The Kerala Assembly elections are round the corner, and Malayalam actors Prithviraj Sukumaran, Neeraj Madhav, Balachandra Menon, Gauthami Nair and singer Gayathri Ashok were said to be campaigning for a political party for the upcoming polls.
The actors and singer have now come forward to clear the air on the rumours about them endorsing the party. Rumours had it that the actors are supporting the Narendra Modi-led BJP, and certain online posts, apparently with their photos and quotes, were also doing the rounds on social media.
Meanwhile, celebrities like actor Mukesh and journalists Nikesh Kumar and Veena George are contesting on Communist Party of India (Marxist) tickets, while former Indian cricketer S Sreesanth is representing the BJP in the May 16, 2016, elections for 140 seats in the Kerala Assembly.
Here is how the celebrities have responded to the fake news about them:
Prithviraj Sukumaran
Hi all,
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 license 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! [sic].
Gayathri Ashokan
I am not affiliated with any political party .My pictures have been circulated on fb 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 ! [sic].
Gauthami Nair
There was a lot of fake pictures going around on facebook n whatsapp stating that I support a particular party and this is not true.For the present elections I stand neutral and I feel that we should vote for the Most eligible candidate and this post was put up as I had seen a lot of images of mine edited this way coming in whatsapp and other social network pages. Have a good day everyone [sic].
Balachandra Menon
I have noticed some Facebook and Whatsapp messages with my photo saying I am supporting a political party for the upcoming elections. Let me confirm that they all are fake news. I hope everybody can understand it easily as we see many social media users, who kill celebrities even when they are alive. I haven't revealed my political perspective till now (translated)," Balachandra Menon is heard saying in the video.
Neeraj Madhav
A 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 intentions to be involved in any sort of political campaigning and neither do I support any parties. [sic].
