Andhra Pradesh

Spending on publicity draws flak

HYDERABAD: The State Government came in for sharp criticism from the opposition Telugu Desam Party in the Legislative Council on Wednesday for spending “huge amounts” on publicity.

The TDP MLCs raised serious objection to the way the government ‘misused’ public money and issued advertisements in vernacular dailies that were displayed prominently.

This, according to Opposition leader Dadi Veerabhadra Rao, reflected the government’s intentions to “avoid space for adverse reports on its performance.”

Raising the issue as the proceedings in the Council commenced this morning, Mr. Veerabhadra Rao recalled how the Congress criticised the TDP government for its publicity expenditure.

Finance Minister K. Rosaiah admitted that the spending on publicity had increased and said this was because of the “negative campaign” launched against the government.

“The situation was different during the previous government as it enjoyed certain comforts,” he said. Even as the TDP members raised slogans against the government, he said the advertisements were being issued to create awareness among the people about the schemes launched for their welfare.

Not satisfied by the reply, the TDP members staged a walkout from the House.

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