BJP seeks ban on Kannada Superstar
Bharatiya Janata Party’s OBC Morcha has written to the Election Commission seeking a ban on screening of movies, shows and advertisements featuring Kannada actor Shivarajkumar until the conclusion of Lok Sabha elections. The complaint comes after Shivarajkumar’s active involvement in the election campaign of his wife, Geetha Shivarajkumar, who is contesting from Shivamogga on a Congress ticket. Shivarajkumar participated in a campaign event for Geetha in Bhadravati taluk on March 20.
Raghu Kautilya made the complaint
The complaint by BJP OBC Morcha President Raghu Kautilya said, “Shivarajkumar, a prominent figure in the state and currently engaged in a statewide election campaign for the Congress party, holds significant influence over the populace through cinematic work and public persona. While we respect his right to participate in the democratic process, it is imperative to maintain a level playing field and prevent undue advantage or influence during the election period”.
Complaint
The complaint says “Given his significant influence and popularity, I earnestly request the Election Commission of India to take immediate action by issuing an order to cinema halls, TV channels, social media platforms, and local organizations, to refrain from displaying any films, advertisements, or billboards featuring Shivarajkumar until the conclusion of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections”.
Karnataka Assembly Election 2023
During the Karnataka Assembly Elections in 2023, Shivarajkumar had campaigned for the Congress party alongside Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Kannada actor Kiccha Sudeep had campaigned for former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai in the state elections but refused from extending support to the BJP. He told that he had his own personal reasons for not doing it. There is no political connection behind this reason.
Tanveer Ahmed expressed his views
JD(S) national spokesperson Tanveer Ahmed had also spoke about his concerns .He suggested that individuals connected with a particular political party should not be featured on screens or any audio-visual mediums.
Election Commission’s clarification
In response to such concerns, the Election Commission had previously clarified its stance, stating that only actors contesting elections could not be allowed from commercial screenings or those campaigning on Doordarshan, which is funded by public money.
Geetha Shivarajkumar joined Congress recently
JD(S) leader Geetha Shivarajkumar, the daughter of former chief minister S Bangarappa, formally joined Congress few days back. Geetha was inducted in the presence of Karnataka Congress president D K Shivakumar, AICC spokesperson Gourav Vallabh and the party’s cultural wing head Sadhu Kokila, an actor himself. “I’m happy to be doing this. Congress is a historic party, one that made my father the chief minister,” Geetha said while joining the party.
Karnataka, which has 28 Lok Sabha seats, will vote in two phases on April 26 and May 7. Votes will be counted on June 4.