Why was comedian Shyam Rangeela’s nomination rejected for Varanasi Lok Sabha seat? Know here
PTC Web Desk: The Election Commission’s rejection of comedian Shyam Rangeela’s affidavit, filed to contest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat, has sparked controversy. Among the 55 candidates vying for the seat, Shyam Rangeela said 36 had their forms rejected, while 15, including PM Modi and Congress nominee Ajay Rai, passed scrutiny.
नॉमिनेशन के पीछे का कारण जो चुनाव आयोग कार्यालय से आपको दिखा रहें है उसकी भी सच्चाई आपके सामने रख रहा हूँ,
लोकतंत्र में उन्हीं को लड़ने का अधिकार है जिन्हें आयोग चुनेगा ???????????? pic.twitter.com/aBFK6Zejry— Shyam Rangeela (@ShyamRangeela) May 15, 2024
Shyam Rangeela alleged a series of hurdles in the nomination process, claiming he was unfairly impeded from submitting his papers on time. He accused the District Magistrate’s office of singling him out and denying him assistance during filing.
In response, the District Magistrate cited deficiencies in Rangeela’s affidavit and failure to comply with procedural formalities for the rejection. This explanation was provided through an official account.
वाराणसी से नहीं लड़ने देंगे ये तय था, अब साफ़ हो गया
दिल ज़रूर टूट गया है, हौंसला नहीं टूटा है ।
आप सबके सहयोग के लिए शुक्रिया ।
मीडिया और शुभचिंतकों से निवेदन है कृपया अभी कॉल ना करें, जो भी सूचना होगी यहाँ देता रहूँगा, शायद अब थोड़ी देर बातचीत करने की इच्छा नहीं है pic.twitter.com/aB6AZqLGqv— Shyam Rangeela (@ShyamRangeela) May 15, 2024
Once a staunch supporter of PM Modi, Shyam Rangeela announced his decision to contest against him, citing a shift in his perspective over the past decade. He claimed that changes in circumstances prompted his move to stand as an Independent candidate against the Prime Minister.
आपके नामांकन पत्र की संवीक्षा आपके समक्ष की गयी तथा कमियों से आपको अवगत कराया गया। आपके द्वारा प्रस्तुत शपथ पत्र अपूर्ण होने एवं आप द्वारा शपथ/प्रतिज्ञान न लिये जाने के कारण नामांकन पत्र निरस्त किया गया है, जिसके आदेश की प्रति भी आपको प्राप्त करायी गयी है। @ECISVEEP
— DM VARANASI (@Varanasi_DM) May 15, 2024
The Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency has a significant political history. In 2014, PM Modi secured a resounding victory against AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, establishing Varanasi as a stronghold for the BJP. This victory, with a margin exceeding 3 lakh votes, solidified the constituency’s significance in national politics.
Varanasi has been a battleground for both the BJP and the Congress over the years. Since 1957, the BJP has enjoyed substantial success, winning the seat seven times since 1991. On the other hand, the Congress has also wielded influence, securing victory six times during this period.
The Varanasi seat has never been won by the Samajwadi Party or the Bahujan Samaj Party, further emphasising the BJP and Congress’ dominance in the region.
As the Lok Sabha elections approach, Varanasi once again emerges as a focal point of political contention. The rejection of Rangeela’s nomination adds another layer of complexity to an already charged electoral landscape.