Mandi's Royal Rumble: Who is Vikramaditya Singh, the Cong candidate taking on Kangana Ranaut?

Vikramaditya Singh, 34, son of former chief minister Virbhadra Singh, is set to contest against Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut in the Mandi Parliamentary constituency.

Despite his Congress affiliation, he's known for his saffron scarf and frequent 'Jai Sri Ram' posts on social media. He defied party rules by attending the Ram Mandir consecration in Ayodhya.

After his name was recommended by state committees, he met Sonia Gandhi for approval. The move to field him instead of his mother indicates a shift in Congress's strategy.

Vikramaditya's education

Vikramaditya, did his schooling from Bishop Cotton School in Shimla and graduated from Hansraj College and later St. Stephen's College in Delhi. Despite resigning as a cabinet minister over internal party issues, he remains committed to principled politics.

He was born on October 17, 1989, into the illustrious Royal family of Himachal Pradesh, his foray into politics seemed almost predestined. His father, Virbhadra Singh, a towering figure in Himachal Pradesh politics, served as chief minister six times leaving a profound imprint on the state's political landscape.

Vikramaditya's formal entry into politics occurred in 2013-2014 when he contested the state youth congress election, signaling his intent to carve his own path within the political arena.

In 2017, at the age of 28, Vikramaditya secured a significant milestone by winning a seat in the state assembly from Shimla (rural), following in his father's footsteps. His election marked a continuation of the family's political legacy, with both father and son serving together in the House until Virbhadra Singh's passing in July 2021.

His decision to contest against Ranaut comes amidst political drama and challenges within the Congress. Despite facing demoralization among party workers and resource constraints compared to Ranaut, Singh aims to uphold his family's political legacy and take on the BJP's high-profile candidate.

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