Tamil actress Jyothika, wife of star hero Surya, has stirred controversy by addressing her absence from voting in the recent Tamil Nadu elections held on April 19th.
Her remarks during a media interaction, where she mentioned being out of town and highlighted online voting as an alternative, have drawn criticism from those emphasizing the importance of traditional voting methods as a civic duty.
Jyothika’s comments sparked backlash as citizens voiced their efforts to vote despite challenges such as long queues and travel adjustments. Online voting in India is limited to citizens aged over 85 or with disabilities, excluding celebrities like Jyothika from this option.
Critics argue that public figures should set an example by promoting electoral participation among their followers, recognizing the pivotal impact of each vote on the nation’s trajectory.
The incident has highlighted broader debates about civic responsibility and celebrity influence. While Jyothika’s mention of online voting was factually inaccurate for most citizens, it underscores the need for influential personalities to prioritize civic engagement and encourage democratic participation.
This incident serves as a reminder of the significance of voting in a democracy, transcending personal convenience or professional commitments.
