Tharoor’s contentious Kerala praise: A boon for CPM, a blow for Congress

Koodaranji (Kozhikode) : Against the backdrop of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor praising the state industrial growth, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that opposing the Left Democratic Front (LDF) should not turn into opposition against Kerala. Without directly naming Tharoor, the Chief Minister hailed him while criticising other Congress leaders.

“A representative of the people who has understood the facts in detail has acknowledged that Kerala’s development is exemplary. The real question is how we have achieved this despite infrastructural limitations.

“A remarkable transformation has taken place in this sector, creating more investment opportunities. However, some responsible individuals claim that Kerala is not investment-friendly.

“We must reflect on the emotions behind such statements. Instead of appreciating progress, why are some people adopting a stance that belittles Kerala?” the Chief Minister asked.

Tharoor’s remarks draw mixed reactions 

Shashi Tharoor’s praise for Kerala’s industrial growth has unexpectedly gained favour with the CPM while drawing opposition from the Congress. As he stood firm on his statements, leaders from both sides responded either in support or criticism. 

Tharoor in an article in an English newspaper on Friday, has praised Kerala’s industrial sector, stating that the government led by the CPM is achieving impressive results, particularly in entrepreneurial growth and sustainable development.

Tharoor might have been misled: Chennithala

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said that Shashi Tharoor may have been misled about Kerala’s situation. “In Kerala, industries are not set up in a minute; rather, the CPM has experts in shutting them down within a minute,” he said.  Earlier, Leader of Opposition V D Satheeshan and AICC general secretary KC Vengugopal also denounced Tharoor’s praise, maintaining that Kerala does not currently offer a favourable environment for industry. 

Tharoor’s statement based on facts: Minister P Rajeev

Meanwhile, Industries Minister P Rajeev asserted that Shashi Tharoor’s statements were based on facts and that Kerala’s industrial achievements have been globally recognised. “It is not beneficial for Kerala to engage in controversies over this matter,” he said. “Kerala’s ease of doing business has been acknowledged worldwide. The American Institute of Public Administration has invited our officials for training sessions."

“The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore has included Kerala’s development as a subject of study. Even industrialists themselves have publicly recognised the transformation in the state,” he added.

No one could have put it better than Tharoor: M V Govindan

CPM State Secretary M V Govindan remarked that no one could have articulated the issue better than Shashi Tharoor. “There was a time when people used to say that ‘God’s Own Country’ was a playground for the devil when it came to industries. Now, Tharoor has acknowledged that this perception has changed. He has explained it well. No matter how much we say, the opposition dismisses it as propaganda. This statement is a fitting response to those who claim nothing is happening in Kerala,” he said.