New Delhi, February 15
Having lost out to the BJP in building alliances and launching its campaign, the Congress is trailing behind the BJP on another front : it is not being able to persuade film and television stars to campaign for the party.
Although the parties are dismissive about the “vote-getting” capabilities of the glam set, they make a beeline to sign on film personalities either as candidates or campaigners.
The BJP has already roped in Hema Malini and Smriti Malhotra and, more recently, Suresh Oberoi and former cricketer Navjot Sidhu to add to its star power. Many more, including Dharmendra, are stated to be waiting in the wings.
On the other hand, the Congress appears to be having problems in this regard. Except Sunil Dutt and Rajesh Khanna, who have been in the party for several years, the Congress has not been able to attract new names. The party managed to get filmstar Govinda to canvass for it in the Punjab Assembly elections but Congress poll managers were embarrassed when the Bollywood star admitted taking money for his participation in the campaign.
Rajya Sabha MP Subirammi Reddy, who is stated to have personal relations with a host of film personalities, has been on the job but with little results so far. He has promised to line up top stars from Shahrukh Khan to Aishwarya Rai. The Congress campaign managers are, however, still waiting. Shahrukh Khan has declared that he would not campaign for any party.
Congress strategists admitted that enlisting film stars is not only become highly competitive but is also an expensive business. Party sources claimed that Suresh Oberoi and Sidhu had initially been in touch with the Congress and were set to join it when they switched sides overnight.
Unlike people like Sunil Dutt who joined politics and the Congress because of convictions, it is nothing but a business deal for the film stars these days, remarked a Congress leader.
The Bollywood fraternity’s decision to stay away from the Congress, it is stated, stems from its fear of the Shiv Sena. With virtually all film stars lining up at Sena chief Bal Thackeray’s durbar for favours and protection, they are wary of jumping on to the Congress bandwagon. With most top film stars swearing loyalty to Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh, the task for the Congress has become difficult.
“Film stars will come to your parties when you invite them. But in these times, it is not just difficult, it is virtually impossible to get a Bollywood star and ask people to vote against the BJP,” remarked another Congress insider.
