Campaigning in Ranni, Shashi Tharoor said a UDF government will focus on development and job creation in Keralam. He also criticised the FCRA Bill, 2026, and called for India to be a 'leading voice' to end the West Asia conflict.
UDF to Focus on Job Creation
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday campaigned for Congress candidate Pazhakulam Madhu from Ranni assembly constituency, saying the party is working for the future of Keralam and focusing on development and job creation under a UDF government. The polling for Keralam Assembly elections will be held in a single phase on April 9, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4.
Speaking to ANI, Tharoor said, "I believe we are working here for the future of Keralam. Whatever the Prime Minister may or may not do, we have to ensure Keralam's development under the UDF govt... Our people are leaving the state and going to other states and countries as they don't see enough possibilities here. We must create job opportunities here."
"I have been campaigning throughout the state. I am seeing very good results and very good feedback. We are going to win. The momentum is with us."
Tharoor Slams FCRA Bill
Further, Tharoor criticised the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, calling it "terrible" and saying the government has no right to seize schools, hospitals, and orphanages run by church groups, and urged that the bill be referred to a standing committee for further review.
"It is a terrible bill. How can the government take on the right to confiscate schools, hospitals and orphanages built by church groups? The govt has no right to take over such schools and colleges. This amendment must go to a standing committee and be studied more carefully," he said.
The FCRA Bill, 2026, was introduced in Lok Sabha on March 25 and seeks to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, and is aimed at enhancing the transparency and accountability of foreign contributions in India.
Call to End West Asia Conflict
Tharoor has called for India to step up as a "leading voice of the Global South" to end the ongoing West Asia conflict, warning that the prolonged conflict is severely "hurting" India's economic and regional interests.
"Every day this war goes on, it hurts India and the region. The war must end. I hope India will raise its voice as a leading voice of the global South," he said. (ANI)
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)