Kerala tend to be gradual, layered and shaped by multiple factors. But the direction of movement is becoming clearer. Party-wise seat share acorss years in Kerala If the Left can address the economic and representational concerns of the Ezhava community, it may retain its core support while adapting to new realities. If not, the erosion could deepen, creating space for rivals to expand.For the community, the challenge is equally complex. Balancing historical legacy with contemporary aspirations, resisting divisive politics while seeking greater influence, and ensuring that political choices translate into tangible benefits.What is certain is that the Ezhavas will remain central to Kerala’s political story. Not as passive voters, but as active participants shaping outcomes.And as April 9 approaches, the question is no longer whether they matter. It is how they will choose to matter this time.About the AuthorRajeev SinghRajeev Singh is a Digital Content Producer with The Times of India. He covers politics, policies, defence, and conflicts for readers curious to know their implications. He loves digging into legal maxims and political trivia. On off days, when not turning pages or learning русский, he lives in the reverie of “what ifs” and “how abouts.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTejas Back In Air After Setbacks, But Reliability And Delays Raise Fresh Questions’Target Of Akhand Bharat’: Pakistan Senator Sounds Alarm Over Growing India-UAE Ties’At The Behest Of Mamata’: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s Shocking Claim On Pakistan’s Kolkata ThreatIndia Seeks US Waiver On Chabahar Amid Conflict; Iran Envoy Hints At Key Port Revival After WarBJP Calls Kharge’s ‘Snake’ Remark Dangerous, Alleges Communal ProvocationAssam Passport Row Turns Personal: Himanta Sarma Takes ‘Peda’ Jibe At Pawan Khera, Congress Responds’Pakistan Will Be Divided Into…’: Rajnath Singh’s Strong Response To Khawaja Asif’s Kolkata ThreatAhead Of Vikram Misri’s US Visit, Sergio Gor’s High Level Meetings Set Stage For Key Strategic TalksAfter US Rescue Ops Inside Iran, Question Emerges, Could India Have Attempted Such Mission In 2019?’India’s Global Rise Needs Military Edge’: Michael Rubin Urges Delhi To Match Power With Capability123PhotostoriesSimple remedies to attract wealth based on your numberHappy birthday Jackie Chan: ‘Drunken Master’, ‘Police Story’ to ‘Rush Hour’ – The legend’s greatest hitsHeartbroken? 7 inspiring quotes on why this isn’t the end of your storyBrad Pitt, Tom Cruise and more: Hollywood stars who adore Bollywood actors, trends and movies4 non-negotiable rules for a healthy relationshipTamil Nadu’s Buckingham Canal gets Rs 45 crore makeover: Walkways, cycling tracks, Miyawaki forests planned7 career mistakes that stop smart people from growing, and how to fix them6 Japanese ideas that quietly help calm an overthinking mind5 Times Brad Pitt made us fall in love with his characters: Benjamin Button, Lt. Aldo Raine and moreTop 7 investment-friendly cities in India for maximum property returns123Hot PicksLuka Doncic InjuryUpdated IPL Points TableOil PriceSilver Rate TodayLPG NewsPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingRory McilroyBlake LivelyKerala pollsWest Bengal assembly electionEA FC 26 Team of the SeasonKerala ElectionStrait of HormuzIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date

The story of Kerala’s electoral politics is often told through binaries. Left versus Congress, secular versus communal, reform versus identity. But beneath these familiar frames lies a quieter, decisive current that has shaped outcomes for decades and is now beginning to shift in ways that could redraw the map ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. At the centre of that churn stands the Ezhava community, a group whose journey from social exclusion to political centrality mirrors Kerala’s own transformation, and whose evolving political choices may well determine who governs God’s Own Country next. Watch Assembly Election 2026: CVOTER’s BIGGEST Opinion Poll In Bengal, Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nadu All about Ezhava communityLong before electoral arithmetic began to matter, the Ezhavas were fighting for something more fundamental. Recognition, dignity and access. In 1896, a petition signed by 13,176 members of the community was submitted to the Travancore maharaja, protesting their exclusion from government jobs. It was not merely a grievance letter. It was an early articulation of collective political consciousness.The community, classified as avarna within the rigid caste hierarchy, faced restrictions that extended into every aspect of life. Access to temples, public roads and even education was limited. Yet, unlike many other marginalised groups, the Ezhavas began organising early, using petitions, reform movements and education