Vikas Mahante — 'Mumbai's Modi' — is short of work this poll season. The businessman from Vasai began growing a beard in 2013 to "change his personality" and people remarked on his resemblance to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Even the media noticed the similarity when he attended a celebrated 'Rangpanchami' function.
The next year, the owner of a packaging unit was on the road campaigning for the BJP and Shiv Sena and even joined the saffron party. Like the Prime Minister, Mahante belongs to a backward community, traces his roots to Gujarat, and was part of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS).
"The response is immense," says the 57-year-old. "There are shouts of 'Modi, Modi' when I enter. Bouncers and BJP workers have to form a protective ring around me. BJP activists are energised when I enter the venue; voters are also surprised. I am sure this converts into votes."
However, five years later, the demand for the Malad resident has declined. In 2014, he shook hands, patted children, took selfies and waved at 22 rallies; this year, he has participated in only five so far – in Nashik, Dhule and north Mumbai.
He attributes this drop to the proliferation of social media on which videos of BJP's star performer circulate. This increased visibility of the Prime Minister has diminished interest in him, his replica feels. "People also see Modi-ji on television. Maybe I will be pressed into the campaign later," says Mahante who has also attended a rally in Amritsar for Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. He has also campaigned for a BJP MLA in Valsad, Gujarat.
In 2013, Mahante also met Modi, who was then Gujarat's chief minister, in Gandhinagar. It comes as no surprise that he's a fan. "Modi-ji has taken many decisions and translated them into action. Decisions like the one about the surgical strike were not easy to take. We are lucky to have him as our Prime Minister. Those opposing him are doing so for the sake of it," he gushes.
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