MORE THAN development issues it was controversy that dominated the election campaign this time. Most of the development issues remained untouched when mud-slinging among political parties and leaders dominated the election scenario in all districts, including Thrissur.

In Thrissur constituency, Congress candidate Therambil Ramakrishnan alleged that the LDF campaign was 'unfair' and they were spreading rumours about his health. However, it could not be a big issue as the CPI (M) had expected, he said.

Both the fronts raised the issue of 'cash for vote' at Pudukkad. BJP candidate Sobha Surendran said that the UDF are giving thousands of rupees to each voter. The designation Rs.professor' of LDF candidate C Raveendranath also became controversial and the Congress alleged that he cannot use Rs.professor' before his name as it projects the details of his teaching career. But Raveendranath denied the charge and said it was an effort to demoralise him.

In Guruvayoor, the IUML approached the election commission against the candidature of KV Abdul Khader of the LDF, but his nomination was accepted by the returning officer since the chairman of the Waqf Board is not a profitable post.

In Chalakkudy and Nattika constituencies, problems within the UDF began with the selection of KT Benny and Vikas Chakrapani. But the leaders later claimed that all problems were solved and they would face the elections with confidence.