In a modest and unexpected appearance, renowned playback singer Arijit Singh alongside his wife Koel Roy captured attention as they arrived on a humble scooty to participate in the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in West Bengal. The ‘Chaleya’ vocalist, known for his soul-stirring performances, dressed down in a simple tee and pants, took his civic duty in stride with Koel by his side. Navigating a narrow alley to reach the polling booth, they awaited their turn amidst an air of anticipation from local admirers who eagerly documented the couple’s every step.
The indelible ink on Arijit’s index finger stood as a testament to his fulfilled obligation as a conscientious citizen. The images and videos of the couple promptly made rounds on social media platforms, demonstrating that fame does not eclipse the fundamental responsibilities of citizenship.
Lok Sabha Elections 2024 saw an impressive voter turnout in West Bengal, particularly in the four constituencies of Murshidabad, Jangipur, Maldaha Uttar, and Maldaha Dakshin. West Bengal boasted the highest voter turnout among the states, with the Election Commission of India disclosing a 73.96% voter participation. The state plays a pivotal role in Indian politics, contributing 42 Members of Parliament to the Lok Sabha. Conducted in seven phases, these elections will conclude with the vote counting slated for June 4.
In the previous 2014 elections, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) dominated with 34 seats, leaving the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with a paltry two-seat win. The BJP, however, displayed a dramatic improvement in the 2019 elections by securing 18 seats. The aim for the BJP remains to deepen their influence within the state, while TMC focuses on defending their stronghold against their political rivals.
Shifting the lens back to Arijit Singh, the man behind the melodious voice, his journey began with a stint on the reality show ‘Fame Gurukul’ in 2005. Singh’s Bollywood break arrived in 2011 with the hauntingly beautiful track “Phir Mohabbat” from the movie ‘Murder 2,’ composed by Mithoon and recorded two years prior. That same year marked notable successes for Singh with “Raabta” from ‘Agent Vinod,’ “Uska Hi Banana” from ‘1920: Evil Returns,’ and “Duaa” from ‘Shanghai.’
Arijit Singh’s eclectic discography seamlessly glides through genres from stirring romantic ballads and soulful melodies to dynamic beats. His versatility is one of his hallmarks, allowing him to grace numerous Bollywood tunes with his signature vocal charm. Additionally, Singh’s voice added an extra touch of allure to actor Sonu Sood’s directorial debut ‘Fateh.’
As West Bengal entered another crucial round of its election process, it was not just the policies and the politicians that came into focus, but also the participation of its illustrious citizens. Arijit Singh and Koel Roy’s understated approach to fulfilling their democratic right showcases the egalitarian spirit of Indian democracy where each vote is a voice, irrespective of social status or celebrity.
While the ballots continue to be cast and the fate of the competing parties hang in balance, one thing remains clear: the power of the common vote stands supreme, a sentiment echoed by the ink-stained finger of one of India’s most beloved singers. With inputs from various agencies, the story of Arijit and Koel’s polling day serves as a reminder of the commonplace duty that binds together celebrities and citizens alike in the world’s largest democracy.
