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

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]

Comments:

  1. Karan Balasundaram says:

    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

  2. M N Khan says:

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

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Similar Story

Fishers of Thiruvanmaiyur Kuppam: Aborigines of the coast, not ‘Beach Grabbers’

Fishers of Thiruvanmaiyur Kuppam challenge claims of encroachment, defending their long-standing rights amid coastal development.

The dispute between the fishermen and the more affluent, non-fishing residents of Thiruvanmaiyur and Besant Nagar has simmered for years, highlighting tensions over land use, development, and livelihoods. Acting upon the complaint from the residents (non-fishers) in the locality, the GCC demolished the temporary constructions made by the fishers of Thiruvanmaiyur Kuppam in June this year. Being less than 40 metres from the coastline, they were termed encroachments. A mainstream news outlet even referred to fishers' construction as ‘beach robbery,’ emphasising concerns that the illegal construction of houses and pathways could lead to the loss of turtle nesting sites and…

Similar Story

Bellandur Lake rejuvenation: An urgent call for action

Citizens have strongly disapproved the slow progress on Bellandur Lake's rejuvenation project. Immediate intervention is needed to avoid failure.

Bellandur Lake, Bengaluru’s largest water body, has been at the heart of an ambitious rejuvenation project since 2020. However, persistent delays, severe funding shortages, and inadequate planning have left citizens increasingly frustrated. Time is slipping away, and without immediate government intervention, this critical environmental project risks failing. A recent meeting with government bodies shed light on the project’s stagnation and the urgent steps required to salvage it. Progress so far Desilting Work: Of the estimated 32.33 lakh cubic meters of silt, 22.69 lakh cubic meters (70%) have been removed, leaving 30% unfinished Early monsoons and slushy conditions have delayed progress…