I will vote at any cost, say these TV actors

Over the past few weeks, we have seen a few TV actors ruing the fact that they won’t be able to cast their vote this General Election, owing to hectic work schedules, or pre-planned holidays. On the other hand, there is another section of small-screen actors, who strongly feel that voting is every citizen’s duty, and will not let anything stop them from visiting their hometowns to exercise their franchise.BT spoke to a few of them, and here’s what they had to say...
Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya
Bhopal
“As celebs, it’s important for us to fulfil this duty that has been conferred upon us. Many people are not aware of the different political parties and their candidates, so it is important that you research well before you vote. I plan to go to Bhopal, and after being declared the state icon of Madhya Pradesh for elections, I feel more responsible about encouraging people to vote.”
Vivek Dahiya
Chandigarh
“Voting has always been important in my family. I remember how excited I was when I turned 18, as I could finally vote. This year, I have been appointed as the systematic voting education and electoral participation ambassador in Chandigarh, and the role requires me to spread the message of the importance of voting. So now, I feel even more responsible. The Constitution has given us the right to vote and we should use that power. At the end of the day, it’s all for our country’s betterment and its development.”
Mohit Malik
Delhi

“I am going to be in Delhi on May 12, to cast my vote. There is no point simply cribbing about the system. Along with voting, people also need to gear up and learn more about political parties. I feel that nothing can help the country if we don’t exercise our duty to vote.”
Sayantani Ghosh
Kolkata
“I have always believed in the power of voting and I have decided to make a quick trip to Kolkata on the polling day. Thankfully, I will not be shooting on that day, and I am happy that I will get a chance to cast my vote in favour of the most deserving candidate. I would urge everyone to do the same, as the onus to choose our leaders is on us. So, let’s become responsible citizens.”
Alisha Panwar
Shimla
“I feel that smaller hill-stations like Shimla should get a boost in development and infrastructure. So, I will vote for an able leader, as it benefits my city and state. This May, I will go to Shimla to vote.”
Siddharth Arora
Varanasi

I will go to Varanasi on the polling day, May 19. I feel that it’s every citizen’s responsibility to vote, and we have no right to complain if we don’t exercise our franchise. Varanasi is currently the hotbed of politics, and the entire world is keenly watching what is happening in the city. I want to be part of choosing the government in one of the most exciting elections India has seen.
Aniruddh Dave
Jaipur
Voting is important for every citizen. This is our chance to choose the right person so that later on, we can’t blame our leaders. Every vote counts, and I request everyone to cast their vote; if you don’t vote, you don’t have the right to complain. I am also spreading awareness regarding this on social networking platforms. May 6 is the polling day in Jaipur and I have already applied for leave from the makers of my show.
Chhavi Pandey
Patna
“It is very important that you be a part of electing your government. I am very professional, but at the same time, I realise my responsibility towards my country as well. I don’t want to regret it later. I am shooting, but I am sure that the production house will grant me leave for visiting my hometown to vote. Our show, too, has a sequence, which stresses on the right to vote.”
Harsh Rajput
Navsari
I always try my best to cast my vote. This time too, I was shooting round the clock for my show, but luckily, I got an off, and took off to my hometown especially to cast my vote (on April 23). Voting is not a day for rest and chilling at home. We feel that a single vote does not make any difference, but that’s not true. By not voting, we are giving a chance to unsuitable candidates and in the end, we only end up bearing the brunt of poor governance. I would request everyone to cast their votes. If you are not happy with any of the candidates, use the NOTA option.”
Raju Srivastava
Kanpur
Despite a busy schedule, I have decided to go to Kanpur to cast my vote on April 29. As a responsible citizen, I feel that casting my vote is my duty and also my right. Kai baar ek vote se haar-jeet ho jaati hai, toh main apna keemti vote bekaar nahi jaane doonga. Voting se ek-do din pehle hi main Kanpur aa jaunga jisse ki chunavi mahaul ka bhi anand le sakun.
Charu Asopa
Bikaner
I feel voting is the responsibility of each and every citizen, especially the youth. Every vote counts, so let’s not take this opportunity to elect the right government, lightly. All of us should take elections more seriously.
Alokk Narula
Dharamshala
It’s my prime duty to cast my vote. It’s my right to choose a candidate and party, who I feel will work for the betterment of my country and its citizens.
Kushagre Dua
Delhi
I am travelling all the way to my hometown, because every vote counts. And honestly, it’s not a big deal travelling out of Mumbai to cast our vote. If we can travel for holidays, we can certainly travel to vote. What matters most is choosing the right candidate and the right government. It’s better to vote now than to regret later.
Zaan Khan
Bhopal
“It’s my responsibility to vote for the right candidate. Simply criticising won’t help, now is the time to take action and change what you don’t like. I would request every one to exercise their ballot, because one vote might decide which government is elected, and that one decisive vote could be yours. So, let’s fulfil our duty towards our country and elect a government of our choice.”