THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BJP state chief K Surendran said no big leaders like Narendra Modi are needed to defeat Shashi Tharoor in Thiruvananthapuram in the next Lok Sabha elections. Surendran said that even if a local BJP leader contests in Kerala, Tharoor will lose.

Tharoor had the other day said in a special interview that even if Narendra Modi comes and contests, cannot defeat him. K Surendran came forward responding to it. Surendran added that they are not worried about the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha seat and whoever contests, Tharoor will be defeated.

He stated that the BJP will continue their efforts to get closer to the Christian community and if the Wayanad seat is vacated by the BDJS, the BJP will field a strong candidate there.

Meantime, Shashi Tharoor had stated yesterday that he is interested in contesting from Thiruvananthapuram. However, he added that the final decision should be taken by the party. 'The people have seen my service and me too. They know all my qualities, abilities and inabilities. If they feel that it is enough, they have the right to change their MP,' said Tharoor.