A day after the state went to polls for the 16th Lok Sabha elections, the United Democratic Front (UDF) government and its Pathanamthitta candidate Anto Antony came under sharp criticism at the hands of the Kerala Congress (KC).

P C George, a prominent leader of the KC, which a major Congress ally, on Friday launched a tirade in disapproval of UDF’s decision to field Anto Antony, a sitting MP in Pathanamthitta.

Speaking to reporters, George said the MP’s campaign in Pathanamthitta was ineffective and did not address relevant issues in the constituency, including that of the proposed airport in Aranmula which faced public opposition. “I pray that he wins,” he told a TV channel.

George said he kept away from the campaign because he was not welcome.