The seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Saturday, celebrated as the largest festival of democracy, saw actress Swastika Mukherjee facing a disappointing and frustrating obstacle. Known for her distinguished work in both Bengali and Hindi cinema, Swastika took to Instagram to share a heartfelt video detailing her unsuccessful attempt to cast her vote. The actress labeled the ordeal as a “frustrating experience,” highlighting the irony of being a voter in the world’s largest democracy yet being unable to exercise her fundamental right.
Amid the video, Swastika revealed that both she and her sister faced different obstacles that eventually refrained them from voting. While Swastika had misplaced her voting card, her sister, who was equipped with a valid voting card, was still denied the right to vote. This unexpected issue added a layer of frustration and disappointment for the actress, who had eagerly anticipated participating in the electoral process.
Swastika disclosed that despite the passing of her mother in 2015 and her father in 2020, their names paradoxically remain on the electoral list. She elaborated on the perplexity of seeing the names of deceased family members on the list while struggling to ensure her identity was recognized. According to Swastika, even people who had moved out of her residential building still had their names on the voter list, raising questions about the accuracy and efficiency of the electoral roll.
Motivated by the need for clarity and fairness, Swastika announced her intent to address the matter with the concerned authorities. She narrated her decision to seek answers and advocate for improvements in the system to prevent similar issues for other voters. Her determination to confront the situation reflects her proactive stance in advocating for just electoral procedures.
The actress’ turmoil occurred during the penultimate stage of the Lok Sabha elections, which saved the longest and grandest phase for last. Voting commenced at 7 am across 57 parliamentary constituencies spanning seven states including Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
. This phase also extended to cover the remaining 42 Assembly Constituencies in the Odisha State Legislative Assembly, marking a grand culmination to the electoral marathon that began on April 19.
Swastika Mukherjee hails from an illustrious lineage as the daughter of veteran Bengali actor Santu Mukherjee. Over the years, she has firmly established herself as a versatile and talented actress in both regional and mainstream cinema. Her filmography boasts an array of Bengali hits alongside Bollywood projects like ‘Dil Bechara’ and ‘Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!.’ Additionally, Swastika has made notable appearances in acclaimed web series such as ‘Paatal Lok,’ receiving widespread critical appreciation.
Her recent professional engagement was in ‘Love Sex Aur Dhokha 2,’ directed by the visionary filmmaker Dibakar Banerjee and produced by Ektaa R Kapoor under the banner of Balaji Motion Pictures. The film ventures into the multifaceted realities of the internet age, providing a riveting narrative that intertwines themes of love, digital influence, and contemporary societal dynamics. This role underscored Swastika’s ability to navigate complex characters and storylines, further bolstering her standing in the industry.
As the multi-phased Lok Sabha elections aim to finalise their representatives, Swastika’s experience draws attention to the discrepancies that still plague the electoral system. While the world lauds the magnitude and grandeur of democratic elections in India, individual experiences like Swastika’s highlight the persistent issues of administrative inefficiencies that can impede the democratic process.
With famous personalities like Swastika Mukherjee bringing these challenges to light, there lies hope that the authorities might take more stringent measures to ensure the accuracy and accessibility of the electoral process. By voicing her frustrations and taking steps to seek resolution, Swastika Mukherjee not only champions her own voting rights but also provides a voice for countless others who may face similar dilemmas in the future.
The resolved enthusiasm and civic responsibility demonstrated by Swastika serve as a reminder of the power of active citizenship. They echo the broader sentiment that for democracy to be truly inclusive, every voter’s experience and issue must be addressed with due importance, ensuring that the wheels of democracy turn smoothly and fairly for all its participants.
(With inputs from Agencies)
