Vikramaditya Singh Vs Kangana Ranaut On Mandi LS Seat? Himachal Cong Chief Says 'Consensus Reached'

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The Congress CEC has finalised Vikramaditya Singh and Vinod Sultanpuri as their candidates for the Mandi and Shimla Lok Sabha constituencies in Himachal Pradesh, sources said.

File Photo of Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh and BJP's Mandi candidate Kangana Ranaut ( Image Source :PTI )

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: In a significant development ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress Central Election Committee has finalised candidates for two seats in Himachal Pradesh during its recent meeting, sources said. According to the Himachal Pradesh Congress chief Pratibha Singh, a consensus has been reached on her son Vikramaditya Singh's candidature from the Mandi constituency.

Speaking on the selection process to news agency ANI, Mandi's incumbent MP Pratibha Singh stated, "Discussions were held on the two-three names that we shortlisted. It depends on the high command, on Mallikarjun Kharge that what names they approve."

Additionally, she emphasised, "All our senior leaders believe that this time a young leader should be fielded. So, a consensus has been reached on the name of Vikramaditya (Singh)...The names will be finalised soon..."

#WATCH | Himachal Pradesh Congress chief Pratibha Singh says, "Discussions were held on the 2-3 names that we shortlisted. It depends on the high command, on Mallikarjun Kharge that what names they approve."

On Mandi constituency, she says, "All our senior leaders believe that… pic.twitter.com/U0Ri50z8zi

— ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2024

Regarding the Congress CEC meeting for Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu informed that discussions were held for four seats. "Ticket for Mandi will also be declared soon," he told ANI.

Himachal Pradesh Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri said, "It has been decided that candidates for 50% of seats will be announced first. The remaining 50% of seats will be announced later. We have decided that we will field MLAs..."

#WATCH | Delhi: Himachal Pradesh Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri says, "There are 4 seats in Himachal Pradesh. It has been decided that candidates for 50% of seats will be announced first. The remaining 50% of seats will be announced later. We have decided that we will field MLAs..." pic.twitter.com/HfFlzGURxe

— ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2024

Meanwhile, according to sources, Vinod Sultanpuri's ticket from Shimla has also been confirmed.

Vikramaditya Singh Responds To Kangana Ranaut 'Bada Pappu, Chhota Pappu' Jibe

This comes as Himachal Pradesh is already witnessing a back-and-forth between Vikramaditya Singh and Kangana Ranaut over "pappu" remarks and claims of latter consuming beef.

In response to recent remarks made by BJP's Mandi Lok Sabha seat candidate Kangana Ranaut, the Congress has issued a sharp rebuke, urging her to focus on relevant issues concerning the hill state. Vikramaditya Singh expressed his disappointment over Ranaut's choice of language during a political speech in Manali. He stated, "I respect Kangana Ranaut a lot... But never before had such language been used in this holy land. She delivered a political speech in Manali, where she used an abusive term. She was in Manali but failed to talk about the local issues."

Singh further criticised Ranaut's absence during a natural disaster in Manali, highlighting the Congress party's efforts in relief and restoration work. He urged Ranaut to articulate her vision for Himachal Pradesh instead of engaging in derogatory remarks. "She abused our party, Himachal Pradesh, and me... We were on the ground after the disaster and ensured that restoration and relief works were carried out at the earliest. You [Kangana Ranaut] did not come to Manali even for a day. She needs to talk about her vision for Himachal," he further said.

Addressing Ranaut's comment referring to Congress leaders as "Bada Pappu" and "Chhota Pappu," Singh emphasised that the people of Himachal are more concerned about the development plans for the state rather than personal attacks.

Kangana at a recent public meeting took a dig at the Congress and said that a "Bada Pappu" was sitting in Delhi and a "Chhota Pappu was sitting in Himachal". "Pappu" is used in a derogatory manner by the BJP and the Right-wing to refer to former Congress president Rahul Gandhi while "Chhota Pappu" was a clear reference to Vikramaditya Singh. Kangana was speaking about the allegation against her that she liked beef.

(With Inputs By Jainendra Kumar)