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In a swipe at BJP's Mandi Lok Sabha candidate Kangana Ranaut over her latest social media post, marvelling at the scenic beauty of the Pangi Valley, Chief Minister Sukhwinder Sukhu said the actor-turned-politician was in the hill state for a 'month-long vacation'.
Taking to her personal X handle, the fiery actor-turned-politician shared images of herself posing in the backdrop of some scenic locales in the Pangi Valley, with a caption that read, "Pangi is located on the borders of Chamba, Kashmir and Spiti. It's a beautiful blend of Kashmir and Himachal landscapes. One of the most gorgeous places I ever saw. Can definitely be developed as one of the most sought-after tourist places #mandiconstituency." Taking a dig at the BJP candidate over the caption, the Congress' Himachal unit posted, "Kangana-ji has really come here to celebrate her holidays! She does not know that Pangi is not near Kashmir but Jammu. Her knowledge was evident from the 'India got independence after the year 2014' statement." "Now tell me! What is the use of wasting your vote on someone who does not know the history and geography of Himachal? Madam has come here for a month's vacation, she will go back to Mumbai after celebrating. What is the use of taking her words seriously?" read the post by the Himachal Congress. Not known to hold back, the BJP candidate recently stirred a row reaffirming her earlier statement that the country attained independence to the coming of the BJP-led NDA government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in 2014. Earlier, in 2022, Kangana claimed that India attained freedom through 'bheek' (handout) and 'real independence' was achieved in 2014. The remark drew fury, with many accusing the actor-turned-politician of insulting freedom fighters and India's struggle for independence. Earlier, on Monday, black flags were shown and slogans raised against Kangana during her visit to Kaza in the idyllic Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal. Some people also chanted "Kangana Ranaut go back" as the actor arrived in the district. The BJP was quick to point fingers at the ruling party in the state, claiming that the Congress was behind the protest. Kangana, flanked by former chief minister Jairam Thakur, visited Kaza to address a public rally. Kangana is contesting the Congress stronghold of Mandi against Vikramaditya Singh, the son of late former CM Virbhadra Singh. The Mandi constituency holds symbolic significance for the Congress, as it is considered a bastion of the Virbhadra family. The seat is currently held by Pratibha Devi Singh, the late leader's widow. She wrested the seat for the Congress in the bye-election that was held following the demise of then-BJP MP Ram Swaroop Sharma. Polling in Himachal, which is scheduled for June 1, will not only pit candidates vying for Lok Sabha membership from four seats but also elect members for six assembly seats that fell vacant following the resignation and switchover of dissident Congress lawmakers. The BJP, which won all four Lok Sabha constituencies in the state in the 2019 elections, is eyeing an encore this time. (ANI)
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