The Election Commission has decreed that in the five poll-bound states -- Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur -- posters and hoardings should not feature photographs of ministers and politicians. Hence, in keeping with the model code of conduct, photographs of ministers and politicians on hoarding displays and posters that publicise the achievements of the particular minister, leader or political party should be either removed or suitably masked. The five states will vote for new assemblies beginning February 4. Results will be out on March 11.

A report in the Hindustan Times quotes the code of conduct that states:  “No political party or functionary can use public resources and incur or authorise expenditure from public exchequer to eulogise himself or itself or enhance his/its own or any political leader’s image”. However, the Commission has allowed hoardings put up by the Government to convey general message to the masses on family planning or social welfare schemes.
The HT report also states that the EC has asked candidates to furnish a no-objection certificate from owners of private properties where their posters or hoardings are put up, failing which costs will be added to their expense accounts.