The Madras High Court has issued notice to the Election Commission of India (ECI) on a petition demanding a nationwide campaign to educate voters about the prohibition of seeking votes based on religion, caste, or language during elections. The petitioner cited the Constitution’s secular nature and Supreme Court rulings declaring such practices as corrupt electoral practices.
Vidya Balan, during an interview, discussed her reluctance to engage in political discourse due to fears of being banned. She attributed this fear to the increasingly polarized environment, particularly on social media, where individuals may be easily offended. Balan emphasized that she prioritizes the well-being of her work and the livelihoods of those involved. She further expressed her belief that the nation has become more polarized along religious lines, fueled by a global trend of seeking identity in external factors. While she identifies as a spiritual person, Balan clarified that she does not donate to religious structures, instead choosing to support initiatives in healthcare, sanitation, and education.
Vidya Balan recently shared her perspective on the growing religious polarization in India and how people are desperately searching for a sense of identity. She noted that India did not have a religious identity before and that people are now looking for affiliations to define themselves, whether through religion or other means. Balan also highlighted the role of social media in making this polarization worse and expressed her preference for directing philanthropic efforts towards areas like healthcare and education rather than religious institutions.
