NEW DELHI: Kerala will hereafter tilt towards the Puthuppally constituency in Kottayam after the election commission of India announced the by-election date, made pertinent after former CM Oommen Chandy’s demise. Within three hours after the EC announcement, UDF announced their new candidate— Chandy Oommen.

For all candidates, there won't be ample time for campaigning as the election is scheduled for September 5th. The counting of votes is on September 8. The code of conduct came into force in Kottayam district yesterday.

CPM will have to hurry with their announcement of the Puthuppally candidate, as it was totally unprecedented coming from UDF, that they announced their candidates within three hours times. The CPM state committee will be convened in the coming days and sources say the final decision will come as early as Friday.

The state executive and core committee meetings of BJP in Thrissur on Saturday will decide on the candidate and will inform the center leadership about the decision. It is indicated that CPM and BJP are considering young leaders at the local level.

UDF selected Chandy Oommen as their candidate in Puthuppally as KPCC president K Sudhakaran announced Chandy Oommen's candidature in Delhi. K Sudhakaran said that the sentiment against the government will be reflected in this by-election. He informed me that Chandy Oommen will start the election campaign on Wednesday.

Chandy Oommen responded to the news that the party has given him a big responsibility and he will pay respect to the party leadership and try to lend a helping hand to the poor. Meanwhile, Opposition leader VD Satheesan responded that Chandy Oommen's name was decided unanimously. At 5.45 pm, AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal called Satheesan on the phone. A hurried discussion was carried out and consent from congress veterans A K Antony and Ramesh Chennithala was taken before arriving at Chandy Oommen’s name.

UDF convener M.M. Hassan, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, and P.C. Vishnunath MLA reached the Cantonment House and participated in the discussions. Oommen Chandy’s family was informed about the decision prior to the announcement.

Due to the sudden announcement of the by-election, The legislative assembly session may end this week. The Advisory Committee will take a decision today.