As the lines blur between religion and politics, it's a triangular political-battle in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district, with Sabarimala at the centrestage. With political parties clueless of which way the votes will sway, people in this constituency 100-km from state-capital Thiruvananthapuram are seeing intense campaigns by BJP, Congress and Left candidates. There are people who would be voting for the parties for very first time.

As many as 237 people have been taken into preventive detention in connection with violence in Kannur and Pathanamthitta districts in Kerala, said the police. Earlier, country-made bombs were hurled at the residences of BJP leader V Muraleedharan and CPI(M) leaders AN Shamseer and P Sasi. Kerala has been witnessing violence since two women aged under 50 entered Sabarimala Temple.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan faces one of the biggest challenges in his political life as Sabarimala temple opens on November 5 for the one-day festival of Chithira Atta Vishesham. The festival marks the birth anniversary celebration of Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, the head of Travancore royal family.