Is Shashi Tharoor the Most Preferred CM Candidate in Kerala?
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Synopsis
Shashi Tharoor's recent rise in a pre-poll survey positions him as the frontrunner for Kerala Chief Minister. As tensions with Congress leadership persist, will this survey impact his political future ahead of the 2026 elections?
Key Takeaways
- Shashi Tharoor leads the pre-poll survey with 28.3 percent support.
- The survey indicates a leadership void within the UDF.
- Sunny Joseph, new KPCC president, seeks to downplay Tharoor's survey success.
- Tharoor's relationship with Congress leadership is strained.
- Former Health Minister K.K. Shailaja has notable support in the LDF.
Thiruvananthapuram, July 9 (NationPress) In the midst of a complicated relationship with the Congress high command, prominent leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor has seemingly gained momentum from a recent pre-election survey by Mumbai-based VoteVibe, identifying him as the top contender for the position of Kerala Chief Minister.
Tharoor promptly shared the survey findings on his X account on Wednesday.
The post — apparently shared by a supporter — tagged notable Congress figures, including Rahul Gandhi, K.C. Venugopal, Priyanka Gandhi, and Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan.
The fan's post stated, “@shashitharoor emerges as the top choice for chief ministerial candidate for the 2026 Kerala elections for a fragmented UDF alliance, as highlighted by a recent survey.”
While leading Congress figures in Kerala have yet to publicly respond to this news, the newly appointed president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), Sunny Joseph, attempted to minimize its significance.
He remarked that decisions regarding leadership within Congress are determined only after the election outcomes, emphasizing that there is a formal process in place.
It is well acknowledged in party circles that Tharoor's relationship with the Congress central leadership has been tense since he chose to run against Mallikarjun Kharge in the party presidential election.
The situation deteriorated further when his name was omitted from the list of Congress representatives suggested for the Union government's Operation Sindoor outreach.
In a surprising twist, Prime Minister Narendra Modi later invited Tharoor to lead a delegation to the US and other nations.
Upon his return, Tharoor recognized the differences with the party leadership but expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue if approached.
A four-time MP from Thiruvananthapuram since 2009, Tharoor led the VoteVibe pre-poll survey with 28.3 percent support among the electorate in Kerala. However, the survey also indicated a leadership void within the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), with 27.1 percent of voters remaining undecided about the alliance’s leader.
The leadership crisis appears even more pronounced within the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF). Former Health Minister K.K. Shailaja emerged as the most favorable leader with 24.2 percent support, while current Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan trailed at 17.5 percent.
Point of View
The political landscape in Kerala is shifting, with Shashi Tharoor's popularity indicating possible changes within the Congress party and the UDF alliance. As leadership questions loom, it remains essential for party leaders to engage with the electorate and adapt to evolving sentiments.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the survey say about Tharoor's chances?
The survey conducted by VoteVibe indicates that Shashi Tharoor has received 28.3 percent support from voters, making him the most preferred candidate for Kerala Chief Minister.
How have Congress leaders reacted to the survey?
Top Congress leaders in Kerala have not commented publicly on the survey, but KPCC president Sunny Joseph has downplayed its significance, emphasizing that leadership decisions are made post-elections.
What challenges is Tharoor facing within Congress?
Tharoor's relationship with the Congress central leadership has been strained since he contested the party presidential election against Mallikarjun Kharge, and he was excluded from key party initiatives.
Who else is leading in the political landscape of Kerala?
Within the ruling Left Democratic Front, former Health Minister K.K. Shailaja has emerged as a preferred leader with 24.2 percent support, while current Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has 17.5 percent.
What is the significance of this survey for the UDF?
The survey highlights a leadership vacuum within the UDF, with 27.1 percent of voters undecided about whom they prefer to lead the opposition alliance.
