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Shashi Tharoor Labels NDA "Zero-Seat Party" as Kerala Votes in Large Numbers

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has asserted that the BJP-led NDA has no credibility and is a "zero-seat party" in Kerala as voting proceeds across the state. He expressed satisfaction with the high early voter turnout, calling it a positive sign for democracy. Tharoor highlighted the prospects of the Congress-led UDF, hoping for a more comfortable majority than in 2011. He also commented on the Women's Reservation Bill, crediting the Congress and Sonia Gandhi for initiating it.

Key Points: Tharoor: NDA is "Zero-Seat Party" in Kerala Amid High Turnout

  • Tharoor dismisses NDA's Kerala credibility
  • Notes strong early voter turnout
  • Highlights UDF's electoral prospects
  • Comments on Women's Reservation Bill
3 min read

NDA is zero-seat party in Kerala, says Shashi Tharoor as state sees strong voter turnout

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor dismisses NDA's credibility in Kerala polls, highlights strong voter turnout and UDF's prospects. Get the latest updates.

"I certainly don't think... that the NDA is a zero-seat party in Kerala. - Shashi Tharoor"

New Delhi, April 9

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday asserted that the BJP-led NDA has "no credibility" in Kerala, describing it as a "zero-seat party," even as voting got underway across the state with an encouraging turnout.

"I certainly don't think, and I have been making it very clear, that the NDA is a zero-seat party in Kerala. It has no credibility when it comes to any issue of government formation. There are barely two seats out of 140 where they are even considered as viable contenders," Tharoor told IANS after casting his vote.

He expressed satisfaction over the early voter turnout, calling it a positive sign for democracy. "So I've come to vote today in my usual booth, and I'm very pleased to see we've had a very good turnout. This looks like an election where Kerala voters are coming out in large numbers to vote, and that's a very good sign. It means that the people of Kerala are not leaving it to the political activists and cadres to come and decide..." he said.

Highlighting the electoral prospects of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), Tharoor added, "Last time we had an opportunity to run the government in 2011, the people gave us a very, very narrow majority. This time I'm hoping for a better number, a more comfortable basis for our government to make a real difference."

He also dismissed the NDA's presence in the state, saying, "I've been running through the state. I haven't seen very many signs at all of any NDA credible presence. In a couple of constituencies out of 140, people say they have a chance; they're viable. But these are all three-cornered fights where UDF, LDF and NDA are all fighting. So I would not at all assume that the NDA would have any chance even of guaranteed victory anywhere."

Polling is underway across all 140 constituencies in Kerala, with voters turning out in significant numbers, making it one of the most closely-watched elections in the state in recent years.

Meanwhile, Tharoor also commented on the Women's Reservation Bill. He reiterated the Congress party's stance: "We are the ones who initiated it. It was actually Sonia Gandhi who brought the first Women's Reservation Bill during the UPA government. So we want women's reservation - the question is what is the mechanism, what is the change they want to bring? We have seen media rumours; we have not seen the Bill."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Rohit P
While I respect Mr. Tharoor, calling them a "zero-seat party" might be a bit overconfident. They have been making slow inroads. However, the core point stands - Kerala's political landscape is very different from the Hindi heartland. The high voter turnout shows people are engaged.
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Aman W
Good to see high participation. That's what matters most. Whether it's UDF or LDF, we need a stable government that focuses on development and job creation, not just political rhetoric. The NDA factor is exaggerated in national media when it comes to Kerala.
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Sarah B
Interesting analysis. I'm following this election from abroad. Kerala's high literacy and political awareness always make its elections fascinating. Tharoor's point about voters not leaving it to "cadres" is crucial for any healthy democracy.
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Karthik V
The comment on the Women's Reservation Bill is important. It's good he clarified Congress's stance. We need more women in legislatures, regardless of which party brings the bill. Hope all parties support it when it comes.
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Nikhil C
As a young voter in Thiruvananthapuram, I just cast my vote. The queue was long! Tharoor is right about the turnout. About NDA, let's be honest, their campaign here feels more like a formality. The real issue is which front will deliver on promises.

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