Flexes of Rahul Gandhi across Bengaluru in violation of rules

BENGALURU: Some rules of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) seem to be applicable only to the common citizens and not to people’s representatives, including MLAs and politicians. The High Court had slammed the civic body for its failure to implement the ban on flexes and banners in public places. Despite this, the BBMP does not learn seem to have learned any lessons and has allowed violation of rules.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had come from Delhi to Bengaluru in order to appear before the Special Court on Friday in connection with a defamation case filed by the Karnataka BJP unit.

On Friday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah himself welcomed him at the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru.

Prior to Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Bengaluru, many leaders, including Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, had unofficially put up welcome boards, flexes along the road displaying “Welcome Rahul Gandhi.”

According to BBMP rules, it is an offence to put up flexes or banners in Bengaluru. The BBMP has the right to register an FIR against those who put up flexes.

If citizens violate the rules, the civic body imposes a fine without delay. But, the same rules are not followed by ministers and influential leaders. The BBMP turned blind to them and had not even taken action against them.

The BBMP had been warned earlier by the High Court regarding illegal flexes and banners that harm the environment and beauty of the city. But, politicians do not seem to be following the BBMP rules.