‘THALAIVI’ KANGANA WANTS TO TURN ‘JANSEVIKA’
BJP’s star candidate KANGANA RANAUT has big plans for her Mandi constituency. She has been campaigning tirelessly across this picturesque region to wrest the Congress bastion. Taking the time from her hectic schedule, the actorpolitician told Free Press Journal’s SRIPRAKASH MENON how it feels like to be in a real scene, and how difficult and different it is from reel life to live up to people's expectations. Edited excerpts.
Q: Why did you get into active politics, now?
Answer: I have always been a great fan of Prime Miniter Narendra Modiji. He is my inspiration and also the foundation of my political career. I not only admire him as a leader but see in him the kind of leader I want to become in the future.
About getting into politics... I am a strong nationalist, and my thinking is aligned with BJP. I feel it is my duty to do something for people and serve them to repay the debt of Bharat Mata. People have given me a lot. Now, it is my turn and duty to fulfil my responsibilities, and I genuinely want to serve my country. I am the daughter of devbhoomi and have pledged to remain faithful.
Q: How was the response in Mandi before you filed your nomination? Answer: After I filed my nomination, people gave me immense love. There was a new kind of energy and positivity when they came to know their daughter from Mandi is contesting the election. Whenever and wherever I went and even I go, or I am among them, I feel like I am with my family. The love and affection I get is immense and my eyes fill with tears.
Q: You are contesting against Congress leader and Himachal royal Vikramaditya Singh. He is the son of former chief minister Virbhadra Singh. What do you think how you will fare in his citadel? Answer: When Virbhadra Singhji was alive, Mandi loved him. “Time fades” and people want a change. BJP is getting a lot more trust, love and support from people. Virbhadraji was a Congress loyal. After his death, Congress has lost its ground. What Vikramaditya has achieved to date is worth asking and whatever he has earned is inherited from his father.
It is high time Modiji's idea of development and his welfare policies enter the homes and heart of people.
Q: Mandi is popular destination. People from other parts of the country love to visit here. What development or work Mandi as a constituency needs for its constituents, and how you plan to develop it? Who all will be your star campaigners? Will you be inviting cinema icon Amitabh for canvassing?
Answer: I will work as per the requirements of my state... There are many development areas to work in in this mountainous region. Better connectivity is of course an important issue. I will build bridges, tunnels, roads, railways and airports. Not just Mandi entire Himachal Pradesh is beautiful. It's already a tourist hotspot. I will work on the beautification of spots. I want to make Mandi a film city. I intend to build a modern hospital and open Kendriya Vidyalayas in the Mandi district.
Importantantly, I intend to carry out the vision to glorify our culture and heritage not only in India but across the world. About inviting celebs, I don't feel any need to call superstars as BJP has its own superstar and renowned leaders like Modiji, along with other prominents like Amit Shah ji, JP Nadda ji, Nitin Gadkari ji, Yogi Adityanath ji and Smriti Irani.
Q: Will you do films with a new role as an MP, if elected? Answer: No! I want to devote all my time to the welfare of my people in Mandi and Himachal at large. I consider myself lucky that I got this opportunity to serve the people of devbhoomi. I want to dedicate myself to the service of the people and the nation.
Q: Is there a Modi wave in your constituency?
Answer: We are all party workers and our party's actions reflect our respect for Narendra Modiji. Modi factor is our slogan, which is on everyone's lips across the country... “abki baar 400 paar”. Modi wave is not just in Mandi but in the entire country. I believe the Modi wave has swept the world.
Q: As a national awardwinning actor do you think it will be another milestone in your life?
Answer: Yes, absolutely. To date, all the awards I have won have been won for my art. I have always felt proud to receive them. Politics is different. It is a milestone in my life through which I want to create a new identity for myself among people. I want to be known not only Kangana the Bollywood Queen but Kangana the Jansevika.
Q: Any plans to shift base to Mandi or Delhi from Mumbai?
Answer: I have made it clear time and again in my interviews...why will I leave my home and my own people behind. The question has been raised many times by the opposition. I will dedicate my time, hard work to my people in Himachal. Opposition parties are doing propaganda that I will return to Mumbai after the election but do not trust them. I do not forget promises I made and I trust my people for their support and cooperation.
I am a strong nationalist, and my thinking is aligned with BJP. I feel it is my duty to do something for people and serve them to repay the debt of Bharat Mata. People have given me a lot. Now, it is my turn and duty to fulfil my responsibilities, and I want to serve my country. —KANGANA RANAUT