Political hoardings being pulled down in Lucknow

Lucknow, Mar 5 (ANI): Poll banners and hoardings are being hurriedly pulled down from government buildings in Lucknow, after the Election Commission announced general election dates.

"When the dates were announced by the Election Commission, we started this activity in Lucknow. The Election Commission has sent a message that banners, flags and hoardings should be put up only according to the rules and norms.

Many such hoardings were put up by different parties. We have started removing them impartially," said Dinesh Sharma, the city mayor.

He clarified that the hoardings had come up before the polls were announced and warned that any fresh violation of the poll code would be dealt with sternly under the law.

"Citizens in Lucknow are conscious and aware and when they see such hoardings and banners they start hating it. I just want the parties to put up such materials according to the rules and norms of the Election Commission or else not only will we remove them, but will also impose a fine. We will also submit a complaint to the Election Commission as well," said Sharma.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner Nopalaswamy is here on a two-day visit, to review poll preparedness in the state.

On Wednesday, the Commission met representatives of various political parties and sought their suggestions for smooth conduct of polls.

Uttar Pradesh, which has the maximum of 80 seats, will have five-phased polls.

The main contest is between the Bahujan Samaj Party, the party which claims to represent the downtrodden, and the Samajwadi Party. The Bharatiya Janata Party is trying to regain a foothold while the Congress party is desperate to break the jinx of being a marginal player in the politically most crucial state. (ANI)