Here's why this Modi lookalike changed sides to join Congress
What's the story
Abhinandan Pathak, a man who looks like Narendra Modi, dresses like him, and even speaks like him, is ironically campaigning for the Congress in the Naxal-affected region of Bastar in Chhattisgarh. A new entrant to the Congress, Pathak had earlier been the state vice-president of a BJP-led NDA constituent, the Republican Party of India (Athawale), in Uttar Pradesh. Here's why he switched sides.
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Pathak opens up about why he joined the Congress
"Since I look like Modiji, people will always ask me where are the 'acche din' (good days), as promised by Modiji ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha election. Hurt by seeing problems of the common man, I left the BJP's ally to join Congress," Pathak told PTI.
Details
Pathak is making quite an impact for the Congress
Pathak joined the Congress last month, and since then, has been campaigning for the party for various seats, including Jagdalpur, Dantewada, Kondagaon and Bastar in Chhattisgarh. Understandably, he's making quite an impact - flocks of people rush to click selfies with Pathak, owing to his resemblance to Prime Minister Modi. Notably, this is the first time Pathak is campaigning against Narendra Modi.
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Pathak: Achche din nahi ayenge
"Mitron (friends), I came here to tell you the truth that 'achche din' (good days) are not going to come. It was a false promise and please vote for the Congress which can ensure your development," Pathak was seen saying at a local rally.
Reactions
BJP mocks the Congress' use of a Modi lookalike
Local Congress leaders, too, are pleased with Pathak's contribution, and say that his unique way of campaigning helps the Congress reach out to BJP voters. BJP leaders, on the other hand, say that the Congress resorting to using Modi's lookalike is a testament to the popularity of the Prime Minister, and that their tactics would not work with BJP voters. Polling for 12 Assembly constituencies in the Bastar region is scheduled for November 12.
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BJP: People can always understand fakes
"People here are very wise. They can differentiate between the original and the fake. There is only one Modi, there cannot be another," said Bhima Mandavi, a local BJP candidate.