Mysuru: Even as the District Administration has began strict enforcement of Model Code of Conduct after the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the Lok Sabha polls schedule on Sunday evening, BJP workers engaged in a wordy duel with the Police and Poll authorities over removal of party flags tied to houses of party supporters across the city on Tuesday. The duel sparked off when Poll authorities went to the house of BJP activist Prabhuswamy on Thyagaraja Road in Agrahara for removing the party flag tied atop the house.

Questioning the action of the poll authorities, Prabhuswamy maintained that he himself would have volunteered to remove the flag if the EC had banned display of party flags atop private houses and buildings. Again questioning the authorities for their action of removing the flag without giving prior notice, Prabhuswamy warned of staging a protest if the authorities removed the flag.

K.R. Police, who rushed to the spot on receiving information, brought the situation under control.

Despite requests from the Poll authorities, Prabhuswamy refused to budge from his stand, insisting that he be served a notice first. Later, the authorities left the spot and went ahead with their drive, it is learnt.

Meanwhile, K.R. Constituency Sectoral Officer Venkatesh said that following directions from the EC, the Poll authorities have launched the drive to remove party flags, banner, buntings etc., belonging to political parties  at houses, buildings, public spaces etc., in a legal manner and there is nothing wrong about it.