Trinamool Congress leaders Mahua Moitra and Kirti Azad have joined the satirical online platform ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ after Chief Justice Surya Kant’s remarks comparing some youngsters to “cockroaches” triggered backlash. The unofficial digital movement emerged on X and quickly gained thousands of followers. Kirti Azad and Mahua Moitra publicly expressed interest in joining the platform, which describes itself as a voice for unemployed and chronically online youth. Amid criticism, the Chief Justice later clarified that his remarks were aimed at people using fake degrees and not unemployed youth, calling reports suggesting otherwise “totally baseless”. (PC: HT)

Chief Minister-designate V. D. Satheesan on Sunday announced a 21-member Cabinet in Kerala. The full United Democratic Front government will take oath at 10 am on Monday. Satheesan said, “After 60 years, the entire UDF cabinet is set to take the oath together.” The Indian National Congress will have 11 ministers. Other allies, including the Indian Union Muslim League, also received Cabinet positions. Satheesan said the list was prepared with social and regional balance in mind. Portfolio discussions are nearly complete.

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan has appealed to the public to give newly elected Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay at least six months before judging his administration’s performance. During a recent meeting with Vijay, Kamal Haasan congratulated him and submitted six demands aimed at supporting the struggling Tamil film industry, including anti-piracy measures and a state-backed OTT platform. He emphasized that Vijay should now be viewed beyond his film-star image and respected as a political leader handling major responsibilities. Vijay recently took oath after his party, TVK, secured a historic electoral victory in Tamil Nadu. (PC: HT)

The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is close to finalising Kerala’s new cabinet ahead of Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan taking oath on Monday. Sources said the Congress is likely to get 12 cabinet berths, including the chief minister’s post, while ally Indian Union Muslim League may receive five seats. Chandy Oommen, son of former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, is also expected to be inducted. Other UDF allies, including RSP, Kerala Congress (Joseph), Kerala Congress (Jacob) and CMP, are likely to get one berth each. Senior Congress leaders are expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony in Thiruvananthapuram.

Mamata Banerjee appeared in lawyer’s robes at the Calcutta High Court to argue a petition alleging post-poll violence against All India Trinamool Congress workers and minorities in BJP-ruled Bengal. Addressing a bench led by Chief Justice Sujoy Paul, she accused the administration of failing to prevent attacks, illegal demolitions and forced displacement. The court directed police to ensure safe return of citizens allegedly driven from homes and businesses. While leaving the court premises, Mamata was heckled with “chor” slogans by lawyers reportedly linked to the BJP and later alleged physical assault. Samik Bhattacharya denied party involvement in the incident. (PC: X)

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay has urged Narendra Modi to remove the 11% import duty on cotton, warning that rising cotton and yarn prices are pushing Tamil Nadu’s textile industry into crisis. In a letter to the Prime Minister, Vijay said the state, India’s largest textile and apparel exporter, faces severe raw material shortages due to reduced cotton production and increased trading activity. Cotton prices have reportedly jumped 25% in two months, from Rs 54,700 to Rs 67,700 per candy, while yarn prices rose from Rs 301 to Rs 330 per kg. Vijay warned the situation threatens lakhs of jobs, particularly among rural and semi-urban women workers. (PC: X)

Congress leader V. D. Satheesan praised senior leaders Ramesh Chennithala and K. C. Venugopal after being chosen as Kerala’s Chief Minister-designate following the UDF’s massive Assembly election victory. Satheesan described the win as a “historic mandate” and stressed that rebuilding Kerala would require collective leadership and teamwork. He assured party workers that both leaders would be taken “into complete confidence” in the new government. The Congress high command selected Satheesan after days of internal discussions over the CM post. The UDF secured a landslide win with 102 seats, ending a decade of LDF rule in Kerala.

Mamata Banerjee on Thursday arrived at the Calcutta High Court wearing a lawyer’s gown, likely to appear in connection with a post-poll violence case filed by the Trinamool Congress. She was accompanied by TMC MP and advocate Kalyan Banerjee, his son Shirshanya Bandopadhyay and lawyer Baiswanor Chatterjee. Visuals of Banerjee in legal attire outside the court quickly drew attention amid heightened political tensions in West Bengal following the Assembly election results. Sources said the matter relates to alleged incidents of post-poll violence involving Trinamool Congress supporters.

V. D. Satheesan was on Thursday elected leader of the Congress Legislature Party, clearing the way for him to become Kerala’s next Chief Minister after the Congress-led UDF’s sweeping election victory. The decision followed days of lobbying and high-level discussions in New Delhi involving Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Satheesan’s appointment ends uncertainty within the party after the UDF won 102 of Kerala’s 140 Assembly seats. Supporters celebrated outside his Aluva residence as the Congress now moves towards government formation and cabinet discussions with alliance partners. (PC: X)

After nine days of intense discussions and internal consultations, the Congress leadership has reportedly finalised its choice for Kerala’s next Chief Minister following the UDF’s decisive Assembly election victory. Senior leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge held crucial meetings in Delhi before confirming that the official announcement will be made on Thursday. The delay triggered speculation, protests and poster campaigns in Kerala, especially around frontrunner K. C. Venugopal. Other contenders included V. D. Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala. Congress leaders said all consultations are complete and the party now aims to quickly form the new government in Kerala. (PC: The Hindu)