THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The bunkers are full and the shouts are loud. The soldiers line up with battle cries. A stream of hooves raises dust on the battlefield. Three weeks remain until the vote.

In short, the Puthupalli fight has intensified in a barrage of accusations and counter-accusations. As the campaign heats up, the arena is filled with allegations of corruption aimed at overcoming the sympathy wave and defeating the opponents.

If the UDF is accepting the corruption allegations levelled against the CPM and the Chief Minister, the CPM is countering with allegations of misconduct against Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadadan. Indications show that the move to tighten the noose around Kuzhalnadan is gaining strength. Even though politics is said to be the main factor in the by-election, the UDF is intervening in Puthupally recognizing that the sentiment for Oommen Chandy is a significant factor. Even Chandi Oommen's nomination submission yesterday was incredibly emotional. After initially submitting the paperwork at Oommen Chandy's grave, the candidate and his team went to the collectorate to complete the submission.

Yesterday, two district secretaries of the CPM came forward with allegations of corruption against Mathew Kuzhalnadan. It has been decided to conduct a survey by the revenue department at the family home of Kuzhalnadan. The UDF has alleged that this is a retaliatory move against Kuzhalnadan, who raised allegations against the Chief Minister and his family both inside and outside the assembly. Kuzhalnadan has welcomed any inquiry. The CPM has also been invited to a debate on his property records.

On the other hand, G Shakthidharan, the former associate editor of Deshabhimani sternly levied allegations against Chief Minister and Minister P Rajeev. Congress leaders have taken up these allegations and have also named Rajeev. Benny Behanan MP demanded that Oommen Chandy set an example to prove the integrity of the Chief Minister. There are indications that Oommen Chandy announced a direct judicial inquiry when similar allegations were raised in the solar case. Benny's response is also a part of the campaign focused on Oommen Chandy.

The UDF is also spreading propaganda that the ministers are not visiting Puthupally to campaign due to fear of public sentiment. The active presence of ministers in Puthupally, in contrast to Thrikkakkara, the rejection of the CPM in Puthupally and the reduction of the Chief Minister's campaign events are making the Congress camps susceptible to political attacks. The Chief Minister inaugurated the constituency convention at Thrikkakkara, stayed there for several days and campaigned. However, the current decision is that the Chief Minister will only visit Puthupally for the campaign on the 24th and 31st.

The BJP is attempting to halt the controversy related to the Speaker by making it a topic of discussion in the constituency. However, the CPM is working to prevent this from being discussed. To convince the NSS, interventions are being made including avoiding cases related to Namajapa processions.