Lok Sabha Elections 2019: Hours before filing nomination, case against Prakash Raj for violating poll code

Popular and National Award winner actor-turned-politician Prakash Raj had announced in January that he would contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections as an Independent from the Bengaluru Central constituency. Hours before filing his nomination on Friday, the election official slapped a case against him for violating the model code of conduct. The complaint said the actor had used a mike and campaigned to canvas for votes at a public meeting near on March 12 in Bengaluru.

Raj will be pitched against BJP's PC Mohan, who defeated Congress candidate with over 40,000 votes in 2014. The BJP leader has held Bangaluru Central's seat ever since it was carved out from Bengaluru north and south after the delimitation process in 2019.  

When Raj made the announcement of his entry into politics, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had offered its support to the actor-turned-politician.

The announcement was made during a Aam Aadmi Party meeting in Bangalore which was attended by Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and other party leaders. The actor, who was present at the meeting, took to Twitter to thank the deputy chief minister and party cadres for extending support to his political journey. 

Raj is considered to have an anti-BJP stance and has criticised PM Narendra Modi government on many occasions. He became vocal after his friend and senior journalist Gauri Lankesh was murdered.

The Bollywood actor is considered to have an anti-BJP stance and has been critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi government on many occasions. His demands include a fare and speedy justice for his friend and murdered journalist Gauri Lankesh in September 2017.