Daijiworld Media Network – Moodbidri (SP)

Moodbidri, Dec 18: Several activists of Bajrang Dal came together and opposed an attempt being made by the Mescom employees to remove a banner relating to the upcoming Hindu Samajotsava, which had been tied to an electric pole, on Friday December 17. Reportedly, the chief officer of the local municipality had ordered for the removal of the banner, to ensure that the election code of conduct, which in force, is respected.

This dispute, which arose all of a sudden, gave rise to a large gathering at the local bus stand. Local police station in-charge, Ramesh, and other personnel, rushed to the spot and controlled the situation. The Hindu leaders argued that they had obtained prior permission from the municipality for displaying banners in the town, relating to Hindu Samajotsava being held on Sunday December 19 evening. The municipality said that the banner was ordered to be removed, as the election code of conduct is in force, as per which no banners can be tied to government properties.

Those opposing the removal of the banner said they were in order in displaying the banner. They insisted that all such banners appearing elsewhere in the town should be removed, if the municipality is insistent of the removal of their banner. The situation eased, after the Mescom employees restored the banner, which they were in the process of removing, again to its original place.

The municipal chief officer, however, insisted that the municipality had not granted permission to tie banners to electric poles.