Will ‘Modi-bhakt’ Kangana Ranaut replace Smriti Irani as govt’s filmy face in NDA 3.0
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MANDI: With flamboyant and outspoken Union Minister Smriti Irani losing the Lok Sabha election from Amethi, one thing being widely speculated in Himachal Pradesh politics is whether Bollywood star-turned-Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut will replace the tele-serial actor as the BJP’s filmy face in the NDA government 3.0.
Smriti had lost her first election from Amethi in 2014. But despite the defeat, she was appointed a minister by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kangana, however, won her debut election and that too by an impressive margin of 74,755 votes. She defeated “powerful” Congress minister Vikramaditya Singh, who is the son of six-term former Chief Minister late Virbhadra Singh and state Congress president Pratibha Singh.
Kangana secured an impressive 5,37,022 votes while Vikramaditya got 4,62,267. The Bollywood actor-turned-politician celebrated her debut win by expressing gratitude to the people of Mandi, attributing her success to their unwavering support and trust. She hailed the victory as a testament to faith in Prime Minister Modi and the BJP, symbolising a triumph for traditional values and the honour of Mandi.
Calling herself a “true Modi devout”, Kangana had campaigned aggressively on the lines of her mentor—targeting ‘parivaarwaad’ (dynastic politics) and nepotism, a battle she fervently fought in the film industry too. By defeating Vikramaditya, she challenged entrenched familial legacies in Himachal.
Known for her outspoken demeanour, Kangana campaigned vigorously throughout the Mandi constituency, rallying large crowds and earning the endorsement of Prime Minister Modi and other senior BJP leader. PM Modi held only two rallies in Himachal, one being in Mandi in Kangana’s favour.
In her post-election remarks, Kangana credited her victory to Narendra Modi, emphasising her alignment with his vision rather than any personal political stature. She emphasised the electorate’s rejection of dynastic politics, expressing a commitment to addressing Mandi’s diverse challenges in consultation with local representatives.
She also acknowledging the role of played by former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur in her electoral success. She pledged to remain engaged with the people of Mandi, steadfast in her resolve to effect positive change and uphold their interests.
Asked in a past interview whether she was eyeing any ministry at the Centre, Kangana had said that it was for PM Modi to decide and that in case she got one, she would serve the post with full dedication.
