Advertising Industry in Crisis Due to Forced Use of Hoardings for Political Promotion – Rajesh Sharma 

Mumbai: Congress General Secretary and former Deputy Mayor of Mumbai, Rajesh Sharma, has made serious allegations in a letter addressed to the Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). He accused the Eknath Shinde-led Maha Yuti government of using outdoor advertising hoardings for political promotion under pressure, plunging the city’s advertising industry into deep crisis. 

In his letter to the BMC Commissioner, Rajesh Sharma strongly criticised the immense pressure being placed on the outdoor advertising industry and the unjust government interference. Following a recent hoarding collapse incident in Ghatkopar, BMC imposed stringent rules, which have led to significant financial losses for the advertising industry. 

Sharma pointed out that during the festive season, when the industry typically earns its highest revenue, these new regulations have severely impacted businesses. Sharma expressed his anger in the letter, revealing that senior BMC officials had issued directives to hoarding owners to display state government schemes for 15 days or until the Election Commission’s Model Code of Conduct comes into effect, without any charge. 

Additionally, the owners were instructed to submit images as proof of the displays. The Congress leader claimed that although this order was issued under the guise of public awareness, the real motive was to promote government schemes ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra elections. He termed this as the “misuse of public resources for political gain.” 

Sharma emphasised that during the festive period, when all advertising spaces are already booked, such forced directives are causing significant financial strain on media owners. Rajesh Sharma also pointed out that the state government has already spent over ₹1,000 crore on various promotional campaigns. Forcing media owners to promote government schemes free of cost, without offering any compensation or financial aid, is completely unfair. He described this move as “commercial harassment” and accused the government of abusing its administrative power. 

The former Deputy Mayor of Mumbai stated that these forced orders are a direct attack on the livelihood of media owners, leading to substantial financial losses for their businesses. Sharma warned that if the order is not revoked, it would have a detrimental effect on the entire advertising industry.  

Rajesh Sharma has called on the BMC Commissioner to intervene immediately. He has appealed to the administration to reconsider this coercive and unjust decision and provide relief to the advertising media owners. 

According to him, if the authorities fail to resolve this issue promptly, the decision could prove disastrous for the city’s advertising industry. All eyes are now on the BMC to see what steps it takes in response to this critical issue. The industry is outraged by the directive, and the business community is closely watching the next move of the municipal corporation.