Millions Spent by Indian Agencies to Promote BJP Election Campaign

Mumbai, Indian Government agencies have reportedly spent over 387 million rupees ($4.65 million) on advertising that aligns closely with the campaign messages of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), raising concerns over the use of public funds.

According to Kashmir Media Service, critics argue that the spending by the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) on Google advertisements, which began in November and continued up to the official announcement of the national elections on March 15, blurs the lines between government and party campaigning. During this period, CBC’s spending exceeded that of any other political entity on Google, surpassing even the BJP’s expenditure.

This issue highlights ongoing allegations from opposition parties that the Modi administration has been using state resources to boost its electoral prospects, a charge the BJP denies. The advertisements, funded by taxpayers, mirrored BJP’s promotional messages, adding to the controversy over the impartiality of government communications.