Duo’s entry into politics sparks row
THEY might have won many hearts through their acting skills and dance moves, but Bengali actress-duo Mimi Chakraborty and Nusrat Jahan have created a virtual storm in social media.
This comes after their nomination as candidates of West Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress political party for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Memes, jokes crude and witty comments and likes have flooded Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp.
They have also been trolled by some who posted the memes of them in the revealing costumes they wore in their movies.
A native of north Bengal’s Jalpaiguri, Chakraborty, who debuted in the Bengali film industry in 2012, is set to contest from south Kolkata’s Jadavpur constituency.
Jahan, who kick-started her career as an actress in 2011, will contest from North 24 Pargana district’s Basirhat.
Soon after the announcement, Jahan re-tweeted a post by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, where she wrote that she was “happy and proud” that 41% of the Trinamool’s candidates were women. This particular tweet has been loved by more than 2 000 people and re-tweeted over 400 times, with many congratulating her and wishing her luck.
Others congratulated Chakraborty and some have already announced she would get their “deserved votes”.
But there are also others who have suggested she stay away from politics to be a good actress.
A substantial section were not happy with Banerjee’s choices, even calling it an insult to political heavyweights like former chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and ex-Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee.
“Mimi Chakraborty standing from Jadavpur constituency is a disgrace… What kind of political experience does she have?” they asked.
Another social media user posted pictures of the actresses dancing in an item number in their movie and criticised Banerjee for fielding them.
A Twitter user, clearly upset about the development, said Banerjee should know that unlike the Indian Premier League (cricket), politics did not need cheerleaders.
“TMC (Trinamool Congress ) giving seats to candidates who have never had any exposure to politics and probably not have enough time to work for the people if elected.
“I believe TMC still thinks that Bengalis are dumb film fanatics who would vote for them because they are good looking film stars . . . And if they really win, I would doubt if Bengal is really a literate state.”
WhatsApp groups were also flooded by memes over the actress’ entry into politics.
While some took a dig at Chakraborty’s former companion and Bengali film-maker Raj Chakraborty, others made fun of Jahan’s lines in a famous toothpaste advertisement.
Bengali actor Rudraneel Chakraborty, who is close to the Trinamool Congress, came out in defence of the actresses, claiming joining politics from the entertainment industry was common worldwide. | IANS