Lucknow: Comedian and mimicry artist Shyam Rangeela has declared his intention to contest the Lok Sabha elections independently against Prime Minister Modi from the Varanasi constituency. Making the announcement via social media, Rangeela revealed that the polling for Varanasi is scheduled for the seventh phase on June 1. Prime Minister Modi, a two-time winner of this seat in 2014 and 2019, is expected to file his nomination on May 13.
Hailing from Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh, Rangeela pursued animation studies. Renowned for his mimicry talent, particularly in impersonating political personalities, he gained recognition for his comedic performances on ‘The Great Indian Laughter Challenge’.
The 29-year-old shot to fame in 2017 with his impersonation of Modi, which caught attention on social media. Since then, Rangeela has continued to produce videos mimicking the PM’s speeches and interviews. Besides Modi, he has also impersonated figures like Rahul Gandhi and has been vocal about his criticisms of Modi and his policies. He claims he was fan and supporter of Modi once.
In his election announcement video on May 1, Rangeela expressed his discontent with the lack of alternative candidates, citing instances such as the BJP’s uncontested victory in the Surat constituency and controversies surrounding the Chandigarh mayoral polls.
The Congress has nominated Ajay Rai, the Uttar Pradesh unit chief, who secured third place in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Arvind Kejriwal, the Delhi Chief Minister, had finished second in the 2014 elections from Varanasi.
