Kunnukara becomes first panchayat in Kerala without flagpoles and flex banners

NEDUMBASSERY: Kunnukara becomes the first panchayat in the state without flags and flex banners on public roads. A petition was filed by a trader in the High Court to remove the flagpole in front of his shop and the court declared a favourable order. The flags and banners were removed as part of the decision taken a week ago in a meeting convened by panchayat committee with various political parties and the representatives of community organisations.

There were more than a hundred flagpoles in 15 wards. Most of them were replaced by those who erected it. The remaining ones were removed last day by the panchayat officials and the representatives.

The legal battle was caused by a flagpole erected in front of Puthuserry PP Paul's shop in Kunukkara junction. The pole was not removed even after the court order. The panchayat meeting was called after the court directed the panchayat secretary to implement the order and submit a report. The report must be submitted to the court on Wednesday. The removed items are in the panchayat compound. It has been decided to auction them.

Panchayat standing committee chairman Shibi Puthussery (Congress), Block Panchayat member CK Kasim (CPM) and CU Jabbar led the mission.