Meerut, 2 April (HS): The second phase of polling in Meerut is set on April 26. The Samajwadi Party (SP) has changed its Meerut candidate and named Atul Pradhan, the current MLA from Sardhana. Previously, the SP fielded Bhanu Pratap Singh from Meerut against Govil. After filing his candidacy, Govil expressed gratitude to the BJP leadership for putting their faith in him and making him a Meerut contender.

I feel great. This is the beginning of a new chapter. I don't notice any problems. I was selected as a candidate from my hometown. I can now work for my people. Ramji will handle everything else, he assured reporters.

In response to a query about whether the audience enjoyed him as Lord Ram in the TV series and will like him as a politician, Govil stated that he is receiving even more love now. I see 'Jai Shri Ram' all around me. Everyone wants to touch my feet. People are also prostrating themselves, stated the actor who portrayed Lord Ram in the TV series.

Everybody needs blessings. Place your hand on my head. Everyone knows I've come to run in elections. Everyone's feeling is the same, he said.

Hindusthan Samachar/Abhishek Awasthi/Manoj