30-sec summary
We must confront an unsettling truth as the nation celebrates Gadar 2's success. Rather than getting caught up in the world of cinema and box office numbers, let's take a moment to consider Sunny Deol's role as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Indian Parliament. As an MP, he's been absent from his constituency, barely attending parliamentary sessions and neglecting his duties. This raises questions about whether politics is being used for personal gain. This blog explores how Sunny Deol makes money from politics without fulfilling his responsibilities.
The success of Gadar 2
Gadar 2 has become a blockbuster, with everyone rejoicing about its success. Sunny Deol is at the center of celebrations, throwing parties and engaging in podcasts. Despite being made on a modest budget of 60 crores, the movie has crossed the 510 crore mark in collections.
The Problem
While Tara Singh, the character he portrayed in Gadar 2, is celebrated on screen, the real-life Gurdaspur constituency in Punjab, which Sunny Deol represents, has been left wanting for his attention. He won the Gurdaspur constituency in 2019 but hasn’t visited it in the last three years, earning him accusations of "criminal negligence" from his party colleagues.
From Hero on Screen to Zero in Parliament: Gurdaspur's Residents Frustration
It seems the people of Gurdaspur are dissatisfied with their MP, Sunny Deol. They claim that the entire area is submerged in water, yet the actor seems more focused on his film than addressing the issues faced by the people of his constituency. They even said that even though Sunny Deol's film 'Gadar 2' is making waves in different parts of the country, Gurdaspur residents are boycotting it. "We elected two film stars as MPs many times, but they could not even build a cinema hall for us." They say they won't. Travel anywhere else to watch 'Gadar 2'. Sunny had visited Sri Darbar Sahib in Amritsar to promote Gadar 2 but did not visit Gurdaspur, his Lok Sabha constituency located only 30 km away. This also led to locals getting upset with their MP.
Residents claim that Sunny Deol has failed to represent Gurdaspur's concerns in the Lok Sabha and has not contributed to the town's development. They believe that if he can portray the hero on screen, he should also work as a hero for the people who elected him. This sentiment has led to a boycott of his film in Gurdaspur.
"Sunny Deol has failed to empathize with the struggles of Gurdaspur, and he should resign from his position as an MP and focus solely on his film career," another Gurdaspur resident said. In July, Gurdaspur residents said their MP Sunny Deol didn't visit the constituency and had undertaken no development work there. They said they regretted electing him as their MP. “People have been facing many difficulties in Gurdaspur, but Sunny never comes here," a Gurdaspur resident said.
In 2020, 'missing' posters of Sunny Deol were seen near the railway station in Pathankot. The posters on the walls read - Gumshuda ki talash MP Sunny Deol (Search for missing MP Sunny Deol).
Sunny Deol’s Income Source
Besides his film earnings, Sunny Deol receives a fixed monthly salary of Rs 2 lakh as an MP, along with numerous allowances, including tax-free salary and air travel. After completing one term, MPs receive a pension of Rs 25 thousand per month for life.
While these benefits are essential to ensure MPs focus on their responsibilities, the question arises: Is Sunny Deol using his position for the right reasons?
Role of an MP and Sunny Deol's Attendance
Sunny Deol received a significant number of votes in Gurdaspur, and it's only fair that he be accountable to his constituents. MPs have a dual role as legislators and representatives. They should actively participate in legislative matters and address their constituency's issues in Parliament. However, Sunny Deol's attendance and participation fall significantly below expectations.
He has attended 18.26% of the Parliament sessions and asked only one question during his term. What happened to his responsibility as a legislator and representative? His social media presence is primarily devoted to promoting his movies, leaving questions about his commitment to his constituency.
Government employees are prohibited from engaging in private jobs, businesses, or trades, as public service requires unwavering dedication. Sunny Deol is moonlighting as an actor despite holding a critical political position. Is this a fair and ethical use of his dual roles?
Sunny Deol's Justification
Sunny Deol justifies his actions by citing his identity as an actor and his love for the public. He has announced that he won't contest elections in 2024, intending to serve the country as an actor. This raises questions about the integrity of our elected officials.
Can one simply switch between careers as and when it suits them, leaving their constituents behind?
Opinion
Is it right that individuals like Sunny Deol, who faced career setbacks before entering politics, use political positions for monetary gain and power? What does it say about our political system if it becomes a refuge for those seeking a quick route to wealth and influence?
The lack of attendance and participation by some MPs raises concerns about the seriousness with which they take their roles. We should expect a higher level of accountability.
Should we view parliamentary seats as mere experiments or games, or is it our collective responsibility to choose leaders who take their roles seriously? We, as citizens, need to question whether we take these positions seriously enough and whether we should hold our representatives to higher standards.
Responsibility of Influencers and Media
Influencers and media have a role to play in holding politicians accountable. It is the responsibility of influencers and media to ask critical questions and hold celebrity politicians accountable in interviews and podcasts. Shouldn't they ask these questions instead of simply glorifying public figures?
Political Party Responsibility
To what extent are political parties responsible for endorsing and promoting celebrity politicians without ensuring their commitment to public service? Political parties should learn from cases like Sunny Deol's and consider the impact of celebrity candidates on their credibility.
Money Allocation for Welfare
Should the substantial income and allowances of MPs be redirected toward welfare activities rather than being underutilized?
Sunny Deol's dual role as an actor and MP raises significant concerns about ethics, accountability, and the responsibility of elected officials. It's time to consider whether politics should be a genuine platform for public service rather than a means to recover from career setbacks. It's time we demand more from our elected leaders and ensure that their service truly benefits the nation.
Ultimately, it's essential to remember that serving the nation as an MP is a serious responsibility, not a mere game or experiment. Celebrities entering politics should take it seriously, and voters should hold them accountable. Let's hope this incident serves as a wake-up call for celebrities and political parties. Our democracy deserves more than just absentee MPs and empty promises.
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