Bollywood celebrities turn out to make their vote count

Agencies
Posted: Apr 30, 2009

The star power was on display in the city with Aamir Khan, John Abraham and Vidya Balan turning out early to cast their votes for the final phase of Lok Sabha elections in the Maharashtra. 

Film director Karan Johar, Sonali Bendre, Sonam Kapoor, Rahul Bose, Paresh Rawal, former cricketer Sandip Patil and classical singer Padmaja Phenani Joglekar were among the other celebrities who came out to exercise their franchise. Aamir Khan urged the public to come out and vote. 

"Being an Indian it is our duty to come out and vote. Every citizen should come out and vote and this is why I am here," Khan said. Actor John Abraham said that the public should vote for "change". 

"People enjoy their holiday but people also know their responsibility that you should also come out and cast your vote. Because we live in a democracy where we have been give the power to choose the good. If we don't vote, we don't have the right to complain," said Abraham. 

Actress Vidya Balan, who cast her vote at Subhash Nagar in suburban Chembur, said, "everyone should vote to ensure a government capable of giving us peace and security." Amrita Rao, who was one of the early voters, said people should remember to vote first and enjoy their holiday later. "Don't vote for candidates with criminal background," she said. 

TV show judge and actress Sonali Bendre also voted this morning. Recalling the first time she voted, Bendre said, "at that time, I really felt like an adult." "Voting is one thing which keeps our democracy alive," Bendre added. 

Polling is being held in Mumbai South, Mumbai South Central, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai North West, Mumbai North East and Mumbai North. In Thane district, polling is being held in four Lok Sabha seats - Thane, Kalyan, Bhiwandi and Palghar. 

Altogether 196 candidates, including 17 women, are in the fray. Over 1.59 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise. Elaborate security arrangements are in place, police sources said. The first and second round voting in Maharashtra, which has 48 Lok Sabha seats, was held on April 16 and 23.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com