**Shashi Tharoor Positions Himself as UDF Chief Ministerial Candidate for Kerala Elections**
In a significant political development, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor appears to be positioning himself as the chief ministerial candidate for the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the upcoming Kerala elections. This speculation arises from Tharoor’s recent sharing of a survey conducted by the independent agency Vote Vibe, which indicates strong support for him as the UDF’s front-runner for the top post. The survey highlights a notable anti-incumbency sentiment in the state, with Tharoor being favored by 28.3% of respondents.
Kerala is set to hold elections in May next year, and the Congress-led UDF is eager to prevent the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, from securing a third consecutive term. The survey results reveal that Tharoor garners 30% support from male respondents, while 27% of female respondents prefer him. Notably, he enjoys greater backing among older voters, particularly those aged over 55, where his support reaches 34.2%. Among younger voters aged 18-24, his support stands at 20.3%.
Tharoor’s aspirations come at a time when his relationship with the Congress leadership has faced challenges, particularly following his public endorsements of certain central government policies. Earlier this year, his praise for the Kerala government’s new industrial policy drew criticism from colleagues within the party.
The survey also suggests challenging times ahead for Chief Minister Vijayan, with only 17.5% of respondents expressing support for him as the chief ministerial candidate for the 2026 elections. In contrast, former Health Minister KK Shailaja, recognized for her leadership during the Covid pandemic, emerged as the preferred choice among LDF supporters, receiving 24.2% backing.
As the political landscape in Kerala evolves, all eyes will be on Tharoor and the UDF as they prepare for the upcoming elections, aiming to capitalize on the prevailing anti-incumbency sentiment.
**FAQ**
**Q: What is the significance of the recent survey for Shashi Tharoor?**
A: The survey indicates strong support for Shashi Tharoor as the UDF’s chief ministerial candidate, reflecting a potential shift in voter sentiment ahead of the Kerala elections.