Actress Kangana Ranaut kicked off her parliamentary campaign with an energetic roadshow in the Mandi constituency on Friday. Cheering for Prime Minister Narendra Modi with cries of 'Jai Shri Ram', she declared that development is the crux of BJP's agenda. Locals flocked in droves to catch a glimpse of Kangana, who hails from the small town of Bhambla in Mandi.
In her home turf, Kangana emphasized that the BJP is driven by the goal of development, pledging to leave no stone unturned to clinch the election under the guidance of PM Modi. She urged the people of Mandi to speak their hearts out. During the event, she also took aim at Congress and Rahul Gandhi.
"Congress failed to accept my nomination from Mandi. They've resorted to petty politics. Their leader Rahul Gandhi speaks of eradicating 'Shakti' among Hindus. Their spokespersons insult the dignity of Mandi's women. Mandi is named after sage Mandava and is renowned for its spiritual heritage where sage Parashar meditated. Mandi hosts the grandest 'Maha Shivaratri' fair, and they dare to make such degrading remarks about the women here. What more can be expected of them? My respect, my persona is in the hands of Mandi's people," she expressed.
Minister Vikramaditya Targets Kangana
Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh's Minister, Vikramaditya Singh took a jibe at Kangana. He questioned, "When Mandi was struck by natural calamities, undergoing millions in damage, it was Pratibha Singh, the MP of Mandi who visited and helped the people. Did Kangana Ranaut ever come to meet the people during those times?"
It is to note that this was Ranaut's first public rally in her electoral region after being awarded the BJP ticket on March 24. In October 2022, Ranaut had stated her readiness to contest the elections from Mandi if the BJP proposed her candidacy.
Pratibha Singh Represents Mandi in Parliament
Pratibha Singh, chairperson of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee and wife of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, currently represents the Mandi Lok Sabha seat. She secured her victory in the 2021 by-elections. Pratibha announced on Wednesday that she would not contest this time, given the unfavorable circumstances and the disillusionment of the workers. However, following BJP's declaration of Kangana Ranaut as their candidate, she left the decision to contest to the Congress high command.
Voting Scheduled for June 1
The last phase includes voting for the four Lok Sabha seats – Shimla, Mandi, Hamirpur, and Kangra – scheduled for June 1. On the same day, by-elections for six Assembly seats will also take place. While the BJP has announced its candidates for all Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies, the Congress is yet to declare their candidates.
