Cobrapost sting operation: Why Vidya Balan said no in cash for tweet sting
Mumbai, Feb 22: Actor Vidya Balan, who was among the four people who said no to cash for tweet in a sting operation, said she declined the offer because she was "uncomfortable" in using her social media handle for something like that.
Over 30 Bollywood, TV and music personalities were caught on tape by Cobrapost reporters agreeing to promote the agenda of political parties in exchange for money.
Vidya, Arshad Warsi, Raza Murad and Saumya Tandon were the only ones who refuses to do it.
When asked about it, Vidya told reporters, "I can't pass a judgement on anyone else but all I will say is I'm uncomfortable doing it, which is why I didn't do it. To each his own.
"May be they didn't even realise because today on social media, people are commenting on anything. May be they thought this was not big. We should not become judge, jury and executioners at the drop of hat. I could not do it so I didn't."
She was speaking at the launch of her Radio show "Dhun Badalke Toh Dekho" on 92.7 Big FM.
At the event, the actor was also asked about her opinion on banning Pakistani artistes after the Pulwama attacks in the valley.
Vidya said though she is a believer that art unites, but the attack was too much.
"I did believe that there's no better way to bring people together than arts. Whether it is music, dance, theatre. May be for now we should take a break. Some tough calls have to be taken at some point. We as Indians are very large-hearted, accepting, forgiving. But after a point..."
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Make polling hours 6am-7pm for May 7 LS polls, Karnataka BJP urges EC citing heatwave
Bengaluru, May 3: Citing the ongoing heatwave in the state, Karnataka BJP on Friday petitioned the Election Commission with a request to modify the polling hours to the 6am-7pm period in the 14 parliamentary constituencies in the state that goes to polls on May 7.
Polling is currently scheduled to be held in the second phase in the state in 14 segments in the northern districts between 7am to 6pm on May 7.
"It has become hard to come out and vote between hours 10.00 to 17.00 due to uncontrollable heat. The average heat in those parts (north Karnataka) covering 14 parliamentary constituencies are between 37 and 42 degree (Celsius). The mercury is rising at an alarming level and it would become hard for the electors to come out and vote," BJP's petition said.
The petition highlighted the alarming rise in temperatures, which are expected to go beyond 40 degree Celsius, and also stated that the number of voters over the age of 40 is high and that they are vulnerable to the heatwave.
"To keep up the good spirit of voting, necessary action should be taken," the BJP petition urged the Election Commission, saying, "In this background, it is requested to modify the time of voting in the 14 parliamentary constituencies from 06.00 to 19.00 hours on May 7".
Polling was held between 7 am and 6 pm during Karnataka's first phase of the Lok Sabha polls in 14 constituencies on April 26.
