Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut has emerged victorious in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi constituency. Running on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket, Ranaut defeated her closest rival, Congress’ Vikramaditya Singh, by a significant margin of 72,088 votes.
According to ANI, in her victory speech, Ranaut emphasized her commitment to the region. “Mandi has not taken kindly to the insults for daughters,” she declared. “As far as my departure to Mumbai is concerned, this (Himachal Pradesh) is my ‘janmabhoomi’ and I will continue to serve people here. So, I am not going anywhere. Perhaps, someone else will have to pack their bags and leave.
The contest in Mandi was highly anticipated, featuring two prominent figures: Kangana Ranaut and Vikramaditya Singh. Singh, representing the Congress, comes from a storied political lineage. His father, Virbhadra Singh, was a towering figure in Himachal Pradesh politics, making this election not just a political contest but also a clash of legacy versus new-age charisma.
Throughout the campaign, both candidates emphasized their vision for Mandi’s development. Ranaut’s campaign was marked by promises of infrastructural development, better healthcare, and education facilities, alongside her commitment to women’s empowerment. In her speeches, she often highlighted her journey from a small-town girl to a Bollywood star. Singh, on the other hand, relied on his deep-rooted connections and his father’s legacy to garner support.
