Spiti valley residents protest Kangana’s visit: ‘Go back’ slogans shouted

During her campaign trail in Spiti Valley, Bollywood actress and BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut faced unexpected protests from the local Buddhist community in Kaza. On May 20, a large number of protesters carrying black flags gathered to express their displeasure, chanting slogans “Kangana go back.” The root of their anger was an alleged meme shared by Ranaut, depicting a controversial image of Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama and U.S. President Joe Biden almost locking lips. This incident hurt the sentiments of the Buddhist community, leading to peaceful demonstrations against her.

This was not the first time Ranaut faced backlash for her actions. Previously, she encountered protests outside her office in Mumbai over the same meme. In response to the controversy, Ranaut met with the Dalai Lama and expressed her respect for him and his teachings. Despite this, the protests in Kaza underscored the community’s lingering dissatisfaction.

Amidst the protests, Ranaut continued her campaign efforts, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his development initiatives in border areas. She highlighted the significance of having a tribal woman, Draupadi Murmu, as the President, attributing this achievement to Modi’s vision. According to an official BJP press release, Ranaut emphasized Modi’s role in restoring the pride of the tribal society and recognizing their contributions to the freedom movement.

Ranaut also took the opportunity to criticize her rival, Vikramaditya Singh, accusing him of being tainted due to Enforcement Directorate raids. In a moment of confusion during her speech, she mistakenly suggested that Rahul Gandhi would leave the country after the elections, but quickly corrected herself to say that Gandhi moved from Amethi to Raebareli due to his fear of Smriti Irani.

Meanwhile BJP State president Rajeev Bindal addressing a press conference, said that the incident that happened today in Kaza of Lahaul-Spiti Assembly constituency is not only condemnable but is also a well-planned conspiracy of the Congress party. Former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur reached Kaza with two election candidates Kangana Ranaut and Ravi Thakur. Despite giving written information to SDM and DC in advance, Congress people were allowed to hold a meeting there. The place which was given to the Bharatiya Janata Party, was exactly opposite to it.  s per the well-planned strategy of the Congress, as soon as the public meeting ended, the Congress people moved towards the public meeting and sat on the road with black flags, on the road from which Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur, Kangana Ranaut and Ravi Thakur had to go, he confirmed. While giving permission in this, the administration and the government did not try to know which Congress leaders were coming there? He said that no Congress leader came there and the vehicles of Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur, Kangana Ranaut and Ravi Thakur were attacked as part of a planned conspiracy. Bharatiya Janata Party Yuva Morcha worker Rohan Kapoor was brutally beaten up, he alleged.

While accusing the Election Commission, he said that the EC is giving protection to the government, free and fair elections are not visible in any form in Himachal Pradesh. He said that the BJP has filed a report and an FIR in the matter, but no action is being expected, he rued.