as tools of resistance. Kerala demographics This phase of mobilisation found its most powerful expression in the teachings of Sri Narayana Guru. His philosophy rejected caste hierarchies and emphasised education, self respect and social equality.In 1903, the formation of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam marked a turning point. The organisation became the institutional backbone of the community’s transformation, promoting rational thinking and social reform in a region then steeped in orthodoxy.What followed was not just social upliftment but a gradual politicisation. Leaders such as T K Madhavan aligned with broader national movements, including Gandhi’s non-cooperation campaign. By the early twentieth century, the Ezhavas had become one of the most organised and educated communities among those once labelled untouchable. Ezhavas based on a 1998 sample survey The Left connectionIt is no coincidence that the rise of the Ezhavas coincided with the emergence of Left politics in Kerala. The ideological overlap was almost natural. A community shaped by anti-caste reform and a political movement rooted in class struggle found common ground.By the 1930s and 1940s, many followers of Narayana Guru were actively involved in the early Communist movement. Over time, the Ezhavas became the backbone of Left parties, especially the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India Marxist (CPM). Their support was not episodic. It was structural. Castes & communities respresentation in the 2021 Kerala state assembly The numbers highlight this relationship. The community constitutes around 23 percent of Kerala’s population, making it the largest Hindu caste group in the state. Their presence is geographically spread across Travancore, central Kerala and parts of Malabar, ensuring influence across regions rather than in isolated pockets.Electorally, this translated into consistent support for the Left Democratic Front (LDF). Leadership positions within the Left also reflected this bond. Chief ministers such as VS Achuthananthan and Pinarayi Vijayan emerged from the community, reinforcing the perception of representation and alignment.The assembly composition further highlights their weight. Ezhava legislators account for roughly 19 percent of seats, a significant share in a state where no single community dominates beyond a quarter of the assembly. Their rise since the late 1980s has also coincided with the decline of other backward caste groups, consolidating their position as the most politically influential segment within the OBC category.Shifting towards Sangh?What appears stable on the surface appears to be undergoing a gradual but unmistakable shift. The recent electoral cycles, particularly the Lok Sabha elections, have revealed cracks in the long standing alignment between the Ezhavas and the Left.The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) growing vote share in Kerala, touching nearly 20 percent, has been partly attributed to inroads into the Ezhava base. Constituencies such as Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Attingal and Kottayam have shown signs of this shift. The BJP’s victory in Thrissur, its first Lok Sabha seat in the state, has added symbolic weight to this trend. Sub-regions of Kerala In several assembly segments, the party has emerged as the leading force based on vote share, a first in Kerala’s political history. The numbers alone do not tell the full story, but they indicate a change that is no longer marginal.At the centre of this realignment is the evolving role of the SNDP Yogam and its leadership. Accusations from Left leaders that sections of the organisation are aligning with the Sangh Parivar have been met with both denial and defiance. Leaders within the SNDP argue that the shift is a response to perceived neglect and political marginalisation.The argument is framed in terms of betrayal. That a community which formed the backbone of Communist movements feels reduced to a vote bank. That representation has not translated into equitable distribution of power or opportunities. Those policies are seen as favouring other communities at their expense.These perceptions, whether entirely accurate or politically amplified, have created fertile ground for alternative political narratives. Castes and communities distribution among parties’ MLAs in 2021 polls The push factorsSeveral factors are driving this shift, and they are not purely ideological. Economic change is one of the most significant.Kerala’s economy has moved away from agrarian structures towards services, migration driven remittances and emerging sectors such as information technology and tourism. Within the Ezhava community, this transition has created a divide. A section has moved up the economic ladder, becoming professionals, entrepreneurs and part of the global workforce. Another