KOCHI: Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala on Tuesday said that the Thrikkakara constituency was the Ponnapuram kotta(fortress) of the Congress. Chennithala made the statement after the Congress High Command announced Usha Thomas, wife of late MLA PT Thomas, as the UDF candidate in Thrikkakkara.

Meanwhile, LDF convener EP Jayarajan soon came up with a reply to Chennithala by stating that the LDF would demolish that fortress of Congress very soon. "The LDF would soon demolish that fort. Chennithala should take special care to ensure that it does not fall on his head," Jayarajan said.

EP Jayarajan said that the LDF would field the best candidate this time and with this election, the Left's strength in the Assembly would cross the three-figure mark. "LDF is talking about the politics of development. We have nothing to say to those who rely on sympathy. SilverLine talks would strengthen development. Public sentiment in favour of the government," Jayarajan said.