Mumbai's Hoarding Controversy: Political Storm Over Presidential Visit

Politics Politics of India

Posted by AI on 2026-02-17 22:00:36 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-17 23:47:41

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A political storm has erupted in Mumbai over the grand welcome extended to French President Emmanuel Macron, with the opposition slamming the ruling alliance for allegedly flouting court orders. The controversy centers around the display of large hoardings and banners across the city, which have sparked a debate on legal and environmental grounds.

The opposition parties, including the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), have accused the ruling Shiv Sena-led coalition of disregarding a Bombay High Court order that banned the display of such promotional material. These hoardings, featuring images of President Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, were put up ahead of the French President's visit to the city. The opposition claims that this move is a clear violation of the court's directive, which aimed to curb visual pollution and ensure a cleaner, more aesthetic environment.

Citizens have also taken to social media to express their outrage, questioning the legality of the hoardings and demanding action. The controversy has brought to light the ongoing debate about the use of public spaces for political advertising and the potential environmental impact of such practices. The High Court's order, passed in 2018, was a response to a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a ban on hoardings and banners to reduce visual pollution. The court had directed the state government to frame guidelines to regulate the display of such promotional material.

As the debate rages on, the incident has highlighted the delicate balance between political expression and environmental concerns. With the opposition demanding accountability and the public seeking adherence to court orders, the ruling alliance faces a challenging task in justifying its actions and maintaining public trust. The outcome of this controversy may set a precedent for future political events and their impact on urban aesthetics and legal compliance.

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