Political parties, which had launched full-fledged campaign soon after announcing their candidates for the Lucknow constituency, had to halt the process after the model code of conduct came into force with the announcement of election dates.

BSP candidate Akhilesh Das, who had put up blue (party's colour) hoardings and flags all over the town, instructed workers to pull them down on Tuesday.

“Das has asked us to pull down all the hoardings and banners put up on government property,” sources from the Das camp in Lucknow said.

“Blue flags atop private buildings and houses are a show of support of the common people and would remain there,” sources said.

Lucknow Municipal Corporation officials admitted that political parties have launched an overnight drive to remove party hoardings.