Kangana Ranaut's Absence Raises Questions in Mandi Municipal Elections

As the Mandi Municipal Corporation elections draw near, the conspicuous absence of MP Kangana Ranaut from the campaign trail has raised eyebrows among voters and political analysts. With the Congress party intensifying its efforts and fielding strong candidates, questions arise about the BJP's strategy. Former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur is leading the charge for the BJP, while Congress's Vikramaditya Singh actively engages with voters. The political landscape is heating up, and many wonder if Kangana will make an appearance before polling day to rally support for her party. This article delves into the implications of her absence and the evolving dynamics of the election.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 13, 2026, 17:04 IST

Political Dynamics in Mandi Ahead of Elections

Munish Sood
Mandi

As the Mandi Municipal Corporation elections approach, political discussions are intensifying, particularly regarding the noticeable absence of Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut from the campaign trail. This absence has sparked curiosity among voters and political analysts alike.

The significance of this question has grown, especially after Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu entered the fray, indicating that the Congress party is treating these elections as more than just a routine municipal event. Observers are already labeling this election as a 'semi-final' leading up to the next Assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh.

On the BJP front, former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur has taken charge of the campaign, engaging in public meetings, door-to-door outreach, and ward-level interactions to maintain the BJP's influence in the area.

Despite the heightened political stakes, Kangana Ranaut, who is considered one of the BJP's most prominent figures from Himachal at the national level, has not participated in any campaigning activities.

The reasons for her absence remain ambiguous. Is the BJP leadership intentionally keeping her out of the campaign, or do they believe that Jai Ram Thakur can secure victory without her star power?

Political insiders are hesitant to provide insights, but her absence has certainly sparked conversations.

Interestingly, Kangana was actively involved in recent campaigns in states like West Bengal and Assam, where her dynamic speeches attracted large crowds and resonated well with young voters. Party members had previously praised her effectiveness in engaging first-time voters.

This has led to surprise among local BJP supporters regarding her absence from the Mandi campaign, especially as the Congress has fielded some of its strongest candidates in the region.

In contrast, senior Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh, who was Kangana's main opponent in the Lok Sabha elections, has been actively campaigning in Mandi, visiting wards and engaging with voters consistently.

Meanwhile, the BJP's winning MP from Mandi has been conspicuously absent from local political activities.

Political analysts suggest that while Kangana's presence may not drastically change the election outcome, it would certainly invigorate BJP supporters and attract her substantial fan base, particularly among younger voters who often connect more with personalities than traditional political figures.

With polling day fast approaching, it remains uncertain whether the BJP will incorporate its star MP into the campaign or opt to proceed without one of its most influential figures.