I Shot Movies here, so Why Call me an Outsider ?
Bangalore, Mar 2 (DC): Seeking to brush aside the ‘outsider’ tag, actress Hema Malini who is the BJP candidate for the Rajya Sabha poll slated for March 3, made a fervent plea to BJP legislators to vote for her. Addressing a party legislature party meeting which lasted for less than half an hour, Hema spoke about her links with Karnataka and tried to build a rapport with the legislators.
Her rival Dr K. Marulasidappa, who is supported by the Congress and JD(S), is a Lingayat—a community which overwhelmingly backed the BJP in the last Assembly elections. With the Opposition trying to make it a local-versus-outsider tussle in a bid to improve the chances of Dr Marulasiddappa, a well known writer and academic, Hema did her best to re-establish her Karnataka connection and said: “Many of my films were shot here. Since I am an artiste, I have helped many people. I was nominated to the Rajya Sabha and during my stint, I contributed a lot to the field of art and culture. In fact, my father wanted to settle in Bengaluru, which did not happen. So, I am not an outsider, please vote for me.”
She reportedly read out a prepared speech while addressing the MLAs. Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa who was present, promised her that the party would ensure her a smooth victory. After the meeting was over, legislators were seen standing next to Hema to get photographed with her.
Talking to reporters after the meeting the actress spoke in the same vein and said: “As part of the BJP team, I toured several constituencies in the 2008 Assembly elections and campaigned for party candidates. I can recognise many of them. Please don’t call me an outsider. If I get elected from here, I will certainly work for the state.”
She declined to react to the comments made by noted theatre personality, Girish Karnad who had called her ‘dumb.’ The BJP MLAs have been directed to reach the Chief Minister’s chamber at 9 am on Thursday where they will have breakfast before going to cast their votes, sources in the party said.