With Kerala heading into a high-stakes Assembly election, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has highlighted what he calls the “10 major crises” confronting the state, ranging from escalating debt to rising youth migration. In an opinion piece published on NDTV, Tharoor argued that the current administration has failed on multiple fronts and that change is essential for Kerala to remain a viable economy.

At the top of Tharoor’s list is the state’s worsening economic stress. He noted that Kerala has been pushed into a “massive debt trap,” borrowing heavily to meet routine salary and pension obligations. “Today, our state spends more money on servicing its debt than on actual development projects,” Tharoor wrote, underlining the financial fragility that threatens growth and public services.

The MP also highlighted a growing job crunch and youth migration. Kerala’s highly educated workforce, he said, is increasingly leaving the state due to limited employment opportunities. Tharoor described a “brain drain” that sees young professionals seeking jobs abroad, further straining local economic prospects. Rising costs of living, excessive taxation, and escalating everyday expenses have compounded public frustration, according to Tharoor, who said the “aam aadmi’s” daily life has become increasingly difficult.

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Tharoor flagged challenges in key sectors such as agriculture, public health, and higher education. Farmers struggle to make ends meet despite Kerala’s rich biodiversity, while the state’s public healthcare system is faltering due to underfunding and neglect. Tharoor also criticized universities for failing to equip students with skills for the 21st century, citing political influence and lack of innovation as significant barriers. He additionally pointed to scams in the cooperative sector, inadequate civic infrastructure, and social welfare delays that have left vulnerable populations struggling for basic support.

Beyond identifying these crises, Tharoor outlined his vision for “Kerala 2.0,” advocating for policies that combine welfare with wealth creation. He emphasized learning from smaller, innovative states like Singapore, the Netherlands, and Costa Rica, rather than attempting to replicate heavy industrial models seen in states like Tamil Nadu or Maharashtra. Though not a candidate, Tharoor has agreed to co-chair the Congress Campaign Committee to inspire voters, particularly the youth, to seek change in the upcoming election.

Tharoor’s analysis portrays a state at a crossroads, grappling with fiscal, social, and infrastructural challenges. His call for reform underscores the urgency for a comprehensive development strategy that balances welfare, innovation, and economic sustainability as Kerala prepares for the electorate’s verdict.

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