Shyam Rangeela alleges officials not letting him file nomination for Varanasi Lok Sabha elections against PM Modi

Comedian Shyam Rangeela, who announced to contest against PM Narendra Modi, has alleged that officials are not letting him file nomination papers. Rangeela said that he is facing hurdles in his attempt to file nomination papers for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. Rangeela, known for his mimicry and satirical acts, aimed to challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the Varanasi seat by running as an Independent candidate.

Despite repeated efforts since May 10, Rangeela claimed he was refused entry to the district magistrate's office on the day Prime Minister Modi filed his nomination. He also clarified that he wouldn't be assembling a team from Sriganganagar to contest the elections in Varanasi.

Expressing his determination, Rangeela stated, "Winning or losing is a different matter, but I will contest the elections against the Prime Minister at any cost. I am not contesting elections to become famous, I am already very famous among the public."


The controversy surrounding Rangeela's nomination caught the attention of the Congress party. Congress leader Surendra Rajput criticized the situation, highlighting that while Prime Minister Modi was allowed to file his nomination, others faced obstacles. Rajput emphasized, "Why PM Modi is afraid of people? Let them contest against you."

Prime Minister Modi, seeking a third term, filed the nomination papers today. PM Modi previously won the Varanasi seat by significant margins in both 2019 and 2014. As of now, 14 individuals, including candidates from mainstream political parties and independents, have submitted their nominations for the Varanasi constituency.

Among the candidates are Congress nominee Ajai Rai and Bahujan Samajwadi Party's Athar Ali Lari. Rangeela, originally from Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh and gaining fame through his YouTube channel, rose to prominence in 2017 with his impersonation of PM Modi. He has been vocal in his criticism of the Prime Minister and his policies through his comedic performances.