Officials remove political adverts from autos

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: With the election code of conduct in force in the state, transport department officials in the city have started removing pictures and symbols of political leaders from auto rickshaws. The transport department officials have started checking auto rickshaws and are getting photos of political leaders and party symbols removed from them.

A team led by Bengaluru city division Joint Transport Commissioner K T Halaswamy removed posters and photos and imposed fines on the drivers. They have also initiated a drive to create awareness among drivers about the need to abide by the EC code of conduct in this regard. The operation started at 11 am. RTO officials seized many auto rickshaws for violating the code of conduct, including in areas like Yeshwantpur, Rajajinagar and Jayanagar.

Since the implementation of the code of conduct, 452 cases have been registered in the city so far. In one of the cases, a driver who had posted a picture of the JD(S) party was fined Rs 5,000. Some autorickshaw drivers voluntarily removed the posters and pictures of political parties and leaders. Politicians spent lakhs of rupees on thousands of auto rickshaws for getting wide publicity for political parties.

“As the model code of conduct is in force, it is against the rules for auto drivers to stick posters and portraits of leaders and political parties. We have registered 452 cases and we will fine them Rs 5,000. If they do not remove it and pay the fine, they will be booked. In case of habitual offence, the permits will be permanently cancelled. We have informed all auto drivers’ associations to create awareness among their members. This will apply to all vehicles, including BMTC and KSRTC buses and checking will be conducted every day,” said K T Halaswamy, Joint Transport Commissioner of Bengaluru Division.