Kangana Ranaut reveals vision for Mandi, urges voters to make their voices heard for strengthening democracy

Kangana Raaut highlighted the significance of the perception of leadership in the Lok Sabha elections, noting that voters often prioritize their choice of Prime Minister, with many, including some leaders in the Congress party, expressing a preference for Narendra Modi.

Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, who is contesting the Lok Sabha 2024 elections from the Mandi seat on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket, revealed her political aspirations and vision for the constituency in an exclusive interview with News18. Ranaut, known for her outspoken nature, didn't hold back as she discussed the challenges of her aggressive campaign and the pressing issues facing Mandi.

Despite being from a family involved in politics, Ranaut acknowledged that she has the least interest in political matters. "I am least political person in the family. My family is more into politics," said Ranaut, adding, "My mother was ecstatic after knowing I was contesting elections." However, she articulated a clear vision for Mandi's development, emphasizing the dire need for basic infrastructure improvements, including better roads, schools, and hospitals. "There are so many things which need to be done on a large scale. But, basic thing are missing. There is basic structural issues. My primary focus is bare necessity. Road are in bad conditions, schools, Hospitals. I need work on those," she said emphasising there is so much to be done for people.

Ranaut criticized her opponent, Congress' Vikramaditya Singh, questioning his credentials. She also called out the unfair scrutiny of women's appearances.

"What credentials Vikramaditya has? Nothing. People will give me opportunity this time. He is minister in state government. What he has done? He needs to be questioned," Ranaut said.

She added, "I was the one who was attacked first. And I am not going to take things lying down. I need to call out their sexism. What things they are saying that I don't look good without makeup, etc. What is this incentive things they are saying. So I need to call them out. Why women need to qualify the beauty standard? Do I look that bad? They are now saying that I wear makeup so I called it out. We need to condemn this. I did the same in the film industry."

Ranaut emphasized the importance of women's reservation in politics and urged voters to strengthen democracy by casting their votes. She said, "Women are thrilled with women reservation. Modi ji favourite of women. Accounts, toilets, gas, etc and reservation have been given."

She highlighted the significance of the perception of leadership in the Lok Sabha elections, noting that voters often prioritize their choice of Prime Minister, with many, including some leaders in the Congress party, expressing a preference for Narendra Modi. "Lok Sabha in perception of the leader. They want Modi ji as PM. Even Congress leaders are saying ayegi to Modi sarker hi," said Ranaut.

Despite the toll on her health due to the rigorous campaign, which involves daily travels spanning 300 kilometers, Ranaut affirmed her unwavering commitment to serving the people of Mandi. She pledged to work tirelessly for the betterment of the constituency, regardless of the electoral outcome.

"On an average I am travelling 300 km a day. And the aggressive campaign is also taking toll on me. I am a little unwell today also. I am eating anything these day, this (politics) is completely different from other careers," she said. "This is my house. Regardless of I am becoming MP or not. I will stay here only. Appeal to voters to cast their votes to strengthen democracy," she further stated.

Watch the full interview here: