Thiruvananthapuram, April 7: Ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed confidence on Tuesday that the United Democratic Front (UDF) is heading towards a “clear victory.” He attributed this to widespread anti-incumbency sentiments and the public’s desire for change against the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government.
Tharoor dismissed the prospects of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state, labeling it a “zero-seat party” in the current Kerala Assembly. He stated, “If they somehow manage to win one, two, or three seats, it would be nothing short of a miracle. They have no role in government formation.”
Commenting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s frequent rallies in Kerala, Tharoor noted that the BJP’s national popularity does not translate into seats at the state level. He remarked, “People know he is not going to become the Chief Minister here. Therefore, any slight advantage the BJP might gain in parliamentary elections is irrelevant to who will form the government in Kerala.”
He urged voters not to “waste” their anti-incumbency votes on the BJP. Tharoor said, “If people want change, they should vote for the UDF so we can establish a strong and effective government with a clear majority.”
Addressing governance issues, Tharoor questioned the LDF government’s claims of development in areas like housing and infrastructure. He pointed out that the previous UDF governments, led by former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, had performed equally well or better. He also highlighted that significant projects, such as the Vizhinjam Port, were initiated during UDF rule, despite opposition from leftist parties at the time.
On disaster management, particularly concerning issues in Wayanad, Tharoor emphasized that accountability lies with the ruling government. He stated, “When a disaster strikes, it is the responsibility of the state government. They have various relief funds and mechanisms. The question is, what have they done?” He also acknowledged that opposition parties like the Congress and the Indian Union Muslim League have voluntarily contributed to relief efforts.
Regarding ongoing tensions in West Asia, Tharoor asserted that India should play an active role in advocating for peace. He noted that this conflict affects not just the region but also countries like India, which rely on energy supplies. India must become a strong voice for peace. He welcomed any diplomatic dialogue initiated by the Prime Minister with regional leaders.
When asked about his prospects of becoming Chief Minister, Tharoor dismissed the question as hypothetical. He stated, “The Congress has a clear process. After the elections, elected legislators and party leadership will make decisions. I am not a candidate, but I will always be available to assist whoever takes on that responsibility.”
The Kerala Assembly elections are scheduled for April 9, with results to be announced on May 4.
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