Key Points
- Election Commission dismissed Neetu Chandra from Bihar SVEEP Icon role on November 16, 2025, for violating political neutrality guidelines
- Chandra appeared on TV channel on election results day discussing “Jungle Raj,” praising PM Modi, CM Nitish Kumar, and Amit Shah
- She posted congratulatory messages for BJP leaders on social media, which were later deleted after controversy erupted
- Bihar recorded historic 67.13% voter turnout, highest since 1951, with 71.78% women voters participating, partly attributed to SVEEP campaign
- Opposition parties questioned her partisan behavior, demanding action from Election Commission for breach of impartiality
- Chandra had worked across 18 districts in Bihar as part of voter awareness initiatives before the assembly elections
Patna: The Election Commission of India terminated actress Neetu Chandra from her position as Bihar’s State SVEEP Icon on November 16, 2025, citing serious violations of neutrality and impartiality guidelines. The Bihar Chief Electoral Officer issued an official notice stating that Chandra’s appointment, which was approved by the Election Commission, required her to refrain from political commentary, political activities, or any partisan behavior related to the election process. The decision came immediately after she appeared on a television news channel on the day of Bihar assembly election results, making overtly political statements that compromised the credibility of the voter awareness campaign.
TV Appearance Triggers Controversy
On the day Bihar assembly election results were announced, Neetu Chandra participated in a television debate where she openly discussed political matters, specifically mentioning the “Jungle Raj” period during Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi’s tenure in the 1990s. During the broadcast, she praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while highlighting Bihar’s “double engine” of development under the NDA government. Chandra also recalled personal experiences of restrictions and threats she allegedly faced during the Yadav-Devi administration, linking them to voter behavior and suggesting that fears from that era had influenced voter turnout patterns.
The actress stated that Nitish Kumar had earned particular support among women voters and credited the development initiatives of the past two decades for transforming Bihar’s political landscape. These comments immediately drew sharp criticism from opposition parties who questioned her partisan stance while holding an official position meant to maintain strict political neutrality.
Social Media Posts Add Fuel To Fire
Beyond her television appearance, Neetu Chandra’s social media activity further compounded the controversy surrounding her role as Bihar’s election brand ambassador. She posted congratulatory messages for BJP leaders on various social media platforms, celebrating the NDA’s performance in the Bihar assembly elections. These posts quickly went viral across social media, with opposition parties demanding immediate action from the Election Commission. Although Chandra deleted the posts after facing backlash, screenshots and archived versions had already circulated widely, making the damage irreversible.
The Election Commission found this behavior to be against its core sensitivities and principles, as any person serving as an SVEEP Icon is expected to maintain absolute neutrality in political matters. The Commission emphasized that neutrality in the role of a brand ambassador is essential to maintain the credibility and integrity of voter awareness campaigns, which are designed to be non-partisan initiatives.
Bihar Achieves Record Voter Turnout
Despite the controversy surrounding her removal, Neetu Chandra had played a significant role in Bihar’s voter awareness initiatives leading up to the assembly elections. She was appointed alongside Pankaj Jha, Chandan Rai, and Kranti Prakash as SVEEP Icons to encourage voter participation across the state. The actress actively participated in outreach programs across 18 districts, conducting awareness campaigns about the importance of voting and democratic participation.
Bihar recorded a historic voter turnout of 67.13% in the assembly elections, the highest since 1951, marking a significant achievement for the state’s democratic process. The gender-wise breakdown revealed remarkable participation, with 62.98% of male voters and an impressive 71.78% of female voters casting their ballots. The high turnout, particularly among women, was partially attributed to the extensive SVEEP campaigns conducted by the brand ambassadors, including Chandra’s efforts in various districts.
Opposition Demands Action
Following Neetu Chandra’s controversial statements, opposition parties in Bihar intensified their criticism and formally questioned the Election Commission about her continued appointment as a brand ambassador. Political analysts noted that her praise of the NDA government and specific leaders created a perception of bias that undermined the non-partisan nature of the voter awareness campaign. The opposition argued that such partisan behavior by an official election icon could influence voters and compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
The controversy sparked a major political debate in Bihar, with various parties discussing the importance of maintaining strict neutrality for all individuals associated with election-related campaigns. The Election Commission’s swift action in removing Chandra was seen as a response to mounting pressure from opposition parties and civil society organizations concerned about preserving the impartiality of democratic institutions.
Neetu Chandra’s Film Career
Neetu Chandra began her acting career with the 2005 Hindi film “Garam Masala,” where she portrayed the character of an air hostess named Sweety. Following her Bollywood debut, she expanded her presence in regional cinema, working in the 2006 Telugu film “Godavari” and subsequently appearing in Tamil and Bhojpuri films. Over the years, she collaborated with renowned directors including Madhur Bhandarkar, Dibakar Banerjee, Rahul Dholakia, Ashwini Dhir, and Vikram, establishing herself across multiple Indian film industries.
In 2009, her Tamil film “Yavarum Nalam” achieved considerable commercial success, strengthening her position in South Indian cinema. Demonstrating her versatility, Chandra starred in and produced the 2011 Bhojpuri film “Deswa,” taking on dual responsibilities as both lead actress and producer. She also ventured into international cinema, appearing in the Greek film “Home Sweet Home,” where she played an Indian girl and learned Greek to dub her own voice.
Chandra attempted to establish herself in Hollywood, appearing in the television show “Down and Out in Beverly Hills”. In 2021, she played the lead role in the female-centric martial arts film “Never Back Down: Revolt,” marking a significant achievement in her international career. Beyond films, she has appeared in numerous music videos and continues to maintain an active presence in the entertainment industry.
Future Of SVEEP Icons Under Scrutiny
The removal of Neetu Chandra has raised questions about the selection and monitoring of SVEEP Icons across India, with the Election Commission likely to implement stricter guidelines for future appointments. While the Commission has not commented on whether other brand ambassadors would face similar scrutiny, the incident serves as a precedent for maintaining political neutrality. The case highlights the delicate balance public figures must maintain when accepting roles in government-sponsored awareness campaigns, particularly those related to the electoral process.
Political observers suggest that this decision reinforces the Election Commission’s commitment to preserving the non-partisan nature of voter education initiatives, ensuring that brand ambassadors understand and adhere to strict neutrality guidelines. The incident has sparked broader discussions about the role of celebrities in political discourse and the boundaries they must observe when representing constitutional bodies.
