PhonePe Warns Congress: Controversial Posters

Gwalior posters of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan have prompted Madhya Pradesh Police to initiate a complaint against unidentified persons. The Congress party refuted the BJP’s claim that the posters were theirs. Following a complaint about the obscene posters, Padao police station Superintendent Rajesh Singh Chandel said that a case was launched under relevant IPC provisions. The inquiry continues without identifying the accused.

In recent days, posters with a QR code and an image of Chief Minister Chouhan with the message “50% Lao, Kam Karao” (bring 50% and get the work done) and the name of a leading online payment app, PhonePe, have been appearing in various cities of Madhya Pradesh, including Gwalior. After the uproar, digital payment and financial service business PhonePe clarified.

PhonePe objected to third parties using its trademark logo, whether political or not. The corporation denied political affiliation. PhonePe reiterated that its logo is a registered trademark and that unlawful use of its intellectual property would result in legal action. The corporation respectfully urged the Indian National Congress (INC) in Madhya Pradesh to remove its trademark logo and colors from posters and banners.

The Congress party retorted that the campaign was a response from the public after the BJP started a “poster war” ahead of the Assembly elections, which are slated for the end of the year. In Bhopal, unpleasant Kamal Nath posters had appeared.