Kangana Ranaut Addresses Lok Sabha for First Time, Highlights Challenges Faced by Himachal’s Tribal Areas

Bollywood star and newly elected Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut delivered her maiden speech in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, spotlighting the issues confronting the tribal regions of her Mandi constituency in Himachal Pradesh.

Ranaut commenced her address by expressing gratitude to the Lok Sabha Speaker for granting her the opportunity to speak during the pivotal hours of Parliament’s monsoon session. Her speech centered on the cultural and traditional challenges faced by the tribal communities in Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, and Bharmour, which she attributed to the pressures of modernization.

In her speech, Ranaut voiced concerns about the erosion of traditional art forms, music, attire, and cultural practices in these regions. She questioned the Central Government on the steps being taken to safeguard the rich tribal heritage of Himachal Pradesh. “The modernization of our times is gradually erasing our traditional art forms and cultural practices. I urge the Centre to take concrete measures to preserve the unique heritage of our tribal regions,” she said.

Ranaut, who won the Mandi Lok Sabha seat in the 2024 elections, defeated Congress candidate Vikramaditya Singh, who also serves as the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department Minister, by a significant margin of 74,755 votes.

Her entry into the political arena in the Mandi constituency has added a new dimension to Himachal Pradesh’s political landscape. Known for her candid and often controversial views, Ranaut ran an extensive campaign that resonated with a large electorate. She garnered substantial support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other prominent BJP leaders, further bolstering her campaign’s visibility and impact.

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