Rajeev Chandrasekhar poses challenge, many ask why Panniyan Raveendran is contesting: Shashi Tharoor

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the Lok Sabha election in the horizon, Shashi Tharoor, UDF candidate in the capital, says there is no triangular contest in Thiruvananthapuram. Tharoor said he faces a challenge from Rajeev Chandrasekhar and he does not even understand why Panniyan Raveendran is contesting.

"When the campaign started, there was an impression of a triangular contest. But after two or three weeks, things became clear. There isn't much of a competition here from the LDF. Panniyan is my great friend and a good man. However his campaign did not create much impact. Many people ask why they are competing. The challenge is from the NDA. Their campaigning is energetic and professional. But many of the things they say are not true," said Shashi Tharoor.

The candidates from the three major fronts have intensified their campaign head of the election. On Tuesday, Pannyan Raveendran focused his campaign in the Nemom constituency. After a tour at 50 centres, the campaign concluded at Old Karaikamandapam.

Shashi Tharoor's campaign started in Kudappanamoodu in the Vellarada block of Parassala constituency and ended at Aruvipuram.

NDA candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar started his tour on Tuesday after visiting the Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple in the evening. Then the candidate visited the Vellayani Devi temple and also participated in the Ashwathy Pongala festival. Later he reached Mukkolakkal Bhagavathy Temple in Sreevaraham.