Comedian Shyam Rangeela, famous for his spot-on imitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, made a significant announcement on Wednesday. He declared his intention to run for a seat in the Lok Sabha during the upcoming elections. Specifically, he plans to contest from the Varanasi constituency, directly challenging PM Modi himself.

In a video shared on X  Rangeela stated, “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 ! Anyone can contest elections in this democracy, and I’m doing this for a reason.”

Referring to an uncontested victory in the Surat constituency and the controversies surrounding the Chandigarh mayoral elections, Shyam Rangeela stated that “ 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 also stated “My candidature will give the people of Varanasi an option while voting, unlike in Surat and Indore. So, I will go to Varanasi this week and file my nomination against Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

 He further 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.”

Mocking Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding the electoral bonds, Shyam Rangeela remarked that “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.”

Shyam Rangeela is also urging the public to vote and support him in Varanasi.

Shyam Rangeela initially ventured into politics in 2022 by aligning with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). However, he later opted to operate independently, asserting that he values his autonomy. The Varanasi constituency is scheduled to vote in the seventh phase of the Lok Sabha election on June 1, with the results set to be announced on June 4.

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