Not an ‘easy take’ for Navneet Rana in Amravati 

Incumbent Independent MP Navneet Kaur Rana, now contesting the seat on a BJP ticket, is battling discontent both from within and without

In the bustling political scene of communally sensitive Amravati, actor-turned-Independent MP Navneet Kaur Rana is preparing for a role that, while familiar, comes with a new twist.

Though she isn’t a new face, the upcoming contest is unlikely to be an easy ride for her as she now steps into the electoral fray under the banner of the Bharatiya Janata Party, stirring discontent within the party and its allies.

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When The Hindu met her on Thursday, her campaign had temporarily halted due to Id-ul-Fitr. However, she remained busy meeting constituents seeking her assistance, from a desperate young father pleading for blood units for his hospitalised daughter to an elderly couple seeking help in saving their cattle shed from demolition. These events are also “meet and greet” with members of different communities, as her husband, three-time Independent MLA Ravi Rana, lends a helping hand.

Ms. Rana meets people, accepts their invitations, petitions, and obliges to several rounds of photographs. She is familiar with the challenges amidst unfamiliar dynamics, including the noticeable absence of BJP supporters at her residence, despite her being the party candidate. However, she tries to “ignore” them and says, “Neta, neta nahi banata hai. [Voters choose a leader, not the other way around].” Though local leaders are against her, voters are on her side, she said. “Recognising my work, Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah asked me to contest on a BJP ticket and I’m the first ever candidate to fight the Amravati Lok Sabha election on Lotus symbol,” the leader said.

Ms. Rana highlights her accessibility to constituents, her active presence and engagement in the area, particularly women who see her as a friend or “bhabhi” (sister-in-law).

She dismisses the challenges posed by the BJP’s allies and opponents in the elections. “Setting aside political differences, it’s crucial for all stakeholders to rally behind the BJP’s vision for regional development. It’s important to consider what tangible benefits an Opposition member can deliver to their constituency while sitting on the sidelines. A vote for me is a vote for PM Modi,” she said, adding that despite being an Independent MP, her constructive relationship with BJP leaders facilitated the implementation of several welfare projects in her constituency.