Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut, who is contesting the Mandi Lok Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh as a BJP candidate, stirred controversy on Wednesday by praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an 'Ansh' (part) of Lord Ram and Lord Vishnu.
Speaking at a gathering in Karsog assembly constituency under the Mandi Parliament seat, Ranaut praised Modi as a symbol of Lord Ram and asserted that women now feel represented and cared for under his leadership.
Emphasising Modi's connection to the divine, she urged voters to support her candidacy to ensure a third term for the Prime Minister, framing him as a guardian figure akin to Lord Ram and Vishnu.
Ranaut took a swipe at the Congress, labelling the party as synonymous with corruption and highlighting past scandals like the 2G and coal scams during their rule.
During her public interactions in Pangna, Churag, Mahunag, and Seri in Karsog, Ranaut also visited the historical Mahunag temple to seek blessings for her electoral journey.
However, her political opponents in the Congress were quick to criticise her. Congress leaders Supriya Shrinate and H S Ahir faced backlash for derogatory remarks against Ranaut and Mandi on social media, with Shrinate later claiming her account was hacked.
Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh Public Works Minister and Congress in-charge for the Mandi Parliament seat, Vikramaditya Singh, pointedly criticised Ranaut for her absence during the state's recent monsoon disaster.
Singh held a meeting with party workers to strategize for the elections, addressing concerns raised by some workers about coordination issues within the party.
There is internal debate within the Congress about the candidacy for Mandi. While Pratibha Singh, wife of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, initially refused to contest, she may reconsider following Ranaut's nomination by the BJP.
Pratibha Singh's potential candidacy is seen as significant by some party workers who view her as the most suitable candidate, given her past electoral success and ties to the Virbhadra Singh family.
While the BJP has finalised its candidates for all four Lok Sabha seats and bypolls in six assembly constituencies, the Congress is yet to announce its candidates, keeping the political landscape in Himachal Pradesh dynamic and charged with anticipation.
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