GG News Bureau
Shimla, 6th May. Renowned Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut, breaking the traditional mold of political campaigns, has been actively engaging with the people of Himachal Pradesh during her bid for the Lok Sabha elections from the Mandi constituency. While maintaining a distance from the media, Ranaut has warmly embraced common voters, dancing with them, conversing in local dialects, and graciously fulfilling their selfie requests.
As the first Bollywood celebrity to contest elections in Himachal Pradesh, Ranaut’s campaign style has captivated the public imagination. Her interactions with locals, coupled with her star power, have drawn crowds to her small gatherings and roadshows. Videos of Ranaut dancing with local women and participating in temple activities have gone viral, solidifying her connection with her roots in Mandi.
Ranaut’s campaign strategy focuses on connecting with women voters, who form nearly half of the state’s electorate, as well as the youth. She emphasizes gender equality and pledges to champion the rights of both men and women in all spheres of life.
In contrast to her warm reception among voters, Ranaut has not shied away from criticizing Congress leaders for what she perceives as anti-women remarks and derides dynastic politics. Her opponent in the Mandi constituency, Vikramaditya Singh, scion of the Rampur estate and son of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, faces Ranaut’s relentless attacks on dynastic politics.
Employing sharp rhetoric, Ranaut frequently targets Singh, asserting her independence from familial political ties and positioning herself as a voice for the people. She invokes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, likening him to divine figures and promising to represent the concerns of the people in New Delhi.
However, some observers, like Mahesh from Sundernagar, caution that Ranaut’s confrontational approach may not resonate well with voters in Himachal Pradesh, known as “Dev Bhoomi” or Land of the Gods. Despite her popularity, personal attacks and divisive remarks could alienate certain segments of the electorate.
The Mandi Parliament seat, comprising 17 assembly constituencies, presents a diverse electoral landscape, including tribal and non-tribal areas across multiple districts. As the campaign heats up, Ranaut’s unconventional style and political aspirations continue to capture attention and spark debate among voters in Himachal Pradesh.
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