KOTTAYAM: Election Commission has clarified that there will be no restriction on the distribution of free kits in Puthuppally despite the code of conduct being in place as part of the by-election. Chief Electoral Officer Sanjay Kaul stated that the relaxation in this matter should not be used as an opportunity for political exploitation. People's representatives should not be involved in kit distribution or related activities. Election Commission has given strict instructions that there should be no symbols, names or other indications of political parties in the distributed kit or related materials, he added.

The opposition had earlier demanded the withdrawal of the decision to stop the distribution of free Onam kits in Kottayam district in the wake of the Puthuppally by-election. Opposition leader VD Satheesan had informed that a letter has been sent to the Chief Electoral Officer in this regard. The district has also been temporarily exempted from the scheme which provides Rs 1,000 to Scheduled Tribes above 60 years of age. He had also demanded that this decision be withdrawn.