T’puram: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ratan U Kelkar warned of strict action against defacement of public property and damage to roads as part of the campaign for 2026 assembly elections.In a circular issued by election department on Feb 25, comprehensive guidelines were laid down to curb undesirable campaign practices. The order imposed stringent restrictions on drawing symbols on public roads, pasting posters on govt installations and other similar activities. The action was announced in accordance with chapters 12 and 16 of Election Commission of India’s ‘Manual on Model Code of Conduct’ and instructions issued subsequently. The CEO said besides coordinated action by various govt departments and agencies, full cooperation of political parties and public was essential to conduct elections in a model manner. The circular noted that during elections, roads are often defaced with large symbols and markings, causing inconvenience to the public and obstructing smooth traffic. Such irresponsible acts are frequently carried out on roads constructed using public funds and maintained to high standards. These actions will be treated as violations of the Model Code of Conduct and dealt with strictly. Writing on walls of govt buildings and their premises, bridges and other civil structures, or pasting posters and papers or defacing them in any manner, was completely prohibited. The installation of cut-outs, hoardings, banners and flags at such locations was also not permitted. The election commission strictly barred the use of public places and public property for political advertisements. These include railway stations, govt dispensaries, hospitals, post offices, bus stands, airports, railway flyovers, govt roads, govt and public buildings, buses, electric and telephone posts and buildings of municipal and local self-govt institutions. Erecting campaign materials at such locations will be treated as a violation of law. If any political party, association, candidate or individual defaces public property in violation of existing local laws or commission instructions, the returning officer or district election officer must issue a notice for immediate removal. If there is no prompt compliance, the district administration may directly remove the materials. The entire cost incurred will be recovered from the responsible political party or candidate and added to the candidate’s election expenditure, the order stated. Further, legal proceedings must be initiated against offenders under laws relating to prevention of defacement or under general laws applicable to wilful damage to property. Kelkar directed political parties and individuals to refrain from drawing symbols on public roads, fixing materials or pasting posters in connection with election campaign. He also instructed returning officers or district election officers to ensure strict enforcement of the guidelines wherever violations are noticed.
