The Andhra Pradesh state high court on Tuesday ordered removal of the official party colours of the ruling YSR Congress party on the government buildings within ten days.
The order was given following a public interest litigation petition filed by one Muppa Venkateshwara Rao from Pallapadu village of Guntur district challenging painting of the gram panchayat and other official buildings with YSRC party colours.
The high court agreed with the contention of the petitioner that the panchayat office is public property and colours of ruling party flag should not be allowed to be painted on the public properties.
It pointed out the detailed guidelines issued by the Supreme Court in this regard which applies to all public places, government establishments, local bodies and public undertakings.
The Supreme Court had said the government advertisements should maintain political neutrality in disseminating information to people about government schemes.
Defacing of public properties, government buildings and public undertakings in any manner with that of political advertisements is strictly prohibited during the elections.
On the other hand, the state government justified its stand by saying that the colour shade and pattern used for painting of buildings is different from that of YSRC party flag colours.
The high court’s judgement came at a time when the notification for local bodies and municipal corporations was issued and preparation for the election process is going on in full swing.
However, one wonders whether the high court’s decision would have any impact on the outcome of the local body elections, where the ruling YSRC is completely in a dominating position whereas the opposition Telugu Desam Party is in complete disarray with no candidates coming forward to contest in many places.