In a fresh political attack, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has coined the term “Advertisement Baba” in reference to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of indulging in a massive scam linked to the renovation of the Sheesh Mahal (Glass Palace) in the Delhi Secretariat. The BJP’s criticism focuses on allegations of excessive spending on advertisements promoting Kejriwal’s image, which they claim have diverted funds intended for essential public services. The party has been vocal in accusing the Delhi government of prioritizing self-promotion over addressing key issues such as healthcare, infrastructure, and education.
The BJP’s “Advertisement Baba” jibe draws attention to Kejriwal’s extensive media campaigns and advertisements that have frequently featured his face, aimed at enhancing his public image and promoting government policies. While these ads are often portrayed as part of the government’s communication strategy, the BJP argues that they are a misuse of taxpayer money, especially given the perceived lack of improvement in public services. The term “Advertisement Baba” has quickly gained traction in political discussions, with BJP leaders using it to suggest that Kejriwal is more focused on self-glorification than on running an efficient administration.
The controversy intensified after reports surfaced about the Delhi government’s substantial spending on advertisements. According to BJP leaders, Kejriwal’s image has been plastered across various media platforms, leading them to question whether such extensive promotional campaigns were really in the public interest. Instead, the BJP argues that this money should have been used to address Delhi’s mounting infrastructural and civic challenges. BJP spokespersons have called for a thorough audit of the government’s advertisement spending, alleging that the funds were misused to fund vanity projects, such as the renovation of the Sheesh Mahal, which reportedly costs taxpayers a significant amount.
In response to these accusations, Kejriwal and his party, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), have denied any wrongdoing, arguing that the advertisements were necessary to inform the public about the government’s achievements and policies. AAP leaders have defended the spending, stating that it is a legitimate tool for communicating with citizens and ensuring transparency in governance. They further claim that the Sheesh Mahal renovation, which has garnered significant media attention, is a part of a larger effort to modernize government buildings and provide a better working environment for public servants.
The BJP’s critique of Kejriwal’s leadership and governance style comes at a time when the Delhi government is preparing for upcoming elections, intensifying the political rivalry between the ruling party and the opposition. While the BJP continues to hammer away at the allegations of mismanagement and corruption, Kejriwal’s AAP is focusing on its successes, particularly in areas such as education and healthcare, to rally support from voters.
As the political sparring continues, the debate over the spending on advertisements and the Sheesh Mahal renovation remains at the forefront of Delhi’s political discourse. It remains to be seen how this issue will impact the Delhi government’s image and influence voters in the coming elections.