Stars and tycoons: India's elite participate in the grand spectacle of democracy
Famous personalities from Bollywood, business magnates, and political figures exercise their voting rights in India's monumental democratic process. The country's financial hub witnesses the commencement of a massive nationwide election, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi vying for a renewed mandate for the next five years.
Celebrities, industrialists, and politicians participated in the voting process as the polls opened in India's financial capital, Mumbai. This marks the beginning of the weeks-long nationwide election, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi aiming for a second five-year term.
In Mumbai, voting took place in six constituencies in Maharashtra, along with 43 others across the country. On Monday, millions of people turned up at polling booths to cast their votes and decide on the future leader of the world's most populous country.
In Mumbai, the wealthiest city in India and the hub of Bollywood, many famous faces were seen voting in the election. They proudly displayed their purple-stained index fingers, indicating that they had participated in the democratic process.
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, along with his family, leaves a polling booth after casting his ballot in Mumbai on May 20, 2024.
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, along with his family, leaves a polling booth after casting his ballot in Mumbai on May 20, 2024.
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The "King of Bollywood" Shah Rukh Khan was spotted leaving a polling booth in Mumbai with his family - his wife Gauri, daughter Suhana, and sons Aryan and Abram. At the same time, another one of India's most renowned actors, Amitabh Bachchan, also cast his vote at a polling booth in Andheri.
Khan took to social media to encourage fellow citizens to exercise their right to vote in Maharashtra. He emphasized the importance of voting for the country's best interests and urged everyone to fulfill their duty as responsible Indian citizens. Let's all promote and exercise our right to vote.
Film stars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, who are expecting their first child this year, were also seen in the picture. Additionally, billionaire industrialist Mukesh Ambani was photographed with his wife, Nita, and son Akash.
Bollywood actors Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone arrive to cast their ballots at a polling station in Mumbai on May 20, 2024.
Bollywood actors Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone arrive to cast their ballots at a polling station in Mumbai on May 20, 2024.
Sujit Jaiswal/AFP/Getty Images
After casting his vote on Monday, actor Akshay Kumar expressed his hope for India to become "developed and strong."
He proudly showed his ink-stained finger to local reporters and encouraged everyone to vote for what they believe is right. Kumar also expressed optimism about a good voter turnout in the elections.
Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan shows her inked finger after casting her ballot at a polling station in Mumbai on May 20, 2024.
Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan shows her inked finger after casting her ballot at a polling station in Mumbai on May 20, 2024.
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Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan at a polling station in Mumbai on May 20, 2024.
Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan at a polling station in Mumbai on May 20, 2024.
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Voter turnout in Maharashtra on Monday was low at 54%, with 47-55% across Mumbai’s six constituencies, according to data from the Election Commission. In comparison, in West Bengal, 73% of eligible voters cast their ballot.
The main 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. Shiv Sena is a local ultranationalist grouping that has long played a key role in Mumbai’s politics.
Residents queue to cast their vote on May 20, 2024 in Mumbai, India.
Residents queue to cast their vote on May 20, 2024 in Mumbai, India.
Mumbai, with a population of over 12 million, is frequently compared to New York and known as the "city of dreams." It is a place where countless migrants from all over India come in search of success and fulfillment.
In this city, you will find a stark contrast between extreme wealth and extreme poverty. Skyscrapers dominate the skyline, while slum dwellings are tucked in their shadows. It's a place where affluent students are chauffeured to school past children begging for money.
Despite the rich and famous participating in the voting process, many migrant workers in the city are unfortunately excluded from the election.
Voters wait to cast their vote in Chandivali, Mumbai, on May 20, 2024.
Voters wait to cast their vote in Chandivali, Mumbai, on May 20, 2024.
Under India's election rules, eligible voters are required to vote in their own constituencies. This can be challenging for those who work outside of their home state, as they would need to travel back home to cast their vote. This is particularly difficult for underprivileged daily-wage workers in the unorganized sector, who may struggle to afford the travel expenses.
Many voters in Mumbai are worried about the increasing inflation rate and are looking for improved education and job options.
"The change I hope for is to make things more affordable," said Sachin Chaudhary, a 34-year-old grocer, in an interview with CNN. He also expressed his desire for better job opportunities in the city.
CNN’s Jessie Yeung contributed reporting.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the participation of celebrities, industrialists, and politicians in the voting process in Mumbai, marking the beginning of India's nationwide election. The presence of famous faces in the polling booths underscores the importance of exercising one's democratic right and setting an example for others. Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan, along with billionaire industrialist Mukesh Ambani, displayed their inked fingers, encouraging citizens to fulfill their duty as responsible Indian citizens. The article also shed light on the enthusiasm of the electorate, with millions of people turning up at polling booths to cast their votes and decide the future leader of the world's most populous country.
However, the article also touched upon the challenges faced by underprivileged daily-wage workers in the city, who may be excluded from the election due to the requirement to vote in their own constituencies. This highlights the need to address the barriers faced by marginalized communities in exercising their democratic rights. The concerns raised by voters about inflation, education, and job opportunities underscore the importance of addressing these issues in the upcoming election. Overall, the article provides a glimpse into the vibrant democratic process in India while also highlighting the need for inclusivity and addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable populations.
