Demonetisation: Paytm features Modi in its ad and has Kejriwal fuming

Paytm, India’s largest mobile payments entity and commerce platform, put PM Narendra Modi on its ad, the next morning after the demonetization announcement on 8 November. Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener, Arvind Kejriwal who has initially maintained silence over government’s demonetization decision could hold it back no longer. 

Kejriwal tweeted, “Paytm biggest beneficiary of PM's announcement. Next day PM appears in its ads. Whats the deal, Mr PM?”

Paytm biggest beneficiary of PM's announcement. Next day PM appears in its ads. Whats the deal, Mr PM? https://t.co/lfP0PrQICQ

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 10, 2016

The Paytm ad on front pages of various newspapers on 9 and 10 November, thanks PM Modi "on taking the boldest decision in the financial history of independent India!". According to Paytm there has been a colossal growth of its business within hours of PM Modi’s announcement. It has seen a 25 per cent increase in transaction.

This is the second time in recent times when a private service provider has featured PM Modi's picture in its ads after Reliance Jio did the same on 2^nd September, a day after official launch of its mobile and data services.