Ramesh Chennithala

Minister for Home Affairs, Vigilance and Coir
Government of Kerala

[Ramesh Chennithala @chennithala]

Always with @RahulGandhi and @priyankagandhi who are the hope of India.
Candid snap from Wayanad.

[Ramesh Chennithala @chennithala]

Personal abuse cannot substitute for political argument.

Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar @RajeevRC_X should apologise for his repeated derogatory remarks against Shri Rahul Gandhi.

@RahulGandhi has consistently raised questions about the integrity of our electoral process and the independence of democratic institutions. Those questions must be answered through facts and democratic debate — not name-calling.

Respect for political opponents is also respect for democracy.

[Ramesh Chennithala @chennithala]

From Vengara to local communities across Kerala, Toofan Local is taking shape on the ground. Grama, Block and District Panchayats joined the launch of Phase II of #OperationToofan, bringing the anti-drug effort closer to our wards, neighbourhoods and families.

These local initiatives reflect the central idea behind this phase: the police will continue enforcement, while communities strengthen prevention and early intervention. The fight against drugs must become a people’s movement.

[Ramesh Chennithala @chennithala]

Attending the Congress @INCIndia Working Committee meeting at Indira Bhawan, New Delhi, under the leadership of Congress President Shri Mallikarjun @kharge ji.

The CWC is discussing important issues concerning the country, our democracy and the political situation ahead.

The Congress remains committed to protecting our democratic institutions and the constitutional rights of every citizen.

[Ramesh Chennithala @chennithala]

12,627 arrests. 11,717 cases. The scale of #OperationToofan continues to grow.

So far, Kerala Police has seized 24.382 kg of MDMA and 1,571.996 kg of ganja under the operation.

Enforcement has gone alongside prevention and intervention — with 10,307 awareness classes, 7,058 school and college programmes, and 846 counselling sessions conducted across Kerala.

As Phase II begins, enforcement will continue while we strengthen community participation, prevention, early intervention, treatment and rehabilitation.

Break the network. Prevent drug use. Help people recover.

[Ramesh Chennithala @chennithala]

This is what people’s participation looks like.

At Vengara today, citizens came together and took the anti-drug pledge as we launched Phase II of #OperationToofan.

The fight against drugs has to reach beyond police stations — into our wards, neighbourhoods, schools and homes.

I am grateful to everyone who has stepped forward as a Toofan Warrior.

When people stand together, the drug mafia loses ground.

[Ramesh Chennithala @chennithala]

Phase II of #OperationToofan brings police enforcement and people’s participation together at the community level.

Ward-level Toofan Committees will bring local governments, citizens and community networks into prevention and early intervention.

Toofan Eyes, Toofan Play and other initiatives will strengthen protection and youth engagement, while treatment and rehabilitation support is being expanded with the IMA and 35 hospitals across Kerala.

Enforcement remains firm. But a lasting response to drugs also requires prevention, participation and recovery.

Break the network. Prevent drug use. Help people recover.

[Ramesh Chennithala @chennithala]

The next phase of #OperationToofan begins with the people.

Today in Vengara, we launched Toofan Thadhesham, taking our fight against the drug mafia to every ward and neighbourhood across Kerala.

Through ward-level Toofan Committees, local governments and community networks will work alongside the police to strengthen prevention, early intervention and public participation.

We are also expanding treatment and rehabilitation support for people affected by drug use.

The police cannot fight this battle alone. We need the people with us.

People will lead. The drug mafia will lose.

[Ramesh Chennithala @chennithala]

When communities take the lead, the fight against drugs becomes stronger.

Mothers from across A.R. Nagar Gram Panchayat in Malappuram came together for Amma Chuvadukal, a public march against drugs in support of Toofan Thadhesham, the second phase of #OperationToofan.

This is what Phase II is about — taking the fight against drugs into our wards, neighbourhoods and homes, with citizens at its heart.

The police cannot do this alone. We need the people with us.

#ToofanThadhesham

[Ramesh Chennithala @chennithala]

Yesterday at Amritapuri, I joined Vishwa Seva Dinam, held in connection with Amma’s 73rd birthday celebrations, along with Union Home Minister @AmitShah Ji, Assam Education Minister Dr Ranoj Pegu @ranojpeguassam and other distinguished guests.

The occasion saw the launch of a ₹20 crore treatment initiative through Amrita Hospitals, including Kerala’s first uterus transplant surgery under the programme.
The Mata Amritanandamayi Math also extended ₹2 crore for relief efforts in flood-affected Assam, with the assistance handed over to Dr Ranoj Pegu.

A meaningful celebration of Amma’s enduring belief in compassion through service. @Amritanandamayi

[Ramesh Chennithala @chennithala]

Warm birthday wishes to Mata Amritanandamayi Devi — Amma, on her 73rd birthday.

