Varanasi: In a surprising turn of events, comedian Shyam Rangeela’s bid to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Varanasi has come to an abrupt end as his nomination was rejected. Rangeela, who rose to fame for his impersonations of political figures, had filed his nomination papers with the hope of bringing change and challenging the status quo.
Nomination Rejection and Aftermath
After a thorough investigation, the Election Commission found discrepancies in Rangeela’s paperwork, leading to the rejection of his nomination. The comedian took to social media to express his disappointment, stating, “It was certain that I would not be allowed to contest from Varanasi, now it has become clear. My heart is broken, but my courage is not.” He thanked his supporters and requested privacy, promising to continue sharing information through his social media channels.
Confusion and Concerns Over Election Process
Rangeela highlighted the lack of guidance provided to first-time candidates like himself, criticizing the election officials for not informing him about the necessary documents. “Many people like me, who were contesting elections for the first time, did not know about it,” he said. Despite submitting the required receipts and deposit slip, Rangeela was later informed by his lawyer of potential issues, but by then, it was too late to rectify them.
A Strong Message and Unwavering Determination
Despite the setback, Rangeela’s determination remains unshaken. He recounted how he decided to run for office after witnessing injustices in Indore and Surat, aiming to send a powerful message from Varanasi. “We had no idea that our message would go so strong,” he reflected.
Support from Varanasi and Future Plans
The comedian, known for his mimicry of Prime Minister Modi and Rahul Gandhi, had announced his intention to challenge PM Modi in the elections. He shared that the people of Varanasi have shown him immense love and support, with continuous calls and encouragement. Rangeela had planned to campaign using his talent for mimicry to connect with voters.
As the news of his nomination rejection spreads, questions arise about the transparency and accessibility of the election process for independent candidates. Shyam Rangeela’s experience serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those outside the traditional political sphere who seek to participate in the democratic process.
