Congress has announced that they will be putting forward Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh as their candidate in the upcoming Mandi Lok Sabha elections, opposing BJP's candidate Kangana Ranaut. This came after Ranaut criticized Singh for his comments about her alleged consumption of beef. Singh's mother and state party chief Pratibha Singh believes that the constituency will continue to support their family despite Ranaut's campaign against them. Singh has also challenged Ranaut to address the issues faced by the people of Himachal Pradesh, including the disastrous monsoon last year.
Amidst the ongoing political battle in Himachal Pradesh, the Congress party has announced its candidate for the upcoming Mandi Lok Sabha bypolls. Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh has been fielded by the Congress to challenge BJP's candidate, actress Kangana Ranaut.
Background:
The Mandi Lok Sabha seat fell vacant after incumbent MP Ram Swaroop Sharma passed away in March 2021. The by-elections, originally scheduled for October 30, 2021, were postponed due to heavy snowfall and rescheduled to May 30, 2022.
Congress's Candidate: Vikramaditya Singh
Vikramaditya Singh is a two-time MLA from Shimla (Rural) and currently holds the portfolio of Education, Law, and Parliamentary Affairs in the Himachal Pradesh government. He is the son of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and Pratibha Singh, who is now the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee chief.
Singh has a strong political background and is considered a potential successor to his father's legacy in state politics. He is known for his articulate and passionate public speaking abilities.
BJP's Candidate: Kangana Ranaut
Kangana Ranaut, a renowned Bollywood actress, is making her political debut with the BJP in the Mandi bypolls. She has been vocal about her support for the saffron party and is seen as a potential crowd-puller for the BJP.
However, Ranaut's candidature has also raised eyebrows due to her controversial statements and past actions. She has been criticized for her comments about farmers' protests and the Hindi language, which have alienated some voters.
Issues at Stake:
The Mandi bypolls will be a test of the Congress's strength in its traditional stronghold and the BJP's ability to make inroads into the region. The contest is likely to be fought on local issues, such as infrastructure development, unemployment, and the impact of the pandemic.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
Who is Vikramaditya Singh?
Who is Kangana Ranaut?
When will the Mandi by-elections be held?
What are the key issues in the by-elections?
What are the chances of Congress and BJP winning the Mandi bypolls?
After a public falling out with President Trump over federal spending, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk announced the formation of the "America Party" on his own social media platform, X. The party aims to combat what Musk sees as the country's entrenched "one-party system" and oppose lawmakers who support Trump's massive domestic spending plan. This move follows a poll on X where Musk asked if users desired "independence from the two-party system," with the majority responding yes. The feud between Trump and Musk escalated when the president pushed for his "One Big Beautiful Bill," which Musk vehemently criticized and coined as "debt slavery."
In a historic moment, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Shiv Sena leader Raj Thackeray publicly shared a stage after 20 years at a victory rally in Mumbai. This reunion was prompted by the withdrawal of two government resolutions proposing the introduction of Hindi as a third language in state schools. The rally marked an important turning point in the relationship between the once-estranged Thackeray cousins.
At least five Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers were detained for vandalising entrepreneur Sushil Kedia's Worli office, allegedly in response to his remarks about MNS leader Raj Thackeray amid the ongoing Marathi language row. Kedia apologised for his comments and praised Thackeray's advocacy of Hindutva, calling for a more positive approach to promoting the Marathi language. Union Minister Chirag Paswan condemned the reported assault of a Thane shopkeeper over language issues, highlighting the need for unity and respect among Indians. Meanwhile, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis vowed to take action against such acts of "hooliganism" in Mumbai.
The main and X accounts of renowned news agency Reuters have been blocked in India on social media platform X, as users discovered and reported on Saturday. The reason for this block is yet to be officially announced, but it appears to be a result of a legal demand or local laws. Despite the main handle being inaccessible, affiliated handles of Reuters remain accessible. It's unclear whether the block is temporary or permanent and if it's linked to a specific report or legal order against the platform. Stay informed with our latest blogs.
Amidst the ongoing controversy over the assault of a shopkeeper by MNS workers, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde caused a stir with his concluding speech at an event in Pune, where he raised the slogans "Jai Gujarat" and "Jai Maharashtra". While the opposition accused Shinde of being "greedy for power", CM Devendra Fadnavis defended him, stating that it was a customary practice to hail the state where an event is being held. The incident adds fuel to the ongoing debate on Marathi language and pride, ahead of the civic elections in Maharashtra.
At a recent political event, Indian Union minister Amit Shah addressed the crowd in Gujarati language, highlighting the importance of connecting with regional languages in India. Maharashtra politician Eknath Shinde also addressed the gathering, exclaiming "Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra, Jai Gujarat." The event served as a platform for politicians to express their opinions and connect with their audiences in regional languages, showcasing the diverse cultural and linguistic landscape of the country.
In an effort to prevent the division of secular votes and counter communal forces, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has expressed its willingness to join the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar ahead of the 2025 assembly elections. The party's letter to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav highlights their intention and also mentions previous failed attempts. The party has also conveyed this to other senior leaders of RJD, including Tejashwi Yadav, with the hope to “contest the Bihar assembly elections together."
On the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of revered Jain spiritual leader Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the inaugural ceremony of the year-long centenary celebrations. In his speech, PM Modi highlighted the eternal nature of Indian civilization and praised Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj as a symbol of this timeless philosophy. The event served as a reminder of the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of India.
The Indian Prime Minister, currently on a five-nation tour, took to social media to pay homage to Swami Vivekananda on the revered monk's death anniversary. PM Modi highlighted Swami Vivekananda's enduring influence on Indian society and his emphasis on serving others and embracing India's rich heritage. Even after a century since his passing, Swami Vivekananda's teachings continue to inspire generations, promoting unity and compassion in a divided world.
In the midst of a controversial video surfacing showing a shopkeeper being assaulted for not speaking Marathi, Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Kadam spoke out in defense of the state's official language and condemned acts of vigilantism. The incident has sparked a larger debate over linguistic identity and regional pride in Maharashtra. While emphasizing the importance of cultural and linguistic respect, Kadam also denounced the manner in which the situation escalated and called for individuals to not take the law into their own hands. A police investigation is currently ongoing.