Through decades of service, Amma has touched countless lives through compassion, care and humanitarian work.

May she be blessed with good health and many more years of service to humanity.

Happy Birthday, Amma. @Amritanandamayi

[Ramesh Chennithala @chennithala]

Why is Kerala different? What are my concerns about Maharashtra and the Election Commission?

Speaking to the media, I explained my position on SIR, the concerns I raised during my tenure as AICC in-charge of Maharashtra, and why I believe Kerala presents a different situation.

My full response (2/2):

[Ramesh Chennithala @chennithala]

Free and fair elections require an Election Commission that commands public trust.

At the KPCC march to Lok Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram, I raised serious concerns over the conduct of the electoral process and called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to step down.

Every vote must be protected. Every election must command trust. 1/2

[Ramesh Chennithala @chennithala]

Technology must help us fight corruption faster, smarter and with greater accountability.

Launched VACB Suite 3.0, the new digital case and enquiry management system developed by Kerala’s Vigilance & Anti-Corruption Bureau under Project Zero.

The platform will strengthen digital monitoring of cases and enquiries, supervisory oversight and secure management of records.

A system estimated to cost around ₹80 lakh was developed by VACB’s own technical team without additional expenditure.

I also presented the Badge of Honour to officers for excellence in vigilance investigation and introduced the new VACB uniform.

Technology must strengthen accountability. That is the purpose of Project Zero.

#ProjectZero #KeralaVigilance

[Ramesh Chennithala @chennithala]

Preparations are underway to ensure a safe and smooth Sabarimala pilgrimage season.

At a high-level review meeting, I directed Kerala Police to put in place comprehensive arrangements for crowd management, traffic, emergency response and security at Sannidhanam, Pampa and Nilakkal.

We will encourage greater use of the Virtual Queue system, with information reaching pilgrims in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in their own languages.

I have also asked every police officer on duty to treat pilgrims with courtesy, empathy and respect.

Security must be firm. Service must be humane.

Our responsibility is to make every pilgrim’s journey as safe and orderly as possible.

Swami Saranam! 🙏

[Ramesh Chennithala @chennithala]

Remembering Dr. Manmohan Singh on his birth anniversary.

A scholar, statesman and public servant of remarkable humility, he showed us that leadership did not have to be loud to leave a lasting mark.

I was fortunate to know him, work with him and learn from his quiet wisdom and unwavering commitment to India.

His life in public service will continue to be remembered with respect and gratitude.

[Ramesh Chennithala @chennithala]

#OperationToofan is entering Phase II.

On September 28, we launch Toofan Local in Vengara — taking Kerala’s fight against the drug mafia to every ward and neighbourhood.

With the full participation of local governments, ward-level Toofan Committees will bring citizens, Kudumbashree units, Haritha Karma Sena members, residents’ associations and other community networks into this effort.

Phase II will go beyond enforcement. With the IMA and around 35 hospitals across Kerala, we will also strengthen treatment, recovery and rehabilitation for people affected by drug use.

The police cannot fight this battle alone. We need people with us.

People will lead. The drug mafia will lose.

[Ramesh Chennithala @chennithala]

During my tenure as AICC in-charge of Maharashtra, scrutiny of the electoral rolls raised serious questions that I brought to the attention of the @INCIndia national leadership.

Nearly 39 lakh voters were added to Maharashtra’s rolls between the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. The scale and pattern of the changes demanded scrutiny. @RahulGandhi subsequently took these concerns to the national stage through the campaign against “Vote Chori.”

Maharashtra’s 2026 SIR draft has now raised a fresh set of questions. Around 2.07 crore electors were left out of the draft roll, although the Election Commission has clarified that omission from the draft does not amount to final deletion and eligible voters can file claims for inclusion.

Electoral rolls must command public confidence. Every addition, deletion and correction must withstand scrutiny.

Democracy begins with the vote. No one gets to tamper with it.

[Ramesh Chennithala @chennithala]

A pledge expressed through signs. A message that speaks to all of us.

On International Day of Sign Languages, students and teachers of the National Institute of Speech & Hearing (NISH) came together at Manaveeyam Veedhi in Thiruvananthapuram and pledged to join #OperationToofan as Toofan Warriors.

The fight against drugs needs every section of society with us. I am grateful to the NISH community for adding their voice — and their signs — to this collective effort.

Together, we can protect a generation from drugs.

[Ramesh Chennithala @chennithala]

Presided over a high-level meeting with the Kerala Lok Ayukta in Thiruvananthapuram today.

Lok Ayukta Justice N. Anil Kumar, Upa Lok Ayuktas Justice Ashok Menon and Justice Shercy, Director General of Prosecution T. Asaf Ali, Additional Chief Secretary (Home & Vigilance), Law Secretary and senior officials attended the meeting.