Take note of Punjab govt ads in other states, demands RTI activist

CHANDIGARH: While Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has reportedly been issued a notice for recovery of Rs 163.62 crore for its political advertisements allegedly published in the garb of government advertisements in Delhi, spending on publicity by the AAP government in Punjab has been a political issue since it took over in March last year.
Details procured by a Punjab-based RTI activist pointed out that the state government had spent Rs 2.33 crore on advertisements issued to electronic channels in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh last year.
According to information procured by RTI activist Manik Goyal, the advertisements were issued for running TV campaigns regarding the anti-corruption action line and Rs 1.57 crore was spent on advertisements in Gujarat and over Rs 74 lakh for advertisements in Uttar Pradesh between April 1 and April 15.
Besides, another RTI reply said the state government had spent Rs 20.15 crore for publicity on electronic channels, including FMs, between March 11 and May 10, 2022.
The government has, meanwhile, maintained that it was a common practice to give advertisements outside the state. However, Goyal said, “Even if advertisements are given to channels outside the state, the fact that these were given in states like poll-bound Gujarat and not all states raised eyebrows. The way they have been served recovery notice in Delhi; Punjab government should be cautious. Also, on the lines of the LG in Delhi, some authority should take note of such spending by the Punjab government.”