Top Kollywood stars turned out in large numbers for the Tamil Nadu assembly elections on Wednesday, setting an example for citizens by casting their votes early and urging responsible participation in the democratic process.
Rajinikanth, Vijay, and Kamal Haasan Lead the Way
Superstar Rajinikanth was among the first to cast his vote at a polling booth in Chennai. Dressed in a simple white shirt and dhoti, he urged fans to vote without fear or favor. 'Voting is our duty. Do it responsibly,' he told media after casting his ballot.
Popular actor Vijay, who has a massive fan following, also exercised his franchise in Chennai. He appealed to the youth to come out in large numbers and make their voices heard. 'Every vote counts. Let us choose leaders who will work for the people,' he said.
Veteran actor-politician Kamal Haasan, who is also the founder of the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) party, cast his vote in Alwarpet. He emphasized the importance of informed voting and urged citizens to reject money power and criminalization in politics.
Other Stars Join the Democratic Exercise
Several other prominent Kollywood personalities also participated in the polling process. Actors like Suriya, Karthi, and Vikram were seen at various polling stations across Chennai and other districts. Actress Trisha and Nayanthara also cast their votes, encouraging their followers on social media to do the same.
Director Shankar, who is known for his socially relevant films, voted early and stressed the need for a clean and transparent election process. 'We must elect leaders who prioritize development and welfare,' he said.
Urging Responsible Voting
The stars used their influence to spread awareness about responsible voting. Many took to social media platforms to share selfies after casting their votes, with captions urging fans to vote for the right reasons. 'Don't sell your vote. It is your power,' wrote actor Dhanush on Twitter.
Actress Jyothika posted a video message saying, 'Your vote is your voice. Use it wisely for a better Tamil Nadu.' The collective effort by Kollywood celebrities is seen as a significant boost to voter turnout, especially among the youth and first-time voters.
High Voter Turnout Expected
Election officials reported a steady turnout across the state, with many polling stations witnessing long queues from early morning. The presence of film stars at polling booths added to the enthusiasm, with fans cheering them on. The Election Commission has urged all citizens to exercise their franchise before the close of polling at 6 PM.
The Tamil Nadu assembly elections are being closely watched as a key political battle, with major parties like the DMK, AIADMK, and newer entrants like the TVK and MNM vying for power. The high-profile participation of Kollywood stars underscores the cultural significance of the election in the state.
