Thiruvananthapuram: In the political arena of Thiruvananthapuram, a verbal duel is set to unfold as Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, seeking re-election, has accepted the debate challenge posed by Union Minister and BJP candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar. The challenge, which has sparked a war of words, comes ahead of the highly anticipated Lok Sabha elections.
Tharoor, a seasoned politician and three-time MP from Thiruvananthapuram, didn’t hold back in his response, taking to social media to address the challenge. “Yes, I welcome a debate,” he stated, pointing out that the constituents are well aware of who has previously shied away from such public discourse. Tharoor’s invitation extends to a broad range of pressing issues, including the price hike, unemployment, corruption, communalism, and what he describes as the BJP’s decade-long promotion of divisive politics.
The Congress leader also seeks to highlight the strides made in the district’s development over the past 15 years, urging a discussion on tangible progress.
Chandrasekhar, whose term in the Rajya Sabha concluded on April 2, is eager to transition to the Lok Sabha, marking a new chapter in his political career. He has been vocal about his readiness to engage in a debate centered on ideas, development, and performance track records, as evidenced by a video shared by Tharoor where Chandrasekhar addresses the local media.
The electoral battle in Thiruvananthapuram is further intensified by the presence of CPI veteran Pannyan Raveendran, who will contest against both Chandrasekhar and Tharoor.
Tharoor, an acclaimed author and former international civil servant, made his political debut in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections and has since maintained his hold on the Thiruvananthapuram seat. Currently chairing the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology, he has also served in ministerial roles within the Indian government.
As Kerala gears up for the elections, with voting across all 20 segments scheduled for April 26, part of the seven-phase general elections, the political landscape is rife with anticipation. The outcome of these elections, with the counting set for June 4, will undoubtedly shape the future of the region’s governance and development.
