Experts weigh in on unavoidable presence of political hoardings

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: In a recent case, the Karnataka High Court criticised the BBMP and the State government for the proliferation of illegal hoardings, flexes, and banners in the city. The court rebuked the civic body, stating, "Except for happily riding paper horses, they are not at all interested in initiating any action."

The prevalence of hoardings has sparked debate about their inevitability in the current political landscape, where parties heavily rely on social media for advertising and voter engagement.Many political experts, who didn't want to be named, argue that hoardings, posters, and wall art have become integral to politicians' daily lives, helping them stay in the hearts and minds of their supporters and voters.

Experts acknowledge that hoardings are avoidable, but politicians continue to use them as symbols of power.

However, they believe that hoardings do not significantly influence voters' choices. For politicians, hoardings serve as a means to send messages to their constituents, showcasing their party's strength and prowess, added the experts.

Despite incidents in Chennai where hoardings have caused fatalities, the political culture in southern states revolves around their persistent use.