Voting for all 288 assembly constituencies in Maharashtra began at 7 am today, with polls open until 6 pm. As millions head to the booths, concerns over low turnout in urban centres, particularly Mumbai, have resurfaced.
RPG Group Chairman Harsh Goenka sparked widespread debate on the issue by criticising Mumbai’s elite, accusing them of valuing luxury over their democratic duty. His remarks, shared on X (formerly Twitter), highlighted the disconnect between privilege and participation.
Expanding on their apparent apathy, he added, “It’s the fear of dirtying their designer loafers on uneven roads, the struggle of matching their Gucci sunglasses with their Manish Malhotra outfits, and the endless WhatsApp debates about the right candidate over quinoa salads.”
In a biting conclusion, Goenka mocked their priorities: “Why vote when the real concern is whether Ozempic is safe or Mounjaro is better? After all, democracy can wait, but the waist cannot!”
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar also exercised his franchise alongside his wife Anjali and daughter Sara. Speaking to the media, he said, “I have been an icon of the ECI (Election Commission of India) for quite some time now. The message I am giving is to vote. It is our responsibility. I urge everyone to come out and vote.”
Other Bollywood personalities, including Rajkummar Rao, filmmaker Zoya Akhtar, and director Kabir Khan, have also voted. High-profile families like the Ambanis, along with celebrities such as Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Deepika Padukone, are expected to participate as the day progresses.
Goenka’s critique underscores a larger issue of privilege-induced apathy in urban India. While notable figures are setting an example by voting, the participation of all citizens is essential for a robust democracy. The hope is that such public discussions will inspire a broader cultural shift toward greater electoral engagement in the future.
RPG Group Chairman Harsh Goenka sparked widespread debate on the issue by criticising Mumbai’s elite, accusing them of valuing luxury over their democratic duty. His remarks, shared on X (formerly Twitter), highlighted the disconnect between privilege and participation.
“Democracy Can Wait”: Harsh Goenka’s Satirical Take
Goenka’s post specifically targeted affluent residents of Malabar Hill, one of Mumbai’s most upscale neighbourhoods. He wrote, “The men and women of Malabar Hill may not vote today because… they’re busy debating whether their chauffeur will take the Mercedes or the BMW to the polling booth.”Expanding on their apparent apathy, he added, “It’s the fear of dirtying their designer loafers on uneven roads, the struggle of matching their Gucci sunglasses with their Manish Malhotra outfits, and the endless WhatsApp debates about the right candidate over quinoa salads.”
In a biting conclusion, Goenka mocked their priorities: “Why vote when the real concern is whether Ozempic is safe or Mounjaro is better? After all, democracy can wait, but the waist cannot!”
Urban Voter Apathy: A Persistent Challenge
Maharashtra’s urban areas have long faced issues with low voter turnout. In the 2019 state assembly elections, approximately 62-64 urban constituencies recorded turnout levels below the state average. Cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur often see lower participation despite their sizeable electorates.Bollywood and Cricket Stars Lead by Example
Amid this backdrop, several prominent figures have stepped out to cast their votes. Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar was among the first to visit the polling booth, greeting the media on his way.Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar also exercised his franchise alongside his wife Anjali and daughter Sara. Speaking to the media, he said, “I have been an icon of the ECI (Election Commission of India) for quite some time now. The message I am giving is to vote. It is our responsibility. I urge everyone to come out and vote.”
Other Bollywood personalities, including Rajkummar Rao, filmmaker Zoya Akhtar, and director Kabir Khan, have also voted. High-profile families like the Ambanis, along with celebrities such as Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Deepika Padukone, are expected to participate as the day progresses.
Heightened Security Across Mumbai
To ensure smooth polling, authorities have implemented strict security measures across the state. Vehicle checks and surveillance, particularly in areas like Dharavi and Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar, have been intensified.Goenka’s critique underscores a larger issue of privilege-induced apathy in urban India. While notable figures are setting an example by voting, the participation of all citizens is essential for a robust democracy. The hope is that such public discussions will inspire a broader cultural shift toward greater electoral engagement in the future.
