In a dramatic and historic political showdown, Bollywood star-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut has secured a resounding victory in the Mandi Lok Sabha seat, defeating her Congress rival Vikramaditya Singh by a significant margin of 74,000 votes.
This election marks Ranaut’s debut in the political arena, where she received an overwhelming 5,37,022 votes against Singh’s 4,62,267 votes.
Ranaut’s triumph is not only a personal milestone but also a significant win for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), reflecting the party’s continued influence and the electorate’s trust in her vision and leadership.
An Emotional Victory for Kangana Ranaut
Speaking to reporters in Mandi, Ranaut expressed her deep emotional connection to the outcome. “I am very emotional. My motherland has called me back. Now, I am the MP of Mandi… Nobody will dare to ask ‘Mandi ke bhav’,” she stated, highlighting her strong ties to her homeland.
Ranaut also emphasized that the elections were fought in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attributing her victory to his credibility and the faith people have in him. “It is the result of his credibility and his guarantee and the faith of people in him that we are going to form the government for the third time at the Centre,” she added.
Campaign Dynamics: From Royalty to Stardom
The Mandi constituency, which is well-known for its intense political conflicts, saw a high-stakes campaign filled with controversy and frank exchanges. The campaign brought the national spotlight to this seat, showcasing a fierce contest between royalty and stardom.
Vikramaditya Singh, representing the Congress, faced a tough challenge from Ranaut, who leveraged her star power and strong Hindutva rhetoric to connect with the voters.
Support from Bollywood and Beyond
Ranaut’s victory also resonated in Bollywood, with actor Anupam Kher congratulating her on the outcome.
Calling her a “rockstar,” Kher praised Ranaut’s inspirational journey from film industry to politics. The India Today-Axis My India Exit Poll 2024 had predicted Ranaut’s likely victory, which proved accurate as she emerged triumphant in one of Himachal Pradesh’s most closely watched constituencies.
A Broader BJP Success in Himachal Pradesh
Mandi is one of the four parliamentary constituencies in the hill state, which has historically alternated between the BJP and the Congress.
Besides Ranaut’s win in Mandi, the BJP also secured victories in other key constituencies. Union Minister Anurag Thakur retained the Hamirpur seat, while BJP candidates Dr. Rajeev Bhardwaj and Suresh Kumar Kashyap were leading in Kangra and Shimla, respectively, according to Election Commission trends.
Voter Turnout and Election Process
The voter turnout in Mandi was recorded at 73.15 percent, reflecting a high level of civic engagement. The counting of votes began at 8 am at 80 counting centers across the state, covering the Lok Sabha seats and six assembly constituencies where by-polls were held.
Ranaut’s victory from the Mandi Lok Sabha seat is particularly notable as she defeated Vikramaditya Singh, the sitting state Public Works Minister and a significant political figure in Himachal Pradesh.
Kangana Ranaut’s victory in the Mandi Lok Sabha seat represents a landmark moment in her career, transitioning from Bollywood stardom to a significant political role.
Her ability to connect with the voters on the issues of Hindutva and her strong endorsement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi played a crucial role in her electoral success. This win not only boosts the BJP’s position in Himachal Pradesh but also marks the emergence of a new political star in Kangana Ranaut.
With the elections concluded and the results declared, the focus now shifts to how Ranaut will fulfill her promises and serve her constituency in the coming years.
