If Lok Sabha and Assembly elections are the arena for top film actors in the State, the polls to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike seem to be the field for popular faces from the small screen and old-time actors to take a political plunge.
Actors Prema ( Om fame), actor-turned producer Vijayalakshmi Singh, Bullet Prakash, small screen actors Anand, Arjun Dev, Deepak are some of the prominent names in the list of those eyeing a political entry through the upcoming BBMP polls. While it is not clear if all of them will be given tickets by the parties they have chosen to join, most seem keen to become candidates.
Ms. Vijayalakshmi Singh is hoping to get ticket from the Congress as her brother S.V. Rajendra Singh Babu was made the chairperson of the Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy by the Congress government. “If the Congress refuses, I don’t have any problem. I will contest on the BJP or JD(S) ticket”, she said without any hesitation.
She added that she wants to contest from Rajkumar Ward and is hoping to get the support from the Kannada film producers.
Noted comedian Bullet Prakash who joined the BJP recently, seemed a little more subtle and said that he was ready to contest in the polls, “if the party wants me to contest”.
Sources in the film industry said that few actors were engaged in “social service” for the past two years with an eye to build a reputation in their wards. Anand, Prema and Arjun are trying to get BJP ticket according to party sources, but have not been given any assurance.
The Reservation list announced has also been used by some of the stars to bolster their case. They are seeking tickets from the wards, where JD (S) and BJP finding difficult to get candidates in accordance with the reservation.
Though only a few names are being floated now, many more may join the league once nomination process commences, sources said.
Film Industry observers also suggest that these small actors seem to have taken a cue from producer Munirathna and actor Ne.La. Narendra Babu, who entered politics through BBMP and entered the State legislature later.
quote Hanger
I decided to contest in polls because of pressure from producers. I hope to raise issues pertaining to the film industry if I get elected.
Vijayalakshmi Singh, Actor and producer
