Kochi: In an unusual and politically significant move, the Thiruvananthapuram City Corporation has imposed a ₹20 lakh fine on the BJP City District Committee for installing unauthorised banners, flags, and flex boards in public spaces during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit.
The action comes after the BJP failed to comply with repeated directions to remove the illegal installations—despite the fact that the corporation itself is governed by the BJP. The penalty notice was issued to the BJP City District President for violating municipal rules.
Images of the Prime Minister and senior BJP leaders appeared on hoardings erected across the city on Wednesday and Thursday, including on footpaths and road dividers, triggering widespread public complaints over obstruction and safety concerns. Acting on these complaints, the corporation issued a notice on Thursday evening, directing the party to remove the displays within two hours.
While some boards blocking footpaths were removed, most of the unauthorised banners remained in place. The corporation subsequently carried out a detailed assessment of the illegal installations along the airport–Putharikandam road stretch, following which the Corporation Secretary issued the fine notice.
Officials from the revenue department said that if there is no response to the first notice, a second notice will be issued, followed by two hearings. Failure to respond even at that stage could lead to attachment and recovery proceedings, underlining the corporation’s intent to strictly enforce civic regulations regardless of political affiliation.
