Did Reliance take PMO's permission for Modi photo in ad, asks Congress

The Congress on Friday sought to know whether Reliance company had taken permission from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) before using Prime Minister Narendra Modi's photograph in their full page Jio advertisement, and if not, legal action should be taken against them.

A full page advertisement of Reliance company's "Jio Digital Life" appeared in the newspapers on Friday featuring the Prime Minister's photograph.

"To use PM's photograph in an advertisement, there are certain norms. According to the norms, as far as we know, when we were in power, the ministries had to take the permission from the Prime Minister's Office before using his photograph in an advertisement," said Congress senior spokesperson Ajay Maken.

"The first question that comes to mind is has the Reliance company taken permission from the PMO? If they gave permission to Reliance, then will they give permission to Cadbury and other chocolate companies later? Whoever seeks permission, will it give permission to all of them," asked Maken.

Maken further said: "The most important thing the PMO should understand and keep in mind is that he is the Prime Minister of the country and not just any individual. They should give permission for such advertisements to any corporate house after a lot of pondering."

"If they (Reliance) have not taken permission, then legal action should be taken against the company. The PMO and the Prime Minister should take action against them," he added.

--IANS

sid/rn/dg