On March 26, 2026, the Malayalam film industry mourned the loss of E.A. Rajendran, who passed away at his residence in Pattathanam, Kollam, Kerala, at the age of 71. His death marks a significant moment in the cultural landscape of Kerala, where he was a prominent figure in both cinema and television.

Rajendran had been undergoing treatment for age-related ailments prior to his passing. Known for his versatile performances, he had a career that spanned around sixty films and numerous television serials. His return to the industry was notably marked by his performance in the film Kaliyattam, which solidified his status as a respected actor.

Born into a family with artistic roots, Rajendran began his journey in theatre and graduated from the National School of Drama in Delhi. His contributions to the arts extended beyond acting; he also served as the Chairman of the State Horticulture Corporation, showcasing his multifaceted talents.

Rajendran was married to Sandhya, the sister of actor M. Mukesh, and is survived by his son, actor Divyadarshan. In a previous interview, he expressed pride in his son’s acting career and their joint venture in running a production company.

His funeral rites are scheduled for March 27, 2026, and his mortal remains will be taken to his native village in Thrithallur, Thrissur. This final journey is a testament to his deep roots in the community and the impact he had on those around him.

Rajendran’s legacy is marked not only by his artistic achievements but also by his personal anecdotes, such as his commitment to health, where he once stated, “I reduced weight as per the doctor’s advice to manage my sugar levels.” His dedication to his craft and family will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.

The passing of E.A. Rajendran is a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life and the enduring impact of art. As the industry reflects on his contributions, it is clear that his influence will resonate for years to come.

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“I had not received any official communication inviting him to the function and termed the move ‘political’ and ‘not befitting a democracy’,” stated P A Mohammed Riyas, the state’s Public Works Department Minister, regarding his absence from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official event in Kochi on March 11, 2026.

Riyas’s comments come amid a political row that has intensified in Kerala, where Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and several ministers notably skipped the event. The Prime Minister was present to inaugurate various development projects, including the six-lane expansion of National Highway 66.

State Ministers M B Rajesh and K Krishnankutty also did not attend, with Rajesh explaining, “I am not attending the PM’s programme. Yesterday, I came to know that my name was included in the list. I already have scheduled programmes in my constituency.” Their absence has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the underlying motivations.

Riyas further claimed that he had not received any official invitation, which he interpreted as a deliberate exclusion. He described the situation as politically motivated, a sentiment echoed by General Education Minister V Sivankutty, who labeled the exclusion of Riyas as “shocking” and “politically motivated”.

The backdrop to this controversy lies in the revival of the National Highway development project, which was initiated after the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government took power in 2016, following Chief Minister Vijayan’s intervention.

BJP leaders have countered these claims, asserting that the Chief Minister was invited according to protocol and that the exclusion of Riyas was unnecessary. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, a BJP leader, emphasized, “As head of the state, the CM was invited in accordance with the protocol.”

Additionally, BJP leader B Gopalakrishnan alleged that the state government was attempting to consolidate Muslim votes by boycotting the PM’s event, further complicating the political landscape.

The projects inaugurated during the event included significant stretches of the National Highway, such as the Thalappady-Chengala stretch and the Vengalam-Ramanattukara stretch of the Kozhikode bypass.

Kerala has historically been a pioneer in national highway development, being the first state in India to directly allocate state funds for such projects.

As the political situation evolves, the implications of these absences and the surrounding controversies will likely continue to unfold in the coming days.

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“I had not received any official communication inviting him to the function and termed the move ‘political’ and ‘not befitting a democracy’.” This statement from P A Mohammed Riyas, the Public Works Department Minister of Kerala, encapsulates the controversy surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official event in Kochi on March 11, 2026.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and several ministers, including Riyas, did not attend the event, which was marked by the inauguration of various development projects, notably the six-lane expansion of National Highway 66. The absence of these key officials has raised eyebrows amid ongoing political tensions.

The backdrop of this situation involves a political row over Riyas’s exclusion from the event. He claimed he had not received any official invitation, which he interpreted as a deliberate political maneuver. His comments reflect a broader sentiment among some state officials regarding the treatment of local leaders in national events.

General Education Minister V Sivankutty expressed his dismay, stating that the exclusion of Riyas was “shocking” and “politically motivated.” This sentiment echoes concerns within the state government about the implications of such exclusions on democratic practices.

Adding to the controversy, BJP leaders asserted that the Chief Minister was invited according to protocol and that Riyas’s absence was unnecessary. BJP leader B Gopalakrishnan went further, alleging that the state government was attempting to consolidate Muslim votes by boycotting the Prime Minister’s event.

State Ministers M B Rajesh and K Krishnankutty also opted not to attend, with Rajesh citing prior commitments in his constituency. He remarked, “I am not attending the PM’s programme. Yesterday, I came to know that my name was included in the list.” This statement underscores the confusion surrounding the invitations.

The National Highway development project, which includes significant stretches of NH 66, was revitalized after the Left Democratic Front government took power in 2016, following the intervention of Chief Minister Vijayan. This project has been a crucial aspect of Kerala’s infrastructure development.

