Shashi Tharoor's Bipartisan Praise: Hails UDF Sweep, Applauds BJP's Historic Win

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor struck a notably bipartisan tone while reacting to the Kerala local body election results. He hailed the Congress-led UDF's sweeping gains across the state as a massive endorsement ahead of next year's Assembly polls. At the same time, he openly praised the BJP's historic performance in winning the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. Tharoor's remarks are likely to spark political discussion given his recent praise for PM Modi and his willingness to appreciate a BJP victory.

Key Points: Shashi Tharoor Reacts to Kerala Local Body Poll Results

  • Tharoor described the election outcome as a clear mandate reflecting Kerala's democratic spirit
  • He attributed UDF's gains to hard work and anti-incumbency against the ruling Left Front
  • Tharoor offered congratulations for the BJP's historic win in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation
  • His bipartisan remarks may spark internal discussion within the Congress party
2 min read

Kerala local body polls: Tharoor hails UDF sweep, applauds BJP's historic win in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor congratulates UDF for sweeping Kerala local polls while also praising the BJP's historic victory in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.

"That is the beauty of democracy. - Shashi Tharoor"

Thiruvananthapuram Dec 13

Thiruvananthapuram Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday struck a notably bipartisan tone while reacting to the Kerala local body election results, congratulating the Congress-led UDF for its sweeping gains across the state even as he openly praised the BJP's historic performance in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.

Tharoor's remarks have drawn attention, coming amid his recent praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his presence at the official dinner hosted for visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin -- an event not attended by senior Congress leaders, including Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and the party president, Mallikarjun Kharge.

In a long post on X, Tharoor described the election outcome as "a day of amazing results," saying the mandate was clear and reflected the democratic spirit of Kerala.

Congratulating the UDF on what he called a "truly impressive win" across various local bodies, Tharoor said the results were a "massive endorsement" and a strong signal ahead of the next year's Assembly elections.

He attributed the improved performance compared to 2020 to hard work, a clear political message, and strong anti-incumbency against the ruling Left, which has governed the State since 2016.

At the same time, Tharoor acknowledged the BJP's breakthrough in the capital city, offering "humble congratulations" for its significant victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. He termed the BJP's showing "historic" and said it marked a notable shift in the political landscape of the State capital.

Significantly, Tharoor pointed out that he had campaigned for a change from what he described as "45 years of LDF misrule," but noted that voters in his constituency had ultimately rewarded another party that also promised a clear change in governance.

"That is the beauty of democracy," he said, adding that the people's verdict must be respected -- whether it favoured the UDF statewide or the BJP in Thiruvananthapuram.

Tharoor's comment is likely to spark political discussion within Congress circles, given his willingness to publicly appreciate a BJP victory at a time of heightened partisan contestation.

He reaffirmed his commitment to work for the betterment of Kerala, advocate for people's needs, and uphold principles of good governance. "We will continue to work for the betterment of Kerala, advocating for the people's needs and upholding the principles of good governance. Onwards and upwards!" he said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
As a resident of Thiruvananthapuram, the BJP's win here is indeed historic. For decades it was LDF vs UDF. People were fed up with the status quo and wanted a third option for development. Tharoor acknowledging this shows he's in touch with ground reality.
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Aman W
I appreciate the bipartisan tone, but isn't this a bit risky for him within the Congress? His party workers campaigned hard against the BJP, and now he's congratulating them. It might create confusion among the cadre. Strategy should be clear.
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Sarah B
The real story is the UDF sweep across Kerala! The anti-incumbency against the LDF government is very strong. This is a clear warning before the Assembly elections. Tharoor is right to focus on that bigger picture.
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Vikram M
"45 years of LDF misrule" – Tharoor said it! Finally someone calls out the long-standing issues in our capital's civic body. Whether it's UDF or BJP, any change from the Left's incompetence is welcome. Hope the new corporation actually fixes the roads and waste management.
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Kavya N
His recent actions – praising PM Modi, attending the Putin dinner, now this – make you wonder. Is he preparing for a different political future? Or is he genuinely trying to rise above petty politics? Only time will tell. But it's definitely interesting to watch!

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