Thiruvananthapuram- As election fervor sweeps through Kerala's capital city, incumbent Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor finds himself amidst a wave of admiration from the younger demographic. Despite the transient nature of political engagement, Tharoor's ongoing campaign trail has become a platform for heartfelt interactions, particularly with children who have expressed their support in endearing gestures.
Over the past week, Tharoor has received letters from two young constituents during his 'Paryadanam,' a journey around his constituency aimed at connecting with voters on a personal level. Sharing the touching moments on his Twitter handle, Tharoor expressed his gratitude and joy at receiving the heartfelt messages from the children.
In a recent tweet, Tharoor shared, "Another pleasant encounter with an even younger supporter who handed me a neatly folded letter along with a flower at one of the brief stops of the Paryadanam today." He continued, "Thank you little Joann for your kind words and this sweet gesture. Your support in this journey means a lot!"
This isn't the first instance of Tharoor's interaction with young supporters. On April 17, he shared another heartfelt moment, revealing, "During the Paryadanam tonight, a child came up to me at one of the stops and solemnly, silently, handed me this letter and flower." Despite the absence of contact information, Tharoor expressed his gratitude for the genuine and warm gesture from the young supporter.
As the electoral arena in Thiruvananthapuram becomes the focal point of political fervor, the stage is set for a triangular clash between incumbent MP Tharoor, Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) candidate, Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and LDF's Pannian Raveendran.
With the stakes high and anticipation mounting, the battle for Thiruvananthapuram has captured the attention of observers across Kerala. Chandrasekhar enters the fray with the aim of challenging the Congress stronghold in Thiruvananthapuram, seeking to capitalize on the shifting political dynamics in the region.
Tharoor's political trajectory has been marred by persistent controversies.
From his expulsion from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s government in 2010 to the tumultuous circumstances surrounding the death of his third wife, Sunanda Pushkar, Tharoor's political journey has been marked by trials and tribulations.
Notably, in August 2021, a Delhi court exonerated Tharoor of charges under sections 498A and 306 of the Indian Penal Code related to Pushkar's death, providing him with a clean chit.
The latest controversy revolves around allegations of orchestrating a false campaign against Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar. According to reports from PTI, Tharoor has been booked based on a complaint filed by Bharatiya Janata Party leader JR Padmakumar. The complaint accuses Tharoor of making defamatory statements against Chandrasekhar during a televised program, specifically alleging that Chandrasekhar influenced voters in coastal regions during general elections.
Tharoor faces charges under Indian Penal Code Sections 171-G and 500, as well as section 65 of the Information Technology Act. Section 171-G deals with disseminating false statements related to elections, while Section 500 addresses the legal ramifications of defamation.
In a scathing social media post, a BJP leader condemned Shashi Tharoor for tarnishing the reputation of religious and community organizations in the state capital with baseless allegations, vowing to combat the slander through legal avenues.
The BJP further lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against the Congress MP. Responding to the complaint, the Election Commission reprimanded Tharoor on April 14 for allegedly making unverified accusations against Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
Thiruvananthapuram Sub-Collector Aswathy Sreenivas, also serving as the district’s nodal officer for the Model Code of Conduct, issued a stern warning to Tharoor, cautioning him against making unverified claims in the future.
Tharoor's campaign emphasizes his track record of responsiveness and advocacy on behalf of the people of Thiruvananthapuram. He projects himself as a familiar face, a trusted representative who has consistently addressed the concerns of his constituents.
On the other hand, Chandrasekhar brings to the table his party's vision for the constituency, promising development and change. With the BJP eyeing Thiruvananthapuram as a potential breakthrough in Kerala, Chandrasekhar's candidacy symbolizes the party's ambition to expand its footprint in the state.
One of Shashi Tharoor's statement has also sparked ire from the Left wing, with the Left Democratic Front (LDF) strongly criticizing the United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate for Thiruvananthapuram. Tharoor's implication that his main rival is Rajeev Chandrasekhar of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), while suggesting that LDF's Pannian Raveendran has minimal prospects in the election, has drawn sharp rebuke.
