Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday dubbed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “Mr. Reliance” after his photo appeared in the company’s advertisements and accused him of “openly endorsing” Reliance Jio services. So, is this legal? That’s the question on everyone’s mind right now.
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 advertisement has also left Twitteratti confused. Many are wondering if the Prime Minister is now the brand ambassador of Jio.
Tanmay Bhat of AIB tweeted: Can’t wait for Modiji’s voice to tell me “Mitroṅ, aapka dial kiya gaya number is waqt kisi anya call par vyast hai”.
“Everyone does it. Lots of small advertisers have used politicians’ pictures in the past. That doesn’t make it right. But, with the Reliance ad, the question is, whether PM Modi has approved of it,” said Anant Rangaswami, editor of Storyboard, the advertising, media and marketing show.
Joy Das tweetwd: Narendra Modi’s Pic in Reliance Jio Ad is Tricky debate. Companies can’t use PM’s Pic for Promotion – but they can use their employee’s pic.
