KOCHI: Manpower and means must be prepared to fatten the campaign which will last more than five weeks in the scorching sun. Health strategies are also needed to keep the candidates, leaders and ranks from getting tired. LDF, UDF and NDA leaders say that this is a challenge.

The biggest challenge is the cost of campaigning for so many days. A large number of ranks should be mobilized daily for campaigns. The expense for this will be huge.

Another challenge is the cost of materials, including posters. The first and second types of posters have been released. As the campaign intensifies, more posters, boards and cutouts will be needed. A huge amount should be found for the travel expenses of the candidates, travel arrangements and accommodation of the leaders. Fund-raising efforts are the main focus at the moment.

Most of the candidates and leaders are facing health problems. Those who have to work in the sun for a long time have taken the advice of doctors. Advice from dieticians is also taken to adjust food and drink accordingly. Precautions to avoid dehydration are key. Leaders say that even though there are guidelines for food and rest, it is not easy to follow them completely.

The fronts plan to limit the tour in an open vehicle to three weeks. Until then the focus will be on family meetings. Various parties have started such meetings in their areas of influence. Fronts are also careful to retain heads of institutions such as mutts, local influential figures and religious community leaders belonging to large electorates.