Former Rajya Sabha member Mahesh Poddar has requested BJP supporters to put up the party flag at their homes and shops. Poddar has urged people to put up three flags on their own expenses outside their shop or house or on the rooftop.

Poddar said there was earlier there was some confusion among local officials regarding political parties flag rules. But the Election Commission of India has clarified the situation through its letter dated 24.04.2024. Poddar said that now if any local official stops any citizen from hoisting the flag in his premises, then they should cite this letter of the Election Commission. The copy of the letter is available in the state BJP office of Jharkhand.

It is noteworthy that on April 16, Poddar had sent a letter to the Central Election Commissioner to issue clear guidelines in this regard. In this he had written that citizens should get the opportunity to participate in the great festival of democracy by hoisting the flag of their favorite candidate or party. According to Mr. Poddar, in some rural areas people who have put up flags on their homes are receiving complaints of harassment by local officials. Therefore, by issuing clear guidelines in this regard, officials associated with election work should be prevented from harassing common citizens.

In the light of the request of Poddar, the Election Commission of India has clarified the position in the letter dated 24.04.24. According to this, a supporter of any party can put up a maximum of three flags in his premises. Also, if a voting banner is to be put up in favor of any candidate, then written permission of the candidate is required.

Poddar has expressed hope that after issuing such clear guidelines, now BJP supporters will follow these rules and install the flag in their premises at their own expense.