The Election Commission of India has asked the Telugu Desam Party to remove all large hoardings and banners put up in the city as the model code of conduct has come into force following the notification for the MLC Krishna-Guntur Graduates Constituency election.
Based on a reference made by Sub-Collector S. Venkata Rao, the order came from the Election Commission, and banners are being removed in majority of places.
The party had put welcome banners for party president N. Chandrababu Naidu’s Vastunna Meekosam scheduled to begin in city from February 2.
Banners, festoons, and flex boards, from standard sizes to massive stretches, hailing their leader’s commitment were attracting the passers-by in all the thoroughfares, especially around Chuttugunta, Mogulrajapuram, Sikamani Centre, and also the arterial Karl Marx and M.G. Roads.
“They are huge and eye-catchy. Never before did I see so many banners hailing Mr. Naidu. Right from ward members to city president, they feel rejuvenated by the padayatra,” said Rajesh, a party worker.
Even before the Sub-Collector, who is also Assistant Election Returning Officer for the constituency, got complaints, he had written to the State Election Commission seeking clarification on the issue.
Many party workers also felt that the money spent on publicity material was an indication of hope that the party would do well in the 2014 elections.
Needless to mention, the TDP leaders had painted the city yellow after a long time, but all their efforts turned futile.
The ticket aspirants left no stone unturned to grab the attention of Mr. Naidu.
The TDP president is slated to walk close to 25 km in the city.
He will start his walkathon from Kummaripalem Centre and end near Kanaka Durga Varadhi before entering Guntur district.
