Development may be the key to this high-profile battle that will determine if BJP can get a toehold in Kerala. Incumbent Tharoor has many advantages; but Chandrasekhar may give him a tough fight
Very informative native-guide window into the political economy of a major Indian city, with a side helping of history.
Sounds like the stakes are relatively low for TVM voters, and the city will move forward at a reasonably sedate pace whether Tharoor or Chandrasekaran wins. What seems missing in the election is a sense of audacious ambition and confidence that Modi has brought to other constituencies like Hyderabad.
on the contrary, the stakes are very high indeed. Thiruvananthapuram has suffered from total neglect for a long time, and it's deteriorating in front of our very eyes. This is sort of a last-chance story, and unless the pluses (ISRO, vizhinjam port) are used to generate employment, things will go south quickly indeed. I am impressed by the 'audacious ambition' you mention about Hyderabad. you won't see this in Trivandrum unless the dead hand of entitled socialism is eradicated.
your demographic percentage of Kerala is spot-on though I would give 15% for hindus. which translates to the BJP vote share +-.
Rajiv Chandrasekhar would be a blessing to TVPM ( I was also born , schooled and graduated there), but ......cannot trust the communists who will transfer their votes to your friend in the last minute.
the Hindu vote share is small; the vote share that automatically goes to the BJP is even smaller. yes, there will be tactical voting against Rajeev Chandrasekhar. with the Christian and muslim vote already a given for Shashi Tharoor, the key to victory is the swing Hindu vote. development issues will be key here.
Very informative native-guide window into the political economy of a major Indian city, with a side helping of history.
Sounds like the stakes are relatively low for TVM voters, and the city will move forward at a reasonably sedate pace whether Tharoor or Chandrasekaran wins. What seems missing in the election is a sense of audacious ambition and confidence that Modi has brought to other constituencies like Hyderabad.
on the contrary, the stakes are very high indeed. Thiruvananthapuram has suffered from total neglect for a long time, and it's deteriorating in front of our very eyes. This is sort of a last-chance story, and unless the pluses (ISRO, vizhinjam port) are used to generate employment, things will go south quickly indeed. I am impressed by the 'audacious ambition' you mention about Hyderabad. you won't see this in Trivandrum unless the dead hand of entitled socialism is eradicated.
your demographic percentage of Kerala is spot-on though I would give 15% for hindus. which translates to the BJP vote share +-.
Rajiv Chandrasekhar would be a blessing to TVPM ( I was also born , schooled and graduated there), but ......cannot trust the communists who will transfer their votes to your friend in the last minute.
the Hindu vote share is small; the vote share that automatically goes to the BJP is even smaller. yes, there will be tactical voting against Rajeev Chandrasekhar. with the Christian and muslim vote already a given for Shashi Tharoor, the key to victory is the swing Hindu vote. development issues will be key here.