Mon Sep 30 17:20:24 UTC 2024: ## Mithun Chakraborty Awarded Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Political Significance Sparks Debate

**New Delhi:** Bollywood veteran Mithun Chakraborty has been awarded the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest cinematic honor, for his contribution to the film industry. The announcement was made by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who expressed his pride in recognizing the actor’s remarkable career.

While the award is a testament to Chakraborty’s illustrious career spanning over 350 films across various languages, it has also stirred up political debate. Chakraborty, known for his dance moves and versatile acting in films like “Mrigaya” and “Suraksha,” recently joined the BJP, fueling speculations about the political motives behind the award.

Chakraborty joined the Trinamool Congress in 2013 and was even appointed to the Rajya Sabha by the party chief Mamata Banerjee. However, he later stepped back from active politics. Prior to the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, Chakraborty was brought into the BJP fold, becoming a star campaigner for the party.

The BJP’s efforts to gain a foothold in West Bengal, traditionally a TMC stronghold, have been met with limited success. Despite attempts to woo popular figures like Chakraborty and former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, the BJP has failed to significantly dent the TMC’s dominance.

The timing of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award announcement, just ahead of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections in 2024, has raised eyebrows. Observers believe that the BJP might be hoping to leverage Chakraborty’s popularity and the prestige of the award to garner votes in the state.

However, it remains to be seen whether the award will translate into tangible political gains for the BJP in West Bengal. The TMC, under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, remains a formidable force in the state, and the BJP’s efforts to dislodge it will require a concerted effort and a compelling narrative.

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