“As per the the model code of conduct, any display of publicity material without permission from the authority concerned, in this case, the BBMP, is a violation of the Karnataka Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act 1981. It’s a cognisable offence amounting to imprisonment of six months and fine,” said Special Commissioner, BBMP, B S Ramprasad.

He added that the BBMP from Wednesday has launched a special drive to register cases against those parties, who have violated the Act. “We have noticed violations across the board with political parties displaying publicity material all over the City without permission. We had a meeting with all the political parties today and educated them on the model code of conduct and the Karnataka Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act 1981,” said Ramprasad.

In the meeting the BBMP officials distributed copies of the Act and the code of conduct to the representatives of the parties. “They have to take it seriously as we will furnish the details to the Chief Election Officer. A candidate, while filing his or her nomination, will have to mention if there are any criminal cases against him or her. Also, voters can ask for the details of the candidates and we are obliged to furnish them. No candidate would like to see a criminal case registered against him,” said the officer.

And it’s not just the BBMP, which has caught the political parties off guard. People across the City alleged that party workers from different parties come and blatantly put up banners and posters, especially under the cover of darkness. “The BBMP officials come the next day and pull them down,” said Srinivas of LJ Iyengar Bakery in Vijayanagar.

“We wish they address the real issues of people instead of these publicity stunts. For so many years we have been asking for a marketplace for the hawkers and vendors in Vijayanagar but they have not done anything so far,” said Ramu, a fruit vendor near Vijayanagar police station.

Hebbal

Hebbal is a new constituency of Bangalore City. Parts of erstwhile Yelahanka and Jayamahal constituencies have been brought together to form the new constituency. Hebbal is the area where the IT city is growing. As the area is close to Bengaluru International Airport it attracts large scale investments in the housing sector.

Prime localities of the constituency include Lottegollahalli, Venkatacharinagar, R T Nagar, RMV Extension, Nagashettihalli, Ganganagar, Bhoopasandra, Sanjayanagar, UAS, Kanakanagar, Viswesharaya Nagar, Sultanpalya, Rahmathnagar, J C Nagar.

The BJP is said to have decided to field former minister Katta Subramanya Naidu as the party candidate.  Former minister R Krishnappa, Nandini Alva, wife of late former minister Jeevraj Alva are among the contenders for the Congress ticket. Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat president T Prabhakar, former corporators Jameel Ahmed, Venkatesh and Lokesh Gowda are making efforts for the JD(S) ticket.

Total voters: 2,08,220
Men: 1,08,500
Women: 99,720
Hebbal area: BBMP wards - Hebbal, JC Nagar, Ganganagar, Sanjaynagar.

Bommanahalli

Bommanahalli constituency was formed by dividing the erstwhile Uttarahalli assembly segment. It comprises Bangalore South taluk, parts of Anekal taluk and wards of erstwhile Bommanahalli CMC. A few areas coming in the limits of the constituency include Ibbalur, Agara, Parangipalya, Mangammanapalya, Hongasandra, Rupena Agrahara, Hulimavu, Bilekahalli, Jaraganahalli. Bommanahalli is a hub of hundreds of garment units, IT, BT and BPOs.

A major part of the constituency is underdeveloped. Residents of the locality have been demanding proper drinking water supply for many years. Former ZP member Satish Reddy and former president of Bommanahalli CMC are keen on contesting on BJP ticket. The BJP is said to have decided to field Satish Reddy as its candidate. Industrialist Kupendra Reddy is one of the Congress ticket aspirant. Another industrialist Papa Reddy, JD(S) workers Muninarayana, Syed Sadiq are trying for a JD(S) ticket.

Total voters: 2,61,123
Men: 1,41,725
Women: 1,19,398
Area: Bangalore South Taluk & Anekal taluk (parts) Bommanahalli CMC