TVK digital banners continue to clutter Trichy

Trichy: Days after the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam govt ordered removal of congratulatory digital banners and flex hoardings put up by functionaries, they continue to dominate public spaces across Trichy, creating safety hazards for motorists and pedestriansThe banners, mostly congratulating newly elected MLAs and chief minister C Joseph Vijay, have been installed on bridges, major junctions, road dividers, and busy thoroughfares. They are prominently visible in areas such as Cantonment, Palakkarai, Thillai Nagar, Puthur, Chathiram bus stand, Srirangam, and KK Nagar. Many of the banners obstruct visibility, particularly at night, due to digital glare, leading to complaints from residents about increased risk of accidents.TVK general secretary and minister N Anand recently issued a fresh directive to party cadres, asking them to stop erecting banners, posters, or cut-outs at public places, roads, or traffic-prone areas. He emphasised the need to avoid public inconvenience, and warned of strict action against violators. However, several TVK banners remain in place across Trichy, pointing to gaps in implementation at the local level.TVK's directive was welcomed on social media as a positive step towards responsible political practices and public safety, but the partial compliance in places like Trichy has drawn criticism. DMK banners congratulating former minister and Trichy West MLA K N Nehru are also found in some locations, with several remaining for more than a week. Trichy city police said they have taken note of the violations. "We have advised party functionaries to remove the banners immediately as they violate public safety norms. If not removed by Thursday, Trichy city corporation will clear them," a senior police official said. Residents and civic activists complain that such displays clutter the city, endanger lives, and put an unnecessary burden on municipal resources.