Veteran actor Prakash Raj has broken his silence on reports alleging that he possesses multiple voter ID cards in four different states: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. In a sharp social media retort, the actor dismissed the claims as 'fake news' and said he was 'happy' to have kept the rumour-mongers busy.
Actor dismisses allegations as baseless
On June 21, 2026, Prakash Raj took to X (formerly Twitter) to address the controversy. Sharing a screenshot of the news report, he wrote in a mix of Kannada and English: 'Sold out fellows... Cooking up fake news and spreading them... Must have been badly hurt ???... But I am happy I have kept them busy #justasking.' The post quickly garnered thousands of likes and retweets, with fans and followers rallying behind the actor.
Background of the controversy
The allegations surfaced earlier this week when certain media outlets claimed that Prakash Raj had registered as a voter in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana simultaneously. Possessing multiple voter IDs is a violation of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, which mandates that a person can be enrolled only in the constituency where they ordinarily reside. The Election Commission of India can take action, including deletion of duplicate entries and legal proceedings, against those found guilty.
Public reaction and support
Fans and colleagues from the film industry quickly came to Prakash Raj's defence. Many pointed out that the actor, who has homes in multiple states due to his work, might have been inadvertently listed in more than one place without his knowledge. Others accused the media of sensationalism. The actor's tweet, which ended with the hashtag #justasking, was seen as a witty takedown of the allegations.
Legal implications
While the actor has denied any wrongdoing, legal experts note that if the claims are proven false, the accusers could face defamation suits. The Election Commission has not yet commented on the matter. Prakash Raj, known for his outspoken views on social and political issues, has often been a target of online trolling and fake news campaigns.
Prakash Raj's career and activism
Prakash Raj is a National Award-winning actor who works predominantly in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi films. He is also known for his active participation in political discourse, often criticising the ruling government. This has made him a frequent subject of controversy. The actor has previously faced similar smear campaigns, including allegations of tax evasion and sedition, all of which he has successfully countered in court.
