Bengaluru: Flexes with politicians' pics to go

Bengaluru: The day after the Election Commission of India announced the dates for the Lok Sabha polls, the BBMP started making preparations for the elections.

Addressing a joint press conference with city Police Commissioner T. Suneel Kumar, BBMP Commissioner N. Manjunath Prasad, who is also the District Election Officer, directed officials to pull down all government-related advertisements by 5 pm on Monday. All the flexes with pictures of politicians will be removed.

Pictures of politicians on websites and on bus shelters too will be removed. Government vehicles given to politicians will be taken back and the entire election process will be filmed. Observers will arrive in the city soon to keep track of election candidates’ expenditure, said Mr Prasad.

March 26 is the last date for filing nominations, while March 29 is the last date for withdrawal. Bengaluru has 88,81,066 voters. Of which, 46,32,900 are men and 42,48,166 are women.

It is mandatory for political parties and candidates to obtain permission from the election commissioner before issuing any media advertisement. Since the first phase of polls scheduled for April 18 is between holidays and second phase on April 23 after the weekend, there is a need to create awareness on the importance of voting. The voter percentage is likely to increase this time, Mr Prasad said.

Candidates contesting from Bengaluru Central should file their nominations at the office of additional commissioner, BBMP head office.

Candidates from Bengaluru South have to file their nominations at Jayanagar 2 Block, BBMP office. Candidates for Bengaluru North should file papers at the Byatarayanapura BBMP office.  

Mr Suneel Kumar said that necessary precautions will be taken to ensure smooth and peaceful polls. Flying squads will be deployed after holding talks with the election commission, he said.

Police will keep a close vigil on all rowdysheeters and some will be taken into custody under the Goonda Act, if necessary, he said.