New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aspirations for the BJP to secure double-digit seats in Kerala in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Tharoor quipped that the saffron party's chances of achieving such a feat in the southern state were only possible by obtaining two zeros, news agency PTI reported.
"In any other scenario, the BJP is only headed towards a single digit in Kerala, and that's a zero," Tharoor said.
Tharoor made the remarks after inaugurating a photo exhibition marking the culmination of the state-wide yatra organised by KPCC president K Sudhakaran and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly VD Satheesan.
During a BJP meeting in the region on Tuesday, PM Modi had urged the people of Kerala to support the saffron party to an extent that it secures seats in double digits in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Tharoor highlighted the perennial challenge faced by the BJP in understanding Kerala, its culture, and its history. "Our history spans over 2,000 years of harmonious coexistence. Our ethos revolves around inclusivity and mutual respect," Tharoor said.
Recalling instances of communal harmony in Kerala's history, Tharoor cited an incident where the king allocated an old temple to the Muslim community when they required a place of worship. "We won't tolerate any attempts to disrupt this harmony, as communalism has its limits in Kerala," Tharoor asserted.
Discussing BJP's electoral performance in Kerala, Tharoor acknowledged a surge in their vote share under PM Modi's leadership but suggested that the ceiling had been reached. He noted the BJP's struggles to connect with the Christian community in Kerala, particularly after incidents elsewhere in the country.
"In the two successive elections, their vote was between 12 and 13 per cent. I'll give Mr. Modi the credit that they went up from a 6 per cent party to a 12 -13 per cent party under him, but I think that's it; the ceiling has been reached," PTI quoted Tharoor as saying.
"As far as the people of Kerala are concerned, it's unlikely that the BJP will secure any seats in the Lok Sabha elections. The double digits PM Modi desires will be seen as two zeros," Tharoor said.
Regarding his potential candidacy from the Thiruvananthapuram Parliamentary constituency, Tharoor clarified that the Congress is yet to announce candidates, and he hasn't ruled out contesting. He emphasised his commitment to serving as an incumbent MP and fulfilling responsibilities to constituents.