With the Lok Sabha elections just a few weeks away, Shashi Tharoor, the Congress MP and the party’s candidate for Thiruvananthapuram has begun his campaign by participating in a Palm Sunday event.
Palm Sunday holds significance for Christians as it marks Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey for the Passover celebration. Tharoor, speaking to ANI on Sunday, highlighted the importance of this week in Christianity, which includes events like Jesus’ last supper, betrayal, arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection.
Scheduled for April 26, the Lok Sabha elections in Kerala are poised to witness a keenly contested battle. Tharoor, the incumbent MP from Thiruvananthapuram, faces Union Minister Rajeev Chandrashekhar in the electoral fray. Chandrasekhar, having recently concluded his term in the Rajya Sabha, is now venturing into Lok Sabha elections for the first time.
Tharoor’s formidable opponent in this electoral battle is Rajeev Chandrashekhar, a suave politician and former top diplomat who has represented Thiruvananthapuram in the Lower House of Parliament for the past 15 years.
Adding to the electoral dynamics, the ruling Left front has nominated Pannyan Raveendran, representing the CPI, as its candidate in Thiruvananthapuram. This move underscores the Left’s determination to contest fiercely in the constituency.
Tharoor has expressed concerns over the Left’s decision to field a candidate in Thiruvananthapuram, accusing them of indirectly aiding the BJP by splitting the Opposition vote share. In response, the CPI defended its decision, emphasizing the importance of coalition politics.
Furthermore, the CPI expressed displeasure over the Congress fielding Rahul Gandhi from Wayanad again, stating that as a national leader, Gandhi should have contested a seat directly against the BJP. This move reflects the intricacies and strategic calculations at play within the Opposition camp.
In the 2019 general elections, Tharoor emerged victorious with a significant vote share, defeating his BJP and CPI counterparts. His electoral success underscores his popularity and support base in Thiruvananthapuram.
Notably, Kerala, with its 20 Lok Sabha seats, plays a crucial role in national politics. Despite the BJP’s efforts, the party is yet to secure a seat in the Lower House from the southern state, reflecting the dominance of regional parties.
The Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency comprises six Assembly segments, each with its unique demographic and political dynamics. As the election date approaches, the political landscape in Kerala is set to witness intense campaigning and electoral strategies from all parties vying for victory.
