Bollywood welcomes public verdict

As Congress led UPA is all set to return to power, the country's film fraternity today gave its thumbs up to the mandate calling it a "verdict for stability and progress".

While the final results are yet to be declared, it is clear that the Congress led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) will form the new government at the Centre.

Hailing the victory of the UPA, veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar said, "We are thrilled. We had expected victory for Congress but the result is beyond our expectations. The people have voted for stability and security."

Akhtar hoped that Manmohan Singh will prove to be "a able leader to the country" with the UPA in a comfortable position.

"I hope that he emerges an even better leader now that the party has a strong majority. The government should now fulfill its promises to improve the education system and work to restore law and order," Akhtar added.

Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, who had actively campaigned for the Congress Party in Uttar Pradesh with his actor nephew Emraan Hashmi, was happy with the party's performance.

"I think it is a verdict for anti-communalism and for moderation. The public has voted for modernisation, progress and inclusive growth. I believe that the new government will have the resolve and the capacity to take the country forward following the values of secularism entrenched in our constitution," Bhatt said.

Actor and activist Rahul Bose also expressed his happiness over public's verdict.

"This has been the vote for stability across the country. It is also good to know that the people were not influenced by the sectarian forces," Bose said.

The actor hoped that the new government will push for "pro-poor policies".

"It should be a government led with compassion, integrity and inclusiveness. I think it is time to think of those millions who are living in abject poverty," Bose added.

'Slumdog Millionaire' actor Irrfan Khan said that the results are a clear sign of the fact that the public was tired of a fractured government and want a stable power at the Centre.

"The public mandate shows that they want an accountable government this time and now that Congress is all set to come to power it should address the problems faced by the common man," Irrfan said.

The actor also hoped that the government will pay special attention to the farmers and rural development as villages have been ignored for long.

"Our farmers  are living in pathetic conditions. They don't have access to the basic facilities like electricity, water and transportation. It is high time that we fulfilled our duties towards them," the actor added.