Kabhi to milegi: Mathura voters waiting for dream girl Hema Malini's magic

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Hema Malini (BJP) is pitted against Mukesh Dhangar (Congress) and Suresh Singh (BSP).

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: As the election date draws near, Hema Malini, the cine star turned politician and incumbent Member of Parliament from Mathura, intensifies her campaign amidst mounting criticism and challenges. Seeking a third consecutive term under the BJP banner, Malini faces accusations of being a 'Missing MP' and an outsider in her own constituency.

The opposition, led by Congress-SP alliance candidate Mukesh Dhangar, has spearheaded the narrative of 'Brajwasi versus Pravasi,' portraying Malini as detached from local concerns. Despite her two-term tenure since 2014, murmurs persist regarding her absence during critical moments, such as the 2016 Mathura riots, when she was reportedly shooting in Mumbai.

"Mathura needed her the most during the 2016 riots, but she was nowhere to be found. When contacted, she cited law and order as a state subject, shifting responsibility to Akhilesh Yadav," said Manish Sharma, an activist with a local NGO.

He even recounts the famous line of a song from her film Dream Girl. “You must have heard that song `Kahin to milegi, kabhi to milegi, aaj nahi to kal. We are just waiting for that `kal’ when she can stand with us at the time of crisis,” Sharma said

Critics point out several areas where Malini's performance has allegedly fallen short of expectations, notably in addressing environmental issues such as the cleaning of the Yamuna river. Despite symbolic gestures like performing Yamuna puja, the river remains polluted, drawing ire from locals who rely on it for drinking water

One day before filing her nomination, Hema Malini performed Yamuna puja at Vishram Ghat. The Yamuna she paid homage to is a dark, stinking body of water, just as it was ten years ago when she performed similar pujas in 2014 and 2019. Despite her previous pledges to prioritize cleaning the river, the Yamuna remains polluted and stagnant.

"Our leaders should not forget that the Yamuna is the main source of drinking water for lakhs of people. If we destroy the river, what are we left with?" remarked local activist Madhu Mangal Shukla.

Additionally, Malini's recent photo-op while cutting wheat has drawn sharp rebuke, with critics accusing her of prioritizing optics over genuine engagement with local issues.

"Instead of engaging in photo-ops, she should have focused on preserving Mathura's unique heritage," lamented Anil Yadav, general secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee.

The upcoming election has become a battleground over contrasting visions for Mathura's representation. While the opposition emphasizes the importance of local roots and accountability, Malini's camp banks on her celebrity status and alliance with prominent political figures like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

"Aapne BJP ko vote nahin diya to desh mein andhkar ho jayega, andhere se kya fayda?" warned Malini, highlighting the Modi government's achievements in her campaign speeches.

Despite the opposition's efforts to frame the election as 'Brajwasi versus Pravasi,' BJP leaders remain confident in Malini's prospects.

"Congress is nowhere in the race and was unable to find a suitable candidate and was trying to import one," asserted Shyam Bhadoria, BJP's election in-charge for the Mathura seat.

With the polling scheduled for April 26, the contest in Mathura intensifies, fueled by debates over local representation, environmental stewardship, and the role of celebrity in politics. As voters weigh their options, the outcome of this election will not only shape the future of Mathura but also reflect broader trends in Indian politics.

Hema Malini (BJP) is pitted against Mukesh Dhangar (Congress) and Suresh Singh (BSP).