In Kerala, campaigning for elections to the local self government institutions has reached a feverish pitch as the first phase of polling is just three days away. For the first time fifty per cent of the seats are reserved for women. Since assembly election in Kerala is to take place in a few months, present local body election is witnessing neck to neck fight between the ruling LDF and congress led opposition.AIR correspondent R.K. Pillai reports that for the first time in Kerala, election to the local self government institutions is witnessing intense campaign similar to an assembly election. Since assembly election of the state is due in May next year, the present election is crucial to all political parties. By reserving half the seats for women through a recent legislation Kerala has taken an earnest effort to further step up women's participation in panchayatiraj system. Polling will be held on 23 rd and 25th and the results will be out by 27th of this month.