There is a stigma attached to politics in India, says Divyanka

Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya has become the “state icon” for the upcoming elections in Madhya Pradesh. She is part of a campaign through which she has been urging people to cast their votes, and she hopes that people don’t treat the voting day as a holiday. Posters featuring Divyanka have been put up all around Bhopal and other major cities in Madhya Pradesh and she is thrilled about this association.

She says, “I was quite surprised to be called upon by the Election Commission to campaign for the elections with me asking people to go out there and vote. I love my home state and I am always available to help them in any way possible. We have the right to choose our government yet, we don’t go and vote. We will be a changed society if we cast votes and choose our leaders. There will be no chance of any complaints then. India is a young country and the youth has the power to change

the future. We are quite aware about our environment and pollution etc., but I wonder why don’t we utilise our strength and intelligence when we vote. So, I hope that with a bit of nudging, they will go out there and vote.”

A popular face on television, Divyanka feels celebrities have a huge power and can influence people if they utilise the power well. Ask Divyanka what she feels about politics in India and she says, “I am not political at all. I stay updated with the daily happenings and am aware of which party is doing what kind of work in the country. Unfortunately, in India, there’s a stigma attached to politics. It has a dark, dirty image and I hope, one day, it becomes a white-collared job. Though I have got offers to join several parties in the past but with my work schedule, I haven’t had the time to take up any offers or even think about them. Main politics samajh sakti hoon, par politics karna… uska pata nahin. I am a righteous person, so I don’t know. I haven’t really thought about it.”

Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya