The silent person-to-person campaign by the candidates for the 2011 Assembly elections is all set to change gear in the coming days with the national-level leaders campaigning in the district for the final consolidation of their respective vote banks in the district.
The high-profile campaigners include Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who is expected to address a public meeting here on April 9. He is expected to land at the Police Parade Grounds by helicopter, though the venue for the public meeting has not been finalised.
The District Congress Committee is trying to bring one of the Gandhi-family members, but the picture is still unclear.
CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat will address a public meeting at Thirunakkara on Sunday. He will also address a public meeting at Changanassery. Other leaders who are expected to campaign for the LDF are S. Ramachandran Pillai (Sunday) and Sitaram Yechury (April 9).
BJP leadership is trying to bring Opposition Leader Sushma Swaraj for the campaign. She is expected to arrive on April 6, though the venue is yet to be decided. Party leader and actor Smrithi Irani will campaign for the party at Thirunakkara grounds on April 7.
Union Defence Minister A.K. Antony will campaign for the UDF on April 8 while Union Minister for Civil Aviation Vayalar Ravi will arrive on April 7. The Union Minister will address public meetings at Puthuppally, Pala, Changanassery and Kanjirappally.
The district leadership is trying to bring some of the young brigade for campaigning.
Meanwhile, Oommen Chandy and K.M. Mani are expected to spent time for themselves in their respective constituencies this week. While Mr. Chandy will campaign for himself at Puthuppally on April 4 and 5, Mr. Mani has started his four-day campaigning at Pala.
