Parties to bring national leaders to woo voters

Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 17 (UNI) With three more days left for the campaign to end for the first phase of Assembly elections in Kerala, political parties in the state are in a hurry to bring the maximum number of national leaders to the state to add flavour to attract voters.

Though the main contest is between the Congress-led United Democratic Front and the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front, the BJP is not behind as they are bringing the maximum number of leaders for electioneering.

The CPI(M) has already started the campaign with its General Secretary Prakash Karat addressing election meetings in Kottayam.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi is scheduled to begin the first leg of her election tour tomorrow. During her one-day trip, she will address public meetings in Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Kollam and Neyyattinkara. She is expected to return to the state on April 24 for the second phase of polls.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was also scheduled to launch a two-day campaign beginning on April 19 at Perumbavoor. He would also address election rallies at Thodupuzha and Thiruvalla. The next day it would be Pattambi, Koyilandy and Iritty.

The BJP, which is fighting the elections on its own, is making all out efforts to open its account in the state.

Top leaders, including Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, L K Advani and Party President Rajnath Singh were visiting the state.

Mr Advani would begin campaigning by addressing an election meeting at Kasaragod today.

During her day-long schedule, Ms Sushma Swaraj would address a meeting at Palakkad tomorrow where Former Union Railway Minister O Rajagopal was contesting.

Party Senior Leader M Venkaiah Naidu will launch a three-day campaign from April 19 covering BJP strongholds.

MORE UNI CGV GM RL GC1923