Shimla, Oct 16: With the state going to the polls on November 9, actor Preity Zinta has become the latest Bollywood celebrity to join the vote for Himachal campaign.
“Your one vote will decide the next five years,” Preity, 42, who hails from Jubbal in Shimla district, says in a 23-second video, appealing to voters to exercise their franchise. Besides Zinta, the Election Commission has roped in actor Kangana Ranaut, singer Mohit Chauhan and wrestler Khali to sensitise voters, particularly the youth and those taking part for the first time.
The commission’s state unit has made a Facebook profile and page and shared these videos. Himachal Pradesh has 49 lakh voters of which 10 lakh are below the age of 29. Of them, 1.1 lakh are teenagers and 9.9 lakh voters are between 20 and 29 years.
“Himachal has a significant number of first-time voters. Two per cent of the total voters are between 18 and 19 years, 19% between 20 and 29 years and 22% between 30 and 39 years,” says Neeraj Sharma, the EC official working on voters’ education and participation.
In a 17-second video released recently, Kangana, 31, who belongs to Bhambla village in Mandi, urges residents to get themselves registered in the voter list.
Another 19-second video shows international wrestler The Great Khali, formerly Dalip Singh Rana from Shimla, 45, urging voters to make the most of this opportunity. Sirmaur deputy commissioner BC Badalia sought his help to spread awareness among voters. Besides Facebook, the videos are being circulated in WhatsApp groups.
Source Hindustan Times
