'Modi mimic' Shyam Rangeela to contest against PM in Varanasi
Comedian Shyam Rangeela, known for his impersonations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has announced his decision to run against the PM in the Varanasi constituency as an independent. The 29-year-old Rajasthan native is set to file his nomination papers this weekend. PM Modi, a two-time MP from Varanasi, is hoping to win the seat for the third time in the upcoming Lok Sabha election, which will be held on June 1.
Rangeela's unwavering commitment and confidence amid election
Speaking exclusively to The Indian Express, Rangeela said he is going up against PM Modi to ensure that "democracy lives on." Rangeela also showed unwavering commitment to the election, stating, "Even if everyone withdraws their (nomination) papers (in Varanasi), my papers will still be there." He added that he has no fears about possible scrutiny from authorities like the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Rangeela's journey from comedy to politics
"If my accounts are checked, they will not find anything...I am the original fakir, jo jhola utha kar chal denge ji (I will just pick up my bags and leave)." A staunch Modi supporter till 2016-17, Rangeela claimed that he faced professional restrictions and was frequently removed from TV shows when his acts or scripts were disapproved. This experience led him to perceive a political dimension in comedy and inspired him to leverage comedy as a tool in politics.
Rangeela's reason for choosing Varanasi and voter appeal
In 2022, he joined the Aam Aadmi Party, but later decided to run as an independent candidate. Rangeela chose Varanasi as his constituency because "the entire country's eyes are focused there." When asked why people would vote for him, he responded with a humorous remark, "If people can fall for Modi ji," they can vote for him too.
