The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has accepted a challenge from Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar to engage in a public debate concerning the development of Thiruvananthapuram. Tharoor, in his statement posted on X, accused Chandrasekhar of previously avoiding the debate, and expressed his eagerness to discuss a range of issues including political development, economic challenges, and communal politics.
Tharoor outlined the topics he wishes to address: “Yes, I welcome a debate. But the people of Thiruvananthapuram are aware of who has been evading a debate till now. Let us debate politics and development. Let us debate price hike, unemployment, corruption, communalism and the BJP’s 10 years of propagating politics of hatred,” he stated. He also highlighted the need to discuss the progress made in Thiruvananthapuram over the last 15 years.
This acceptance comes in the wake of accusations by Chandrasekhar that Tharoor had spread misinformation during a recent interview. Chandrasekhar alleged that Tharoor falsely accused him of unethical electoral practices, including bribing religious leaders and voters. He demanded an apology and retraction from Tharoor before proceeding with the debate, asserting that Tharoor’s claims had defamed him and various community organizations.
A legal step has also been taken against Tharoor, with a complaint to the Election Commission of India regarding his alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct by spreading misinformation. The complaint was filed by advocate VV Rajesh, the NDA convener for the Trivandrum Parliamentary constituency.
As Thiruvananthapuram prepares for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on April 26, the debate and its outcomes are set to be a focal point in a closely watched contest. This debate is not only about electoral competition but also about clarifying the development discourse for the electorate of Thiruvananthapuram.