Image issue

The recent move of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi to rope in a public relations (PR) firm to "publicise" its work has given the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress more reason to criticise it. "Instead of spending on public welfare, AAP government spends taxpayers' money for professional help to build its image," Ajay Maken, president of the Delhi unit Congress tweeted. Delhi BJP legislator Vijender Gupta said, "Eighteen months after the historic win, the Kejriwal government requires a PR agency and is spending crores to improve its image!" Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who also holds the information and publicity portfolio, defended the government's decision. "Some TV channels are saying the AAP government has spent Rs 200 crore to hire a PR agency," he said. "This is incorrect. Hiring a PR agency to publicise a government's work is not a crime. Let the Lt Governor order a probe into the matter."