Shyam Rangeela: 'my nomination was rejected because...'

A dejected Shyam Rangeela lambasted the Election Commission after his nomination papers were rejected, quashing his hopes of giving a tough fight to Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the Varanasi seat.

“The Election Commission has made elections in Varanasi a game. Today, my nomination was rejected. If you were to not clear it, why did you accept it? We submitted all documents," he said in a video posted on X on Wednesday 15 evening.

He hurled a series of allegations, claiming that he was barred from submitting his papers on time and that the District Magistrate's office denied assistance during the filing process.

Also Watch: Comedian Shyam Rangeela's nomination papers rejected from Varanasi Lok Sabha seat

"The DM told me that there was some issue with my documents and that I didn’t take the oath… They didn’t let the lawyers go in with me and called me alone. Now, the reason they gave is that I didn’t take an oath and that it was on me to take an oath. I said you didn’t ask me to, and they responded it isn’t their work. The second thing is that sir was saying that on May 14, I submitted the form at 2.58 pm, and that if there was some issue with it, I would have had time till 3 pm. I have been trying here since May 10 with several others… My friend was beaten up. Modiji may act and cry, but I don’t want to cry here.”

His video on X invited a prompt response from the Varanasi District Magistrate's official account, where Magistrate S Rajalingam justified the rejection, citing deficiencies in Shyam's affidavit and failure to comply with procedural formalities.

"Your nomination paper was scrutinised in your presence and you were informed about the deficiencies. Your nomination paper has been cancelled because the affidavit submitted by you was incomplete and you did not take the oath/affirmation, a copy of the order of which has also been made available to you," he wrote on X.

Also Watch: Shyam Rangeela's nomination finally accepted, terms it 'victory of democracy'