The Fifteenth Lok Sabha election was no different. But this time, adding to the anti-incumbency factor to the LDF’s debacle in the state, the rift in the state leadership of CPM played a major role. This is something the disciplined Marxists did not face in the past, but has become a reality not only in Kerala but also in the national politics. It is probably for the first time that a vetorn Communist leader, Somnath Chatterjee, has openly criticised the party general secretary demanding his resignation for the poor performance of the left front in the national elections. This was also an election where the LDF’s ‘secular’ posture took a dent following its alliance with Madani’s PDP.

Much has been said about the outcome of Kerala’s election and the reasons that favoured the winner and those that acted against the loser. Considering the permutations and combinations of party politics adopted by the two fronts, the average citizen is left with the poor choice of trying one or the other of the two fronts election after election, signifying lack of confidence in a specific front.

The man who stole the limelight in Kerala’s election scene this time around was hardly a politician. The entry of a brilliant career diplomat, Sashi Tharoor, into Indian politics is undoubtedly the highlight of this election. The debate his entry provoked, especially among the young voters in Kerala, is visible from the number of blogs and internet discussion forums. Tharoor extensively used the internet for his campaign. During the field campaigns, he dressed himself in the Congress attire of khadi and the tri-colour shawl and conducted himself like a typical Congress candidate, including hugging babies and throwing garlands to the crowds.

Though Tharoor insists that his entry has provided him an opportunity to ‘put his feet where is mouth is,’ many were taken by surprise, firstly by his decision to enter the murky Indian politics and also his choice of the political party. Here again Tharoor has a clear answer: “I have nothing economically in common with the ideology of Left and Communist parties. Those who had followed my writing for years know that I have nothing in common with communalism that has been unfortunately encouraged by people associated with the BJP… and that basically means my aligning with the Congress Party.” It is also significant that Tharoor is seeking his entry through the ballot and not through the Rajya Sabha, a route easily chosen by elite entrants.

The quality that best suit him to be a successful politician is, of course, his record as a diplomat. It is not common to see remarkably talented, well-educated persons and skilled diplomats to be modest. The arrogance of knowledge and power is often tough to contain. Responding to a question in a television news programme of his chances to be a member of the Union ministry, Tharoor was modest: “I am in Delhi representing my constituency and serving my constituency is my duty. If the party wants me to take up any other responsibility, I will abide by the party’s wish.”

Tharoor’s high profile, vast experience of working with world leaders and on social issues, his communication skills, charisma and, above all, his proficiency in the art of diplomacy, can be of great value to Indian politics. His entry should trigger and provoke many more imaginative and talented minds to wholeheartedly embrace politics.