KOTTAYAM: Leftist candidate Jaick C Thomas to compete with UDF candidate Chandy Oommen, who is running for sympathy votes in Puthuppally, where development and faith are the topics of discussion. Albeit a little late, NDA's Lijin Lal has also joined them. Puthuppally by-election campaign has entered the second phase. When the left and right front state leaders came for the campaign, NDA tried to use the advantage of the central government by fielding national leaders.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will come for the first phase on 24th. Chief Minister will attend three public meetings. There will be development panels of ministers. Candidates are in a rush to secure their support by visiting houses and places of worship to meet voters. From tomorrow, the candidates will start their constituency tour through eight panchayats.

Minister VN Vasavan is at the helm of the Left campaign. CPM state secretary MV Govindan, front convener EP Jayarajan and other constituent party leaders have already arrived. In the Kerala Congress (M) dominated localities, Chief Whip N Jayaraj is in charge of coordination. Jose K Mani MP is leading the work that involves taking the new voter list. CPI district secretary VB Binu is in charge of the constituency committee.

UDF activities on the Thrikakkara model are led by opposition leader VD Satheesan. KPCC President K Sudhakaran is also present. Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, KC Joseph, Natakam Suresh and Philson Mathews are in charge of the constituency campaign.

BJP National General Secretary Radha Mohan Aggarwal is coordinating the NDA activities. Leaders like BJP National Secretary Anil Antony, Union Minister V Muraleedharan, State President K Surendran and PK Krishnadas are also involved in the campaign.