As the modified minivan, stripped of its roofs and equipped with awnings, arrives in Parassala at the southern tip of Thiruvananthapuram, it is well after 10 PM. The dimly lit road is illuminated by the vehicle’s headlights and emergency lights attached to wooden poles.
This marks the seventeenth and final night of Shashi Tharoor’s extensive tour across Kerala, where he has supported 59 candidates during his journey. Although he entered Thiruvananthapuram on Monday morning, he appears energetic and his voice remains steady, retaining its distinctive gravelly tone.
Although Tharoor, the MP for Thiruvananthapuram, is not running for election himself, he has taken on the role of a prominent figure for the Congress party. His influence is such that Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi requested him to remain in Kerala and forgo his duties in Parliament. Historically, Tharoor has faced mixed feelings from his party members in a state known for its internal divisions. However, he has emerged as a key player in the Congress’s campaign for the 2026 elections.
Even seasoned members of the Congress acknowledge that few leaders in the party possess his level of popularity in the state, often referring to him as “janakeeyan,” meaning Mr. Popular. One party insider remarked, “While there are capable leaders with vision and strategy, none connect with the public like Tharoor. He may be the most beloved Congress figure in Kerala since the late Oommen Chandy.”
Tharoor’s charisma is evident as he mingles with locals. In Puthupally, where he supported Chandy Oommen’s campaign, he participated in a drumming session with chenda players, showcasing his willingness to engage with the community. Saji T S, a young drummer, recounted, “We were nervous, but he kept us at ease. When he accidentally struck one of us with the drumstick, he quickly apologized and made sure we were okay. We’ve never been so close to a minister.”
In Wandoor, Tharoor danced along to a popular Malayalam song with members of the Vanitha League, the women’s division of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). In Kozhikode, he interacted with market vendors. While his performances included moments of levity, they were set against a backdrop of more serious discussions, debates, and speeches.
Throughout his travels across Kerala, which he affectionately refers to as Keralam, Tharoor engaged with voters in various constituencies. He met with representatives of the Kerala diaspora in Kozhikode to address the challenges faced by Malayalis affected by conflicts in West Asia. In other locations, he discussed a range of issues from educational reforms to enhancing tourism and making the state more accessible for individuals with disabilities.
During a stop in Nilambur, Tharoor reflected on the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, stating, “The Centre’s reported withdrawal of the FCRA Amendment Bill cannot be fully trusted. The urgency with which the government is trying to amend the FCRA is puzzling. There is a chance that the Bill may be reintroduced when Parliament reconvenes on the 16th.”
Tharoor has been vocal in his criticisms of the NDA government, often delivering quips rather than harsh criticisms. He humorously noted, “The only account the NDA will open in the state is its own bank account,” and added, “Let’s not forget that the BJP is a zero-seat party in Kerala.”
Even in Parliament, he is respected by opponents like Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who refrains from targeting him. The Left party in Kerala also avoids confrontation with Tharoor. He does not hesitate to hold his own party accountable, recently criticizing Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for his comments regarding the illiteracy of people in Gujarat.
Tharoor demonstrates a unique ability to connect with diverse age groups, engaging in conversations with both seniors and Gen Z individuals. He can discuss a wide range of topics, from The Beatles to Taylor Swift, even sharing an Instagram reel of himself dancing to her song “The Fate of Ophelia.” His campaign has consistently focused on youth engagement across twelve districts. A heartfelt moment arose when an 88-year-old woman in Parassala expressed her emotions upon seeing him wave.
Harish George, a member of the Youth Congress who participated in Tharoor’s roadshows in Kottayam, remarked, “He can discuss any topic. If you mention the rubber industry, he’ll share insights you’ve never encountered, even though we’re in the rubber capital. Talk about cricket, and he’ll provide fascinating anecdotes about his favorite players and matches. He engages with everyone, regardless of their status in the party.”
In a way, Tharoor has brought a fresh style to the party, moving away from the traditional khadi shirts and dhotis to more contemporary kurtas and trendy sunglasses. However, a party insider cautioned, “Whether the party will sideline him after securing votes remains to be seen. Nevertheless, he is resilient and determined, traits essential for effective politicians.”
