Muvattupuzha (Kerala), May 06: The battle for the Muvattupuzha Lok Sabha seat, from where Union Minister P C Thomas is contesting for a sixth consecutive term, this time under the BJP-NDA banner, will not be a cakewalk and is expected to throw some surprises. Thomas realised from the beginning that this election would not be easy as this is the first time he is contesting as a candidate of the Indian Federal Democratic Party (IFDP).

Thomas floated the IFDP after his expulsion from the Kerala Congress (Mani), a constituent of the UDF, two years ago for alleged anti-party activities. IFDP is a coalition partner of BJP-led NDA.

Kerala Congress leader and State Revenue Minister K M Mani's son and heir apparent Jose K Mani, is the UDF candidate and the father-son duo are sparing no efforts to ensure a win. Thomas has alleged that officials favourable to Mani were being posted in the constituency as polling officers and revenue department funds were being diverted to Muvattupuzha to woo voters.

The LDF candidate, P M Ismail, is also leaving no stone unturned to brighten up his chances. The LDF cadre, as part of a road-show, took out 100 cut-outs of Ismail here.

All the three candidates have been intensely campaigning in this predominantly agrarian constituency, the confluence of three rivers, thus deriving its name--Muvattupuzha. Bureau Report