Maharashtra Elections 2024: As the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 unfold, Bollywood celebrities have been stepping out in large numbers to exercise their democratic right. From iconic cricketer Sachin Tendulkar to renowned actors like Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and several others, the stars have shown their commitment to the electoral process.
With the elections underway, these celebrities have been encouraging the citizens of Maharashtra to follow their lead and cast their votes. Here’s a look at how the stars are participating in the democratic process.
Early Voters: Sachin Tendulkar, Akshay Kumar, and Rajkummar Rao Lead the Way
The Maharashtra Assembly Elections saw several Bollywood and sports personalities casting their votes early in the day. Among the first to vote were former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and actor Akshay Kumar.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Call for Voting
Sachin Tendulkar, accompanied by his wife Anjali and daughter Sara, voted at a polling booth in Mumbai. The family proudly displayed their inked fingers to the media after casting their votes. Tendulkar, who has been an icon for the Election Commission of India (ECI), urged the public to fulfill their duty as citizens. Speaking to the media, he said, “I hope people will take the effort and come and vote. It is our responsibility to make our voices heard.”
Akshay Kumar’s Strong Appeal
Akshay Kumar, too, shared his voting moment on social media, urging his followers to come out and vote. Speaking to the media after voting, Kumar praised the arrangements made at the polling booth, particularly the facilities for senior citizens. “The arrangements are great. Cleanliness has been maintained, and I want everyone to come out and cast their votes,” he said. His message was clear: Every vote matters, and it is essential for the future of Maharashtra.
Rajkummar Rao Stresses the Importance of Voting
Actor Rajkummar Rao was another early voter at the Gyan Kendra Secondary School polling station in Mumbai. The actor urged citizens to fulfill their democratic responsibility by voting. “It is our right in a democracy, so it’s important that we step outside and vote. I have performed my duty. It is your turn now. Please vote,” he said in an interview with the Press Trust of India.
Celebrities Encourage Voter Participation
Beyond the early voters, several other Bollywood stars have actively shared their voting moments, using their platforms to motivate others to follow suit.
Kartik Aaryan’s Message
Actor Kartik Aaryan proudly declared himself a “proud voter.” Aaryan posted on social media about the importance of voting, encouraging his followers to participate in the elections.
Tina Dutta’s Social Media Push
Actress Tina Dutta also took to social media, sharing selfies after casting her vote. She wrote, “Drop the ‘I’m too busy’ excuse and make a quick visit to the polling booth and cast your vote! Because every vote counts.” This message resonated with her fans, highlighting the importance of civic engagement.
Urmila Matondkar Urges Citizens to Vote
Actress and politician Urmila Matondkar was another vocal supporter of voting. She flaunted her inked finger on social media, urging people to vote for themselves, their children, and their community. She posted, “Vote for yourself, your children, your society, and your Maharashtra.”
Hema Malini took to Instagram and wrote, “strongly appeal to everyone to cast your vote. It’s your right. I have exercised my right. Have you?!”
Sonu Sood’s Strong Words
Actor Sonu Sood, who has been involved in several social initiatives, spoke to the media after voting, emphasizing that voting is a duty, not a celebration. “It is the responsibility of every citizen to go out and vote. It’s very important for the country. Don’t celebrate it as a holiday. Go and vote,” he said.
Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza Cast Their Votes
Actor couple Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza were seen casting their votes at a polling station in Latur. Riteish, a Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance supporter, expressed confidence in the coalition’s victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. His message was simple: citizens must actively participate in shaping the state’s future.
Support from Musicians and Filmmakers
In addition to actors, many prominent musicians and filmmakers also made their presence felt at the polls.
Vishal Dadlani’s Call to Vote
Music composer Vishal Dadlani took to social media to encourage voters to come out in full force. “This is your state, your country. If there is love for the state and country, please come and cast your votes,” he wrote, urging his followers to act on their patriotic feelings.
Filmmakers Like Kabir Khan and Zoya Akhtar Show Support
Renowned directors Kabir Khan and Zoya Akhtar also made their way to polling stations, along with actors Ali Fazal, John Abraham, and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar. These personalities, too, shared their voting moments, adding weight to the message of civic responsibility.
Voting Details and Election Day in Maharashtra
The single-phase Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 voting began at 7 AM and will conclude at 6 PM. A total of 4,136 candidates, including 2,086 independents, are contesting across the state. Voters in 288 assembly constituencies are casting their votes, hoping that every citizen will actively participate in shaping the future of Maharashtra.