Comedian Shyam Rangeela, known for his videos impersonating Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has said he will contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections against the Prime Minister from Varanasi seat.
Varanasi parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh will go to the polls in the seventh phase of voting for the Lok Sabha elections on June 1. The results will be announced on June 4.
Rangeela announced his decision on social media on May 1.
Prime Minister Modi, who won the seat twice in 2014 and 2019, is expected to file a nomination from Varanasi on May 13.
Who is Shyam Rangeela?
Born and raised in Hanumangarh in Rajasthan, Rangeela studied animation. Rangeela is known for his mimicry skills, especially for impersonating political figures. He made his mark as a comedian through his comedic performances in 'The Great Indian Laughter Challenge'.
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Twenty-nine-year-old Rangeela first rose to fame in 2017 when his impersonation of Prime Minister Modi became hugely popular on social media. Since then, Rangeela has been making videos impersonating the Prime Minister from his speeches and interviews.
Besides Prime Minister Modi, Rangeela has also impersonated other political figures such as Rahul Gandhi. Rangeela has criticized Prime Minister Modi and his policies.
Once a Modi 'Bhakt'
In his election announcement video on May 1, Rangeela cited the BJP's unopposed victory in Surat constituency and the controversy in the Chandigarh mayoral elections. “I don't think it should be the case that there is no other candidate to vote for. Even if one person wants to vote against a candidate, he or she has that right. One's name should be on the EVM, he said,
Rangeela had joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in 2002. However, he later decided to work independently, saying that “he is his own master”.
In one of the interviews, Rangeela had narrated how he went from being a supporter of Prime Minister Modi to a disillusioned critic, citing the restrictions imposed on his comedy work as a turning point.
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“I was one bhakt (fan) even until 2016/2017, but then restrictions were imposed on me,” he said in the interview.
Other candidates
With Prime Minister Modi in disarray, the battle for the Varanasi seat becomes symbolic. The Congress has fielded its Uttar Pradesh unit chief Ajay Rai from Varanasi. Rai finished third in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwalhad finished second in the Varanasi seat in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
Among other candidates, transgender Mahamandaleshwar Hemangi Sakhi is also a candidate in the high-profile seat in Uttar Pradesh.
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Published: May 2, 2024 10:36 IST