Phase 2 of the Bengal elections 2026 witnessed a significant turnout of celebrities as they exercised their franchise and encouraged citizens to vote. The day saw prominent faces from the entertainment industry stepping out to cast their ballots, setting an example for their fans.
Stars Flock to Polling Booths
Several Tollywood actors, including Dev, Soham Chakraborty, and Ritabhari Chakraborty, were seen early in the morning at various polling stations across Kolkata. They were greeted by enthusiastic fans and media personnel. Dev, who recently starred in the blockbuster film 'Projapati', urged everyone to vote without fail. "This is our right and our duty. Every vote counts," he said.
Actresses Lead by Example
Actresses like Srabanti Chatterjee and Koel Mallick also made their presence felt. Srabanti, dressed in a simple saree, waited patiently in line. She emphasized the importance of voting for a better future. Koel, accompanied by her family, echoed similar sentiments, stating that voting is the foundation of democracy.
Other notable celebrities included singer Shaan, who flew in from Mumbai to cast his vote in his hometown. He performed at a local event later but made sure to vote first. "No matter how busy you are, voting should be a priority," he remarked.
Youth Participation Encouraged
Many young actors used social media to encourage first-time voters. Actor Parambrata Chatterjee posted a selfie with his inked finger, captioning it "Proud to vote." He urged the youth to come out in large numbers. Actress Rukmini Maitra shared a video of herself walking to the polling booth, inspiring her followers.
The Election Commission reported a higher voter turnout in urban areas compared to previous phases, attributing it partly to celebrity influence. Special arrangements were made to ensure smooth voting for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
As the day progressed, long queues formed outside polling stations, but voters remained patient. The festive atmosphere was palpable, with many families coming together to vote. Phase 2 covered 45 constituencies across the state, with tight security in place.
The celebrity turnout not only highlighted the importance of voting but also set a positive trend for the remaining phases. With stars leading the way, the message was clear: every vote matters in shaping the future of Bengal.
