Arun Govil: Will BJP's 'Ram' Factor Work In Meerut (image:facebook.com/govilarun52)

Arun Govil, popularly known for the role of Lord Ram in Ramayan serial, contested from Meerut Lok Sabha constituency on a BJP ticket. He joined the saffron party in 2021 and replaced sitting MP Rajendra Agarwal in the polls. The party”s decision to field Govil was primarily intended to garner the “Ram” factor in the election.

There was criticism from the opposition that he was an outsider fielding from the constituency, to which Arun Govil responded that Meerut is his hometown and he finished his studies here. An engineering graduate, he participated in dramas and stage shows during his college days. Though he reached Mumbai to assist his brother”s business, he soon realised that his passion lies in acting. He acted in films such as Paheli, Sawan Ko Aane Do, and Saanch Ko Aanch Nahin.

Arun Govil made his television debut with Ramanand Sagar”s Vikram Betaal, and later the Ramayan serial won him fame and became popular in households. In the 1980s, Arun Govil campaigned for Congress, but it took him a long time to enter the active political arena.

During the election trail, Arun Govil”s statement suggesting changes in the Constitution has erupted controversy. In the viral video, when the reporter asked a question about the opposition”s criticism that the Modi government will alter the Constitution after coming to power again at the Centre, he advocated that change is necessary.

“Change is a sign of development. It”s not a bad thing. Situations were different at that time and the current situation is different, so if changes are to be made… The Constitution doesn”t change with one person”s intention. It can be changed with everybody”s consensus…,” Arun Govil said in the video.

The Meerut Lok Sabha constituency comprises five assembly seats: Kithore, Meerut Cantt., Meerut, Meerut South, and Hapur. It covers Hapur and Meerut districts. Considering the concentration of the Jat population, the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) enjoys a significant hold in Meerut, part of Western UP. Since RLD is in alliance with the NDA, the BJP believes that Jat votes, which were earlier scattered between RLD and other parties, will come together and work in favour of the saffron party.

Arun Govil is fielded against the Samajwadi Party”s Dalit candidate Sunita Verma and the BSP”s Devvrat Kumar Tyagi.