Election campaigning has assumed a new dimension, thanks to the Election Commission (EC) for implementing the poll code of conduct strictly and for keeping a tab on all poll related expenditure.
The streets and buildings in the city have been spared of hoardings, cut-outs, posters, buntings and littering of pamphlets, unlike in the previous elections.
However, it is only a temporary relief. Because, the political parties, their candidates and their supporters are restraining from splurging on campaign material — even though they are luring voters with goodies personally — due to the poll code of conduct.
Once the election results are declared, the poll code will cease to exist and publicity materials will flood the streets. Even those who are in no way related to the winning candidate will put up hoardings and posters, greeting the victor. Felicitation functions will follow, providing ample opportunities for publicity-mongers to deface the streets.
The City Municipal Council (CMC) has to issue permission for putting up publicity materials.
It also collects a fee for such publicity, depending on the location and size. Even if the materials are put up on private buildings or private lands, the CMC should get its share in the form of fees. But, the CMC is not following the rules.
Even though hoardings and cut-outs pose a danger to vehicular traffic on city roads, the CMC authorities do not act, as such violators are well-connected to influential persons.
Despite facing financial crunch, the CMC had set a target to collect just Rs two lakh as publicity tax in 2012-13. There is no change in the target for 2013-14.
Apart from poll related activities and political programmes, traders, professional, religious institutions, caste-based organisations and NGOs misuse public and private space for publicity throughout the year. The CMC can regulate putting up of publicity materials and also collect at least Rs 10 lakh as tax of on such publicity activities, if it is serious.