Elections – Posters Cover Government College Walls Ahead of Assembly Polls
Elections – Political posters have begun appearing across several public locations in Coimbatore as preparations quietly gather pace ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. The compound wall of the Government Arts College, located in the central part of the city, has become one of the prominent spots where posters from political parties, organisations, and businesses have been pasted in large numbers, drawing concern from students.
The posters, layered one over another, have covered long stretches of the college’s outer wall. Students say the situation has worsened in recent weeks and are urging the college administration to intervene and stop the practice before it escalates further during the election season.
College Wall Becomes Target for Posters
Students studying at the institution say that the compound wall has increasingly become a convenient surface for various groups to display political messages, event promotions, and commercial advertisements.
According to P Manojkumar, a student at the college, the problem has grown steadily because of the college’s location in the heart of Coimbatore city. Due to its visibility and heavy public movement around the area, different groups have been using the wall to paste cinema posters, political campaign messages, greetings, and advertisements.
He explained that posters have been repeatedly pasted over older ones, creating several layers across the entire wall. As a result, the exterior of the campus now appears cluttered and untidy, which many students feel affects the appearance of the educational institution.
Students Raise Concern Over Growing Practice
Several students have expressed disappointment over the increasing number of posters appearing on the college boundary. They say the trend has become more noticeable since February, with fresh posters appearing almost every day.
Students say the growing number of posters has turned the wall into what they describe as an unpleasant sight. Many believe that if the issue is not addressed quickly, the number of posters may rise further as political campaigning intensifies ahead of the elections.
Some students also pointed out that government properties are generally protected from such activities under existing regulations. They argue that the pasting of posters on the walls of a government college is a clear violation of these norms.
Call for Immediate Action by College Administration
Students are now requesting the college administration to take immediate steps to remove the posters and prevent further misuse of the wall.
One student suggested that the college authorities should first clear all the existing posters and then paint a warning notice on the wall informing people that pasting posters is not permitted. Such a notice, students believe, could discourage individuals and organisations from using the wall for publicity.
The student also said that if anyone continues to paste posters despite the warning, the administration should consider filing a police complaint so that the issue can be addressed legally.
Students believe strict enforcement will help prevent the compound wall from being used as a public display board for political and commercial content.
College Plans to Inform Police Authorities
Responding to the concerns raised by students, Government Arts College Principal M Yezhili acknowledged the issue and said the administration is preparing to take action.
The principal stated that the college plans to send a formal letter to the Commissioner of Police in Coimbatore city to bring the matter to the attention of law enforcement authorities.
Once the letter is submitted, the college hopes the police will assist in preventing further pasting of posters on the compound wall and help maintain the appearance and dignity of the educational institution.
As election activity gradually increases across the state, students say stronger monitoring around public institutions will be necessary to ensure that government properties are not used for unauthorized publicity.