Thiruvananthapuram: Many stars have jumped into the electoral battle, but most are keeping a safe distance. However, online frauds have started using the names of certain celebrities for campaigning without their knowledge. Film actors Prithviraj and Neeraj Madhav and singer Gayathri, who were surprised to find their names being associated with political parties online, have condemned such malicious attempts.
In a Facebook post, Malayalam actor Neeraj Madhav termed as ‘fake’ the image being circulated on the social media claiming that he would campaign for the BJP. This was close on the heels of Prithviraj and Gayathri also coming up with similar posts without naming any political party.
Screenshots of FB posts by singer Gayatri
Prithviraj’s post said: “For the past few days, I’ve been seeing ‘statements’ apparently put out by me, endorsing various political parties leading up to the impending elections. Although I do have my own clear perspective on our socio-political scenario, I would like to put it out that none of these have actually been said by me—and they belong to some closet genius/geniuses who think online anonymity is a licence to use anybody’s name for any propaganda that suits their convenience. Hope this puts all rumour mills to rest! And yes—exercise your right to choose—make your vote count! Let’s keep the world’s largest democratic machinery ticking!’’
The post titled ‘Yuvatha BJPyilekku,’ which named Neeraj Madhav, first appeared on the Facebook page titled, ‘We love Sasikala Teacher.’ It was shared by many people and pages supporting the BJP on the social media.
Neeraj, in his Facebook page along with the screenshot of ‘We love Sasikala Teacher’ says: “Fake news has been doing rounds, featuring me endorsing a political party. I would like to dismiss this news as a piece of someone's imagination. With all due respect to every political party, I have strictly no intention to be involved in any sort of political campaigning and neither do I support any parties.”
Gayathri’s post says: “I am not affiliated to any political party. My pictures have been circulated on Facebook and WhatsApp that I have promised my vote to a certain party. They have used my pictures without my permission. Please refrain from circulating such false propaganda. Thank you!”
