Actor Kangana Ranaut, renowned for her roles in movies like Queen and Tanu Weds Manu, is making waves in her electoral debut by leading from the Mandi Lok Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh. Known for her outspoken nature and frequent controversies, Ranaut is pitted against Congress? Vikramaditya Singh, the son of former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh.
Vikramaditya Singh, aged 34, has previously contested two assembly elections but is vying for a parliamentary seat for the first time. The Mandi seat has historically leaned towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with Ram Swaroop Sharma winning in both 2014 and 2019 with vote shares of 49.97% and 68.75%, respectively. Sharma?s death in March 2021 led to a by-election, where Pratibha Singh, Vikramaditya's mother, secured the seat for Congress.
Ranaut, a vocal supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, officially joined the party earlier this year upon the announcement of her candidacy. Her lead in Mandi marks a significant moment in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, showcasing her transition from film star to political contender.
