MANDI: In a fervent display of political showdown, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) put up a grand spectacle in support of its debutant candidate, Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, in the crucial constituency of Mandi today.

This big show of number served as a direct counter to the Congress's formidable show of support for its Mandi nominee, Vikramaditya Singh.

The BJP's campaign event, held amidst a sea of enthusiastic supporters and seasoned political figures, underscored Kangana Ranaut's emergence as a significant contender in Mandi's politics in particular and in Himachal in general.

Ranaut, aligning herself closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for the nation, fervently championed the BJP's agenda for development and progress.

"I have filed nomination here in this Chhoti Kashi, PM Modi has filed his in Baddi Kashi, Banaras", she said amidst chants of Jai Sri Ram slogans from the Seri Manch in this temple town.  

Ranaut made a impassioned address, dipped in Saffron vocabulary,   resonated with the crowd.

She articulated her commitment to empowering women and advancing the interests of Himachal Pradesh. "We will soon have 22 seats out of 68 seats  reserved for women in Himachal Pradesh", she said.

Her pledge to revive stalled development projects- Shiv Dham, Airport, Railways upto Mandi,  struck a chord with  crowd, who echoed chants of "Jai Shri Ram" and "Bharata Mata ki Jai" in fervent support.

"We will develop tourism in rural areas and remote areas like Pangi and Bharmour, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti by increasing connectivity", she said. 

The BJP's formidable show of support for Kangana Ranaut served as a potent rebuttal to the Congress's efforts to bolster its candidate, Vikramaditya Singh.

Amidst escalating political tensions, both parties are engaged in a battle for supremacy, with each vying to sway voters with their respective narratives of progress and governance.

 Referring to the President of India Smt Draupadi Murmu Kangana  said women in India are on lead roles  in army, in space mission and President as the mindset is changing. 

 "Like a tribal woman, I do that from the tribe, through the tribal tribe, a sister, a mother holds the highest post of the world's largest democracy, becomes the President", she said.

Simultaneously, BJP stalwarts such as former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur and BJP President Rajiv Bindal launched scathing attacks on the Congress party, highlighting its alleged obstructionism and failure to deliver on promises.

Thakur, while praising Ranaut's candidacy as symbolic of Mandi's aspirations, lambasted the Congress's leadership, accusing them of impeding progress and betraying the trust of the people.

"Today's nominations mark a crucial moment for Mandi and the nation. While Kangana represents the aspirations of Mandi, Prime Minister Modi embodies the spirit of the nation's progress," he asserted.

Jai Ram Thakur, launched scathing attacks on the Congress party, particularly targeting Vikramaditya Singh and Chief Minister Sukhu. 

"Congress candidate stalled all Mandi projects- Mandi university, Medical university, Shiv Dham, airport and closed institutions as he being a PWD minister approved their stallation in the Sukhu government cabinet", he charged. 

The Sukhu government hardly exists as in short span of 14 months he lost the support of nine MLAs- six Congress an three independents- who are now with the BJP, Thakur said getting applause from the crowd as it was Jai Thakur's show  his political stakes are high as Kangana is being viewed as PM Modi's candidate.  

Jai Ram Thakur kept other leaders like Anurag Singh Thakur, Harsh Mahajan  from Kangra, Hamirpur out from the nomination show that demonstrates that he has higher stakes in seeing Kangana through in the contest.  

Thakur highlighted the BJP's unwavering dedication to Mandi's development, contrasting it with what he portrayed as the Congress's obstructive tactics and hollow promises.

Bindal, echoing Thakur's sentiments, criticized the Congress's dwindling influence and touted the BJP's unwavering commitment to development and good governance.

"The Congress is decreasing, one by one. From Morarji Bhai Desai to Chandra Shekhar to Kamaraj to Ghulam Nabi Azad, this party has become empty and today it is only the party of late Rajiv Gandhi's family," he proclaimed, emphasizing the BJP's growing support base and Prime Minister Modi's leadership.

As the political  tussle rose to a high pitch, both parties have thrown down the gauntlet in a high-stakes battle for supremacy. 

More rallies and shows await Himachal 55.56 lakh voters till silence descend on June 1 when Himachal will go to polls to seal the fate of candidates.