Australian Opposition leader faces criticism for using PR firm on India visit

In a stunning turn of events, the Australian political landscape finds itself embroiled in controversy as Peter Dutton, the Leader of the Opposition and former Minister of Defense and Home Affairs, faces a barrage of criticism from the ruling party. The focal point of the uproar centers around an alleged undisclosed trip to India, where Dutton allegedly sought the services of an Indian public relations firm to reshape his public image. [video width=“848” height=“480” mp4=“https://images.firstpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Peter-Dutton.mp4"][/video] Dutton’s visit to India, part of a high-profile delegation aimed at fortifying trade and business ties between India and Australia, initially garnered positive attention from the media. The four-day trip showcased a range of engagements, from meetings with influential Indian business figures to visits with schoolchildren and religious institutions. The visit was meticuloisly aimed not only to underscore Dutton’s business acumen but also to reveal a softer, more relatable side of the Opposition Leader. However, the positive narrative took a sharp turn when Patrick Gorman, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister of Australia and Assistant Minister for the Public Service, addressed the Australian Parliament with allegations against Dutton. Gorman accused the Opposition Leader of conducting a covert trip to India, orchestrating undisclosed initiatives to portray a more favorable image of himself. He specifically mentioned the involvement of PR Professionals, a Gurugram-based PR firm founded by Sarvesh Tiwari, in tailoring communications for the Indian media to shape a particular image of Dutton. These accusations gained traction when the Daily Mail quoted Gorman’s assertions regarding the PR firm’s role in managing communications during Dutton’s India visit. Adding fuel to the fire, the ruling party accused Dutton of failing to inform the government about his visit and the accompanying delegation. These allegations not only suggest a lack of transparency but also raise concerns within the political sphere about the Opposition Leader’s actions. The controversy surrounding Dutton’s India trip and its aftermath is now poised to become a focal point in the ongoing political discourse in Australia.