PALAKKAD: The CPM and the BJP are staging protests outside the Palakkad municipality. In order to avoid a scuffle, the police intervened and dispersed both the parties from the premises.

The swearing in ceremony was held in Palakkad municipality under strict security in wake of the flex controversy. Only the elected members and those having passes were permitted in the council hall. BJP members came from the party office for the swearing-in ceremony in jathas.

The BJP hanging Jai Shri Ram flex after securing majority in the local body polls had stoked a controversy. The police has so far not indicted anybody in the incident including councillors. Police said the steps to identify the candidates and counting agents who were on the spot is progressing. The Town South Police expect to get the report of the returning officer today.