PM Modi’s picture in Jio ads sparks controversy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s photograph in Reliance Jio advertisements on the launch of its telecom service kicked up a controversy on Friday with Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and Opposition parties taking jibes at him.

Calling Mr Modi as “Mr Reliance” after his photo appeared in company’s advertisements, Mr Kejriwal on Friday accused the PM of “openly endorsing” its latest Jio services.

Mr Kejriwal’s caustic jibe at Mr Modi, including an advice to him to “keep modelling for Reliance”, came on a day the Mukesh Ambandi-led group splashed advertisements featuring the face of the Prime Minister across newspapers.

“Modiji you keep modelling for Reliance ads. Labourers across the country will teach you a lesson in 2019. PM as Mr Reliance. Any more proof required to prove that Modiji is in Ambani’s pockets. PM of India openly endorses Reliance product,” Mr Kejriwal said in a series of tweets.

The Congress also said Mr Modi should take action against Reliance Jio if the telecom company has failed to take permission from the PMO for using his photograph.

Reliance, through its ads, dedicated the Jio 4G service to the Modi government’s flagship Digital India project. During its launch on Friday, Mr Ambani had said “Jio will fulfil Digital India dream of Prime Minister Narendra Modi”. He had also called Jio a “revolutionary” step to realise India’s digital ambitions.

“There are certain norms for displaying photo of the Prime Minister in an advertisement. As a former Union minister, I am aware that prior permission has to be taken.

“Had Reliance taken permission from the PM or the PMO. This is needed otherwise the Prime Minister’s photo would be on Cadbury or any chocolate. Such a permission has to be given after a deep thought as the Prime Minister is not just an individual but an institution,” Congress’ senior spokesman Ajay Maken told reporters.