Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 4 (PTI) As the campaign for the November 7 byelections to three assembly constituencies in Kerala draws to a close, political rhetoric has become sharper with ruling CPI-M-led LDF and Congress-controlled UDF clashing over deployment of central forces for the polls.

Hitting the campaign trail in the last three days, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan alleged deployment of paramilitary forces in the three constituencies of Kannur, Ernakulam and Alappuzha by the Election Commission was the result of "machinations" by the Congress.

Rebutting the charge, Defence Minister A K Antony had said the action was well within the EC's powers and instead of getting "worked up", CPI-M should introspect on the circumstances that made the commission to do so.

Addressing rallies in politically-volatile Kannur, where election heat has shot up to abnormal levels, Achuthanandan accused the EC of conceding to the demands of the Congress.