No BJP Factor: Shashi Tharoor To NDTV As Kerala Goes To Polls
Tharoor Confident Ahead of Voting
In Thiruvananthapuram, after casting his vote, senior Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor expressed optimism regarding the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the Kerala Assembly elections. Displaying his inked finger with a thumbs-up, Tharoor stated, “There’s my finger and there’s my thumbs up because we’re going to win,” in an exclusive interview with NDTV. Having campaigned extensively across the state, Tharoor noted that the momentum clearly indicates a potential change in government.
Over the past 18 days, Tharoor visited 59 constituencies across 12 districts. His interactions and observations have led him to believe strongly in the UDF’s victory prospects. While he refrained from specifying exact numbers, Tharoor expressed hope for a “comfortable enough majority” that would enable the UDF to deliver on its promises without constraints imposed by assembly arithmetic.
Voter Turnout as a Key Indicator
Tharoor highlighted the significance of early and high voter turnout as a crucial signal of public sentiment. “If this trend continues and we see a good turnout, it will mean that people are signalling they want to take their destiny into their own hands,” he remarked. He noted that low turnout often indicates organized political factions, whereas high voter participation reflects the involvement of ordinary citizens eager for change.
According to Tharoor, a high turnout represents the electorate asserting their right to influence the outcome, suggesting they are inclined to vote in favor of change. He believes this surge in participation suggests a strong desire among voters for a shift in the political landscape.
Addressing Anti-Incumbency Claims
Tharoor countered the ruling Left Democratic Front’s (LDF) assertion that there is no anti-incumbency sentiment among the electorate. “They are bound to say that. But talk to anybody in the streets of Kerala and you will see there is a great deal of reason to be unhappy,” he asserted. He acknowledged the LDF’s argument that individual MLAs may retain popularity yet dismissed this notion as irrelevant to the broader governance issues.
Tharoor emphasized the necessity of voting against a government perceived as practicing poor governance. He urged voters to recognize that even popular MLAs contribute to a government marked by mismanagement and unfulfilled promises.
Tharoor on BJP’s Limited Impact
Discussing the influence of the BJP in Kerala, Tharoor minimized its importance. “There is no BJP factor. It is a zero-seat party in the Assembly,” he stated. While acknowledging that the BJP might be competitive in a few constituencies, he maintained that there is no significant momentum favoring the party. “Even if there is one or two seats – I am not saying it will happen – how will it make any difference in an Assembly of 140?” he questioned.
Critique of Current Governance
Tharoor attributed the UDF’s election prospects to the discontent with the LDF’s decade-long rule, citing unpopularity due to “acts of commission and omission” and corruption allegations. He referenced the Sabarimala gold controversy as a notable example of government failures and criticized the government for lacking a forward-looking vision.
In contrast, Tharoor described UDF’s focus on innovation, new ideas, and educational reform. He stressed the need for policies that address the concerns of young people leaving Kerala for better opportunities. “We are fighting for them,” he declared, emphasizing that this commitment to the youth would be a pivotal factor in the elections.
Final Appeal to Voters
In concluding his interview, Tharoor urged the electorate to participate in the voting process, stating, “Do your duty and come out and vote. And if you want to see a change in the state, a change for the better, vote for UDF.”
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Tharoor Confident Ahead of VotingIn Thiruvananthapuram, after casting his vote, senior Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor expressed optimism regarding the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the Kerala Assembly elections. Displaying his inked finger with a thumbs-up, Tharoor stated, “There’s my finger and there’s my thumbs up because we’re going to win,” in an exclusive interview with NDTV. Having campaigned extensively across the state, Tharoor noted that the momentum clearly indicates a potential change in government.Over the past 18 days, Tharoor visited 59 constituencies across 12 districts. His interactions and observations have led him to believe strongly in the UDF’s victory prospects. While he refrained from specifying exact numbers, Tharoor expressed hope for a “comfortable enough majority” that would enable the UDF to deliver on its promises without constraints imposed by assembly arithmetic.Voter Turnout as a Key IndicatorTharoor highlighted the significance of early and high voter turnout as a crucial signal of public sentiment. “If this trend continues and we see a good turnout, it will mean that people are signalling they want to take their destiny into their own hands,” he remarked. He noted that low turnout often indicates organized political factions, whereas high voter participation reflects the involvement of ordinary citizens eager for change.According to Tharoor, a high turnout represents the electorate asserting their right to influence the outcome, suggesting they are inclined to vote in favor of change. He believes this surge in participation suggests a strong desire among voters for a shift in the political landscape.Addressing Anti-Incumbency ClaimsTharoor countered the ruling Left Democratic Front’s (LDF) assertion that there is no anti-incumbency sentiment among the electorate. “They are bound to say that. But talk to anybody in the streets of Kerala and you will see there is a great deal of reason to be unhappy,” he asserted. He acknowledged the LDF’s argument that individual MLAs may retain popularity yet dismissed this notion as irrelevant to the broader governance issues.Tharoor emphasized the necessity of voting against a government perceived as practicing poor governance. He urged voters to recognize that even popular MLAs contribute to a government marked by mismanagement and unfulfilled promises.Tharoor on BJP’s Limited ImpactDiscussing the influence of the BJP in Kerala, Tharoor minimized its importance. “There is no BJP factor. It is a zero-seat party in the Assembly,” he stated. While acknowledging that the BJP might be competitive in a few constituencies, he maintained that there is no significant momentum favoring the party. “Even if there is one or two seats – I am not saying it will happen – how will it make any difference in an Assembly of 140?” he questioned.Critique of Current GovernanceTharoor attributed the UDF’s election prospects to the discontent with the LDF’s decade-long rule, citing unpopularity due to “acts of commission and omission” and corruption allegations. He referenced the Sabarimala gold controversy as a notable example of government failures and criticized the government for lacking a forward-looking vision.In contrast, Tharoor described UDF’s focus on innovation, new ideas, and educational reform. He stressed the need for policies that address the concerns of young people leaving Kerala for better opportunities. “We are fighting for them,” he declared, emphasizing that this commitment to the youth would be a pivotal factor in the elections.Final Appeal to VotersIn concluding his interview, Tharoor urged the electorate to participate in the voting process, stating, “Do your duty and come out and vote. And if you want to see a change in the state, a change for the better, vote for UDF.”
