In a significant development ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, TV actor Rupali Ganguly, renowned for her roles in popular serials like Sarabhai vs Sarabhai and Anupamaa, has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Alongside her, Ameya Joshi, a well-known social worker and astrologer from Maharashtra, also joined the BJP ranks. The induction took place at the party headquarters, witnessed by senior leaders including national general secretary Vinod Tawde and national media department in-charge Anil Baluni.
Welcoming Ganguly and Joshi into the BJP fold, Tawde took the opportunity to critique opposition parties, particularly highlighting an appeal made by Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Maria Alam for “vote jihad.” Alam’s call for “vote jihad” came during her campaigning for the INDIA bloc’s candidate from the Farrukhabad Lok Sabha seat, urging the minority community to vote against the BJP to dislodge them from power.
Responding sharply to Alam’s remarks, Tawde condemned the opposition’s tactics, stating, “The Opposition, which has been spreading lies, has now resorted to a ‘vote jihad’ campaign. This shows they are rattled.” He criticized the opposition’s contradictory stance, citing their promise of OBC reservation for Muslims alongside talks of “vote jihad” during elections.
Tawde further questioned whether the “campaign” was initiated on the instruction of the Congress party high command, directing his query at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi.
Ganguly’s and Joshi’s entry into the BJP adds to the party’s diverse range of supporters, reflecting its appeal across different sections of society. Ganguly, with her strong presence in the entertainment industry, brings considerable visibility to the BJP, while Joshi’s reputation as an astrologer and social worker could potentially resonate with grassroots supporters.
Their induction also underscores the BJP’s concerted efforts to bolster its ranks ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha elections. With political discourse intensifying and various narratives being spun by opposition parties, the BJP is aiming to solidify its position and counter any challenges effectively.
The move also signals a broader trend of personalities from different fields, including entertainment and social activism, finding resonance with the BJP’s ideological framework and leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ganguly and Joshi joining the BJP not only strengthens the party’s base but also reflects the confidence in its vision and leadership.
As the Lok Sabha elections draw nearer, such alliances and inductions are likely to become more frequent as political parties vie for support and momentum. The BJP, with its recent acquisitions, seems poised for an intense electoral battle, aiming to secure a resounding mandate in 2024.
