Kerala: 93 candidates in fray in Ernakulam district

Kochi: A total of 93 candidates is in the fray in district after the nominations filed by 120 candidates were scrutinised. 27 nominations were rejected. The largest number of candidates contesting are 10 each in Kalamassery and Tripunithura. There are eight candidates in the fray in Angamaly and Kothamangalam and seven in Paravur, Vypeen and Piravom. Perumbavoor, Ernakulam and Kunnathunad have six candidates in the fray.Meanwhile, as part of the poll preparations, district collector G Priyanka issued orders prohibiting the possession and carrying of weapons in connection with the voting. The prohibitory order was issued under Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Samhita (BNSS) 2023. Possession and display of guns, spears, swords, sticks, deadly weapons, stones, lathis, etc. in public places was completely banned. The ban will remain in place until the election results are declared. Strict legal action will be taken against those who violate the order. The district screening committee will conduct personal checks on those who are in possession of licensed firearms. If it is found necessary for maintaining law and order, they will be asked to produce them before the authorities. Police have been strictly instructed to seize weapons if those with ritual exemptions engage in violent incidents or disturb the peace.