News that the Congress intends to field actors Raj Babbar and/or Ravi Kishen as their candidates in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections comes on the heels of similar notifications by the Samajwadi Party for Sanjay Dutt and Aishwarya Rai.

The business of fielding film stars is becoming a disturbing trend in our country. It is nothing but a cheap ploy by political parties to cash in on a star's popularity. It would be humourous, if it did not directly affect the lives of common citizens.

These celebrities have no experience and or aptitude for politics. In addition, they have an extremely busy schedule, so it would be unrealistic to expect them to have time for their parliamentary duties even if they have the inclination. If any proof is needed, the disgraceful example of the sheer ineptitude and indifference of MP Govinda should serve as a cautionary tale.

It is another matter that our voting public is so gullible that these actors actually get elected. If these celebrities had any social conscience, they would themselves decline the offer to contest. But I suppose, the lure of having a Member of Parliament status, with all its perks, is too hard to resist. Just another day in the life of our great democracy.