In a surprising yet significant political turn, renowned Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut has clinched victory in the Mandi constituency, marking a successful debut in her political career. Ranaut, a household name in Indian cinema with notable performances in films like “Queen” and “Tanu Weds Manu,” contested the Lok Sabha seat from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh. She ran against Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh, securing her position by a decisive margin of 74,755 votes, as confirmed by the Election Commission of India.
Kangana Ranaut’s transition from the silver screen to the political arena has been closely watched, given her outspoken nature and strong opinions on various national issues. Her victory in Mandi reflects her ability to resonate with the electorate, a significant achievement considering the constituency’s diverse demographic and its historical voting patterns.
The Mandi constituency, known for its picturesque landscapes and a strong cultural heritage, has often been a battleground for seasoned politicians. By winning this seat, Ranaut has disrupted the traditional political dynamics, showcasing her influence and popularity beyond the film industry. Her campaign focused on local development issues, women’s empowerment, and cultural preservation, striking a chord with the voters.
Vikramaditya Singh, her main opponent, is no stranger to the political landscape. As a member of the Congress party and the son of former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, he brought considerable political clout to the race. Despite his deep-rooted connections and experience, Singh was unable to withstand the wave of support for Ranaut, signaling a shift in voter sentiment and a desire for new leadership.
Ranaut’s entry into politics and subsequent victory are indicative of a broader trend where individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, particularly entertainment, are making significant inroads into Indian politics. This trend underscores the evolving nature of political engagement in India, where public figures with a strong social media presence and public visibility can effectively leverage their popularity to garner electoral support.
Her triumph is also seen as a reflection of her proactive engagement with national issues and her robust public persona. Known for her candid and often controversial statements, Ranaut has managed to convert her strong social media presence into tangible political capital.
As she steps into her new role as a Member of Parliament, all eyes will be on how Kangana Ranaut translates her star power and public appeal into effective governance and representation for the people of Mandi. Her victory symbolizes a new chapter in Indian politics, where the intersection of entertainment and political ambition can lead to unprecedented outcomes.
Kangana Ranaut, a well-known actress and frequent source of controversy, is stepping into politics by contesting against Congress’ Vikramaditya Singh for the Mandi Lok Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh. Vikramaditya Singh, 34, is the son of the late Virbhadra Singh, a former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh. Despite having run in two previous assembly elections, this marks Singh’s inaugural attempt at securing a parliamentary seat.
The Mandi Lok Sabha constituency has historically been a stronghold for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Ram Swaroop Sharma, the BJP candidate, won the seat in both the 2014 and 2019 elections, achieving significant vote shares of 49.97% and 68.75%, respectively. Sharma’s untimely death on March 17, 2021, led to a byelection later that year, which was won by Pratibha Singh, Vikramaditya Singh’s mother, who ran on a Congress ticket.
Ranaut, an ardent supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, formalized her political ambitions by officially joining the BJP earlier this year when her candidacy was announced. On March 24, in a social media post, Ranaut expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm: “My beloved Bharat and Bhartiya Janta’s own party, Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) has always had my unconditional support. Today the national leadership of BJP has announced me as their Lok Sabha candidate from my birthplace Himachal Pradesh, Mandi (constituency). I abide by the high command’s decision on contesting the Lok Sabha polls. I feel honoured and elated to officially join the party. I look forward to being a worthy karyakarta and a reliable public servant. Thanks.”
Kangana Ranaut comes from a family with a history of public service. Her great-grandfather, Sarju Singh Ranaut, served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). Her mother, Asha Ranaut, retired as a schoolteacher in Mandi, while her father, Amardeep Ranaut, is a businessman.
As the election approaches, the Mandi constituency is set for a significant battle between Ranaut and Vikramaditya Singh, representing a clash not only of individual political aspirations but also of broader party loyalties and regional influences. Ranaut’s candidacy adds a new layer of interest and scrutiny to the race, given her high-profile background and outspoken political views. This election will be closely watched as it unfolds, offering insights into the evolving political landscape of Himachal Pradesh and the influence of prominent personalities in Indian politics.