Embarking on her Lok Sabha election journey in Mandi constituency, renowned actress Kangana Ranaut led a spirited roadshow on Friday, showering praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi with chants of "Jai Shri Ram" and emphasizing the BJP's commitment to development.
A throng of supporters gathered to catch a glimpse of the Bollywood luminary, a recipient of four National Awards, who hails from Mandi's Bhambla town.
Amidst the resounding echoes of "Jai Shri Ram," BJP enthusiasts warmly welcomed Ranaut, adorning her with flowers and dancing to the rhythmic beats of drums.
Commencing the roadshow in her hometown, Ranaut fervently hailed "Modi Ji ko Jai Shri Ram," extending similar accolades to other BJP leaders.
"Development stands as the cornerstone of BJP's agenda, and we will leave no stone unturned in securing victory under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi," she declared, affirming that the people of Mandi would articulate their aspirations through their votes.
This marked Ranaut's inaugural public appearance in her electoral domain following her BJP nomination on March 24.
Back in October 2022, Ranaut had expressed her willingness to contest from Mandi if bestowed with a BJP ticket.
Attributing a transformative shift in the nation to PM Modi since 2014, Ranaut underscored a prevailing sense of pride and nationalism among all Indians.
Currently, the Mandi Lok Sabha seat is held by Pratibha Singh, president of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee, and spouse of former chief minister Virbhadra Singh, and mother of Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, who clinched victory in the 2021 Lok Sabha bypolls.
Earlier in the week, Singh had announced her decision not to contest the Lok Sabha elections citing unfavorable circumstances and disillusionment among party workers. However, following Ranaut's nomination, she has deferred her decision to contest to the Congress High Command.
The electoral battle for the four Lok Sabha seats of Shimla, Mandi, Hamirpur, and Kangra, alongside by-elections in six assembly constituencies, is slated for the final phase on June 1.
While the BJP has unveiled its candidates for the four Lok Sabha and six assembly seats, the Congress is yet to announce its contenders.
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