THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Following the announcement of the Thrikkakara by-election date, the fronts have intensified the discussion regarding their candidates. Only ten days are left to file nominations for the election, which will be held on May 31. May 11 is the last day to submit nomination papers. Hence the three fronts are trying to speed up the talks.

Following the announcement of the by-election date, the Congress has entered into the candidate selection process. The discussion regarding this will take place tomorrow. The meeting will be held in Thiruvananthapuram. Preliminary discussions regarding the election campaign will also take place tomorrow. PT Thomas' wife Uma Thomas is likely to have the support of party workers. Uma Thomas was recently seen taking part in a public event. The UDF seems to be gearing up for a life and death struggle in order to retain its sitting seat. Meanwhile, Uma Thomas said that she did not know anything about her candidature in Thrikkakara.

Opposition leader VD Satheesan said in Kochi that the Thrikkakkara by-election will be an assessment of the state government. The Congress candidate in the by-election will be announced soon. "The Congress candidate will be announced soon. The decision will be made here without going to the High Command. Congress will conduct the campaign by exposing the controversies, including the SilverLine," Satheesan said.

Meanwhile, convener EP Jayarajan said that the LDF was ready for elections. He added that the LDF will be seeking votes for the overall development of the state.

The by-election might be a litmus test for the LDF in the vie of the ongoing anti-SilverLine agitation. The LDF is hoping to find a suitable candidate after the UDF determines its candidate. It may field a woman candidate if UDF announces Uma Thomas as its candidate.

Although the NDA has no hope of victory, the BJP's presence can be crucial considering anti-government agitations, propaganda like Love Jihad and Christian-majority areas. Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Twenty20 parties have announced that they will field a joint candidate in the contest in Thrikkakara.