THRISSUR: The race in Chelakkara is unpredictable, said film director Lal Jose. He said the by-elections could have been avoided and people's money is being wasted. Lal Jose was responding to the media after casting his vote at Mayannur LP School in Kondazhi Panchayat in Chelakkara.

'We need development in Chelakkara. Schools have improved, but roads need to be improved. There will be complaints when there is continuous rule. Lal Jose said that he has no complaint against the government. The contest in Chelakkara is unpredictable,’ he said.

Meantime, voting started at 7 am today in Chelakara and Wayanad where the by-elections are being held. The candidates here are U R Pradeep (LDF), Ramya Haridas (UDF) and K Balakrishnan (BJP). The three cast their votes in the morning.