Actor-Turned-Politician Amol Kolhe Draws on Theatrical Charm and Social Media Presence to Connect with Voters
Actor-turned-politician Amol Kolhe is tapping into his on-stage charisma and social media influence as he navigates the campaign trail for the upcoming elections. Leveraging his popularity from television serials, Kolhe aims to recreate the fervor witnessed during his previous electoral victory in 2019 for the Shirur Lok Sabha seat.
Back in 2019, Kolhe’s presence in TV serials played a pivotal role in drawing crowds to his rallies, propelling him to victory in the Shirur Lok Sabha constituency. With his television roles no longer airing, Kolhe is now focusing on his theatrical performance in the play ‘Shivaputra Sambhaji’ to engage with voters and reignite his electoral charm.
Contesting as the Shirur Lok Sabha candidate from the NCP (SP), Kolhe is actively participating in the play across Pune and Ahmednagar districts, alongside his rigorous campaigning efforts. Through strategic utilization of social media platforms, Kolhe seeks to amplify his presence and resonate with constituents in Shirur, where he faces stiff competition from Ajit Pawar-led NCP candidate Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil.
The contest in Shirur has intensified, with both sides viewing the constituency as a matter of prestige. Kolhe’s opponent, Adhalrao Patil, has publicly challenged him to secure re-election, underscoring the significance of this electoral battle.
Situated in the northeastern part of Pune district, the Shirur Lok Sabha constituency holds historical significance, boasting landmarks such as the Shivneri fort and Sambhaji Maharaj’s memorial at Vadu Budruk. Kolhe’s periodic visits to these sites, documented on social media, further enhance his connection with constituents.
While Kolhe’s theatrical background has garnered support from segments of the electorate, he faces criticism from rival candidates and citizens questioning his track record as an MP. Responding to allegations, Kolhe highlights developmental projects initiated during his tenure, emphasizing his commitment to addressing local concerns.
In contrast, Adhalrao Patil dismisses Kolhe’s credentials, labeling him as merely an actor. However, Kolhe retaliates, citing his efforts to resolve longstanding issues in the constituency and criticizing Adhalrao Patil for targeting his profession.
As the electoral battle in Shirur unfolds, the clash between Kolhe’s theatrical persona and Adhalrao Patil’s political acumen adds intrigue to the contest, reflecting the evolving dynamics of Indian politics.
