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| BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut, BJP's Tejasvi Surya and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav (L-R).Credit: PTI Photos |
In a noteworthy slip-up during an election rally, BJP's Kangana Ranaut inadvertently directed her criticism towards her party colleague Tejasvi Surya instead of her intended target, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.
The blunder prompted a response from the former Bihar deputy chief minister. Speaking at a gathering in Sundernagar, Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district, Ranaut, who is contesting as the BJP candidate for the Mandi Lok Sabha seat, referenced the "party of spoilt princes" remark, alluding to individuals like Rahul Gandhi and those engaged in thuggery, inadvertently mentioning Surya instead of Yadav.
Her remarks have stirred a debate, highlighting the intricacies of political campaigning and the occasional slips that occur amidst the fervor of rallies.
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| BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut during a rally for Lok Sabha elections, in Rampur,Credit: PTI Photo |
Stardust and Strategy: Kangana Ranaut's Mandi Odyssey
In her bid to sway the electorate of Mandi during the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, Kangana Ranaut has crafted a campaign strategy that blends reverence, charisma, and pointed jabs at political adversaries.
The day typically begins with Ranaut paying homage at local deity temples, a ritual aimed at resonating with the spiritual sentiments of the electorate. Her campaign primarily targets women voters, who constitute nearly half of the state's electorate, and the youth demographic.
Her approach revolves around intimate gatherings and roadshows, where eager onlookers strive for proximity to the Bollywood luminary and seize the opportunity for selfies and group photos. Ranaut's star power, especially as the "Queen" star, adds a magnetic allure to these interactions.
In her rhetoric, Ranaut doesn't shy away from using terms like 'Shezada' to take swipes at opponents like Vikramaditya Singh, emphasizing her grassroots origins compared to their dynastic affiliations. She bolsters her image by distancing herself from familial political legacies, emphasizing her independent journey.
However, not all are enamored by Ranaut's combative style. Critics like Mahesh, a senior citizen from Sundernagar, caution that her personal attacks and acerbic remarks may alienate voters in Himachal Pradesh, despite the applause they generate from certain quarters.
The Mandi Parliament seat, comprising 17 assembly constituencies with significant tribal and reserved segments, forms a complex electoral landscape where every nuance counts. Ranaut's challenge lies in striking a balance between her spirited campaigning and resonating with the diverse sentiments of the Dev Bhoomi Himachal electorate.