Shashi Tharoor Dismisses Kerala Chief Minister Speculation, Emphasizes Elected MLA Preference
In a significant development ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has firmly stated that he is not a probable candidate for the chief minister's post. Tharoor, who is not contesting in the polls, asserted that the position should ideally be filled by an elected member of the legislative assembly (MLA).
Tharoor's Role and Campaign Strategy in Kerala Polls
During an exclusive interview, Tharoor described his involvement in the state elections as a "mixed bag" of responsibilities. Since he is not a candidate, he highlighted that he does not need to focus on a specific constituency, allowing him to campaign extensively across Kerala. "I am looking forward to going up and down the length and breadth of the state to campaign," Tharoor remarked, underscoring his commitment to the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) efforts.
He also referenced former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's recent advice to UDF leaders, metaphorically urging them to "dance together." Tharoor praised this as a "good message" and noted that "everyone is dancing together" in unity, despite occasional political ego clashes.
UDF's Electoral Prospects and Tharoor's Views on CM Face
Expressing optimism about the UDF's chances, Tharoor projected that securing between 85 to 100 seats in the 140-member assembly would be favorable. He used a cricketing analogy, suggesting the UDF is bowling "googlies" at the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), which he claims is "on a sticky wicket."
On the topic of projecting a chief ministerial face, Tharoor acknowledged that elections are increasingly presidential in nature. "Personally, I tend to agree that we could have gone that route," he said, referring to the advantage of having a visible leader like incumbent CM Pinarayi Vijayan for the LDF. However, he explained that the Congress traditionally avoids this approach, instead focusing on party agenda and mission. "The Congress has the ability to deliver results not around an individual face but around an agenda, a mission, and the party logo," Tharoor emphasized.
Criticism of Election Schedule and Confidence in UDF Victory
Tharoor expressed surprise at the early poll date of April 9, noting that the Kerala Assembly could have convened until May 23 under the Constitution. "It is quite shocking that it is happening on April 9," he stated, criticizing the Election Commission for allowing only about three weeks of campaigning. He alleged that this schedule appears designed to favor incumbent governments, including the CPM in Kerala, BJP in Assam, and local parties in Puducherry.
Despite these challenges, Tharoor exuded confidence in a UDF victory, citing "10 years of anti-incumbency" against the LDF government. He pointed to financial crises, corruption scandals, and other issues that have disillusioned voters, bolstering the opposition's prospects.
Tharoor's Personal Stance and Campaign Committee Role
When directly asked if he is a CM probable, Tharoor responded, "No and not for all sorts of good reasons, including the fact that I am not a candidate and I think that ideally the CM should be picked from one of the elected MLAs." He clarified that his recent meetings with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi were focused on team efforts, not personal issues, as he is not a candidate in the state election.
As co-chair of the campaign committee, Tharoor detailed his plans to travel across all 14 districts of Kerala, targeting youth, professionals, and special interest groups. "I expect to hit all 14 districts," he said, though he admitted that time constraints may limit more ambitious schemes. His role involves a blend of public events, press conferences, and outreach activities, leveraging his freedom from constituency-specific concerns.
In conclusion, Tharoor reaffirmed the Congress's determination to secure a different outcome from the last two assembly polls, highlighting unity and collective effort as key to success in the upcoming Kerala elections.
