Tharoor highlights various development initiatives as he seeks reelection as MP

Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor is banking on his initiatives during the last 15 years as he seeks a reelection from the constituency in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections for the fourth time.

He, however, admits that Thiruvananthapuram has a long way to go in achieving some of its long pending demands, partly owing to “the administrative limitations imposed by political realities”, in a progress report on his development activities released a few days ago.

The milestones listed in the 68page report include the development of the National Highway66 bypass from Kazhakuttam to Karode, Vizhinjam International Seaport, efforts to enhance air and rail connectivity, and relief initiatives undertaken during the COVID19 pandemic.

Reiterating his “unwavering advocacy” for the Vizhinjam port, he stressed its potential to emerge as a major source of revenue for Kerala and in enhancing national security. While delving into the Latin Catholic Churchbacked protest against the Vizhinjam seaport in December 2022, he blamed the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government for failing to pursue that rehabilitation package that had been formulated by the previous United Democratic Front (UDF) government.

He also touched upon unfulfilled promises including the one to establish a High Court Bench in Thiruvananthapuram. The principal obstacle remains the absence of consent by the Chief Justices of Kerala despite submitting petitions.

He held the LDF responsible for Thiruvananthapuram’s inability to engage in a ‘twin city’ agreement with Barcelona. Despite receiving a favourable response from the Barcelona City Council for a twinning agreement, the CPI(M)ruled Corporation purportedly failed to seize the “golden opportunity”.

PTI Shashi Tharoor, Congress candidate in the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency, campaigning among college students in the city on Monday.