KOTTAYAM: Although both fronts sparked several controversies in the by-election venue Puthuppally, most of them died down in a day or two. Accusations were hurled at each other, but none were strong enough to spark live debates.

To the UDF quip that they were afraid to send ministers to Puthuppally like in Thrikkakara, the LDF replied that the Chief Minister and half a dozen ministers would be visiting soon. The campaign scene in Puthuppally is still revolving around the lack of development debate.

The Left leaders and Jaick C Thomas threw bait to the UDF leaders and Chandy Oommen, to discuss the development in Puthuppally but the UDF, who did not take the bait, is not taking up the monthly payment controversy or the myth controversy either. Both fronts are not discussing the issue of church disputes. BJP, on the other hand, is trying to add fuel to the flame of the issues that both fronts have not touched.

Left front accuses Chandy Oommen of putting on a show to maintain the wave of sympathy by submitting the nomination papers at Oommen Chandy's grave first and taking money for the election security deposit from the mother of the accused who pelted stones when Oommen Chandy was the Chief Minister. Despite this, the UDF is using tactics to keep emotions alive till the polls.

Chandy Oommen has the mannerisms of Oommen Chandy in the way he walks, sits, combs his hair and dresses. Congress members themselves are complaining that the workers who are walking along are not able to catch up to Chandi Oommen, who is visiting houses.

In the affidavit submitted along with the nomination papers, Jaick C Thomas has assets of 2.06 crores and Chandi Oommen 15.98 lakhs. With this, the UDF started a campaign about how Jaick became a millionaire. UDF is trying to keep the discussions alive despite Jaick stating that it is patrimony and income from shops.