Economic Rules Hub
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Investing
Home World Bollywood and billionaires: India’s rich and famous cast their vote in the world’s largest election
World

Bollywood and billionaires: India’s rich and famous cast their vote in the world’s largest election

by admin May 21, 2024
May 21, 2024

Celebrities, industrialists and politicians cast their vote in the world’s biggest democracy as polls opened in India’s financial capital during a weekslong nationwide election, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking another five-year term.

Voting took place in six constituencies across Mumbai in the western state of Maharashtra, and 43 others nationwide, on Monday as millions flocked to polling booths to determine who will lead the world’s most populous country.

Across India’s richest city and the birthplace of the Bollywood movie industry, a bevy of celebrities were photographed casting their ballot, showing off purple-streaked index fingers – a sign that determines one has voted in an Indian election.

The “King of Bollywood” Shah Rukh Khan was seen leaving a Mumbai polling booth with his family – wife Gauri, daughter Suhana, and sons Aryan and Abram. Elsewhere, one of India’s most famous actors, Amitabh Bachchan, also cast his vote at a polling booth in the suburb of Andheri.

“As responsible Indian citizens we must exercise our right to vote this Monday in Maharashtra,” Khan wrote on X over the weekend. “Let’s carry out our duty as Indians and vote keeping our country’s best interests in mind. Go forth Promote, our right to Vote.”

Film stars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, who are expecting their first child this year, were also pictured, as well as billionaire industrialist Mukesh Ambani with his wife, Nita and son Akash.

After casting his vote on Monday, actor Akshay Kumar said he wanted to see India become “developed and strong.”

Showing his ink-stained finger to local reporters, he added: “I voted… India should vote for what they deem is right…I think voter turnout will be good.”

But in keeping with previous elections, voter turnout in Mahrashtra on Monday remained low at 54% — with 47-55% across Mumbai’s six constituencies — according to data from the Election Commission. By comparison, in the northeastern state of West Bengal, some 73% of eligible voters cast their ballot, data showed.

The key election players in the city are Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the main opposition Indian National Congress, and two rival factions of Shiv Sena — a local ultranationalist grouping that has long played a key role in Mumbai’s politics.

Mumbai, a city of more than 12 million, is often likened to New York and referred to as the “city of dreams,” where millions of migrants from across the country arrive to make their fortune and find purpose.

It’s a city of extreme wealth and extreme poverty, where skyscrapers tower over slum dwellings and poor children beg for money at the windows of chauffeur-driven cars carrying students to school.

And while the rich and famous were seen casting their vote, many migrant workers in the city will be left out of the election.

Under India’s election rules, eligible voters can only cast ballots in their constituencies – meaning those working outside of their state have to return home to vote. For many out-of-state workers, especially underprivileged daily-wage workers in the unorganized sector, that’s nearly impossible, due to the cost associated with traveling home.

Many voters in Mumbai are concerned with growing inflation and are seeking better education and employment opportunities.

This post appeared first on cnn.com

0
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
previous post
Hamas and Israeli leaders may face international arrest warrants. Here’s what that means
next post
Passengers subdue Taiwan metro knife assailant on tenth anniversary of deadly attack

Related Posts

Lost dog returns home after swimming to island in 100-mile...

June 4, 2025

Mexico’s ruling party expands power in Supreme Court after elections...

June 4, 2025

Aid distribution in Gaza has turned deadly. Here’s what to...

June 4, 2025

He survived an assassination attempt. Now South Korea’s new president...

June 4, 2025

As Ukraine batters Russia with daring assaults, firebrand pro-Kremlin pundits...

June 4, 2025

Chile prosecutes individuals alleged to have stolen babies

June 4, 2025

    Get free access to all of the retirement secrets and income strategies from our experts! or Join The Exclusive Subscription Today And Get the Premium Articles Acess for Free


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Recent

    • Lost dog returns home after swimming to island in 100-mile trip

      June 4, 2025
    • Aid distribution in Gaza has turned deadly. Here’s what to know

      June 4, 2025
    • Mexico’s ruling party expands power in Supreme Court after elections marred by low turnout

      June 4, 2025
    • Chile prosecutes individuals alleged to have stolen babies

      June 4, 2025
    • As Ukraine batters Russia with daring assaults, firebrand pro-Kremlin pundits rattle nuclear sabers

      June 4, 2025

    Categories

    • Business (1,388)
    • Investing (3,380)
    • Politics (4,526)
    • World (4,441)
    • Email Whitelisting
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contacts
    • About us

    Disclaimer: EconomicRulesHub.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2024 EconomicRulesHub.com | All Rights Reserved

    Economic Rules Hub
    • World
    • Politics
    • Business
    • Investing