Lok sabha elections: Curtains down on Paresh Rawal’s political career

AHMEDABAD: Bollywood star and noted theatre actor, Ahmedabad East BJP MP Paresh Rawal, brought the curtains down on his political career on Saturday, announcing that he had opted out of the race for a second term in the Parliament. In a stark contrast to his long and illustrious career in films and theatre, his stint as a politician was rather brief and obscure.

His re-nomination from the Ahmedabad East seat by the BJP was also highly unlikely as most local leaders from the constituency had informed the search committee that the actor-turned-politician had not spent enough time in the constituency and ought to be replaced. His not being repeated by the party was near-certain.

Tweeting during the day on Saturday, Paresh Rawal said, “I request media and friends not to speculate about my nomination. I had informed party months in advance of my decision not to contest LS elections,” adding that he will remain a loyal member of the BJP.

Replying to another user on Twitter, he said, “...I will not fight even if I get the ticket and I have steadfastly maintained in all my statements and interviews etc that I am not interested in political career. Hope this clears the fog!”

State BJP president Jitu Vaghani said, “We were at the central parliamentary board when we received this news. What is remarkable is that he has not just opted out of the race for a ticket, but has said that being a committed worker, he will be available to campaign for the BJP wherever his services are required.”

The BJP on Saturday named candidates for 15

Lok Sabha seats

, but the party is yet to name who will replace Rawal as the BJP’s nominee from Ahmedabad East. Political circles were abuzz that influential Patidar leader C K Patel is frontrunner for the ticket.