The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unveiled its candidacy slate for upcoming elections in Rajasthan and Manipur, making the strategic decision to replace three incumbent lawmakers with fresh faces. Union minister of state for external affairs and Inner Manipur seat representative, Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, was among those not renominated, being succeeded by state education minister Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh. Meanwhile, in Rajasthan, Kanhaiya Lal Meena is to represent Dausa and Indu Devi Jatav for Karauli-Dholpur, with former representatives Jaskaur Meena and Manoj Rajoria being edged out from the electoral contest.
Rajasthan’s electoral battle outlines 24 out of 25 Lok Sabha seats, with pending decision on Bhilwara’s representation. In Manipur, while the BJP has opted out of Outer Manipur’s contest, extending support to an ally’s candidate, the Inner Manipur seat remains a crucial battleground, particularly due to its historical significance and demographic complexity involving the Meiteis community. Basanta Kumar Singh, succeeding the Union Minister, brings his experiences as a former Indian Police Service officer into the political fray, going up against diverse contenders, including a JNU professor, regional politicians, and an actor.
The pre-election climate is not just about candidature replacements, as Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut gears up for a political debut in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. With her family’s historical ties to politics, Ranaut’s entrance into the election race has sparked discussions and controversies, notably with a contentious deleted social media post by a Congress leader. As she prepares to launch her campaign in late March, Ranaut’s foray into politics signifies an intriguing blend of entertainment and political spheres, potentially influencing the electoral vibe in Himachal Pradesh.