Clash of the Titans: Bollywood Celebrity vs. Royal Scion in Mandi Lok Sabha Constituency

GG News Bureau
Shimla, 18th May. In an electrifying political showdown, Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi Lok Sabha constituency, known for electing erstwhile royals the most, is set to witness a fierce contest between two of India’s wealthiest personalities. The BJP has, for the first time, fielded a woman and a Bollywood celebrity, Kangana Ranaut, who will challenge Vikramaditya Singh, the scion of the Rampur royal family and son of six-time chief minister Virbhadra Singh.

Both contenders have launched high-octane campaigns, marked by sharp verbal exchanges. Vikramaditya questioned Kangana’s vision for the constituency, dismissing her campaign as “political tourism” and predicting her return to Bollywood after June 4. Kangana retaliated by calling Vikramaditya “Chhota Pappu,” a jibe likening him to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, often dubbed “Pappu” by opponents. She also labeled him a “bigda hua shezada” (spoiled prince) and a “paltu” (turncoat) for his changing stances.

Kangana’s campaign focuses on restarting stalled projects, improving connectivity to remote tribal areas, and promoting local cuisines, traditional attires, and women-centric rural tourism. “Mandi will be made a smart city,” she vowed.

Vikramaditya, on the other hand, promised to construct the Jalori Jot tunnel, connect remote Pangi with Tissa, and develop the Beas riverfront. He criticized Kangana for her absence during the 2023 monsoon disaster that devastated the Mandi-Kullu region, questioning her familiarity with the constituency.

Kangana’s controversial remarks about farmers during the recent agitation have led the Samyukt Kisan Manch to support Vikramaditya. However, Kangana has gained unexpected backing from influential figures like Maheshwar Singh of Kullu, Ashray Sharma, and Kargil hero Brig Khushal Singh.

Both candidates have declared assets exceeding ₹90 crore. Kangana banks on her celebrity status and affiliations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ram temple movement. Vikramaditya relies on the legacy of his father and the support of his mother, state Congress chief and current MP Pratibha Singh.

Historically, Mandi has favored Congress, winning 13 out of 19 parliamentary elections since 1952. Royals have triumphed 13 times, with notable figures including Virbhadra Singh, Pratibha Singh, and Raja Maheshwar Singh. Non-royals like Sukh Ram and Ram Swaroop have also had significant victories.

Spanning six districts and comprising 17 assembly segments, Mandi is crucial for both parties. BJP aims to maintain its dominance, having won 12 assembly seats in the 2022 polls, while Vikramaditya seeks to affirm the enduring influence of the Rampur royal family. With 13,77,173 voters, the constituency is poised for a gripping battle between the Bollywood ‘Queen’ and the royal ‘Raja’.