Vikas Mahante, who bears an uncanny resemblance to BJP prime ministerial frontrunner Narendra Modi, arrives at an election campaign event in Mumbai

 

Agencies/Mumbai

 

A Mumbai steel manufacturer is finding himself much in demand during the election season thanks to his uncanny resemblance to prime ministerial frontrunner Narendra Modi.

Sporting a grey-white beard, glasses and the politician’s trademark shirt and waistcoat, Vikas Mahante is now a regular sight on the campaign trail with rightwing candidates in the financial capital who are keen to cash in on Modi’s popularity.

Mahante, 52, keeps a portfolio at home of his various Modi outfits, scours YouTube for videos of the political leader, and is often stopped on the street for photographs - yet he does not charge for his services.

“I am not doing this for any party. I am only doing it for Mr Modi, because I want to make my contribution in his efforts to become PM,” he said.

“I have seen volunteers and people start emanating energy after meeting me, it is like they have just met the real Modi.”

As well as campaigning with Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Mahante has come in useful for the hardline Shiv Sena party.

A long-time ally of the BJP’s, the Shiv Sena appears to have been shunned by the real Modi in the run up to the election - so Mahante’s appearances at their rallies have provided a useful boost.

The lookalike says campaigning in the tropical sun is hard work, but “the energy of the volunteers, the sheer excitement of the crowds, makes you forget about tiredness.”

When Modi, chief minister of Gujarat, got wind of Mahante’s likeness, he made an appointment with the businessman last year.

“After introductions were made, he looked at me head to toe and asked me: ‘So will you campaign?’ My routine now is the answer to his question,” Mahante said.

The businessman, who is otherwise apolitical, cannot help predict the outcome of the elections.

"I see a Modi wave. And in a big way," Mahante said.

Asked what other "similarities" he shares with the Gujarat chief minister, besides his looks, mannerisms and attire, Mahante said that like Modi he also loves poetry.