First-time Celebrity Contender Injects New Dynamics into State Politics
In a surprising turn of events, actor Kangana Ranaut’s foray into Himachal Pradesh politics has stirred up a hornet’s nest, with her opponent, Public Works Minister and Congress candidate from Mandi Lok Sabha seat, Vikramaditya Singh, sounding the alarm bells for the state BJP leadership.
The BJP’s decision to field Ms. Kangana as its candidate from the Mandi Parliament seat marks the first instance of a celebrity stepping into the electoral arena in Himachal Pradesh. This move has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of the hill state.
Vikramaditya Singh, scion of the erstwhile princely state of Bushahr and a seasoned two-time MLA from Shimla (Rural) Assembly constituency, minced no words in expressing his concerns. “The entry of Ms. Kangana into the political fray has cast a shadow over the future aspirations of the State BJP leaders,” he remarked during a statement to PTI.
Singh, who hails from a prominent political lineage as the son of six-time chief minister Virbhadra Singh and the sitting MP from Mandi, Pratibha Singh, underscored the impact of Ms. Kangana’s recent rally in Manali. He noted that her speech had overshadowed the BJP State leadership’s rally in Hamirpur, effectively stealing the spotlight with her controversial remarks.
“The State BJP leaders are feeling threatened by Ms. Kangana who has overshadowed them with her controversial outburst,” Singh emphasized.
Ms. Kangana, known for her outspoken nature, didn’t mince her words during her rally. She took a direct swipe at the “dynastic and family-centric” nature of Bollywood and launched scathing attacks on prominent political figures, including former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, and Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Vikramaditya Singh, whom she dubbed “Bada Pappu and Chhota Pappu.”
In response, Singh highlighted the importance of service and dedication to the people over celebrity status. “It is your work and service to people that garners support, not just a celebrity tag,” he remarked.
Singh also challenged Ms. Kangana to address critical issues such as her whereabouts during the state’s worst-ever monsoon disaster and her plans for the welfare of Mandi constituency.
The electoral battle between Vikramaditya Singh and Kangana Ranaut has not been short of verbal sparring, with both parties resorting to derisive monikers for each other. Singh has dubbed Ms. Kangana as the “Queen of Controversy,” while she has referred to him as “Chota Pappu” relying on his “dynastic legacy.”
As the political temperature rises in Himachal Pradesh, all eyes are set on the upcoming polls scheduled for June 1, which promise to be a battleground of ideologies, personalities, and aspirations.