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.
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