Kolkata: After the BJP accused the Trinamool Congress of inviting Bangladeshi actors in its campaign in the state, it is the TMC’s turn to move the EC alleging that “American” wrestler “The Great Khali” had taken part in the electioneering of a saffron party nominee here.
The TMC has lodged a complaint with the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer that BJP’s candidate for Jadavpur Lok Sabha constituency, Anupam Hazra, had taken the Khali along during campaign on April 26.
Dalip Singh Rana aka “The Great Khali” holds US citizenship and the BJP was trying to influence Indian voters by using his “celebrity status”, the complaint said.
“A foreigner should not be allowed to influence the minds of the Indian electors as he has little or no knowledge as to who should be an appropriate MP in India,” the complaint lodged by the TMC said.
In an interview to the media, Khali had said, “Whenever he (Hazra) calls me, wherever I am called, I will make it. I have specially come from America to support my younger brother. I want to request everyone to cast their votes for him. Do not waste your votes. Anupam is a learned man, he knows your troubles and will be able to serve you better than anyone else.”
The TMC urged the EC to take “strictest possible steps against Khali as well as the candidate”.
BJP leader Mukul Roy, however, said Khali holds the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card and can work and live in India. (PTI)
