Ten more days to go for by-elections; campaigning heats up

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite the crisis created by the controversies and infighting that erupt daily in the constituencies where the by-elections are about to take place, the fronts are in a rush to take maximum advantage of the lapses of their opponents. Candidates are in a race to ensure maximum votes.

Only ten days are left for voting in Wayanad, Palakkad and Chelakkara constituencies. Since victory is a matter of prestige and a test dose for the upcoming local and assembly elections, fronts are fighting by exerting all their strength. The UDF is confident that Priyanka Gandhi's victory in the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency is assured. It is making maximum efforts to retain Palakkad and capture Chelakkara.

The Congress central leadership has succeeded in its efforts to persuade K Muraleedharan, who had openly protested against the opposition leader VD Satheesan over the humiliation he faced in the selection of the candidate in Palakkad. Muraleedharan will be campaigning in Palakkad on the 10th. However, discontent is simmering in the Murali camp, sources said.

The LDF had initially made strides in their campaign for the upcoming elections, highlighting the state government's achievements and the central government's refusal to provide further financial aid for Wayanad. However, the CPM is now concerned about how voters will react to its action of protecting PP Divya, who is facing the heat following the death of ADM Naveen Babu. The CPM is trying to defend itself by pointing out that it had removed Divya from the post of the district panchayat president. Meanwhile, opponents are trying to establish that the party's refusal to take organisational action against Divya proves that the party does not stand with Naveen Babu's family.

The CPM is very confident that it will retain Chelakkara this time as well. However, it has to be seen if people, including CPM workers, would support Dr Sarin, who is contesting as a leftist independent after leaving the Congress.