There's resentment among BJP leaders over Kangana's candidature from Mandi: Cong leader Naresh Chauhan

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], April 22 (ANI): Vice President of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee Naresh Chauhan on Monday said that there has been resentment among the BJP leaders over ticket being given to actor-turned politician Kangana Ranaut from Mandi seat for the Lok Sabha polls.
He noted that there's apprehension among the locals regarding her availability to the people post-election, citing a perceived trend of celebrities being inaccessible once elected. Chauhan also highlighted resentment among BJP leaders and workers in Mandi, attributing it to multiple aspirants vying for candidacy in the parliamentary constituency.
"After Kangana ji was announced as BJP's Candidate from Mandi there was resentment among the BJP leadership as they also wanted to contest the elections. But it is their own decision , I think that the issue is that they want a representative who remains with them but if we see the track record of celebrities in Indian politics, they have a busy schedule," Chouhan said.
Hailing Congress candidate Vikramaditya Singh, Chauhan said, "The Congress candidate is a man of public and his father and mother have represented the Mandi Parliamentary Constituency".
Highlighting Congress party's preparations ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Naresh Chauhan said that the team of the Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is leading the poll campaign in the state. He said that Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and party chief Malikarjun Kharge will take the lead for campaign in Himachal Pardesh next month.
"Our campaign primarily involves the Ministers, MLAs, and other leaders who are actively campaigning. However, the candidates for two parliamentary constituencies and six Assembly By-elections are still pending for finalization, which we aim to conclude by the end of this week. Given that six MLAs have already rebelled from the party, we're not willing to take any risks. Our campaign will kick off with prominent star campaigners." Chauhan elaborated.
"As far as the campaign is concerned the Chief Minister, Ministers and state party Chief will be there and as we have elections in the last phase, the big leaders will also lead the campaign. The Congress leader Rahul Gandhi , Priyanka Gandhi and Kharge ji will lead the campaign. The main responsibility will be with the Chief Minister and his team. The elections are scheduled in Himachal Pradesh in the last phase. The Congress party has done surveys and feedback from the workers for the past two days," he said.

The 2024 Indian general election in Himachal Pradesh will be held on 1 June 2024, during the 7th phase, to elect 4 members of the 18th Lok Sabha, and the results will be declared on 4 June. (ANI)