Bollywood actor and BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut, contesting for the Mandi parliamentary constituency, firmly denied accusations of consuming beef, branding them as “shameful,” and reasserted her commitment to her Hindu identity. Ranaut unequivocally declared, “I don’t consume beef or any other kind of red meat,” expressing disappointment at the propagation of unfounded rumors regarding her dietary habits.
Addressing the issue on social media, Ranaut reiterated her longstanding advocacy for a yogic and Ayurvedic lifestyle, emphasizing the futility of attempts to tarnish her reputation. She proclaimed her unwavering allegiance to her faith, stating, “My people know me, and they know that I am a proud Hindu, and nothing can ever mislead them. Jai Shri Ram.”
Ranaut’s clarification came in response to remarks by Maharashtra Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on April 5, alleging her consumption of beef. Maharashtra BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye criticized Wadettiwar’s comments, condemning them as reflective of the “dirty culture” prevalent within the Congress party. Upadhye rebuked the Congress for resorting to personal attacks instead of engaging in substantive discourse, attributing it to a “defeatist mentality.”
Amidst the political exchanges, speculation arose regarding the Congress party’s potential candidate for the Mandi parliamentary constituency. Vikramaditya Singh, Minister of Public Works Department and Urban Development in the Himachal Pradesh government, emerged as a possible contender against Kangana Ranaut. The Mandi constituency, presently represented by Vikramaditya’s mother, Pratibha Singh, is scheduled for polls in the final phase of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 on June 1, with vote counting slated for June 4.
