Shashi Tharoor’s Winning Streak in Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha Seat Targeted by BJP

Former Union Minister and Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha seat Shashi Tharoor is facing controversy over his poll affidavit, with the senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader highlighting a significant decrease in his taxable income for the fiscal year 2021/22. Despite this, he is striving to win in a state that is known to be unfavorable towards the politics of the BJP.

Meanwhile, Mr. Tharoor, who has secured a hat-trick of wins, remains confident. He emphasized his strong position and record in the 2019 elections, where he achieved a significant victory by polling over four lakh votes and more than 40 percent of the vote share.

In the upcoming elections, the Communist Party of India (CPI), a part of the ruling Left Democratic Front, has nominated 78-year-old veteran Pannyan Raveendran as their candidate for Thiruvananthapuram. This decision has raised eyebrows as the CPI is considered part of the Congress-led opposition bloc.

However, the Congress downplays the significance of this move, emphasizing that it is not unusual for group partners to contest against each other in different states, particularly in Kerala. Mr. Raveendran’s nomination aims to communicate a distinct political message to voters, as he differs greatly from his rivals despite being on opposite ends of the political spectrum.

His background and aversion to the trappings of a politician’s life set him apart from other candidates. Furthermore, Thiruvananthapuram is not the only Kerala seat featuring an INDIA vs INDIA contest, as the Wayanad constituency also has a similar scenario.

These seats, including Thiruvananthapuram, serve as a significant test for the CPI, which has experienced a decline in votes over the recent elections. The BJP hopes to capitalize on the fallout of the INDIA squabble and enhance its groundwork to win its first-ever Lok Sabha seat from the state.

Looking towards the 2024 elections, the BJP aims for nationwide success and is targeting seats in all states, including Kerala and neighboring Tamil Nadu. Despite the hostility faced by the party in these regions, it continues to strive for growth and representation in these areas.