Bollywood and Cricket Icons Cast Votes in High-Stakes BMC Polls
Bollywood actors Akshay Kumar and Sanya Malhotra joined cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar in stepping out early to vote during the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections on Thursday morning. These high-profile citizens led by example, encouraging Mumbai residents to participate actively in the democratic process.
Celebrities Urge Maximum Voter Turnout
Akshay Kumar, who voted among the first wave of citizens, delivered a powerful message to Mumbaikars. He emphasized that Thursday presented a unique opportunity for residents to hold the "remote control" for electing their public representatives. Kumar stressed that voting today prevents complaints tomorrow about essential services.
"This is our moment to make a difference," Kumar told reporters after casting his ballot. "Instead of delivering dramatic dialogues, become Mumbai's real heroes by voting for the right candidate."
His wife, author-actor Twinkle Khanna, shared her perspective after voting. "Participating gives us a tangible sense of control over our city's narrative," she explained. "I vote consistently, driven by both habit and genuine hope for positive change."
Sports and Business Leaders Join Civic Exercise
Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar arrived with his wife Anjali and daughter Sara at the Pali-Chimbai Municipal School polling station in Bandra. The master batsman highlighted the election's significance for local governance.
"These BMC elections carry tremendous importance for every Mumbaikar," Tendulkar stated. "Voting provides our fundamental opportunity to express opinions and shape our city's future. I strongly urge everyone to exercise this precious democratic right."
Tata Group Chairperson Natarajan Chandrasekaran also cast his vote, emphasizing local issues' critical nature. "Having this voting privilege represents a great honor," Chandrasekaran noted. "Local governance matters profoundly, and I'm pleased we're conducting BMC elections after the extended gap since 2017."
Wider Celebrity Participation Across Mumbai
The voting process saw participation from diverse prominent figures. Actor Junaid Khan arrived with family members, while respected lyricist Gulzar exercised his franchise. Musician Vishal Dadlani and actor Sanya Malhotra also joined the early morning voters.
These celebrities participated as Mumbai witnesses a fiercely contested electoral battle. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance competes against the Thackeray cousins' coalition for control of India's wealthiest municipal corporation. The BMC commands an annual budget exceeding seventy-four thousand crore rupees, making these elections particularly significant for Mumbai's development trajectory.
As polling continues throughout Thursday, these high-profile votes have set a positive precedent for citizen engagement in municipal governance.
