Actor Kangana Ranaut, in an exclusive interview with CNN-News18, recalled how Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president JP Nadda informed her about her candidature for the Lok Sabha polls from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi.
“In 2019, there was possibility to contest… But this time, when there were rumours about me contesting, I called [Home Minister and senior BJP leader] Amit Shah ji’s office. I asked them about the rumours about me getting the Chandigarh, Mathura or Mandi seat. He told me that you are fighting the Lok Sabha polls and we will let you know from where,” said Ranaut.
“It was BJP president JP Nadda ji who finally informed me. He asked me how soon can you come to Delhi? We are announcing your name,” she said.
According to Ranaut, she is the “least political in her family”. “My family is more into politics. They are more aware of the details…On an average, I am travelling 300 km a day…The aggressive campaign is also taking toll on me. I am a little unwell today also…I am eating anything these days. This is completely different from any other career,” she said.
#Exclusive | I am the least political person in my family, my mother was ecstatic after knowing I was contesting elections. There is so much to be done for people: #BJP's candidate from #Mandi @KanganaTeam speaks with @DhantaNews #LokSabhaElections2024 #BJP #HimachalPradesh pic.twitter.com/02u27KIIR7— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 10, 2024
VISION FOR MANDI
“There is no place for my vision… There are so many things which need to be done on a large scale. But basic things are missing. My primary focus is necessities. The roads are in bad condition, schools and hospitals need work,” she said.
“In the Lok Sabha elections, national issues matter, whereas in case of Assembly polls, local issues are key. The Lok Sabha polls are held on the perception of the leader. People want Modi ji as the PM. Even Congress leaders are saying that “aayegi to Modi sarkar hi”,” said Ranaut.
“Women are thrilled with the reservation. Modi ji is a favourite. Accounts, toilets, gas and reservation have been given. I urge voters to cast their votes to strengthen democracy,” she said.
ON THE OPPOSITION ATTACK
“What credentials does my opponent, Congress’s Vikramaditya, have? People will give me an opportunity this time. He is a minister in the state government, but what has he done? He needs to be questioned. I was attacked first and I am not going to take things lying down,” she said.
Commenting on the Opposition’s attack, Ranaut said, “I need to call out their sexism. They are saying things like I don’t look good without make-up, etc. What are these things? I need to call them out. Why do women need to qualify as per their beauty standards? Do I look that bad? We need to condemn this. I did the same in the film industry.”
“Mandi is my home… Regardless of whether I become an MP or not, I will stay here only,” she signed off.
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