The Ganjam district administration led by Collector Dr Krishan Kumar raided different strategic places of the city and ordered removal of all the election posters and banners displayed at public places, including Government buildings, on Wednesday.
A large number of posters and banners of different political parties, mainly of the BJD, the BJP and the Congress displayed in Wards 1 to 20 were pulled down as per election norms and code of conduct in force. Apprehending removal of their posters and banners, some candidates shifted their posters, banners and signboards well in advance to safer places before the law and order authority reached the places of display, sources said.
Hundreds of posters and banners of different political parties which were displayed at Aska Road first gate, Haradakhandi, Annapurna Market, SNT Road, State Bank Road and New Bus Stand area were removed. The administration would also remove the banners and posters from the remaining wards, i.e., from Wards 21 to 40 on Friday, sources said.
In this drive, the Collector was assisted by Brahmapur SP Anirudh Singh, BMC Commissioner Dr Ajit Mishra, Brahmapur Sub-Collector Bijay Kumar Das and BMC Officer Sangram Panda.
The prescribed code of conduct has been violated in nine wards, out of which the Congress has violated in six wards and the BJD in the remaining three, reported Election Officer Seetanshu Kumar Rout. If candidates continue to do so then show-cause notices would be issued to them, he said. In case private building is used by a candidate for such display, the candidate would have to submit a no-objection letter from the owner of the building or else fine would be imposed on the candidate.
In the meantime, the city police led by SDPO Thakur Prasad Patra held a flag march on the main streets and sensitive areas, particularly in the Big Bazaar area, to allay fear from the minds of voters who mostly belong to business community.
The police would undertake continuous patrolling during night hours, especially in the Big Bazaar area till the election process is over, said police sources.