Kottayam is the first constituency in the country to announce a candidate. Kerala Congress has fielded sitting MP Thomas Chazhikkadan. Two weeks later, UDF's Francis George also became a candidate. The arrival of NDA candidate Thushar Vellappally comes between the two Kerala Congress candidates. There is no doubt that it will be a triangular war. All three candidates are setting policies in the constituency, where topics range from rubber prices to regional issues.

Contesting with pride: Thomas Chazhikkadan

I am proud to be the only person who spent 100% of the funds as an MP in the last five years. The 16.80 crore received was spent with proper follow-up on projects, without losing even a single rupee. Ninety-two kilometers of road in the constituency has been included in PMGSY and put into the tender process. Special schemes were devised, and camps were conducted for the differently-abled. Around 200 people were distributed free hearing aids. I fought in Parliament against the challenges facing the country. I first reached Manipur and presented the situation there in Parliament. I am the only MP who raised the crisis of Dalit Christians in Parliament.

Verdict against Governments: Francis George

As we enter the second phase of campaigns, it is evident that there is strong public sentiment against the central and state governments. Governments have failed to resolve the crises of rubber and paddy farmers. The reasons for the people's anger are the lack of salaries and the government's wastefulness and failures. There is deep concern among minorities about central government policies. A comprehensive plan is in mind to revive Travancore Cements. The project will be completed by the Sports Institute in Chingavanam in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Sports. Kottayam will be elevated as a heritage project. We will try to bring AIIMS to the Vellore News Print Campus. Maximum utilization of the tourism sector will be ensured. Efforts will be made to bring the Travancore-Cochin tourism circuit connecting Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam districts.

Vote for development: Thushar

One hundred percent success is guaranteed. Vote for Modi's vision of development. The political situation is not the same as last time. I have talked to NDA national leadership about raising rubber prices. We have received assurances, including from Union Ministers, that it will be increased to Rs 250. All farmers in the state will benefit from the price hike. Kottayam alone cannot think differently when the whole country stands with Modi. The next objective is the development of tourism centers, including Kumarakam. Pilgrim tourism has great potential with the inclusion of pilgrimage centers, including Sabarimala. The aim is to implement the tourism circuit connecting the pilgrimage centers. The organizational system of BDJS and BJP will be good. I have been closely associated with Kottayam for 25 years. It is hoped that personal relations with religious leaders, community leaders and common people will be beneficial.