Who’s Shyam Rangeela, who is contesting against PM Modi in Varanasi
Rangeela disclosed that he was a follower of Prime Minister Modi in 2014 and even shared many videos supporting him
Comedian Shyam Rangeela, who is known for mimicking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday (May 1) announced that he will contest the Lok Sabha elections against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi.
Rangeela took to social media platform X and said, “I am excited by the love I am receiving from all of you after the announcement to contest elections from Varanasi. I will soon present my views to you on my nomination and contesting the elections through a video message after reaching Varanasi.”
In an earlier post, Rangeela said, “I will contest elections from Varanasi because nowadays no one is sure who will withdraw the nomination.” He was referring to the recent withdrawal of Congress candidates in Surat and Indore constituencies, which paved the way for the BJP candidates. “My candidature will give the people of Varanasi an option while voting, unlike in Surat and Indore and Indore. So, I will go to Varanasi this week and file my nomination against Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said.
Seeks people’s support
In a video message posted on X, Rangeela mimicked PM Modi's “one should get a response in their own language” comments. He said he is coming to Varanasi to give the PM “an answer in his own language”.
He said he is excited by the love he is receiving from the people after the announcement to contest elections from Varanasi. He, however, said he was not aware about the poll process and would need people’s help to contest these elections. Taking a dig at the BJP over electoral bonds, Rangeela said, “I am excited to contest the election, but this is my first time. So, I would need your support. I don’t even have electoral bonds. So, I would need some funds, too.”
He also made it clear that he doesn’t worry about the Enforcement Directorate (ED) etc. “If my accounts are checked, they will not find anything. I am the original fakir, jo jhola utha kar chal denge ji (I am the original monk. I will just pick up my bags and leave).”
How he shot to fame
Hailing from Manaktheri village in Pilibanga (Rajasthan), Shyam Rangeela is recognised for his mimicry skills, especially impersonating political figures.
He particularly gained fame for mimicking Prime Minister Modi and former Congress president Rahul Gandhi on The Great Indian Laughter Challenge. His career witnessed a surge in 2017 with his portrayal of PM Modi, which he showcased on various platforms, including social media. He also pursued animation, but his love for comedy led him to mimicry and stand-up.
Rangeela recently asked his social media followers about running as an Independent candidate from Varanasi in these elections. Interestingly, this isn’t his first brush with the politics. He first entered politics by joining the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in 2022. However, he soon decided to work independently, saying that “he is his own master”.
Was once a Modi fan
In a startling revelation, Rangeela disclosed that he was a follower of Prime Minister Modi in 2014 and even shared many videos supporting him.
“Videos were also shared against Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal. Seeing them, one could say that I will vote only for the BJP for the next 70 years. However, the situation has changed in the last 10 years... I will now contest against the prime minister in the Lok Sabha polls as an Independent candidate.”