Bangalore Central independent candidate Prakash Raj: “We need an MP who will be the voice of citizens”

by April 9, 2019 Governance
Actor Prakash Raj, contesting as an independent from Bangalore Central, is known to be an outspoken critic of right wing politics. In this interview with Citizen Matters, he discusses how his work as an MP will be different from the norm, and how he will deal with the issues plaguing Bengaluru

Actor and film personality Prakash Raj is contesting from Bangalore Central constituency as an independent candidate. He will be facing two-term BJP MP P C Mohan, Congress candidate and MLC Rizwan Arshad, and 19 other candidates.

Prakash Raj grew up in Shanthi Nagar, near the centre of the city. Alongside a long career in theatre and films, he had also been involved in social service, having adopted villages and schools. Prakash says he now wants to be the “catalyst of change for a larger section of society than just the one-off village or school.”

While he is no stranger to the limelight, Prakash Raj has been more in the news the last few years for speaking out against right wing politics, especially after the murder of his friend and journalist Gowri Lankesh, an outspoken critic of right wing groups.

Multilingual and articulate, Prakash has been reaching out to a large number of citizens in the constituency. The Aam Aadmi Party, which is not contesting in Bengaluru, has extended support to him.

Prakash has taken strong positions, and shared his views on many issues from #Metoo campaign to Sabarimala controversy publicly.

Profile

  • Age: 53
  • Education: PUC, BCom (Discontinued)
  • Career: Actor, Director, Producer, Social Worker

Online

Election Symbol: Whistle

Pending Criminal Cases

Chargesheet filed on 20/12/2018, under Section 143 (punishment for unlawful assembly), 147 (punishment for rioting), 188 (disobedience to order promulgated by public servant), 341 (punishment for wrongful restraint), 149 (member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object), of IPC 1860. And R/W Section 37 (licensing use of loudspeaker) and 109 (penalty for contravening orders) of Karnataka Police Act, 1963.

Assets and liabilities

Year Assets Liabilities
2019 Rs 31.5 cr

(Movable: Rs 4.9 cr

Immovable: Rs 26.5 cr)

 Rs 3.8 cr

Link to affidavit: https://suvidha.eci.gov.in/uploads/affidavit/2019/PC/S10/25/S1020190322035951.pdf

Other links

Enough of the tamasha! We need new leaders, says Prakash Raj

Karnataka is gearing up for alternative politics: Prakash Raj

Videos of interaction with citizens – Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6

[Meera K contributed to this article]

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About Manasi Paresh Kumar

Manasi Paresh Kumar was Engagement Editor for Bengaluru Citizen Matters.
Read more by Manasi Paresh Kumar

Comments:

  1. Karan Balasundaram says:
    April 11, 2019 at 1:51 pm

    Good vision by Mr.Prakash Raj. He has really gotten down to the people and found out issues that are plaguing the Bangalore Central constituency. His strong positions and brave voice against non-secular forces is a refreshing change from the usual hate fueling and communal politics we’ve become accustomed to.
    My vote is for Prakash Raj this time.
    #myvoteforprakashraj

    Reply
  2. M N Khan says:
    April 13, 2019 at 12:12 pm

    Wish you all the best! You also require a vision,plan of action and effective implementation to add value in your political life.

    Reply

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