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Indian election casts spotlight on Modi look-alikes

Muslim electric-rickshaw driver Rashid Ahmed is fondly called "Our Modi" in his Delhi neighborhood for his striking resemblance to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, now seeking a third consecutive term in general elections.

Several of Modi's look-alikes, from a businessman in the financial capital of Mumbai to a food vendor in Modi's western home state of Gujarat, have featured in BJP campaigns.

See the photo essay

Ahmed rides his electric-rickshaw near a metro station in New Delhi, India, March 8, 2024. REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis

Behind the news

I asked visual journalist Anushree Fadnavis what drew her to the subjects in this piece: "I came across many look-alikes of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi across the country, but these two individuals stood out as they live in the capital and their backgrounds are so contrasting that it made it a relevant and lighter story during the election season," she said.

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