By TC News Desk
Agartala, 5th October 2025 : The festive fervor of Durga Puja may have subsided, but the cityscape of Kailashahar remains draped, not in the remnants of celebration, but in a flood of political and government-sponsored flex banners. Even two days after Vijaya Dashami, every junction, statue, divider and even traffic signals are obscured by oversized posters bearing greetings and images of political leaders.
This morning’s dense fog brought with it the first chill of winter, but also heightened concerns among residents. With reduced visibility, these banners have become potential hazards. While daytime traffic manages to navigate around them, nighttime conditions amplify the risk, as the massive hoardings further obstruct views and distract drivers.
Installed under government initiatives and individual political campaigns, the banners are not only visually intrusive but pose serious threats to traffic safety. In many cases, flexes have been placed so close to statues and intersections that oncoming vehicles are no longer visible from a distance. Citizens are now asking: “If an accident occurs due to these banners, who will be held accountable?”
Earlier, MLA Sudip Roy Barman had proposed in the Legislative Assembly to keep the city “ad-free” during the festive season, urging that “the spirit of celebration should not be turned into a canvas for political propaganda.” However, reality paints a different picture. From ruling parties to opposition, no one has refrained from displaying large-scale greetings and portraits.
Environmentalists warn that the sheer volume of plastic-based flex banners is contributing significantly to pollution. While the government spends crores under the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ (Clean India Mission), such actions by public offices and elected representatives undermine the very essence of that campaign.
Public frustration is also mounting over the administration’s inaction. So far, there has been no visible effort to regulate or remove the banners. This has led to a growing unease: is Kailashahar’s cultural identity being overshadowed by political advertising?
Many believe that immediate and stringent measures are necessary to preserve the city’s aesthetic and ensure public safety. Without intervention, not only will accidents increase, but the city risks losing its charm, cleanliness, and cultural heritage. As winter sets in and the city prepares to embrace a new season, it finds itself burdened under the weight of political flexes. Unless this competitive display from both ruling and opposition parties is curbed, Kailashahar may soon lose its reputation as a city of culture.
