Thiruvananthapuram: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has stressed the importance of deep internal reflection within the party following its performance in the recently concluded Assembly elections across four states and one Union Territory.

Tharoor noted that while the Congress-led United Democratic Front achieved a significant victory in Kerala, returning to power after a decade under the Left Democratic Front, the party’s showing in the other three states and the Union Territory fell short of expectations.

Learning from Kerala’s success

Highlighting the contrast in outcomes, Tharoor said the party must carefully examine what contributed to its success in Kerala and consider how those strategies can be applied elsewhere.

“I think the party will have to do some very serious introspection, no doubt about it. We've said this before, and today we have a very good example of what worked right. If we can get it right in Kerala, what can we do to get it right elsewhere? That is a lesson the Congress party should learn,” he said.

Acknowledges BJP’s strong campaign machinery

Tharoor also commended Narendra Modi and Amit Shah for their effective campaign strategies in West Bengal and Assam, pointing to their organisational capabilities and extensive use of resources.

“They have done a good job in Bengal and Assam, and that's partially because they are very good at conducting elections. They are professionally organised. They have strong organisational strength,” Tharoor said.

He further added, “They put a lot of resources, including financial resources, into their campaign. There are things that all of us can learn from that. I would only hope that their message will be one of uniting Indians and not dividing them.”

Major shifts in election outcomes

The election results have led to notable political developments across regions. The BJP created history by preparing to form its first government in West Bengal, while the party-led NDA secured a third consecutive victory in Assam.

In Tamil Nadu, actor-turned-politician Vijay made a significant impact as his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam won 108 seats, pushing the two major Dravidian parties to much weaker positions in terms of seat share.

Meanwhile, the Congress-led United Democratic Front registered a decisive win in Kerala, and the All India NR Congress-led alliance retained power comfortably in Puducherry.

Agency inputs