India General Elections 2024: Role of celebrities in India's electoral battles

In the recent years, the intertwining of celebrity influence and politics has become notable phenomenon in India. Celebrities, especially from the Hindi cinema industry, have tried their luck with politics; while some have had successful innings, some did not.

Celebrities joining politics amid India General Elections 2024

Celebrities entering politics are not a recent phenomenon in India. From Sunil Dutt to Amitabh Bachchan, and more recently, Govinda, Kangana Ranaut to Rupali Ganguly, the border between entertainment industry and politics has frequently crossed. These individuals add flair and exposure to political campaigns, drawing media attention and popular interest. Their celebrity status can be a valuable asset in a country where politics is fiercely competitive and media-driven.

Amid the India General Elections 2024, many celebrities including Govinda, fondly called as Chichi, and Shekhar Suman have joined parties like Shiv Sena, BJP. The saffron party, interestingly, has feilded many celebrities in this elections including Ramayan-fame Arun Govil and Kangana Ranaut.

India General Elections 2024: Influence of celebrities

Celebrity endorsements have the potential to significantly influence election outcomes. Celebrities can mobilise significant sectors of the population, particularly young voters who are more likely to follow their favourite stars. This was clear when Vijay launched his own political party, causing a surge of excitement among his Tamil Nadu fans.

Also Read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Increasing women's representation in Maharashtra's electoral battles

However, experts argue that celebrity endorsements can overshadow critical political issues. They highlight the importance of informed and issue-based voting above star-driven selections. Celebrities may deflect attention away from real policy discussions and towards personality-driven politics, which is cause for concern.

Dr Mrudul Nile, who is a professor of political science with Mumbai University, said that the celebrity status does not bear much impact, did not especially in India General Elections 2024.

Speaking about celebrities in politics, Dr Nile said, "Celebrities who endorse paan masalas, online gaming applications like rummy, do they have credibility to speak about burning issues? At most, their appearances are for political favours. With India General Elections 2024, people are talking about things that affect them directly like inflation, unemployment and deteriorating quality of people's lives in terms of HDI. Policy analysts should rather be discussing on these issues."

He further pointed that the celebrities are Member of Parliament because they have that status.

"Celebrity MPs are in the House because of their celebrity status, however, the concern in intellectural poverty among them. What is their contribution to the Parliament? If the celebrities understand policy, they should definitely contribute to the discourse, but if they get a platform and ask prime minister about whether they eat mangoes, it has no impact," Dr Nile pointed out.

He further stated that their image is only a screen image.

The celebrities should understand people's sentiments. They are like stand-alone figures unlike the leaders who have come from among the public and represents them. However, I believe, at least in India General Elections 2024, the celebrities have not had much impact, Dr Nile reiterated.

India General Elections 2024: Voters' sentiments

Among voters, the most important stakeholders in this dynamic, a prevalent feeling is that, while celebrities might raise awareness for political causes, their engagement should not overshadow the core features of governance and policymaking.

Speaking to mid-day.com, a Mumbai-based media professional said that the celebrities have not had either negative or positive impact on politics. She said barring the likes of MGR, Jayalalithaa, she cannot recall celebrities having a huge impact on people's political inclination.

"Political figures themselves endorse themselves as such big brands today that an external celebrity influence is not needed to sway the judgement of the people. Having said that, the political opinion of a celebrity might help them attain more followers if they favour the party of their audience. But I do not feel the political opinion of celebrities influence the aam janta (public)," she said.

The Mumbaikar said that she likes to base her choice on mindset, vision of the party for country's good than celebrity's endorsement.

When asked whether celebrities are qualified to hold political office, the Mumbaikar said, "I believe that any person with clear intent and vision to make India a better place should be allowed to contest irrespective of their past occupation."

Elaborating on it, she said a basic educational qualification should be enforced on those who desires to hold political office that has power to influence soceital changes. Criminal cases against interested candidates should also be reviewed, they added.

The media professional said that celebrities should be addressing concerns best suited to their feild of interest and cited the example of actor-turned-politician Jaya Bachchan who spoke in Parliament on attack against film industry's freedom of expression.

"Jaya Bachchan had spoken in parliament about attack against the film industry's freedom of expression and the impact of boycott calls against the industry. With the diversity that exists in our country, we also have a range of problems to tackle which can be addressed by people who have different backgrounds," the Mumbaikar added.