Shyam Rangeela: a comic's attempt to 'nourish India's democracy'

He shot to fame by mimicking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but Shyam Rangeela now wants to be pitted against the tallest incumbent BJP leader. The comedian, who hails from Rajasthan, is seeking to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha election against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi. However, days after making this announcement, Rangeela has alleged that the polling officers are not accepting his nomination papers.

"I have all the necessary documents, yet they are not accepting my nomination. Had they rejected my nomination, I wouldn't have objected to it. But, they are not even accepting my papers," he told the media while standing outside the election commission office in the Uttar Pradesh district.

Rangeela expressed his frustration as it was the second time that he was unable to file his nomination. He tried calling the returning officer, but the comedian alleged that his call was cut midway.

Who is Shyam Rageela?

The 29-year-old from Rajasthan was once a diehard fan of Modi, on May 1 announced that he will reach Varanasi to file his nomination papers.

In a more than two-minute video clip shared on his official X handle, Rangeela expressed his intentions to contest against the prime minister.

“I, Shyam Rangeela, the comedian, have come to do my ‘Mann ki baat’ with you. There’s a question in all of your minds: Is what you hear in the news about Shyam Rangeela contesting the election from Varanasi true? Is this a joke? Let me tell you, this is not a joke…I am contesting the election from Varanasi against PM Modi…Anybody can contest elections in this democracy, and I’m doing this for a reason,” he said.

Talking about the recent unopposed BJP win in the Surat constituency and the row over Chandigarh mayoral polls, Rangeela said, “I feel like it shouldn’t be 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. Someone’s name should be on the EVM.”

“…But I am scared that people would have only one candidate to vote for in Varanasi. So I have decided to contest the election from there…I hope my voice will reach there,” he added.

“The people of Varanasi have given me a lot of love. I’m elated by the response I got after I announced my candidacy. I’m coming to Varanasi soon…I’m coming to give Modi an answer in his own language,” Rangeela said.

Taking potshots at PM Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party over the electoral bonds scheme, Rangeela said, “I am excited to contest the election, but this is my first time. So, I would need your support. I don’t have electoral bonds and have not taken from anyone. So, I would need some wealth, too.”

Also watch: Comedian Shyam Rangeela claims not being allowed to file nomination in Varanasi