In the upcoming Lok Sabha elections of 2024, the political landscape in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi constituency is set for an intense showdown between Congress MLA Vikramaditya Singh and BJP’s Kangana Ranaut. Vikramaditya Singh, the 35-year-old scion of the Bhushar estate, steps into the fray, replacing his mother, Pratibha Singh, as the Congress candidate for Mandi.
The Congress party, on Saturday, unveiled its list of 16 candidates for the Lok Sabha elections, with Vikramaditya Singh’s nomination making headlines alongside other key contenders across various constituencies. Notably, the former chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, Virbhadra Singh, wields influence as Vikramaditya’s father, adding weight to the Congress’s electoral strategy.
However, the Mandi battleground was already heating up prior to Vikramaditya’s nomination, with Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, representing the BJP, launching verbal salvos. Referring to Vikramaditya as ‘chhota pappu’, Kangana ignited the political discourse, prompting a response from the Congress candidate, who urged her to focus on substantive issues rather than resorting to personal attacks.
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Vikramaditya Singh, emphasizing respect for Kangana, redirected the conversation towards pertinent local issues, urging her to address concerns such as the recent Manali disaster instead of engaging in political mudslinging.
The exchange between the two contenders underscores the heightened stakes in Himachal Pradesh’s political arena. Vikramaditya’s lineage, as the heir to the Bhushar estate, adds a historical dimension to his candidacy, while Kangana Ranaut’s celebrity status and association with the BJP injects a dose of star power into the electoral contest.
The upcoming elections in Himachal Pradesh, with four Lok Sabha seats at stake, are crucial for both major parties. The BJP’s sweep of all four seats in 2019 underscores the challenge faced by the Congress in reclaiming lost ground. Additionally, the simultaneous elections for six Assembly seats, following the disqualification of Congress MLAs, further intensify the electoral dynamics in the state.
As the political battle lines are drawn, the electorate eagerly awaits the outcome of the polls scheduled for June 1, with results to be announced on June 4, signaling a pivotal moment in the trajectory of Himachal Pradesh’s political landscape.
