Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 5 (PTI) Campaigning for the assembly bypolls in Kannur, Ernakulam and Alappuzha constituencies ended today, with Kerala witnessing an acrimonious phase of political rhetoric between the CPI(M)-led ruling LDF and the Congress-controlled UDF.

Right from the start, electioneering has been unusually hectic, especially in politically volatile Kannur segment with the rivals clashing over a host of issues like irregularities in voters' list and deployment of central forces

The bypolls were necessitated after Congress MLAs in all three segments elected to the Lok Sabha.

While it is vital for the Congress to retain the seats, the LDF sees it as an opportunity to boost the morale of the party rank and file after its dismal show in the Lok Sabha elections winning only four of the 20 seats.