BJP objects to no PM photos in Maharashtra govt ads

Mumbai: The BJP has taken objection to the fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s photograph is conspicuous by its absence from the advertisements of the Maharashtra government.

Leader of the Opposition Devendra Fadnavis Thursday wrote to chief minister Uddhav Thackeray claiming that the state government is defying the order of the Supreme Court as well as its own resolution pertaining to government advertisements.

In a letter to the CM, the BJP leader stressed that Mr Modi’s photograph is missing from government advertisements.

Citing the Supreme Court’s orders dated May 13, 2015 and March 18, 2016, Mr Fadnavis said that the apex court has given detailed guidelines about publication of advertisements.

“You would be aware of it,” Mr Fadnavis added. After studying both orders of the Supreme Court, the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations (DGIPR) issued a circular/government resolution (GR) on August 11, 2017.

However, the government has grossly defied its own orders, Mr Fadnavis said. According to the circular, photos of the PM and chief minister must be published in all advertisements of the government, local bodies, public undertakings and organisations.

The former chief minister said that despite 100 per cent funds given by the central government to the “Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Scheme”, the PM’s photo is missing. An advertisement on purchasing tur under this scheme has been published carrying only the chief minister’s photograph. “Therefore, you (the CM) are requested to direct the concerned department to follow the directions of the SC henceforth while issuing any advertisement,” Mr Fadnavis said.