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In the 101-member Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, the BJP secured 50 wards, while the LDF won 29, the UDF 19, and independent candidates claimed two.
Senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. (Image: PTI)
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Saturday welcomed the Kerala local body election results, congratulating the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) for its sweeping gains across the State and openly applauding the BJP for its “historic” victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation polls.
In a post on X, the Thiruvananthapuram MP described the outcome as “a day of amazing results,” saying the verdict reflected the democratic spirit of Kerala.
He termed the UDF’s performance a “truly impressive win” and said it amounted to a massive endorsement of the front ahead of next year’s Assembly elections.
“A huge congratulations to @UDFKerala 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 said in a post on X.
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.A huge congratulations to @UDFKerala for a truly impressive win across various local bodies! This is a massive endorsement…
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 13, 2025
Tharoor attributed the UDF’s improved performance compared to the 2020 local body polls to sustained hard work, a clear political message and strong anti-incumbency sentiment against the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF).
The Congress leader also acknowledged the BJP’s breakthrough in the capital city, offering “humble congratulations” for its significant victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. Calling the BJP’s performance “historic,” he said it marked a notable shift in the political landscape of the capital city.
In the 101-member corporation, the BJP secured 50 wards, while the LDF won 29, the UDF 19, and independent candidates claimed two.
“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 said.
He said that while he had campaigned for change from “45 years of LDF misrule,” voters in his parliamentary constituency ultimately chose another party that also promised a decisive change in governance.
“That is the beauty of democracy,” Tharoor said, adding that the people’s verdict must be respected, whether it favoured the UDF across Kerala or the BJP in Thiruvananthapuram.
Tharoor also reaffirmed his commitment to work for the betterment of Kerala, advocate for people’s needs, and uphold principles of good governance. “We will continue to work for the betterment of Kerala, advocating for the people’s needs and upholding the principles of good governance. Onwards and upwards!” he concluded.
Tharoor’s praise for the BJP has drawn attention within political circles, coming amid his recent praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his presence at the official dinner hosted for visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin — an event not attended by senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge.
Tharoor has long been making overtures to the BJP for over a year. He recently led a multi-party delegation to relevant world capitals to highlight India’s stand against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and its zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism following Operation Sindoor.
He had emerged as one of the most articulate voices to present India’s position during Operation Sindoor as well as its diplomatic offensive against Pakistan at the global stage following the Pahalgam attack.
The senior Congress leader has often publicly backed PM Modi at several occasions. Earlier in June this year, Tharoor, in an article, remarked that PM Modi’s energy, dynamism and willingness to engage remain a “prime asset” for India on the global stage but deserve greater backing.
Tharoor said the diplomatic outreach following ‘Operation Sindoor’ was a moment of national resolve and effective communication.
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December 13, 2025, 16:44 IST
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