Lok Sabha Election 2024 Result: Shashi Tharoor retains Thiruvananthapuramn for the fourth time defeating the Union Minister and BJP candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
As the Lok Sabha Election 2024 Result comes to a close, let’s look at the career of Shashi Tharoor in Indian politics.
Tharoor’s educational achievements are noteworthy, with degrees from esteemed institutions like St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in the United States. He excelled academically, demonstrating a sharp intellect and a talent for languages, evident in his mastery of English and his ability to articulate complex ideas eloquently.
Tharoor’s career began in the 1980s when he joined the United Nations, serving in various roles over nearly three decades. He held significant positions in peacekeeping and humanitarian affairs, earning recognition for his efforts in conflict resolution and promoting sustainable development globally.
In 2009, Tharoor entered Indian politics by winning a seat in the Lok Sabha, representing the Thiruvananthapuram constituency in Kerala. As a member of the Indian National Congress, he quickly became a charismatic and articulate leader, captivating audiences with his passionate speeches and thoughtful insights.
Tharoor’s prominence within the Congress party grew substantially after he exceeded expectations in the party’s presidential election in October, running against Mallikarjun Kharge, who had the support of the powerful All India Congress Committee (AICC) establishment.
In Kerala, Tharoor’s ambition to play a larger role in state politics is likely to alter the dynamics within the Congress’s state unit, particularly affecting the upper-caste Hindu Nair faction, currently led by AICC general secretary KC Venugopal, Opposition leader VD Satheesan, former Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, and former state party president K Muraleedharan.
Tharoor’s increasing influence is expected to create divisions within the Nair camp. Despite his defeat in the presidential elections, Congress MP from Kozhikode MK Raghavan and Youth Congress vice-president KS Sabarinadhan have expressed support for Tharoor. The backing of K Muraleedharan is also likely to bolster Tharoor’s activities and strengthen the party.
Tharoor’s appeal crosses party lines, and he is widely regarded as a non-conformist within the Congress. He frequently expresses progressive views on various social and political issues, advocating for liberal policies, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights. His strong stance on secularism and advocacy for a pluralistic society have earned him respect from a broad spectrum of people across India.
Beyond politics, Tharoor is a prolific author, with numerous critically acclaimed books to his name. His literary works reflect his intellectual depth and command over a wide range of subjects, including history, politics, and culture. Tharoor’s most famous book, “The Great Indian Novel,” is a satirical retelling of the Indian epic Mahabharata, intertwining mythological characters with real-life political figures. His works are celebrated for their insightful analysis and elegant prose.
Shashi Tharoor is contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Thiruvananthapuram.