Mumbai BJP MP seeks permission to put up ‘patriotic banners’

Gopal Shetty’s letter comes in the backdrop of a Bombay high court (HC) directive, asking civic bodies to remove all illegal posters, banners and hoardings before January 26

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Gopal Shetty has written to civic chief Ajoy Mehta, seeking permission to allow political workers and citizens to put up hoardings on Republic Day and Independence Day for a fee of Re1.

Shetty’s letter comes in the backdrop of a Bombay high court (HC) directive, asking civic bodies to remove all illegal posters, banners and hoardings before January 26.

In his letter, Shetty said citizens and political representatives should be allowed to put up hoardings that are “patriotic in nature” at least during these two important events to help “promote patriotism”.

The MP from Mumbai North constituency has also said that the Brianmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) should frame a policy wherein citizens can apply for permission to put up patriotic hoardings on government property.

“In case of private property, a no-objection certificate should be obtained,” the letter stated.

Shetty’s letter came in the wake up of the HC slamming civic bodies across the state for failing to remove illegal political posters, banners and hoardings.

Two months ago, the HC had also warned political parties of contempt action if they failed to adhere to its orders.

In tandem with the court order, Mehta had also asked civic officials to clear the city of these illegal hoardings, banners and posters. Going a step further, he also asked officials to initiate a prosecution case against those putting up these posters and also the people whose photos appears on them.

Citizens, though, condemned Shetty’s move. Nikhil Desai, an activist from Matunga, said, “Shetty is not above the law. He can put up posters on his own property. He cannot take permission to deface the city.”