Politicians need to stop promoting themselves illegally

Representation Pic

The BMC recently said that citizens, social organisations and political parties are requested to refrain from placing any hoardings, banners, or posters on public roads and pathways in Mumbai, except with permission.

According to the statement, under the guidance of BMC Commissioner and administrator I S Chahal, officials are conducting periodic campaigns to remove illegal and unauthorised hoardings, banners, and posters.

BMC said initiatives are being taken to remove unauthorised hoardings, banners and posters in Mumbai. Following the directions of the Bombay High Court in a public interest litigation (PIL), the BMC has implemented restrictions on the unauthorised display of these.

It is astounding that we see such reports when the city is awash with banners. Instead of first pointing to the public, it is the political parties, their leaders, supporters, allies whatever one would wish to call them that should hold a mirror up to themselves.

There are a plethora of banners wishing somebody happy birthday. There are others that spring up during festival time with best wishes and then there are the battle of the banners. One party will be up with a banner on one day, and soon, there will be another.

While there may be others besides political parties that are plastering hoardings, the former are most visible. There is also something to be said for our political leaders who need to lead by example. It is no use stating that they do not know who has put up banners or who these supporters are. When people see the powerful themselves using the city as their wallpaper, they are naturally going to do the same.

Periodically, we hear that the BMC has undertaken this, that or the other drive. Yet, it is like a boomerang and we are back to square one. A permanent, just solution is needed.