After the demonetization of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 notes, the E-wallet firms are advertising aggressively to attract customers for making monetary transactions, digitally. These e-wallet firms are using every platform whether it is print media, electronic media or social media to reach as many prospective customers as possible.
One of the e-wallet firms that seems to be the most aggressive at present is PayTM, undoubtedly. It also created a little bit of controversy when it came up with an advertisement featuring PM Narendra Modi after the big decision of demonetization.
New Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal raised objection against this ad on Twitter:
Paytm biggest beneficiary of PM's announcement. Next day PM appears in its ads. Whats the deal, Mr PM? https://t.co/lfP0PrQICQ
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 10, 2016
To which the founder and CEO of PayTM responded:
Dear Sir, The biggest beneficiary is our country. We are just a tech startup, trying to solve financial inclusion & make India proud. #🇮🇳 https://t.co/3rI8r6W0EZ
— Vijay Shekhar Sharma (@vijayshekhar) November 10, 2016
PayTM has once again created a controversy and this time it is because of a line “Drama Bandh Karo” in its new ad. This ad was posted by PayTM yesterday on social media:
https://twitter.com/WrongDoc/status/797951461879463936
A housewife is seen criticizing the government for the note ban as she needs to pay the salary of her maid, to which her maid replies, “Drama Bandh Karo, PayTM Karo”.
This dialogue has not gone well with the public as there are long lines of people in banks and ATMs for exchanging and withdrawing notes.
Disgusting!
What are the alternatives to Paytm? I'm really getting sick of their daily gloating while everyone struggles.Want to not use it.
— Aditi Mittal (@awryaditi) November 14, 2016
Stop using PayTM!
Dear @vijayshekhar I am uninstalling @Paytm for mocking people facing hardship due to demonetization through your disgusting ads #StopPayTM pic.twitter.com/JD8kXsrBMr
— Shreekant Sahu (@SahuSKNT) November 13, 2016
App deleted..
https://twitter.com/_MiteshPatel/status/797878519724314624
Very insensitive:
https://twitter.com/OmairTAhmad/status/797730493450035200
Shame on PayTM:
ABSOLUTELY #insensitive & cheaply #opportunistic advt!!!Shame on you #paytm Stop calling hardworking citizens as drama queens #AvoidPaytm https://t.co/hm3vy8cBgF
— Dr. T R B Rajaa (@TRBRajaa) November 13, 2016
The trolling of PayTM made them rethink and the upgraded ad was released which didn’t have the line “Drama Bandh Karo”:
With our strong belief in financial inclusion for every Indian, here is our upgraded ad. pic.twitter.com/DiUbNuERGK
— Paytm (@Paytm) November 14, 2016
However, the damage is already done and it has now taken a political turn. Some Twitter users are accusing political people and press for making PayTM modify their ad.
Allegations on AAP:
So AAPis forced @vijayshekhar to pull out this @Paytm ad and toe the party line? And they talk of 'crony capitalism'! https://t.co/rUId5KEZLs
— Kanchan Gupta (Hindu Bengali Refugee)🇮🇳 (@KanchanGupta) November 13, 2016
It’s not upgraded but toned-down version:
@TheRajarshi dis is toned down version @paytm trying to fool , dey r coward of highest order
— sadhuvaad (@sadhuvaad) November 14, 2016
It’s as downgraded as you are!
Dear @vijayshekhar it's not upgraded,its downgraded ! In fact it has downgraded u as person !
Mettle is tested it in tough condition!— Girish Joshi #दादू_मि_पर्वतों_को_वासी (@girish_joshig) November 14, 2016
Bang on!
#Drama Bund Karo,
Pressure main Ad change kiya- accept Karohttps://t.co/4V6XqOKR4Z— मोदी परिवार Baba (@rkgeemail) November 14, 2016
Accusing media and seculars:
https://twitter.com/paivijay/status/798049592143179776
Association with Arvind Kejriwal?
Did you remove "Drama bandh karo" because "drama" is associated with @ArvindKejriwal? Hurt his feelings?#DramaQueens
— Mrs Palakkadan (Modiji's family) 🇮🇳 (@Lotus2021) November 14, 2016
Is it so?
Downgraded because liberal louts having fake concern for maids, cooks, carpenters didn't like it. @vijayshekhar
— kamal (@Kamaalsharma) November 14, 2016
Uninstalling the app for the diplomatic new version:
drama word is apt since you removed that word to suit your political identity uninstalling your app. Drama math karo @Paytm
— g.balaji (@_gbalaji) November 14, 2016
Do let us know what is your opinion in this regard in the comments section below.