"Politics has Jokers too": Shehzad Poonawalla Slams Tej Pratap Over 'Rise and Fall 2' Win
Rise and Fall 2 winner Shehzad Poonawalla hits back at Tej Pratap Yadav's vote theft allegations with a scathing 'joker' remark.
The victory of Shehzad Poonawalla in the second season of the reality show Rise and Fall 2 has sparked a heated war of words. The winner has launched a scathing attack on Janshakti Janata Dal (JJD) chief Tej Pratap Yadav after the politician alleged "vote theft" regarding the show's finale. Shehzad did not hold back, suggesting that Tej Pratap is playing the role of a "joker" in the political arena.
The Spark: Allegations of Vote Theft
The controversy began when Tej Pratap Yadav took to social media to express his dissatisfaction with the results. He claimed that actor Gautam Gulati was the rightful winner and alleged that public votes had been stolen to manipulate the outcome. In the actual finale, Shehzad Poonawalla emerged victorious, claiming the trophy and a cash prize of Rs 35 lakh. Priyanka Chahar Choudhary secured the first runner-up spot, while Gautam Gulati finished third.
"A Joker in Politics": Shehzad's Fiery Response
Responding to the allegations, Shehzad Poonawalla questioned Tej Pratap's credibility, suggesting he isn't taken seriously by his own family or the people of Bihar. Using a card-game analogy, Shehzad remarked:
"In politics, there are different characters—some are aces, some are kings. We all know who the ace of politics is, but there are also jokers in politics. Perhaps he is speaking according to his own character."
Shehzad further revealed a surprising dynamic from inside the show, claiming that Tej Pratap frequently sought his guidance. He alleged that the JJD chief struggled to understand the game's mechanics and often asked Shehzad for advice on who to vote for. "I like guiding those who understand less," Shehzad added with a swipe.
Defending the Process
Addressing the "vote theft" claims, Shehzad explained that the show adhered to the same voting procedure used in the first season won by Arjun Bijlani. He clarified that when three finalists remain, they vote for one another, and any tie is resolved by expanding the voting pool to five or six "rulers." He dismissed Tej Pratap's complaints as a classic case of "sour grapes."
A Dig at Family History
The confrontation took a sharper turn when Shehzad referenced the legal history of Tej Pratap's family. He questioned how someone whose family members have been convicted in theft cases—specifically mentioning fodder theft and irregularities in Group C and Group D jobs—could lecture others on "vote theft."
Comparing the situation to childhood cricket, Shehzad recalled a sentiment once shared by PM Modi: "When we played cricket as children, if someone got out, they would run away with the bat and claim the umpire was wrong."
Advice on Credibility
Shehzad urged the politician to stop making such remarks to avoid further damaging his reputation. He advised Tej Pratap not to ruin whatever credibility he has left in the "comedy field," warning that if he loses that too, he will have nothing left.
Despite the verbal fireworks, Shehzad maintained a facade of kinship, stating that he still regards Tej Pratap as a brother and would be willing to help him in the future, mirroring the affection he showed during the filming of the show.
The "Istriwala" Who Won
Reflecting on his journey, Shehzad expressed deep gratitude to the audience, his mother, and God. He highlighted the symbolic nature of his win, drawing a parallel to the Prime Minister's journey.
"When these three things are with you, a chaiwala can become the Prime Minister of the country, and in my case, I was an istriwala (iron-man), so the istriwala won the show," he stated.
He emphasized that his victory was particularly meaningful because he entered the competition as a complete outsider, eventually beating seasoned professionals from the entertainment industry in the final stages.