Tharoor's assertion of a two-way battle between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), dismissing the LDF's impact, has been met with condemnation from LDF representatives.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister G.R. Anil and Kazhakuttom MLA Kadakampally Surendran criticized Tharoor's remarks as arrogant and disrespectful towards Raveendran, who they emphasized has been a stalwart advocate for the people of Thiruvananthapuram for over four decades. They asserted that the electorate will deliver a fitting response to Tharoor's dismissal of Raveendran's candidacy.
Shashi Tharoor stands out from his fellow Members of Parliament due to a combination of factors that reflect his unique approach to governance and public service.
His victory in the 2009 Indian General elections, despite initial skepticism labeling him as an "elite outsider," underscored his ability to connect with and garner support from constituents in Thiruvananthapuram.
Tharoor's tenure as Minister of State for External Affairs showcased his diplomatic acumen and vision for revitalizing India's relationships with African nations and Francophone countries, leveraging his fluency in French to great effect.
Additionally, Tharoor's embrace of social media as a tool for political engagement and communication set him apart as a pioneer in digital diplomacy, earning him widespread recognition and making him India's most-followed politician on Twitter at one point.
Moreover, his commitment to transparency and accountability as an elected representative is evident in his groundbreaking practice of issuing annual reports on his work as an MP, setting a precedent for accountability in Indian politics. Tharoor's multifaceted approach to governance, characterized by diplomacy, technological innovation, and accountability, distinguishes him as a dynamic and forward-thinking leader among his peers in the Indian Parliament.
Shashi Tharoor's prominence extends beyond the political realm, as he is renowned for his captivating oratory skills and intellectual prowess. His speeches, widely disseminated on online platforms like YouTube, have garnered millions of views, indicative of his ability to engage and inspire audiences worldwide.
The Mooknayak spoke to Kaniyapuram resident Srikumar, a retired railway employee, who emphasized that despite a Hindu-majority population, the seat remains a stronghold of the Congress party.
According to Srikumar, urban voters prioritize development, accountability, and awareness. He speculated that Shashi Tharoor's wit, humor, and intellect contribute to his popularity, and he is likely to navigate through the upcoming election successfully.
Tharoor's deep understanding of a diverse array of subjects, spanning economics, history, governance, and geopolitics, stems from his distinguished educational background and extensive experience at the United Nations.
Beyond his scholarly pursuits and political endeavors, Tharoor's versatility was demonstrated through a one-off stand-up act as part of the Amazon Prime Video series One Mic Stand, showcasing his willingness to engage with different forms of expression and entertainment.
Sathish Kumar, a second-year student at a private college in Neyyattinkara, expressed admiration for Shashi Tharoor's demeanor and mannerisms, noting their undeniable appeal. According to Sathish, when Tharoor speaks and presents logical arguments for why he should be elected to power, people are left captivated and speechless.
Overall, Tharoor's blend of wit, charm, humor, and intellectual depth has earned him widespread admiration and respect, both domestically and internationally, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in contemporary Indian discourse.
Thiruvananthapuram constituency, one of the 20 parliamentary constituencies in Kerala, holds significant demographic diversity. According to the 2011 census, it boasts a population of 1,703,709 individuals, with a notable urban majority comprising 72.17% of the populace. Scheduled castes (SC) and Scheduled tribes (ST) constitute 9.82% and 0.45% of the total population, respectively.
Furthermore, Thiruvananthapuram district exhibits a religious demography wherein Hindus constitute 66.46%, Christians account for 19.1%, and Muslims represent 13.72% of the population.
Historically, voter turnout in Thiruvananthapuram has been robust, with the 2019 Lok Sabha election witnessing a turnout of 73.45%, indicating a steady increase from the 68.63% and 65.74% recorded in the 2014 and 2009 elections, respectively.
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