My image of Lord Ram did help me get BJP ticket from Meerut, says Arun Govil

Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha election: Arun Govil will be making his electoral debut from the city where he was born.

From the time Ramanand Sagar's iconic TV show ‘Ramayan’ aired almost four decades ago, Arun Govil has been the face of Lord Ram. But in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, the 66-year-old is transitioning from the reel to real world. He is now the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Meerut.

In an exclusive conversation with Moneycontrol, Govil had no qualms in admitting that his portrayal of Lord Ram helped him get the poll ticket. “Not everyone gets this opportunity to serve the country. My image of Lord Ram has helped me get the candidacy. The BJP could have given this chance to anyone who belongs to the city, but the party chose me because of my portrayal of Lord Ram in the Ramayan. The faith of the people in Lord Ram and the blessings of the Almighty will help me get the votes,” he said.

Govil, who joined BJP in 2021, will be making his electoral debut from the city where he was born. However, he later moved to Mumbai. On being asked how it feels to be contesting the polls from his birthplace, Govil said, “Being a native of Meerut, I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to serve this city as a Lok Sabha candidate”.

The BJP announced Govil’s candidature in its fifth list on March 24. He has replaced sitting MP Rajendra Agarwal who won the seat for three consecutive terms. However, Govil’s opponents have been targeting him by calling him an “outsider”. The actor played down this criticism, saying that he has deep understanding of the constituency.

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“Opinions about my candidacy vary, with some seeing me as an outsider. Yet, as I campaigned, I showed my deep knowledge of the city's streets and its landmarks. You can ask me anything about Meerut and I’ll answer,” he asserted.

Asked about why he took so long to take the political plunge, he said: “It is never too late”. “Good things take time, but it is never too late to do anything. This is a good time for me to contribute to the nation. I am sure that the city is in safe hands and will fulfil every expectation.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will kick-start Govil’s election campaign on March 31 from Meerut.

Govil will be contesting against BSP leader Devvrat Tyagi. The SP had earlier fielded Bhanu Pratap from Meerut, but dropped him later; it is yet to declare its official candidate.

The constituency of Meerut includes the areas of Meerut and Hapur. It comprises nearly 65 per cent Hindu population and also has a sizeable Muslim population at nearly 34 per cent.

Govil, who recently essayed the role of PM Modi in the movie Article 370, also praised the Prime Minister’s efforts for the nation. He also expressed his gratitude to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his support. “People should not vote for me. They should vote for our PM Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath,” he said.

Voting in the Meerut constituency will be held during the second phase on April 26.