Highlights
Lok Sabha Elections 2024 : Here’s a detailed look at some of the prominent actor-politicians who contested this year.
The Lok Sabha Elections 2024 witnessed a notable trend of actors stepping into the political arena, adding a touch of glamour to the intense political contest. As the dust settles, it’s intriguing to see how these celebrities fared in their respective constituencies. Here’s a detailed look at some of the prominent actor-politicians who contested this year.
Kangana Ranaut: A Dramatic Entry and a Surprising Win
Bollywood’s “Queen,” Kangana Ranaut, contested from the Mandi constituency in Himachal Pradesh as an independent candidate.
Known for her bold statements and fierce persona, her campaign was no less dramatic. “I am here to bring a real change, to represent the voice of the people who have been ignored,” she declared during a rally.
Despite being a political novice, Kangana‘s star power and her promise to fight corruption resonated with the voters. She clinched a surprising victory, defeating seasoned politicians and proving that her appeal transcends the silver screen.
Suresh Gopi: The Action Star’s Political Journey
Malayalam cinema’s action hero, Suresh Gopi, ran for a second term from Thrissur, Kerala, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Known for his passionate speeches and strong stance on various issues, he leveraged his popularity and previous experience as a parliamentarian.
In a tightly contested battle, Suresh Gopi managed to retain his seat. His victory speech was filled with gratitude: “I thank my supporters for their unwavering belief in me. I will continue to work tirelessly for the betterment of our constituency.”
Arun Govil: Lord Rama’s Devotees Rally
Arun Govil, forever etched in the public memory as Lord Rama from the iconic TV series “Ramayan,” contested from Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh as a candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His spiritual and clean image worked in his favor, drawing significant support from both the urban and rural segments of the constituency.
Govil’s campaign focused on traditional values and development, and he often spoke about restoring the “Ram Rajya” – an ideal state of governance. His appeal to the electorate’s religious sentiments and his promises of local development led to a comfortable win.
Ravi Kishan: The Bhojpuri Star’s Continued Influence
Ravi Kishan, the Bhojpuri superstar, contested from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, also representing the BJP. With a strong connection to the grassroots and his charismatic presence, Ravi Kishan was confident of his victory.
His campaign was marked by high energy and direct engagement with the voters. “I am one of you. I know your problems, and I am here to solve them,” he would say in his rallies. This approach paid off, as he secured his seat with a significant margin.
Prakash Raj: The Maverick’s Electoral Challenge
Prakash Raj, known for his versatile roles across Indian cinema, contested as an independent candidate from Bangalore Central, Karnataka. A vocal critic of mainstream politics, he positioned himself as a candidate for the common man.
Despite his fervent campaigning and strong social media presence, Prakash Raj faced an uphill battle against well-entrenched party candidates. In the end, he fell short of the votes needed to win, but he remained positive, stating, “This is just the beginning. We have shaken the status quo, and I will continue to fight for the people.”
Hema Malini: The Dream Girl’s Continued Reign
Veteran actress Hema Malini contested from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, aiming for her third term as a BJP candidate. Known as the “Dream Girl” of Bollywood, her tenure as an MP has been marked by several developmental projects in Mathura.
With her star power and track record, Hema Malini comfortably retained her seat. In her victory address, she said, “I am grateful to the people of Mathura for their trust. I will keep working to make Mathura a better place.”
Conclusion
The 2024 Lok Sabha elections highlighted the significant impact of celebrity candidates on Indian politics. While some, like Kangana Ranaut and Arun Govil, made successful debuts, others like Prakash Raj faced tough competition.
The victories and losses of these actor-politicians show that while star power can draw attention, electoral success ultimately depends on resonating with the electorate’s aspirations and addressing their concerns.
