THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has hinted that the by-polls in Thrikkakara constituency may take place any day after March 10 to fill the vacancy left by the late MLA PT Thomas. State Chief Electoral Officer Sanjay Kaul directed the district administration and the police to be ready.

Assembly elections in five states will be completed by March 10.

Candidate discussions in Thrikkakara have started at an informal level.

Though there are plans in the Congress camp to field PT Thomas' wife Uma Thomas, Uma has not made her position clear. Former mayor Tony Chammini and KPCC general secretary Deepthi Mary Varghese are also under consideration.

In the Left Front, the CPM last fielded Dr. Joe Jacob as an independent candidate. The names of Kochi Mayor M Anilkumar and former MLA M Swaraj are in active discussions.

The BJP is reconsidering S Saji, who contested last time.