THIRUVANANTHAPURAM — Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has asserted that the strong voter turnout in the ongoing Kerala Assembly elections indicates a public appetite for change, which he believes will benefit the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). He stated this on Thursday, April 9, 2026, suggesting that high participation implies voters are signalling a desire to replace the incumbent Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, which has been in power for a decade.
The core of Tharoor's argument hinges on the interpretation of voter engagement as a direct proxy for anti-incumbency sentiment, translating into a UDF victory.
Tharoor, who has extensively campaigned across 55 constituencies in Kerala, emphasized that the election is primarily a contest between the UDF and the LDF. He dismissed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a significant factor in government formation, stating their national appeal does not translate into state-level gains in Kerala. He also suggested that any perceived understanding between the CPI(M) and the BJP would not resonate with the electorate.
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In recent public statements and campaign rallies, Tharoor has consistently expressed confidence in the UDF's ability to secure a majority. He has pointed to public concerns over issues such as inflation and reported losses of gold from Sabarimala as indicators of discontent with the current government.
While ruling himself out as a candidate for the Chief Minister's post, Tharoor indicated that the Congress High Command would make such decisions, considering the views of elected MLAs. He projected that the UDF could win between 85 to 100 seats in the 140-member Assembly.
The election is scheduled for a single phase on April 9, 2026, with vote counting set for May 4, 2026. The current Assembly's term concludes on May 23, 2026.
