Bangalore, Dec 23 (IANS) The state government Wednesday banned huge cutouts and banners, including those of political leaders, in this Karnataka capital city.
“Criminal action will be taken against those violating the ban,” Law Minister S. Suresh Kumar announced in the legislative council, responding to Congress and Janata Dal-Secular members who complained that people were fed up seeing these cutouts and banners.

Cutouts and banners, mostly of political leaders hailing them on birthdays or politicians greeting people on festivals, have become big eyesores in this tech hub.

Suresh Kumar said henceforth no organization would be allowed to put up cutouts and banners.

“The rule would apply to political meetings/conventions also,” he said.

A vigilance team of city police, public works department, Greater Bangalore City Corporation and Bangalore Development Authority would be set up to ensure that the ban is followed, he said.

The cutout/banner display about birthdays of political leaders, both state and local, or greeting people on festival has become rampant in the city in the last few years.