The wealthy celebrities of Bollywood join India's masses in casting their votes during the world's most extensive election.
People went to vote in six constituencies of Mumbai, and 43 other places in India, on Monday, as massive crowds showed up at polling centers to choose their leaders in the most populous country in the world.
Famous personalities in Mumbai, home to Bollywood and the wealthiest city in India, turned up to vote, as a symbol of their commitment as Indian citizens. The King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, came with his family, including wife Gauri, daughter Suhana, and sons Aryan and Abram. Acting legend Amitabh Bachchan also made an appearance at a polling booth in Andheri.
On Instagram, Shah Rukh Khan urged everyone to vote, stating, "As responsible Indian citizens, we must exercise our right to vote this Monday in Maharashtra... Promote, our right to Vote." Other famous faces, like Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, as well as Mukesh Ambani and his family, were also seen voting.
While Akshay Kumar, a well-known actor, had hopes for India's development, he said, "I voted... India should vote for what they deem is right...I think voter turnout will be good."
However, despite the shining examples, voter turnout in Maharashtra was low at 54%, with 47-55% in Mumbai's six constituencies, based on data from the Election Commission. By contrast, West Bengal reported a 73% voter turnout.
In Mumbai, the main parties involved in the election include Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Indian National Congress serving as the main opposition, and two factions of Shiv Sena, a local ultranationalist group with significant influence in Mumbai's politics.
Mumbai, with a population of over 12 million, is often compared to New York and is known as the "city of dreams." It's a place where millions of immigrants come to make a living and find their purpose, contrasting starkly with its opulent skyscrapers overlooking densely populated slums and slums. Despite the participation of the rich and famous on election day, many immigrant workers in the city will not be able to vote as they are expected to return to their hometowns to cast ballots.
Many voters in Mumbai are looking for ways to tackle rising inflation and seeking better educational and job opportunities. According to a 34-year-old grocer, Sachin Chaudhary, interviewed by CNN, "The change I want to see is, things should become less costly... and there should be better opportunities in the employment sector."
Jessie Yeung of CNN contributed to the reporting.
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The election in India, being the world's most populous country, saw prominent figures from Bollywood, such as Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan, casting their votes in Mumbai.
eager voters in Mumbai, representing India on the world stage, participated in this extensive global democratic process.
Source: edition.cnn.com
