Lakshadweep news & politics
The latest news from Lakshadweep, where N/A (Central Govt) is Chief Minister. Most covered in the last 30 days: crime violence, protest opposition, farmer agriculture.
Lakshadweep declared 100% literate as 1,113 adult non-literates clear FLNAT assessments
On Sunday (October 11), Administrator Praful Patel declared Lakshadweep a 100% literate Union Territory. Under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, the Department of Education identified 1,113 adult non-literates for intensive teaching and assessment. All eligible learners cleared the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) through doorstep assessments and re-testing to achieve full literacy status under this Centrally sponsored scheme.
Lakshadweep madrasa teacher arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting 9-year-old girl on ship to Kochi
On Monday, October 12, 2026, police announced the arrest of Sayid Mohammed Naufal, a Lakshadweep resident and madrasa teacher. He allegedly sexually assaulted a nine-year-old girl while traveling by ship from Lakshadweep to Kochi. The Fort Kochi Coastal Police registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and remanded him to judicial custody.
Indian Coast Guard, Gujarat ATS seize ₹3,000 crore drugs from Iranian boat
On September 25, Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat ATS seized 526 kg of methamphetamine and heroin worth over ₹3,000 crore from an Iranian boat in the Arabian Sea near Lakshadweep. Five Pakistani nationals were detained. The contraband was brought to Mumbai for legal proceedings. This operation highlights enhanced efforts against transnational drug trafficking and showcases maritime capabilities. Amit Shah praised the coordination involved.
Indian Coast Guard seizes Rs 3,000 crore drug haul from Iranian boat near Lakshadweep
On September 25, the Indian Coast Guard, in a joint operation with Gujarat ATS and Central Intelligence Agency, seized 526 kg of methamphetamine and heroin worth over Rs 3,000 crore from an Iranian boat near Lakshadweep. Five Pakistani nationals operating the vessel were detained. The contraband was brought to Mumbai for further legal proceedings, disrupting drug syndicates' financial networks and preventing synthetic drugs from reaching the mainland.
Coast Guard nabs ₹3,000 crore drug haul from Iranian boat off Lakshadweep
On September 25, the Indian Coast Guard, in coordination with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), seized 526 kg of methamphetamine and heroin worth over ₹3,000 crore from an Iranian boat operated by five Pakistani nationals near Lakshadweep. The contraband was tracked using sea-air surveillance and intercepted west of Lakshadweep before being escorted to Mumbai for legal proceedings. This operation highlights enhanced efforts against transnational drug trafficking through maritime routes and showcases the Coast Guard's capabilities in preventing illicit activities.
Lakshadweep Safe: Study Shows No Damage from Sinking MSC Elsa 3
A comprehensive assessment by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) found that the sinking of the MSC Elsa 3 off Kerala's coast on May 25, 2025, did not cause measurable ecological or socioeconomic damage to the Lakshadweep islands. The study, conducted after directives from the National Green Tribunal and based on various analyses, highlighted the need for improved maritime preparedness and island-specific contingency plans. Published August 15, 2026.
Weather Improves in Ernakulam; Rivers Below Warning Levels
Weather conditions in Ernakulam improved on Wednesday, with heavy rains subsiding and skies clearing. Muvattupuzha and Kothamangalam saw life returning to normal after five days of damage; rivers' water levels remained below warning thresholds. The Muvattupuzha river was at 10.2 metres (warning level: 10.92), Thodupuzha at 10.09 metres (warning level: 10.78), and Kaliyar at 11.13 metres (warning level: 13.10). Shibu Thekkumpuram, MLA, noted easing conditions except for a minor spell in the afternoon; those in camps began returning home. Mayor V.K. Minimol said pre-monsoon initiatives helped prevent waterlogging.
CPI, CPI(M) Protest Kottayam AIIMS Site, Demand Kinalur
Reports about considering Kottayam as a possible location for the proposed All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Kerala have sparked protests from the Communist Party of India (CPI(M)) and CPI, which demand Kinalur, Kozhikode district. The CPI is holding a protest on August 6, 2026, at Vattoli Bazar, claiming the government's move to propose other locations as insulting. Around 150 acres in Kinalur have been handed over for the institute, with procedures complete for another 100 acres from residents. The Calicut Chamber of Commerce and Industry argues that Kinalur is ideal due to its connectivity and proximity to healthcare institutions, urging the government to continue with it.
Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed, Lok Sabha MP from Lakshadweep and president of the
Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed, Lok Sabha MP from Lakshadweep and president of the Lakshadweep Pradesh Congress Committee, met V.D. Satheesan, Kerala Chief Minister, on July 15, 2026, to request support for advanced healthcare facilities, accommodation during emergencies, better vessel services from Beypore, and measures against drug trafficking. Sayeed highlighted islanders' financial hardships in accessing healthcare and the need for improved connectivity and infrastructure. He also sought intelligence-sharing to prevent drug smuggling into Lakshadweep.
Row over proposal to appoint Seshadrinathan as State Election Commissioner intensifies
Congress leaders in Kerala are objecting to the proposed appointment of N. Seshadrinathan, a judge from the Family Court, Irinjalakuda, as State Election Commissioner. They allege that he has ties to the Rashtriya Swyamsevak Sangh (RSS) and request an antecedents verification. The KPCC general secretary, P.M. Niyas, met with Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala to express concerns about Mr. Seshadrinathan's suitability for the position. The proposed appointment has sparked controversy within the party, with some advocating for a different judicial officer with a history of supporting the Congress.
Rain batters capital, traffic disrupted
Heavy rainfall across Kerala, particularly in Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam, caused significant disruptions to traffic and train services. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for the capital city on Saturday, warning of more intense rainfall. Urumi in Kozhikode recorded the highest rainfall at 11 cm, followed by other areas like Ernakulam South and Kochi. The southwest monsoon has advanced further into various parts of the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, with favorable conditions for continued advancement over the next few days.
Kochi-Lakshadweep seaplane trial flight rescheduled to May 12
Inclement weather has forced the postponement of the trial flight of the seaplane service on the Kochi-Lakshadweep route to May 12. The Cochin International Airport, originally scheduled for a test run on May 10, will now operate the flight connecting Kalpeni in Lakshadweep and four other islands in the Union Territory. The trial flight was postponed due to a yellow alert for rain issued in multiple districts of Kerala.
