The fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections has kicked off, and Mumbai has joined the fray with citizens heading to their designated polling stations to cast their votes. Among the early birds at the polling booths today was actor Sanya Malhotra, who had a nerve-wracking encounter that nearly ended in an accident with a photographer’s camera.
As Sanya Malhotra arrived at her polling booth, she found herself in the midst of a bustling crowd of paparazzi eager to capture her moment of civic duty. Amidst the commotion, an unexpected incident occurred that left the actress visibly shaken—a paparazzi’s camera almost struck her. Demonstrating quick reflexes, Sanya narrowly avoided what could have been a dangerous situation. In her moment of distress, she managed to calm herself and addressed the eager photographers, urging, “Arrey, aaram se (Please be careful). Wahan chalke aaram se le lo. (Let’s go to the side and then you can click the pictures).”
The entire episode highlighted the chaotic atmosphere at polling booths, especially when celebrities participate in the voting process. The urge to capture every moment often leads to precarious circumstances, such as the one Sanya Malhotra experienced.
Mumbai’s polling stations were bustling from early in the morning, with many celebrities turning out to exercise their right to vote. The fifth phase of voting in the Lok Sabha elections 2024 is underway, covering 49 parliamentary constituencies across six states and two Union Territories (UTs). The Election Commission of India (ECI) ensured tight security and seamless arrangements to facilitate the voting process. Polling began at 7 AM and will continue until 6 PM, allowing anyone already in line by the closing time to cast their vote.
Simultaneously, 35 assembly constituencies of the Odisha legislative assembly are also going to the polls. As per ECI data, over 8.95 crore voters are participating, encompassing 4.69 crore males, 4.26 crore females, and 5,409 third-gender electors.
. These voters will decide the futures of 695 candidates in this phase.
This phase of the elections sees several key contests in various constituencies. Notable leaders in the fray include Rahul Gandhi, BJP stalwarts Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Piyush Goyal, Ujjwal Nikam, Karan Bhushan Singh, LJP (Ramvilas) chief Chirag Paswan, JKNC chief Omar Abdullah, and RJD leader Rohini Acharya, among others. Each contender is vying for electoral success in what is anticipated to be a closely watched and fiercely contested phase.
As more voters head to the booths, the presence of celebrities continues to draw significant media attention. Public figures like Sanya Malhotra set an example by participating in the democratic process, but their appearances also attract throngs of photographers and fans. This often leads to overcrowding and potential safety hazards, emphasizing the need for more organized and respectful media practices.
The incident involving Sanya Malhotra serves as a stark reminder of the chaotic environment that can arise during elections, especially in high-profile cities like Mumbai. While snapping photographs of celebrities can create compelling news content, it is crucial to prioritize safety and respect to avoid accidents.
The ongoing Lok Sabha elections are witnessing broad participation across the country, with citizens and celebrities alike bowing to the call of democracy. As the fifth phase progresses, the focus remains on ensuring that the voting process is smooth and incidents like the one involving Sanya Malhotra are minimized.
As more voters from different walks of life converge at their polling booths, the importance of media responsibility becomes even more apparent. Ensuring that the election coverage does not compromise the safety and well-being of the participants should be a priority. Journalists and photographers are encouraged to adopt a more structured approach, respecting personal space and maintaining order.
The remainder of the day and subsequent phases of the elections will likely see more celebrities casting their votes. As they continue to engage with the democratic process, it is hoped that the lessons from today’s incident will lead to safer and more respectful interactions between the press and public figures.
In conclusion, while Sanya Malhotra’s close call with a paparazzi camera has made headlines, it also underscores the need for a balanced approach to celebrity coverage during such critical national events. The fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections is pivotal, and the collective effort of voters, election officials, the media, and the security apparatus will ensure its success.
