Shyam Rangeela, a 29-year-old comedian who rose to fame for his impersonations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has thrown his hat into the ring as an independent candidate against the PM in the upcoming Varanasi elections. Rangeela’s decision stems from his deep-seated belief in the preservation of democracy as a living, breathing force, not merely a symbolic gesture. He intends to contest the election with all his might and is set to file his nomination papers in Varanasi this weekend.
Rangeela’s candidacy is a direct response to the clear path BJP candidates have in Surat and Indore constituencies after Congress candidates withdrew their nominations. He laments this development, stating, “We will be standing there to at least tell the people that we won’t let democracy come under threat here, to provide an option to people to exercise their right to vote.”
Undeterred by potential challenges, including scrutiny from the Enforcement Directorate, Rangeela confidently asserts, “If my accounts are checked, they will not find anything… I am the original fakir, (I am the original monk. I will just pick up my bags and leave).” In 2016, Modi himself embraced the mantle of a “fakir” in a public address.
Rangeela’s political journey commenced in 2022 when he joined the Aam Aadmi Party. He expresses his disillusionment with the Modi-led government, stating, “I would get offers from TV shows… But once I reached, I would find out that my act or script wasn’t being approved and I was removed, from one show after another.”
Despite the obstacles he anticipates, Shyam Rangeela remains steadfast in his resolve to contest the Varanasi elections as an independent candidate. His candidacy serves as a testament to his unwavering belief in the vitality of democracy and his commitment to providing voters with a genuine choice.