large segment remains tied to traditional occupations or informal labour, facing economic uncertainty. Religion and caste wise votes polled for parties in 2016 and 2019 elections This divergence has produced new aspirations and frustrations. Younger, educated members of the community often find limited opportunities within the state, leading to migration or dissatisfaction. Welfare schemes, while providing support, are seen as insufficient to address structural challenges.Political messaging has tapped into these sentiments. The idea that the Left has shifted focus towards minority appeasement, whether accurate or not, has been a recurring theme in the rhetoric of leaders seeking to draw the community towards alternative platforms.The role of identity politicsThe attempt to bring the Ezhavas into a broader Hindutva fold represents a significant departure from their historical trajectory. The community’s reformist legacy, rooted in anti caste principles and universalism, sits uneasily with identity driven mobilisation.Critics argue that this shift risks undermining the very foundations laid by Narayana Guru. Voices within the community, including religious and social institutions such as the Sivagiri Mutt, have expressed concern over the politicisation of the Guru’s teachings.At the same time, proponents of the shift argue that political realities have changed. That communities must adapt to new alignments to secure their interests. That ideological purity cannot come at the cost of political relevance.This tension between legacy and pragmatism is playing out within the community, making it far from a monolithic voting bloc.Electoral arithmetic for 2026As Kerala heads towards the 2026 assembly elections, the importance of the Ezhava vote becomes even more pronounced. In a state where no single community dominates, even marginal shifts can have outsized effects.The distribution of Ezhava voters across regions means their influence is not confined to a handful of constituencies. They play a role in shaping outcomes in dozens of seats, particularly in interior districts where their presence is strong. Kerala party-wise seat The Left Democratic Front continues to field a higher proportion of Ezhava candidates compared to its rivals, reflecting an awareness of this importance. However, candidate selection alone may not be sufficient if voter sentiment continues to shift.The United Democratic Front, while historically less dependent on the Ezhava base, could benefit indirectly from any fragmentation of votes that weakens the Left.For the BJP and its allies, the strategy is clear. Consolidate incremental gains, deepen engagement through organisational networks such as SNDP branches, and present themselves as a viable alternative. Even if outright victory remains challenging, increasing vote share and influencing seat outcomes can reshape the political landscape. Beyond numbersReducing the Ezhava community to electoral arithmetic alone would miss the larger point. Their significance lies not just in numbers but in the ideas they have historically represented.From early petitions against discrimination to leading social reform movements, from shaping Left politics to now questioning it, the community has consistently been at the forefront of Kerala’s socio-political evolution.Their current crossroads reflects broader changes within the state. The tension between welfare and growth, identity and ideology, tradition and modernity. How the Ezhavas navigate these choices will offer insights into the direction Kerala itself may take.The 2026 assembly polls are unlikely to produce a sudden, dramatic realignment. Political shifts in Kerala tend to be gradual, layered and shaped by multiple factors. But the direction of movement is becoming clearer. Party-wise seat share acorss years in Kerala If the Left can address the economic and representational concerns of the Ezhava community, it may retain its core support while adapting to new realities. If not, the erosion could deepen, creating space for rivals to expand.For the community, the challenge is equally complex. Balancing historical legacy with contemporary aspirations, resisting divisive politics while seeking greater influence, and ensuring that political choices translate into tangible benefits.What is certain is that the Ezhavas will remain central to Kerala’s political story. Not as passive voters, but as active participants shaping outcomes.And as April 9 approaches, the question is no longer whether they matter. It is how they will choose to matter this time.About the AuthorRajeev SinghRajeev Singh is a Digital Content Producer with The Times of India. He covers politics, policies, defence, and conflicts for readers curious to know their implications. He loves digging into legal maxims and political trivia. 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