‘Historic performance of the BJP’: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor lauds saffron party’s performance in Kerala

UDF leads in Kerala local body elections

KOTTAYAM: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor welcomed the Kerala local body election results on Saturday, acknowledging the BJP’s historic victory in Thiruvananthapuram city corporation. The counting of votes began at 8am across 244 counting centres under tight security arrangements.The latest trends released by the State Election Commission show UDF leading in 3155 wards, while the Left Democratic Front is ahead in 2565 wards. The NDA, led by the BJP, is leading in 577 wards, with others leading in 532 wards.“What a day of amazing results in the Kerala local self-government elections! The mandate is clear, and the democratic spirit of the state shines through,” Shashi Tharoor wrote on X.“A huge congratulations to UDF Kerala for a truly impressive win across various local bodies! This is a massive endorsement and a powerful signal ahead of the state legislative elections. Hard work, a strong message and anti-incumbency have all clearly paid off to achieve a much better result than in 2020.” he added.He wrote, “I also want to acknowledge the historic performance of the BJP in Thiruvananthapuram, and offer humble congratulations on their significant victory in the city Corporation — a strong showing that marks a notable shift in the capital’s political landscape. I campaigned for a change from 45 years of LDF misrule, but the voters have ultimately rewarded another party that also sought a clear change in governance.”He added, “That is the beauty of democracy. The people’s verdict must be respected, whether for the UDF overall or for the BJP in my constituency.”Tharoor attributed the UDF’s impressive showing to hard work, a strong political message, and anti-incumbency sentiment, noting significant improvement from their 2020 local body poll performance.The Congress MP also recognised the BJP’s breakthrough in the state capital, congratulating them on their significant victory in the Thiruvananthapuram city corporation. He mentioned that while he had campaigned for change from LDF rule, voters chose a different alternative for governance change.UDF party workers gathered outside Maharaja’s College in Kochi, one of the key counting centres in Ernakulam district, celebrating with slogans of “UDF Zindabad,” waving party flags, and dancing to drumbeats.The latest figures indicate a considerable advantage for the UDF compared to earlier trends, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas.