Karwar: District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner (DC) Gangubai Maankar announced that following the Election Commission's directive, approximately 1,272 propaganda materials have been removed from government, public, and privately owned places and buildings throughout the Uttara Kannada district, within 72 hours of the model code of conduct being enforced.

DC Maankar detailed that immediately after the model code of conduct came into effect, measures were initiated to eliminate various types of campaign materials potentially influencing voters. These materials were found in government, public, and private locations across all urban local bodies and villages in the district.

The clearance operation, conducted by 33 teams, led to the removal of 251 wall writings, 349 posters, 255 banners, and 417 other published materials, totaling 1,272 propaganda items.

Breakdown by area includes 96 in Joida, 69 in Dandeli, 85 in Haliyal, 229 in Karwar, 81 in Ankola, 120 in Kumta, 192 in Honnavar, 49 in Bhatkal, 152 in Sirsi, 65 in Siddapur, 86 in Yellapur, and 48 in Mundgod.

Maankar emphasized that obtaining prior approval from the District Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) is mandatory for any election campaign or advertisement on social media and cable TV concerning the Lok Sabha General Elections. She cautioned that legal action would be taken against those who violate this directive.