For months, BJP supporters have been chanting how Narendra Modi has brought Ram home. This week, Meerut is abuzz with praise for the Prime Minister for bringing Arun Govil, the actor who played Ram in a popular television series in the 1980s, home as well by fielding him from his hometown. “Ram is back home for a political battle,” said Rajesh Bansal, a BJP supporter. The transition from a mythological to a political avatar, evokes the memory of N.T. Rama Rao and M.G Ramachandran, was imminent since last month when Mr. Govil played Mr. Modi with gusto in Article 370.
By fielding Mr. Govil, 72, from the tricky seat in western Uttar Pradesh, the BJP wants to secure the region by keeping Ram alive in the public imagination as he would be used as a star campaigner across the State.
BJP insiders say giving rest to three-time MP Rajendra Agarwal, who is of the same age and community as Mr. Govil and has deep roots in the Rashtriya Swayamsevek Sangh, was not an easy decision. However, it was on the cards after his narrow victory in the previous polls and his apparent disconnect with the new generation in the RSS.
