KOTTAYAM: After scrutiny of nominations, it has been confirmed that seven candidates are in the fray in the Puthupally by-elections. Ten people submitted the papers. There were a total of 19 sets of nomination papers. Apart from Chandy Oommen, Jaick C Thomas and G Lijinlal, Aam Aadmi Party's Luke Thomas, independents PK Devdas, Santhosh Joseph and Shaji are in the fray. The papers of CPM dummy Regi Zacharia, BJP dummy Manju S Nair and independent candidate Dr K Padmarajan were rejected.

Scrutiny was conducted yesterday morning at 11 am in the office of RDO Vinodraj. The scrutiny was completed in the presence of the by-election general observer Yugal Kishore Pant. The BJP objected to Jaick's signature on the paper, but officials rejected the argument and accepted it. Nomination can be withdrawn till September 21.

Election campaign in full swing
As the election heats up, all the three main candidates are on out among the public seeking votes. The state leaders of all the three fronts are seeking votes in person. Candidates will soon embark on a tour in an open jeep after home tour is completed.