Tamil Nadu Clears 1.68 Lakh Defacement Cases Before Polls

1.68 Lakh Defacement Cases Removed in Tamil Nadu Ahead of Polls

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has removed more than 1.68 lakh instances of political defacement across Tamil Nadu as part of its enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

The large-scale cleanup drive includes the removal of posters, banners, wall paintings, and unauthorized political advertisements from public spaces across the state. Officials said the move is aimed at ensuring a level playing field for all political parties during the election period.

Strict Enforcement After Poll Code Comes Into Effect

The action follows the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct, which came into force after the announcement of election dates. Under the MCC, political parties are prohibited from defacing public property or using unauthorized spaces for campaign promotions.

Authorities deployed multiple enforcement teams, including flying squads and surveillance units, to monitor violations and take immediate action. In cities like Chennai, thousands of workers were involved in clearing political materials from roads, walls, and public buildings.

Focus on Fair and Clean Elections

Election officials emphasized that removing defacement is part of broader efforts to maintain transparency and fairness during the elections. Apart from cleaning public spaces, strict checks are also being carried out on cash movement, campaign activities, and misuse of government resources.

Tamil Nadu is set to go to polls in April 2026, with authorities stepping up monitoring across the state to ensure compliance with election rules.

Ongoing Monitoring

Officials stated that monitoring will continue throughout the election period, and any new violations will be promptly addressed. Citizens are also encouraged to report violations through official channels and mobile applications.

The large number of defacement cases highlights the scale of political campaigning in the state, as well as the Election Commission’s efforts to keep public spaces clean and elections fair.