In an interview with The Hindu, Shashi Tharoor (Congress Working Committee member) discussed the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, expressing confidence that the United Democratic Front (UDF) is poised for a change in governance. He noted that while the UDF may not secure an overwhelming majority, there is a clear sentiment among voters for a shift from the Left Democratic Front (LDF). Tharoor criticized the LDF's financial management, citing a report by NITI Aayog that ranked Kerala 15th among 18 major states in financial management. He argued that the state's reliance on debt has hindered development and emphasized the need for reforms to create a more business-friendly environment. Tharoor also addressed the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) position, stating that they are unlikely to gain significant ground in Kerala's Assembly elections, which he views as a direct contest between the UDF and LDF. He highlighted the importance of emotional issues, such as the state's debt crisis, in swaying voter sentiment.