MUMBAI: In a surprising turn of events, leading ad agency Leo Burnett has withdrawn its two radio spots for Tata Salt Lite from the Goafest Creative Abbies. The radio entries had been awarded two Gold and two Silver Abbys this year in the Radio and Radio Craft categories at the eight edition of the advertising festival.

Reports state that the entries were withdrawn after instructions received by the client. The agency has now requested the Awards Governing Council (AGC) to withdraw the two entries. It stated in its communication to the AGC, that it did not want ‘unwarranted insinuations’ about one of its prestigious clients, and was hence withdrawing the entries.

In a statement, Tata Salt said, “The entire award submission process is one initiated and entirely managed by the agency; our role as a client was limited to approval of the creative. As a client, we were not aware of all the other technical requirements and subsequent process of submission criteria and more. As soon as the inconsistencies were brought to our attention, and upon further enquiry, we concluded that it would be appropriate for the agency to return the award to the organizers.”

Meanwhile, a statement issued by Leo Burnett India chairman and CEO India Subcontinent Arvind Sharma said, “We do not want any unwarranted insinuations about one of our prestigious clients and brands to continue. We request AGC to treat these two spots as withdrawn from our side.”

The entries titled ‘Office’ and ‘Society’ had earlier come up for debate at the AGC earlier for being ‘proactive’ work.

Awards Governing Council chairperson Shashi Sinha said, “Two Tata Salt radio entries have been withdrawn by Leo Burnett. This is very unfortunate.”

However, he confirmed that before announcing all winners a verification process was followed and this process included verification of client confirmation letters.

The five awards include one Gold in Radio Craft awarded to production house Lingo India, for the same piece of work entered by Leo Burnett. Lingo India now also stands to lose its Gold Abby for Radio Craft.