For over three decades, Kalappanaickenpalayam, Somayampalayam, and Kasthurinaickenpalayam villages in Coimbatore district have kept their walls free of political party posters, flags, bills, and paintings. Election campaigns are carried out through direct contact between candidates and voters.

The practice has been followed through a local understanding. Political parties and supporters do not put up any form of display material in public spaces. Walls, compound structures, and common areas remain free of writing and posters throughout the year.

M. Baby, a resident of Kalppanaickenpalayam, said that there were clashes among villagers earlier due to political differences. Following this, the villagers took a joint decision to stop such activities. Flagpoles were removed, and wall paintings and posters were cleared.

R. Jayaram, a resident of Kasthurinaickenpalayam, said that the practice has continued since then. “If we see any such material, we remove it ourselves. No public meetings are held. Only door-to-door campaigns and roadshows are allowed,” he said.

Villagers said the practice has been passed on to younger generations and continues without interruption.

The three villages fall under the Somayampalayam panchayat. Panchayat president U. Senthilkumar said the practice dates back to a period following the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, after which disputes arose among groups. “Since then, the villages have followed this system,” he said.

Around 30,000 people live across the three villages, and the practice is followed by all. Posters are put up only for obituary notices, weddings, and other events, without any political party symbols or flags.