As the political landscape evolves, the implications of this event and the reactions from both state and national leaders will be closely monitored. The controversy surrounding the exclusion of key ministers raises questions about the relationship between state and central governments in India.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the political ramifications stemming from this incident. The situation continues to unfold as both sides prepare for potential future developments.

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Decisive Moment

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and several state ministers have announced their decision to boycott the event. This decision stems from the exclusion of Public Works Department Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas from the invitation list, which has been interpreted as a breach of protocol. The boycott signifies a deepening rift between the state government and the central administration.

Immediate Effects

The absence of the Kerala cabinet members at the PM event is notable, particularly as the Prime Minister’s visit is part of the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) campaign strategy ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. The event will proceed without the participation of these key officials, which may affect the local reception of the Prime Minister’s initiatives.

Expert Perspectives

P.A. Mohamed Riyas criticized the exclusion, stating, “The PWD minister has been excluded, while the BJP state president has been invited.” This sentiment reflects broader concerns regarding democratic representation and political fairness. Additionally, Local Self Government Minister M.B. Rajesh cited previous security issues at PMO events as influencing his decision to skip this event, stating, “I was repeatedly asked by the security personnel to produce the Aadhaar card, despite they clearly knowing that I was the minister.”

Financial Implications

The Kerala government has invested ₹5600 crore in ongoing national highway expansion projects, which are set to be highlighted during the PM’s visit. The absence of state officials may lead to questions about the collaboration between the state and central governments on such significant infrastructure projects.

Political Ramifications

The boycott is not just a personal decision but a political statement. Congress leaders, including Benny Behannan, have expressed their reluctance to endorse the BJP’s political campaign, further complicating the political landscape in Kerala. Behannan remarked, “I did not want to endorse the political campaign of the BJP,” indicating a clear stance against the ruling party’s influence in the state.

As the PM event approaches, the political dynamics in Kerala continue to evolve. The absence of key state leaders at this significant occasion raises questions about future collaborations and the implications for local governance. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential resolutions to the current standoff.

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“The police failed to record the accuser’s statement or ensure her safety,” stated V.D. Satheeshan, highlighting the serious allegations against Ganesh Kumar that have emerged in recent days.

On March 9, 2026, Bindhu Menon publicly accused Ganesh Kumar of infidelity and domestic harassment, claiming she caught him ‘red-handed’ with another woman on March 7. This incident has ignited a political firestorm in Kerala, with various political figures demanding accountability.

Ganesh Kumar, who has served as an MLA for five consecutive terms, has vehemently denied the allegations, asserting that they are part of a political witch-hunt. “My personal life is mine. The people of Pathanapuram know me well like the back of their hand,” he remarked, defending his reputation amid the controversy.

In response to the allegations, Jeby Mather, an MP, has called for Ganesh Kumar’s ousting from the Cabinet, while the Kerala Students Union has petitioned the State Police Chief to take action against him for domestic violence.

Ganesh Kumar has also criticized R Sreelekha, stating, “Who is Sreelekha, after all, to interfere in my personal life?” His remarks suggest a growing frustration with external scrutiny of his private affairs.

Bindhu Menon further alleged that during the incident, Ganesh Kumar’s staff attempted to take her mobile phone, raising concerns about her safety and the handling of the situation by local authorities.

As the political landscape in Kerala shifts, V.D. Satheeshan has demanded an explanation from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan regarding the police’s inaction in addressing the allegations against Ganesh Kumar.

Ganesh Kumar has characterized the timing of these allegations as suspicious, noting that “such slander campaigns in my case coincide with Assembly election cycles.” This statement underscores the contentious nature of political discourse in the region.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full circumstances of the incident and the responses from the involved parties. The unfolding situation continues to attract significant media attention and public interest.

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The Perumbalam Bridge, dedicated to the nation by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, stands as the longest bridge built across Vembanad Lake in Kerala. This infrastructure project, which cost Rs 100 crore with financial assistance from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), serves as a crucial link for the residents of Perumbalam Island.

Key Features of the Bridge

Spanning 1,155.40 meters in length and 11 meters in width, the bridge includes three bow-string arch spans measuring 55 meters each. Additionally, it features 1.5-meter-wide pedestrian walkways on both sides, enhancing safety and accessibility for foot traffic.

Impact on the Local Community

The bridge connects Perumbalam Island with Arookutty panchayat under the Aroor Assembly constituency in Alappuzha district, fulfilling a long-standing demand from the island’s residents for a direct road link to the mainland. This development is expected to boost the socio-economic landscape of the region and enhance local tourism potential.

Government’s Role

During the inauguration, Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized the importance of the Left government in realizing this project, stating, “If the LDF government is not in power, who would have taken care of the people of Perumbalam? How this bridge would have become a reality?” He further noted that the sought-after bridge has now become a reality only because the Left government is in power.

Looking Ahead

As the bridge opens to the public, it remains to be seen how it will transform the daily lives of the approximately 12,000 residents it serves. The anticipated increase in connectivity may lead to further economic opportunities and development in the region.

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