Senior Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor described the United Democratic Front’s (UDF) historic victory in the Kerala assembly elections as a pivotal political moment with potential national ramifications.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Tharoor stated that the win could inject fresh momentum into the opposition INDIA bloc. He indicated that the doors of the alliance remain open for actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), noting that there is currently no policy to exclude any party.
On the uncertainty surrounding the chief ministerial candidate, Tharoor highlighted the party’s depth of experienced leadership. He said the high command will soon consult the newly elected MLAs in Delhi and a swift decision is expected, as the leadership does not wish to prolong the process unnecessarily.
He acknowledged the complexity caused by multiple aspirants but underscored that Congress’s electoral success was rooted in its unity. Leaders who were denied tickets campaigned vigorously for official candidates, showcasing strong organisational discipline.
While branding the results “historic,” he called TVK’s performance in Tamil Nadu almost miraculous. Tharoor stressed that politics remains a realm of future possibilities, hinting at a potential realignment with Vijay’s party.
Addressing voter behaviour, he noted a post-Covid shift from a desire for stability towards change, as the incumbent government’s performance is increasingly seen as insufficient. He dismissed concerns about coalition pressures, asserting that Congress’s numerical strength ensures policy independence.
Kerala’s economic distress, however, remains the biggest challenge. Tharoor warned the state’s economy is dangerously dependent on liquor revenue, remittances, and lotteries. He cautioned that Kerala might face financial pressure by September, potentially requiring loans even for salaries and bonuses.
To navigate this, he called for a ‘1991-style economic reset’ focusing on attracting investment and generating employment. Despite high literacy and talent, he noted that youth migration persists because unemployment remains higher than in many other states.
On national trends, Tharoor pointed out that the election day was not entirely one-sided. While Kerala energises the INDIA bloc, he noted that Bengal and Assam results boost BJP’s confidence.
