Tharoor declares final Lok Sabha run, commits to remain active in politics

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: MP Shashi Tharoor has stated that the upcoming Lok Sabha election in Thiruvananthapuram will be his final contest for the seat. He affirmed his intention to remain active in politics but not to run for Lok Sabha again. Tharoor expressed his eagerness to engage in discussions on various important issues that will arise during the next five years in the Lok Sabha, aiming to clarify his positions.

Tharoor clarified that the electoral contest in Kerala revolves around the LDF and UDF, denying any accusations against NDA candidate and Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar. He attributed the controversy surrounding his statements to misinterpretation.

Regarding voting patterns, Tharoor expressed doubt that Christians would support the BJP, noting their discontent over the Manipur issue. This marks Tharoor's fourth bid for the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha seat, having previously won against the CPI in 2009 and secured victory three times subsequently. The current election sees a robust triangular competition, with former MP Pannyan Ravindran and Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar challenging Tharoor.