Pune: On the first day of the Model Code of Conduct for the upcoming Assembly elections, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) came under fire for failing to remove unauthorized political advertisements that had been placed across the city.

Despite the election announcement, flex banners and boards put up by candidates remained visible at various intersections late into the night, exposing the administrative indifference of the PMC’s Sky Sign and License Department.

Two days prior, the Municipal Commissioner had issued written instructions to remove all political advertisements, anticipating the election announcement.

The delay in action led to Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B.P. issuing fresh directives, ordering the removal of all such advertisements within two days.

As competition intensifies among prospective candidates in Pune’s Assembly constituencies, many have installed banners and boards to assert their presence.

These advertisements, however, are unauthorized. The District Collector had already alerted the Municipal Corporation of the likelihood of an election announcement and had sent formal instructions to remove the banners promptly.

Despite this, the banners remained in place even after the announcement, highlighting the inaction of the Sky Sign Department.

The PMC’s Sky Sign Department has now been instructed to ensure that all political and other advertisements are removed by Thursday afternoon.

The Deputy Commissioner has been directed to oversee the operation to ensure compliance with the election code.