MP turf ready for star war
Congress has named rising celluloid star Ashutosh Rana and the BJP its old hands from Bollywood in politics- Vinod Khanna and Shatrughan Sinha, writes Ambreesh.
Enduring charm of yesteryear's dream girl Hema Malini and muscle-bound presence of ageing but redoubtable Dara Singh will be pitted by the BJP against avuncular pull of Sunil Dutt and verbal dexterity of thespian Dilip Kumar of Congress when the poll battle hots up in Madhya Pradesh.
Among others whose names have been listed on the panel of star campaigners submitted to the Election Commission (EC), Congress has named rising celluloid star Ashutosh Rana and the BJP its old hands from Bollywood in politics - Vinod Khanna and Shatrughan Sinha.
Incidentally, Rana's name doesn't figure in the list of BSP though his close relative is contesting on a party ticket from Sagar and he is expected to turn out in full poll regalia to garner support for him.
Notable omission in the Congress list is romantic star of the 60s and the 70s, Rajesh Khanna. On the other hand, television's favourite daughter-in-law Smriti `Tulsi' Irani who recently joined the BJP, is missing from the party's list, presumably because she came on board a little late in the day and the list had already been submitted.
As the only politician from outside the party fold, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) boss Laloo Prasad Yadav will throw his rustic charisma behind the Congress poll campaign.
Apart from the usual suspects, the Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) appear to have dusted up a couple of former chief ministers who are almost forgotten names these days.
Ex-Kerala chief minister EK Nayanar will turn out for the CPM. On the other hand, Jat stalwart and former Haryana chief minister Bhajan Lal will hit the road for the Congress.
Each recognised party was asked to submit a list of a maximum 40 star campaigners whose travel expenses won't be added to the party candidate's account during campaign. However, the cost of their public meetings and rallies will go into the candidate's account.
Though it's a recognised party in Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party (SP) with all its serious intents to make huge inroads into Madhya Pradesh this time round, hasn't submitted its list of campaigners. Therefore, even if icons in its ranks like Amitabh Bachchan and Raj Babbar hit the campaign trail, their travel expenses will be added to SP candidates' accounts.
