Name display row: Kejriwal says it's normal practice on I-Day

Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday sought to counter the controversy over the display of his name by a formation of children by pointing out that it is a normal practice on Independence Day in Delhi.

Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday sought to counter the controversy over the display of his name by a formation of children by pointing out that it is a normal practice at Independence Day celebrations in Delhi.

Arvid Kejriwal's office released a series of pictures from previous years which showed the same honour being accorded to lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung. (Picture released by Delhi government)

"I am told it has been a practice in del govt to form visual formation of whoever chief guest is (CM or LG)," Kejriwal tweeted after his critics slammed him on social media for "self-glorification" and the opposition BHP demanded an apology.

His office also quickly released a series of pictures from previous years which showed the same honour being accorded to lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung and former chief minister Sheila Dikshit.

This picture released by the Delhi government shows Sheila Dikshit's name being displayed during a previous Independenc Day celebration

"These photographs speak for themselves and this direct and concrete evidence should put an end to undesirable speculation which was completely avoidable," the release said.

The government also condemned, "attempts to drag it into an unnecessary controversy on the Independence Day, particularly when it had nothing to do with the entire issue."

The controversy arose after school children used placards and handkerchiefs to display Kejriwal's name at I-Day celebrations at Delhi's Chhatrasal Stadium.

Student display formation showing Arvind Kerjriwal's name at Independence Day celebrations in Delhi. (Photo: @KapilMishraAAP)

The BJP accused the AAP government of using public funds for “self-glorification” and said it was a “misuse” of Independence Day celebrations.

Social media users criticised the banner and some even described it as a blatant display of Kejriwal’s “narcissism”

Kejriwal's former party colleague Prashant Bhushan tweeted: "From crs on personality cult promoting Kejriwal ads to "Jai Ho Kejriwal" instead of Jai Hind. Shameful Megalomania!"

Kejriwal's office responded saying a "needless controversy" was created by showing as if a new practice was started.