At first press conference in Mandi, BJP candidate says had to give up several projects because of her ideology
MANDI: At her maiden press conference in Mandi, Bollywood actress and BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut asserted her commitment to Sanatan values, revealing that her stance had cost her projects worth crores.
Kangana emphasised that the film industry was predominantly controlled by the Khans and maintaining a Sanatani ideology was a significant challenge. She did not shy away from criticising the Himachal Pradesh ruling regime, attacking Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and the Congress for their alleged anti-women mindset. She alleged that the Congress promoted familial dynasties, depriving common people of political opportunities.
Standing firm in film industry
Kangana declared, “Although I am not an official BJP worker, I have upheld Sanatan values in the film industry, and this stance has cost me dearly. Brands distanced themselves from me following my statements on the CAA and the farmers’ protests, resulting in the loss of projects worth crores. Despite this, I have no regrets.”
This isolation, she said, led to several friends abandoning her, but she did not lose courage. “There was a time when I had to mortgage my land and jewellery. Like the squirrel that contributed to the construction of Ram Setu by placing small pebbles, I am doing my part. Perhaps this is why the BJP has given me the chance to contest in the elections,” she said.
Critical view of the industry
Ranaut criticised the film industry, stating, “The film industry is dominated by the Khans, and upholding Sanatan values there is a significant achievement. Many in the industry hold anti-national views and create films that demoralise our soldiers. However, there are also those who produce patriotic films like ‘Uri’ and ‘Manikarnika’.”
Targeting political dynasties
Kangana also addressed CM Sukhu’s remark about her being in the state for a two-month shoot, calling it indicative of Congress’s “anti-women” attitude. She highlighted that the BJP had given 50 per cent reservation to women in panchayati raj institutions and was now extending 33 per cent reservation in the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies.
“The Congress, however, only promotes family dynasties. Today, a specific family has been given the ticket from Mandi,” she remarked.
She questioned was there no one left in the Congress besides these families who could contest elections.
“The BJP fielded me because of my public recognition, but an ordinary person cannot withstand the dominance of Congress.”
Kangana concluded by targeting Congress candidate Vikramaditya Singh, stating, “Vikramaditya Singh will need several lifetimes to understand my perspective.”
