In a significant security operation, police in Kannur district, Kerala, seized five crude country-made bombs and over three kilograms of gunpowder in the Dharmadam assembly constituency, represented by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The seizure occurred just a day before the counting of votes for the 140 constituencies in the Kerala assembly elections, which took place on April 9, 2023. The police acted on a tip-off regarding illegal firecracker manufacturing resembling crude bombs. Following restrictions on licensed firecracker shops, there has been a noted increase in illegal production in the area. A case has been registered against a local resident named Nanu in connection with the explosives. As the election results approach, Vijayan has updated his social media bio to reflect his position as a member of the Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), as he aims for a historic third consecutive term amidst competition from the United Democratic Front and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.