Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Mar 12: With general elections declared and Model Code of of Conduct implemented, Mangaluru has become banner free.

As per Election Commission of India's Model Code of Conduct guidelines, displaying banners, flex pertaining to any political party, religion or for any other purpose is considered an offence.

In Dakshina Kannada district, deputy commissioner Sasikanth Senthil directed officials to conduct a drive to remove flexes, hoardings, banners.

As per the rules, banners need to be removed within 24 hours after the announcement of election code of conduct. The district election officers took out a drive from midnight and tore down banners across the city.

There were several banners put up regarding government programmes right in front of government offices especially at Hampankatta and State Bank which have been removed by the officials.

Even the digital LED display hoarding at DC office which gives information about government schemes has been switched off.

Political leaders are not supposed to display any kind of flex, banners. In case if a banner, flex has to be put up, permission from the election officer is must or else stringent action would be taken.

However, on March 11, there was a verbal spat between election officials and people regarding the removal of banner of Polali Brahmakalasotsava.

Stopping the officials from tearing the banners, members from the public contacted the deputy commissioner over telephone. As Polali temple Brahmakalostava will end in two days, they requested that the banner should be retained. The removal of this banner has been temporarily put on hold.