Delhi government refutes Ajay Maken's claim on advertisements in High Court

New Delhi: AAP government on Thursday refuted the claim of Congress leader Ajay Maken in the Delhi High Court that they indulged in "large scale wastage of taxpayers' money" on its political activities by launching a massive advertisement campaign to glorify its one year in power.

"It is denied that the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) has sanctioned Rs 100 crores for the anniversary and promotional campaign and petitioner (Ajay Maken) has no source to substantiate this contention," a bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath was told.

The submission was made by the Delhi government through an affidavit on Maken's application seeking to restrain Arvind Kejriwal-led government from publishing or airing any advertisements and promotional campaign in and outside Delhi.

Senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for Maken, objected to the contentions of Delhi government saying they have not disclosed the amount they have spent on these advertisements.

"Its Delhi's tax payer money which are being spent by AAP government and its Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to glorify their image," Singh, who was assisted by advocate Aman Panwar, submitted. They said, "We can understand in Delhi, but why are they issuing such advertisements outside Delhi".

Delhi Congress chief Maken also alleged that advertisements were published and aired in newspapers, TV channels and radio in and outside Delhi in violation of government advertisement guidelines and sought appropriate action against the concerned officials "for the large scale wastage of the taxpayers' money on political activities of the ruling party."

However, the Delhi government's Directorate of Information and Publicity, in its reply said that "no huge chunk of public funds has been issued for radio and TV ads".

"The Delhi government has not indulged in any political promotional campaign whatsoever," it said, adding "there has be no large scale wastage of taxpayers money in any manner".

"The advertorials, which as per the case of Maken violate guidelines, merely, inform public of the policies initiated by the government and refer to plain facts and figures," Delhi government affidavit said.

It also stated that the advertorial which appeared in the papers were created, developed and designed by the newspaper themselves with respect to Delhi not having the discretion to amend the same.