Lok Sabha Elections: BJP Seeks Ban On Kannada Actor Shivarajkumar’s Films; Here’s Why

Kannada actor Shivarajkumar's wife, Geetha Shivarajkumar is fighting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from the Shimoga constituency. Earlier this week, the actor was seen campaigning for her.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The Karnataka unit of the BJP has sought a ban on the films, ads, and billboards of Kannada actor Shivarajkumar till the end of Lok Sabha polls as his wife, Geetha Shivarajkumar, is contesting on a Congress ticket from the Shimoga seat and the actor is allegedly campaigning for the grand-old party.

On Friday, the BJP penned a letter to the Election Commission, urging the poll panel to ban the display of Shivarajkumar’s films, advertisements, and billboards as the actor was allegedly campaigning for the Congress in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls.

In the letter, Karnataka State President of BJP OBC Morcha Wing and senior BJP leader R Raghu stated that Shivarajkumar, being a prominent figure in the state and currently engaged in a “statewide election campaign for the Congress party”, holds significant influence over the populace through his cinematic work and “public persona.”

“While we respect his right to participate in the democratic process, it is imperative to maintain a level playing field and prevent undue advantage or influence during the election period,” Raghu said.

The BJP leader urged the EC to ban the display of the Shivarajkumar’s films, ads, and billboards till the end of the general elections as it his “significant influence and popularity” could be used to sway the electorate in favour of the rival party.

Raghu requested the poll authority to take immediate action by issuing an order to cinema halls, TV channels, social media platforms, and local organisations to refrain from displaying any films, advertisements, or billboards featuring Shivrajkumar until the conclusion of the polls.

Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer, Manoj Kumar Meena, said the poll body is examining the letter.

Shivarajkumar’s wife, Geetha Shivarajkumar is fighting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from the Shimoga constituency. Earlier this week, the actor was seen campaigning for her.

Lok Sabha Elections for the 28 seats in Karnataka will be held in two phases on April 26 and May 7.

(With PTI inputs)