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Gujarat Government Reveals Modi Advertisement Expenses
A recent RTI (Right to Information) reply has revealed that the Gujarat government spent ₹8.81 crore on advertisements celebrating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 23 years in public office. Modi, who first became Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001, completed over two decades in power, including his ongoing tenure as Prime Minister of India since 2014.
The massive publicity drive was designed to commemorate this rare milestone and to highlight Modi’s political journey from Gujarat to Delhi.
What Did the ₹8.81 Crore Cover?
According to the Gujarat government’s RTI response (filed by BBC Gujarati), the advertisements were spread across multiple platforms:
Newspaper advertisements showcasing Modi’s achievements.
Television campaigns presenting his development initiatives.
Hoardings and billboards across the state praising his leadership.
The publicity material reportedly highlighted Modi’s contributions as Gujarat Chief Minister from 2001 to 2014, as well as his work as Prime Minister since 2014, presenting him as the driving force behind India’s growth and global recognition.
Rising Questions on Public Money Usage
While the government defended the expenditure, critics have questioned why state funds were used for what they call a personality-driven campaign. Many argue that such celebrations should have been funded by the BJP party fund rather than the public exchequer.
Opposition leaders and activists raised key points:
1. Modi is no longer part of Gujarat’s administration. Why then should the Gujarat government spend taxpayer money to promote him?
2. Public money belongs to citizens. Using it for political glorification raises concerns about accountability.
3. Celebrations of 23 years in office were not an official national event; instead, they were positioned as a political achievement.
BJP’s Defense
On the other hand, BJP leaders dismissed the criticism. They argued that Narendra Modi is a national figure of extraordinary stature, and it is natural for the state to honor him. One leader compared Modi to a “divine personality,” saying that spending a few crores to celebrate his achievements is justified.
For them, the advertisement campaign was not just about Modi, but about informing citizens of the progress Gujarat and India have made under his leadership.
A Larger Debate
This incident has reignited the long-standing debate about the use of taxpayer money for political image-building. Should state governments be allowed to promote individual leaders with public funds? Or should such promotions strictly come from party resources?
The ₹8.81 crore expenditure may not be a large sum compared to India’s total budget, but it has sparked controversy because of the principle it represents — the thin line between public governance and political propaganda.
Conclusion
The revelation of Modi advertisement expenses highlights how deeply political branding and governance are intertwined in India. While BJP leaders see it as rightful recognition of Modi’s legacy, critics view it as a misuse of taxpayer money.
As India heads toward the future, such debates on transparency, accountability, and political publicity are likely to intensify, especially in the run-up to elections.
