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Shashi Tharoor Sees Positive UDF Trend, Calls BJP Vote "Wasted" in Kerala

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has expressed confidence in the United Democratic Front's campaign, noting a positive trend on the ground ahead of the Kerala assembly polls. He urged voters to support the UDF, calling a vote for the BJP a wasted vote as the real contest is between the UDF and the ruling Left Democratic Front. His colleague, Imran Pratapgarhi, claimed a strong wave for change and cited public anger against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's decade-long government. The state, which traditionally alternates power, will vote on April 9, with the LDF seeking a third consecutive term.

Key Points: Tharoor Confident in UDF, Says Kerala Fight is UDF vs LDF

  • Tharoor sees positive trend for UDF
  • Calls BJP vote "wasted" in Kerala
  • Real contest is UDF vs ruling LDF
  • Colleague cites anger against Vijayan govt
  • Polling scheduled for April 9
2 min read

Positive trend in favour of UDF: Sashi Tharoor ahead of Keralam Polls

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor sees a favourable trend for UDF in Kerala polls, calls a vote for BJP a "wasted vote," stating the real contest is with LDF.

Positive trend in favour of UDF: Sashi Tharoor ahead of Keralam Polls
"The real fight is between the UDF and the LDF. So a vote for BJP is a wasted vote...Vote for the UDF. - Shashi Tharoor"

Kottayam, March 31

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday expressed confidence in the United Democratic Front, stating that the alliance is witnessing a favourable trend on the ground, which might have a considerable impact in the upcoming Keralam assembly polls.

Speaking to ANI, Tharoor said while campaigning in Kottayam, "The campaign is going very well, and I am seeing a positive trend in favour of the UDF."

He urged voters in Keralam to cast their ballots for the United Democratic Front (UDF), calling a vote for the BJP a "wasted vote." Tharoor emphasised that the real contest in Kerala is between the UDF and the LDF.

Speaking to ANI in Kollam, Tharoor said, "My focus is on the Kerala state election. My colleagues in Assam, Bengal, and Tamil Nadu are all campaigning...In Kerala, people are looking for change. The BJP is not an irrelevant factor in the state...The real fight is between the UDF and the LDF. So a vote for BJP is a wasted vote...Vote for the UDF."

Earlier today, Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi claimed that there is a strong wave of change in Keralam, asserting that the United Democratic Front (UDF) is witnessing a favourable atmosphere ahead of upcoming political developments in the state.

Speaking to ANI, Pratapgarhi said, "The people in Keralam want change, and there is a great atmosphere for the UDF. There is a lot of anger among the people against the ten years of the Pinarayi Vijayan government."

He further alleged issues such as the Sabarimala gold theft controversy and claimed an "internal nexus" between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vijayan.

Targeting the BJP, the Congress leader added, "A showroom of Rahul Gandhi's 'Mohabbat Ki Dukan' is about to open up here. BJP will not be able to open its account in Keralam."

The polling for Keralam Assembly elections will be held in a single phase on April 9, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4.

Keralam has traditionally followed an alternating pattern of governance, switching between the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) every five years since 1982. This trend was broken in 2021 when the LDF, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, was re-elected for a second consecutive term.

While the LDF and the UDF are frontrunners in the polls, the BJP will attempt to make a mark after its historic win in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation elections.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

M
Meera T
While I respect Mr. Tharoor, calling any vote a "wasted vote" is not the spirit of democracy. Every citizen has the right to choose who they believe in. The focus should be on what UDF will do differently, not just on criticising others. 🤔
R
Rohit P
The alternating trend was broken last time, so anything is possible! But the anger against the current government is real - from Sabarimala to everyday issues. If UDF can present a strong, united front, they have a good chance. Fingers crossed! 🙏
A
Anjali F
As a Keralite, I feel this election is crucial. We need stability and development, not just alternating governments. Both LDF and UDF have had their chances. Maybe a strong third front isn't such a bad idea? But Tharoor's point about the direct fight is technically correct for now.
D
David E
Following Kerala politics from outside. The 'wasted vote' argument is a classic tactical voting pitch. Interesting to see if the BJP can break its duck after the local body wins. Tharoor is a smart campaigner, his confidence suggests internal surveys are positive.
P
Priyanka N
"Mohabbat Ki Dukan" vs. the usual political rhetoric. I appreciate that! But beyond slogans, we need concrete plans for unemployment, healthcare, and women's safety. Hope the positive trend translates into a responsible government. 🇮🇳

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