Senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor may be planning to become the chief ministerial face of the United Democratic Front (UDF) for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections in 2026. A recent survey has shown that he is the top choice among UDF supporters.
Tharoor shared the survey on social media, which was conducted by an independent agency called Vote Vibe. According to the survey, 28.3% of the respondents want Tharoor as the next chief minister from the UDF.
The survey also showed that there is strong anti-incumbency in Kerala, where the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, has been in power for two terms. Kerala will go to polls in May next year, and the Congress-led UDF will try to stop the LDF from winning a third term.
Among male respondents, 30% supported Tharoor, while 27% of female respondents preferred him. He got more support from older voters (above 55 years) at 34.2%, while his support among the 18-24 age group was 20.3%.
Tharoor’s relationship with Congress leadership
Tharoor’s growing popularity comes at a time when his relationship with the Congress leadership has become tense. This happened because he praised the Kerala government’s new industrial policy, which angered some of his party colleagues. He has also publicly supported some policies of the central government, which caused further disagreements within the Congress.
Survey shows trouble for Pinarayi Vijayan
On the other side, only 17.5% of respondents want Pinarayi Vijayan to return as CM. Interestingly, former Health Minister KK Shailaja, known for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, was the top LDF choice with 24.2% support from the people.
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