Kerala Assembly elections 2026: Kerala became a ‘debt model’ under Left rule, says Tharoor

The Kerala model of development has turned into a “debt model” under 10 years of the Left democratic Front (LDF) rule, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, MP, said here on Saturday (March 28, 2026). Mr. Tharoor made a scathing attack on the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF as he inaugurated a campaign rally of Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan who is seeking re-election from the North Paravur Assembly constituency.

“Everybody wants the government to be changed. The government’s faults lie not only in corruption and gold scandals, but also in destroying governance. I used to speak a lot about the Kerala model of development. Now, that has become a debt model. The State has become second in the country in terms of debt. The government has been resorting to borrowing more and more as it has failed in developing economy,” Mr. Tharoor said.

He added the future generations too would have to bear the burden of debt caused by the Left front government. “If the State is to have a future, this system must go. The government must go,” he said.

The Congress Working Committee member also highlighted the alleged exodus of young population from the State due to lack of employment opportunities. “We need to infuse hope into the youth and mend the economic health of the State. Investments will not come here as long as the red flag carriers remain in power,” he said. He added that while farmer suicides were unfortunate and common in several other States, two investors killed themselves in Kerala due to procedural obstacles.

Shashi Tharoor, MP, taking part in the election campaign of Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan in Paravur on Saturday.
| Photo Credit:
R.K. Nithin

He noted that the United Democratic Front’s manifesto would pitch an Investor Protection Act.

Mr. Tharoor was all praise for Mr. Satheesan’s performance as Paravur MLA and Leader of the Opposition. “For the past five years, he kept pointing out the inefficiency and lapses on the part of the government and laid the foundation to face the upcoming polls,” he said. Mr. Tharoor said it was clear that Mr. Satheesan would not be just an MLA once he won the elections this time.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Satheesan said the UDF was approaching the elections not just by pointing out the faults of the government but also with alternatives in each sector where the Left dispensation had failed.

Mr. Tharoor attended campaign events of UDF candidates in constituencies including Thrikkakara, Angamaly, and Kalamassery on Saturday.