Kangana Ranaut’s Political Blunder: Targets BJP Colleague Instead of RJD Leader
News Mania / Agnibeena Ghosh/6th May 2024
In a recent political rally, Kangana Ranaut, the Bollywood actress turned politician, found herself embroiled in controversy after mistakenly targeting her BJP colleague Tejasvi Surya instead of her intended target, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. Ranaut’s impassioned remarks, aimed at what she described as a “party of spoilt princes,” included accusations against Surya for alleged hooliganism and fish consumption. However, it was Tejashwi Yadav who was the intended recipient of her criticism, particularly regarding a recent video depicting him eating fish, which had become a contentious issue between the BJP and the opposition. Tejasvi Surya, BJP’s Lok Sabha candidate from Bengaluru South, was inaccurately singled out during the rally.
Ranaut’s foray into politics began when she was nominated by the BJP as their candidate from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. Since then, she has been vocally critical of the Congress party, targeting prominent Congress leaders like Vikramaditya Singh and Rahul Gandhi. During a public address in Sundernagar, within the Mandi Parliamentary Constituency, Ranaut continued her tirade against Congress leaders, accusing them of focusing on impractical issues and relying on dynastic lineage for political influence. The upcoming Mandi Lok Sabha elections, scheduled for June 1 in the seventh phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, underscore the heightened political tensions in the region.
At a recent poll rally in Manali, Ranaut indirectly took aim at Rahul Gandhi and Vikramaditya Singh, referring to them as “Bada Pappu” in Delhi and a “Chhota Pappu” respectively. Vikramaditya Singh, a scion of the erstwhile Rampur estate, is her main challenger from the Mandi Parliament seat. He is the son of the late six-time chief minister, Virbhadra Singh, and the current state Congress president, Pratibha Singh.
This incident adds to the intrigue surrounding Kangana’s political campaign, as she has maintained a distance from the media while actively engaging with common voters. Her strategy has focused on small gatherings and roadshows, where eager constituents vie for a glimpse of the “Queen” star. Selfies and group photos with the actor have become a trend, marking the novelty of a celebrity contesting elections in Himachal Pradesh. Viral videos of Ranaut dancing with local women and participating in community activities, such as sweeping temple premises during her campaign, have endeared her to voters. She often emphasizes her connection to Mandi, portraying herself as a daughter of the region and fostering a sense of kinship with prospective voters by conversing with them in their dialects.
In the midst of her electoral maneuvering, Ranaut’s misdirected criticism at Tejasvi Surya underscores the challenges of transitioning from the silver screen to the political stage. While her fervent speeches resonate with her supporters, they also invite scrutiny and criticism from opponents. Ranaut’s misstep serves as a reminder of the complexities of political discourse and the importance of precision in addressing issues and opponents.
As the Mandi Lok Sabha elections draw near, the political landscape in Himachal Pradesh remains fraught with tension and anticipation. Ranaut’s candidacy has injected a sense of excitement and intrigue into the race, attracting attention from both supporters and detractors alike. With each rally and public appearance, she continues to navigate the intricacies of electoral politics, seeking to solidify her position as a formidable contender in the region.
