Mandi Lok Sabha Seat: Himachal Pradesh Congress chief Pratibha Singh said on Monday that the Congress party has not yet taken any final decision on the candidate from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi seat. This comes amid speculation that the grand old party may field Pratibha Singh's son Vikramaditya from the Mandi Lok Sabha seat. Pratibha Singh, who is the wife of former chief minister Virbhadra Singh, is the sitting MP from Mandi. The Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded actor Kangana Ranaut from the seat.
On the contest on Mandi seat and Vikramaditya's likely candidature, Pratibha Singh said that the final decision is not yet taken and the candidate who is best suited should be chosen by the grand old party. She also said that the seat is crucial for the Congress, as the BJP will also fight the election from the seat with full strength.
"The final decision is not yet taken; yes, discussions were held, and everyone had the opinion that there is an age factor. Kangana is a young girl; she must be 36–37 years old, and Vikramaditya is also 34 years old. If there has to be a competition, it should be between people of the same age group who are energetic, capable enough to influence people, good orators, and can connect with the youth. These were the plus points based on which all the leaders suggested," Pratibha Singh said.
"Although all of them are aware that I am the sitting MP from Mandi, denying me the ticket will not be easy for them. But everyone suggested that for us, this Mandi seat is very crucial because the BJP candidate from here has the blessings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and they are also going to fight the election from here with full strength. Even we should not leave any stone unturned, and there should be no compromise. The candidate that we feel is the best for this seat should be fielded, the Congress Himachal Pradesh chief further stated.
Pratibha Singh On Kangana Ranaut's Candidature
Speaking on the saffron party's Mandi Lok Sabha seat candidate Kangana Ranaut, Pratibha Singh said that there is no need to comment on her and her personal life and one should never think that the enemy is weak.
"We don't need to comment on her what she eats and her personal life. We have to work for development. We will definitely win this seat by fighting on issues. See, when you enter a field, you should never think of your enemy as weak. It is a political face-off and people will choose their MP," the Congress leader said.
Ultimately Party Has To Decide: Vikramaditya Singh
Himachal Pradesh minister Vikramaditya Singh said, "...The CEC meeting on April 13 will decide who will be given the ticket from Mandi. Pratibha Singh has served there for a long time...Ultimately the party has to decide. All the pros & cons have to be taken into consideration. We will not just fight but fight to win, we will definitely win."