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Actor Prakash Raj, known for his outspoken advocacy of Left-leaning ideologies, didn't mince words when he criticised the CPI(M)-led LDF's decision to field a candidate against Congress stalwart Shashi Tharoor in the Thiruvananthapuram constituency.

 

In his view, Tharoor, recognized for his eloquent oratory and statesmanlike demeanour, deserved better treatment from the Left. He argued that by contesting against Tharoor, the Left risked falling into the BJP's trap, which aimed to fragment secular votes to its advantage.

 

Addressing the media at a press conference, Prakash Raj stressed the importance of prioritising the nation's welfare over political manoeuvres. While acknowledging the credentials of the Left candidate, CPI leader Pannyan Raveendran, he opined that pitting him against Tharoor was a strategic miscalculation.

 

Prakash Raj didn't hold back his criticism of the BJP's candidate, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, particularly regarding his track record in addressing issues plaguing Karnataka, his home state.

 

The actor lamented Chandrasekhar's purported failure to champion drought relief measures for farmers and questioned his sudden pivot towards development initiatives after years of perceived inactivity in Karnataka.

 

Delving deeper into the electoral landscape, Prakash Raj scrutinised the financial disclosures of Chandrasekhar and another BJP candidate from the royal family in Karnataka.

 

He raised doubts about the accuracy of their declared incomes in light of their substantial assets, suggesting potential discrepancies that warranted further investigation.

 

Beyond individual candidates, Prakash Raj took aim at the broader narrative propagated by the Modi government, challenging the veracity of its claims regarding initiatives such as the creation of smart cities and the generation of employment opportunities. He issued a direct challenge, demanding concrete evidence to substantiate these assertions.

 

Despite his critical stance, Prakash Raj expressed optimism about Kerala's resilience against BJP influence. Drawing on the state's history of thwarting BJP electoral victories, he appealed to voters in Thiruvananthapuram not to waver in their commitment to upholding Kerala's secular and progressive ethos.