Mandi’s Box Office Success: Jairam Thakur Drives Kangana to Victory in Mandi by 74,755 Votes
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Mandi: In a scene resembling Kangana Ranaut’s film “Tanu Weds Manu Returns”, where she finds resolution with actor R Madhavan, the political landscape in Mandi saw a similarly harmonious conclusion. BJP leader Jairam Thakur faced significant opposition both inside and outside his party after the BJP fielded Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut as a candidate.
Congress’s sitting Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, campaigned vigorously for Congress candidate Vikramaditya Singh, mocking Jairam Thakur as the director of a “political film” and predicting it a major flop.
However, Jairam Thakur’s relentless campaigning within Mandi throughout the election period proved pivotal. Party workers attributed Kangana’s historic win to Thakur’s tireless efforts and the dedication of his 12 MLAs, who worked day and night to secure her victory.
Chants of “Aan humari, Shaan humari – Jairam Thakur jaan humari” echoed through the crowds as Kangana addressed her supporters at Seri Manch.
“Over the past three months, Jairam held countless rallies with Kangana and ensured that all his MLAs were fully committed to her victory,” said Joginder Singh, a senior party worker from Mandi Sadar.
Kangana achieved significant victories in Mandi, Jogindernagar, Seraj, Sundernagar, Balh, and Sarkaghat, and also secured wins in Manali, Kullu, Bharmour, Nachan, Banjar, and Karsog, with margins ranging from 2,500 to 7,000 votes. In contrast, Vikramaditya Singh managed to win only in Rampur, Kinnaur, and Lahaul Spiti.
For critics of Jairam Thakur, Kangana’s resounding success has silenced doubts. While the Modi factor may have influenced the outcome, the decisive victory in Mandi clearly demonstrates the electorate’s strong connection to Jairam Thakur.
Kangana also garnered a lead of over 14,000 votes in Thakur’s home turf, Seraj.
“Congress had made various comments about Kangana and even suggested she return to Mumbai, but today’s victory has silenced all critics,” said Jairam Thakur in a post-victory press conference.
Kangana credited Jairam Thakur and his team for their unwavering support, calling him her “margdarshak” (mentor) at Seri Manch. She expressed her deep emotions about becoming an MP from Mandi, seeing it as a homecoming after many years.
In an interview, Kangana’s father, Amardeep Ranaut, told senior journalist Rohan Dua that his daughter never bowed to difficulties, fought her battles alone, and never gave up. “She entered politics with the same determination and succeeded in achieving victory,” he added.
Kangana, hailing from Bhambla village in Mandi district, has risen from a modest background to become a prominent Bollywood figure, overcoming numerous challenges through sheer hard work and dedication.
