Tharoor declines additional campaign requests in Kerala, cites ECI time limits

Thiruvananthapuram, April 4 (IANS) Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said he has been inundated with requests from people in Kerala to visit Beypore and campaign, but expressed regret at being unable to accommodate additional engagements, citing time constraints set by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

“Thank you. We are inundated with such requests. But our route was drawn up after wide consultations and I am covering five or six constituencies a day already. Cannot add anything without cancelling something else. Truly sorry to disappoint so many colleagues but this is all the time the ECI allotted for the campaign!” he posted on X.

His response came after an X user urged him to visit Beypore, stating that his presence would provide a significant boost to UDF workers in the constituency.

Earlier in the day, after his convoy was allegedly blocked and a member of his security team assaulted in Kerala’s Malappuram district, Tharoor said that he was safe and expressed gratitude for the concern shown by supporters.

“Truly touched by all the messages and calls expressing concern about the untoward incident last night when my security guard was attacked. He is well and I was untouched. Thank you to all friends and well-wishers. We carried on undaunted yesterday and concluded two more events as planned. And our ongoing programme remains unaffected.”

Kerala is set to vote in a single phase on April 9. The counting of votes for the 140-member Assembly will take place on May 4. The current Assembly’s term will end on May 23.

The state has approximately 2.70 crore electors, including 1.31 crore male voters, 1.38 crore female voters, and 277 voters from the third gender.

The upcoming elections are considered crucial for the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), as Kerala remains the only state in India currently governed by the Left. The state, known for its alternating political trends between the LDF and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), is also witnessing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerging as a significant challenger, with its vote share rising substantially in recent elections.

–IANS

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