HDK's message not to erect banners failed

In a case of clear defiance, even when Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy called upon his party workers and supporters not to erect cutouts and banners, his fans and JD(S) party workers put out hundreds of cutouts across the city.

Despite Kumaraswamy's order, Bengaluru woke up to huge banners, flex and buntings sprawling across everywhere on Wednesday, leading to public criticism.

Kumaraswamy had requested his supporters on Monday not to erect such banners. In a message, Kumaraswamy appealed, “I request you not to erect celebratory banners and cutouts, hang buntings and burst crackers as this will destroy the environment. It is my wish that party workers do not do these things.”

Large banners and hoardings of various politicians, wishing them on their birthdays, wishing people on festivals, and declaring election victory have become an eyesore in the city. These are also a major source of pollution.

There were huge banners, flex, and hoardings in and around Vidhana Soudha, where H D Kumaraswamy took oath as the chief minister.

Harish G A, a local, said, “Until the elections, the code of conduct was in place and the city was looking beautiful because there were no banners. Now, after the election results, all political parties are making the city ugly, again.”

Manoj Rai, a resident of Dasarahalli, said, “These banners contribute only to the garbage problem in the city. I appreciate Kumaraswamy's message, but the irony is his followers are not following their leader's message.”

Busy printers

City-based banner makers have been busy after the election results. According to a digital banner printer, they are getting more than 15 to 20 orders from different parties for printing banners of winners.

Another printer from Byatarayanapura said, "As soon as the elections ended, we got 20 orders from various political parties to print banners." "Depending on the size of banners, we are getting approximately Rs 35,000 per day from the parties," said another printer.