Political banners, hoardings, flags and posters have dotted the Goan landscape not only defacing public places but creating an eyesore on the unique identity and appearance of the State. Huge hoardings carrying larger-than-life images of leaders that scream about achievements and political promises dot the highways causing a major distraction to commuters. Nowhere in the past have political parties gone freewheeling completely disrespecting the vibe of the State and the law of the land.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant tweeted "one of the key differences Goa is witnessing in this election is the banner pollution by @ArvindKejriwal and @MamataOfficial's political parties. Pasting stickers on public and private property is a blatant disregard for authorities as well as Goa's beauty." The irony is that BJP is no exception to this defacement. Party flags, posters of national leaders and the CM himself have been dotting nooks and corners of the State. The government has left no stone unturned in showcasing its flagship schemes, social welfare measures and achievements.The sad part is that amidst all this chaos and distraction, which the CM called "menace", the bureaucracy has failed to act. Did the situation require the CM to make a statement first and set the authorities in motion? This is bizarre because the law empowers the bureaucracy to crack the whip and even register an FIR for defacement of public property. The South Goa District Magistrate on Monday issued a warning to political parties to immediately clear the banners, hoardings, posters, and flags put up without permission.
The contention that posters have been put up in disregard to authorities cannot be acceptable per se, because the bureaucracy has not stood up to its authority. We have a situation where a violation of political nature has been ignored by the very authorities who spare no time in bringing down personal or commercial posters or hoardings put up without requisite permissions.
The common citizens have been helplessly bearing up with such pollution because the bureaucracy has turned a blind eye. Sadly, political parties that have been making ambitious promises of restoring Goa's pristine beauty and maintaining the State's identity have taken the liberty to disfigure it at the first opportunity.
Election campaigns are evolving around creating visibility. Political communication in the form of posters and hoardings has given parties the reach and appeal they wanted. However, in a hotly-contested poll environment, parties have over-utilized this medium by not only drawing attention but competing against one another with overwhelming displays. This unpleasant makeover of the State is a very ugly sight not only to the common man but also to the tourist who descends into Goa with a heavenly illusion.
It’s time political parties across the spectrum respect the DNA of Goa, its identity and the peace that envelops it. Do not try and paint the unique appearance of the State with political hues and turn it into an eyesore.
