A significant development in Indian politics has emerged as Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut declares her intent to contest the Lok Sabha elections from her hometown, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) included her name in their fifth list of candidates, making this election Ranaut’s inaugural political battle.
The list, featuring an ensemble of 111 candidates, sees the addition of another celebrity, Arun Govil, renowned for his portrayal of Lord Ram in the epic television series ‘Ramayana’. He is set to contest from Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut constituency. With the BJP fielding candidates across various states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, Rajasthan, Haryana, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Mizoram, Sikkim, Telangana, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh, the stage is set for a highly anticipated electoral showdown.
Elections are scheduled to proceed in seven distinct phases spanning from April 19 to June 1, with the final count of votes to be tallied on June 4. As the electoral machinery gears up for this extensive democratic exercise, candidates are engaging with their potential constituents and gearing up their campaigns.
Upon the announcement, Kangana Ranaut took to social media to express her sentiments: “My beloved Bharat and Bhartiya Janta’s own party, Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) has always had my unconditional support. Today the national leadership of BJP has announced me as their Lok Sabha candidate from my birthplace Himachal Pradesh, Mandi (constituency). I abide by the high command’s decision on contesting Lok Sabha polls. I feel honoured and elated to officially join the party. I look forward to being a worthy karyakarta and a reliable public servant. Thanks.”
This statement not only underscores her reverence for the party but also her commitment to taking on the responsibilities that come with this new chapter in her life.
In a candid conversation with TV9 Bharatvarsh a few weeks prior, Ranaut disclosed her sense of duty towards the nation. “I have literally fought from film sets with political parties. That doesn’t keep me away; it doesn’t take me a seat to do what I want to do for my country. But if I want to get into politics, I probably think this is the right time,” she stated. She conveyed a deep sense of responsibility toward the nation which has given her immense love and recognition during her acting career.
Interestingly, Ranaut had hinted at her political aspirations earlier. When asked in various fora whether she would dip her toes in the political arena, her responses often alluded to a higher calling, reminiscent of the divine blessings from Lord Krishna, she famously quipped, “Shri Krishna ki kripa rahi to ladenge (If Lord Krishna showers blessings, I will fight).” These sentiments juxtaposed her earlier self-professed persona of being more sensitive than politically inclined.
This exciting turn of events sees Ranaut segue from an illustrious acting career, decorated with several accolades and national awards, to a participant in the country’s vibrant democratic process. Known for her forthright opinions and nationalistic fervor, her entry is speculated to add a new dimension to the political landscape of Mandi.
With film sets and celluloid storytelling behind her, Kangana Ranaut transitions into a new role where the scripts are shaped by policies and the drama unfolds in the hallways of power. Her constituency waits with bated breath to see if this new chapter will lead to a climactic victory or an intriguing plot twist in the saga of Indian politics.
This transition from celebrity to politician is not an isolated phenomenon; actors turning to public service is a recurring theme in Indian politics. Ranaut joins a long list of entertainers who have made a mark in political circles. As the election nears, it remains to be seen how her star power will sway the electorate, and what impact her campaigns will have on the outcomes of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
