Tharoor does not have it easy, though. He had to wade through controversies, some of which were his own creation – the mistakes of a political amateur, unused to the cut-and-parry of grasroots politics. However, he has come through pretty much unscathed.

For the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, there is a moderate wave in favour of the opposition UDF – Kerala’s counterpart to the UPA at the Centre. Te past few years of internal bickering within the ruling LDF and CPI(M) has seen to that. Tharoor is well-placed to reap the rewards now.

Thiruvanthapuram is not a plce that is exactly kind to people. There are jokes about Tharoor’s lack of fluency in Malayalam, but balancing that is the knowledge that he has very good qualifications not just to become an MP, but possibly a minister in the future UPA dispensation at the center. The possibility that a senior cabinet post would go to their MP in case the UPA wins is temptation alright.

Add to that, the large number of young voters apathetic towards either of the two politican fronts have found a messiah in Shashi Tharoor. His comfort and exposure to UN and diplomatic circles appeals to the educated voter, and his essential decency compared to the average politician comes through.

People may still vote for the LDF, but that would hardly be because of anyone believing their accusations that he is pro-Israel or a CIA agent. Kerala  has seen the Left calling even your average road-side tea shop owner a CIA agent at the slightest provocation. Party loyalties though run deep, and swinging the small amount of independent voters would be the key for Tharoor in Thiruvananthapuram seat.

Not that all of this is enough. Kerala has been known to spring many a surprise, and we would not know till the final results are announced.

If Shashi Tharoor has played his game well, Kerala could finally have a minister they can look up to.