Close X
Monday, November 11, 2024
ADVT 
Bollywood

Raj Babbar loses cool, slams cops for shooting his video

Darpan News Desk IANS, 27 Mar, 2014 12:27 PM
  • Raj Babbar loses cool, slams cops for shooting his video
Actor-politician Raj Babbar says he was not being high-handed when he questioned police officials for videographing him as he was "informally" addressing "my party colleagues at a private gathering".
 
According to reports, the Congress candidate for the Ghaziabad Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh near Delhi, lashed out at the police while addressing a gathering in a house in Vijay Nagar in Ghaziabad.
 
The video footage captures Raj Babbar shouting angrily. The Ghaziabad police has taken strong exception to his outburst and an investigation has been ordered into the matter.
 
However, Raj Babbar has a completely different story to tell. 
 
He said: "When I asked the cops why they were videographing me, I was not being high-handed. I was making a legitimate point. The Election Commission rules that public speeches of election candidates be videographed. But I was not in a public place. I was at a Congress corporator's residence and the law under Section 144 did not apply there. 
 
"I was informally addressing my party colleagues at a private gathering and not making a public speech. There was no public address system, no loudspeakers. It was just me talking informally with my colleagues. They had no right to videograph me."
 
He alleges that the incident took place at the instigation of an individual from a rival political party. 
 
"Close to the home where I was addressing my colleagues from the Congress, there is the residence of a Samajwadi Party politician. He informed the cops about my presence. I am one of the most law abiding politicians in the land. You won't find me in any scuffle anywhere. This whole thing has been blown out of proportion to malign me. 
 
"There are many political elements from rival parties in around my constituency who can't digest the fact that an honest politician can do his job sincerely and effectively and still be elected from the same constituency four times."
 
Babbar says his fight is not for power. 
 
"I am here as a politician not because I want to use this platform for monetary and other benefits. I am here to fight for the rights of farmers. I've taken on the most powerful business lobby, of the Ambanis, and the very powerful political lobby of the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh. My fight for famers is to the finish," he said.
 
 
One of the first few Bollywood personalities to enter politics, Raj Babbar is happy to see so many of his colleagues joining politics. 
 
"There was a time when only the intelligentsia -- lawyers, doctors, teachers were allowed into politics. Now the spectrum of professionals in politics has broadened. Today, politics needs dynamic professionals from all walks of life. 
 
"I am glad my colleagues are coming into politics. It wasn't me who started this influx from show business. Before me there were distinguished actors turned parliamentarians like Karunanidhi, MGR, Sivaji Ganesan and Jayalalithaa."
 
Babbar would like to follow the example set by actor-politician Sunil Dutt. 
 
"Dutt saab's honesty, integrity and ideological firmness made him a role model for all future mergers between the entertainment industry and politics. If I can achieve even a fraction of his transparency in politics, I'd be happy."
 
"Besides me there is Rajesh Khanna, Shatrughan Sinha, Jaya Prada, Hema Malini...I think all these personalities from cinema prove there's more to show business than just show."
 
He will be stationed in Ghaziabad until elections. His two sons Aarya and Pratiek are expected to join him for the election campaign.
 
"They are busy with their lives. I've asked them to join me. If they come I'll be happy. If they don't I'd still be happy," he said.

MORE Bollywood ARTICLES

Won't allow Rabia's hate campaign against my son: Aditya Pancholi

Won't allow Rabia's hate campaign against my son: Aditya Pancholi
Late actress Jiah Khan's mother Rabia's latest allegations claiming that someone has informed her that Sooraj Pancholi is trying to kill her, has Aditya Pancholi fuming in fury

Won't allow Rabia's hate campaign against my son: Aditya Pancholi

Sangram Singh is my man: Payal Rohatgi

Sangram Singh is my man: Payal Rohatgi
"Ever since I met Sangram Singh, I am at peace with myself," says actress Payal Rohatgi who took her three-year-old relationship with the wrestler to the next level recently.

Sangram Singh is my man: Payal Rohatgi

Ritesh Batra- The Newest Face of New Bollywood

Ritesh Batra- The Newest Face of New Bollywood
Batra’s film ‘The Lunchbox’ transcended niche Indian movies and is becoming an international hit – no small feat for a first time filmmaker. 

Ritesh Batra- The Newest Face of New Bollywood

'Satyameva Jayate' is for all those who love India: Aamir Khan

'Satyameva Jayate' is for all those who love India: Aamir Khan
I would say our show is very entertaining. It has a love story, an epic love story between the country and its people.

'Satyameva Jayate' is for all those who love India: Aamir Khan

Kissing scenes help to get opening: Karan Johar

Kissing scenes help to get opening: Karan Johar
The 2 States trailer features Alia Bhatt locking lips with Arjun Kapoor and its producer Karan Johar says kissing scenes help in luring the audience.

Kissing scenes help to get opening: Karan Johar

When will you work with us? Salman asks Rahman

When will you work with us? Salman asks Rahman
Salman Khan is keen to work with internationally acclaimed composer A.R. Rahman and he is awaiting for an opportunity to collaborate with the Oscar winner.

When will you work with us? Salman asks Rahman