'UDF will come to power': Congress MP Shashi Tharoor cites strong 'anti-incumbency' mood in Kerala ahead of assembly polls

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday expressed confidence that the United Democratic Front (UDF) is poised to form the next government in Kerala, pointing to strong anti-incumbency sentiment among voters.Speaking about his campaign experiences across the state, Tharoor said, "I participated in campaigns across 59 constituencies in Keralam. The UDF will come to power in Keralam. There is a feeling of anti-incumbency among the people. I could understand this directly through my campaign visits across constituencies." He added that his remarks were not aimed at attacking any individual politician, but rather reflected the public's assessment of the current government's performance. "Personally, I am not someone who plays politics targeting individuals. I am not speaking against individuals, but there is a strong sentiment among the people against the government," he said.Tharoor also drew attention to delays in government projects, noting the gap between planned timelines and actual completion. “Have you seen the government’s progress report? Projects slated for completion in five years took ten years,” he said.Earlier on Sunday, he emphasized the strong enthusiasm of local voters and highlighted the difficulties faced by non-resident Indians (NRIs) in casting their ballots. "Normally, they charter entire planes and come, but in today's climate, that's not possible. Their vote is influential but not decisive. It's the mass of our people staying here who matter," he said, adding, "Ultimately, people want change, and we expect to win."Tharoor also dismissed the role of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the polls. "They are a zero-seat party. The real contest is between LDF and UDF. People should vote for positive change and UDF," he added.Tharoor’s remarks come amid intensified campaigning in Kerala ahead of the 2026 state Legislative Assembly elections, with polling scheduled for April 9 and counting on May 4. The current Assembly’s tenure ends on May 23.The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is aiming to unseat the incumbent CPI(M)-led LDF government in the 140-member Assembly. The LDF has held power in the state for nearly a decade.(With agency inputs)