The recent reconciliation between Shashi Tharoor and the Congress leadership has injected significant momentum into the party in Kerala, just before the upcoming assembly elections scheduled for April and May.
Tharoor’s discussions with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi have resolved weeks of speculation regarding his strained relationship with the party, marking the end of what some within Congress labeled an “awkward episode.” This development positions Tharoor as a key figure in the campaign for the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).
Strategic Timing of Unity
The timing of this reconciliation is crucial as the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) faces challenges related to incumbency and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is exploring opportunities for expansion in the state. The reestablishment of cohesion within the party strengthens the UDF’s position.
Tharoor had expressed dissatisfaction over perceived sidelining by Rahul Gandhi at a recent event, which had the potential to magnify existing factional disputes within Congress. This unity enhances the party’s image and helps alleviate any concerns from its allies, notably given the previous remarks by Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) chief Sadiq Ali Thangal regarding internal conflicts.
Electoral Significance
Historically, Kerala has oscillated between the UDF and the LDF every five years. However, in the 2021 elections, the LDF’s performance saw them secure a second consecutive term, increasing their seats from 91 in 2016 to 99, while the UDF’s count decreased from 47 to 41. Tharoor’s appeal, particularly among educated and first-time voters, could prove beneficial for the UDF, especially as urban centres continue to play a critical role in electoral outcomes in 2026.
Tharoor’s Voter Appeal and Campaign Role
In the 2021 assembly elections, the LDF capitalized largely on gains in the Travancore region, where Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and adjacent districts traditionally experience significant electoral variability. In that context, Tharoor’s role in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections becomes significant as he has successfully captured the seat multiple times, even competing against BJP’s Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar. His victories underscore his connection with voters in an evolving political landscape.
Impact on Party Narrative and Rival Dynamics
Tharoor’s involvement in the campaign is expected to counteract narratives from both the LDF and the BJP. The BJP has leveraged Congress’s internal discord to position itself as a stable alternative. Tharoor’s presence is likely to neutralize claims of chaos within Congress, particularly crucial since the BJP recently recorded a win in the Thiruvananthapuram municipal corporation, signifying urban engagement.
Positioning for Future Elections
This reconciliation serves to mitigate risks associated with potential shifts in allegiance and reinforces Tharoor’s commitment to the Congress campaign. The effort to restore unity reflects an understanding of past electoral missteps, ensuring the party remains strategically poised to capitalize on anti-incumbency sentiments. The coherence brought by the Tharoor-Congress alliance presents an opportunity for the UDF to reclaim influence after years of LDF governance, enhancing its prospects as the electoral landscape approaches a critical juncture.