BBMP Commissioner Siddaiah has directed the returning officers of all Assembly constituencies of the Bangalore city to keep a track of hoardings, flex boards, buntings, banners and any kind of publicity material displayed on BBMP properties without its approval. 

Siddaiah also told the officers that the violators can also be prosecuted on criminal charges, if the violations are grave.

At a meeting organised to train the electoral officers for the forthcoming election here on Saturday, Siddaiah, who is also the District Election Officer, asked the officials to be free and fair and not to succumb to any sort of influence by individuals and political parties.

He asked the officials from different departments to focus on tracing the unauthorised transportation of money, liquor and other materials that could be used to woo the voters and inform such matters to the election officers.

Designated returning officers and officials from Transport, Police and Excise Departments were present in the meeting.