BJP MP Kangana Ranaut on Wednesday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his ability to connect with voters, asserting that the Prime Minister “does not need to manipulate voting machines” because he has already “hacked the hearts of the people.” Speaking during a discussion on electoral reforms in the Lok Sabha, Ranaut praised Modi’s rapport with citizens and also highlighted broader reforms she believes would strengthen India’s electoral system.

Ranaut strongly advocated for the implementation of One Nation One Election (ONOE), a proposal to hold simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and all state assemblies. She argued that holding concurrent polls would reduce “voting fatigue” and significantly cut down the strain on national resources. “We divert massive resources to elections every other month,” she said, emphasizing the enormous expenditure and administrative burden caused by staggered elections. According to her, the current frequency of polls results in a “severe loss to the country,” draining public funds and government machinery that could otherwise be used for development and welfare initiatives.

During her speech, the Mandi MP also criticized the opposition for repeatedly disrupting proceedings in the House, particularly in response to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. She alleged that the opposition created a ruckus almost daily, engaging in shouting, pushing, and shoving, which she described as “terrifying” for lawmakers attempting to carry out their duties. Ranaut’s remarks framed the protests as a sign of obstructionism rather than constructive engagement in electoral reforms.

Ranaut also took aim at Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, particularly over his reference in Parliament to a Brazilian woman allegedly linked to a vote manipulation controversy in Haryana. According to her, Gandhi’s use of the woman’s image was “inappropriate and misleading”. She noted that despite clarifications from the woman on social media—stating that she had never traveled to India and had no involvement in Haryana elections—her photos were still displayed in the House. Ranaut suggested that Gandhi’s approach distracted from substantive debate and instead relied on sensationalism, saying, “We expected some grand revelation. Instead, he kept circling around Khadi and threads before finally invoking the Brazilian woman.”

Her comments highlighted two major themes: first, a defense of Prime Minister Modi’s popularity and personal rapport with the electorate; and second, a call for structural electoral reforms aimed at efficiency and fairness. By supporting One Nation One Election, Ranaut joined a chorus of BJP leaders who have long argued that simultaneous elections would reduce administrative costs, streamline governance, and improve voter participation.

The MP’s statements also reinforced the BJP’s narrative of Modi as a leader who earns support through genuine engagement and performance, rather than through manipulation or coercion. Her use of the phrase “hacked the hearts of the people” underscored a symbolic portrayal of Modi as a leader whose appeal is organic and widely felt among the electorate, contrasting with claims of technical or procedural influence over election outcomes.

Ranaut’s remarks come amid ongoing debates in Parliament about electoral integrity, revisions to voter lists, and the implementation of reforms to reduce the logistical and financial burden of frequent elections. Her critique of opposition behaviour, alongside her support for ONOE, reflects the ruling party’s broader position that administrative efficiency and voter engagement should take precedence over partisan disruption.

By bringing both the popularity of Modi and structural reform proposals into her argument, Kangana Ranaut aimed to merge symbolic and practical points: symbolic in reinforcing the personal credibility of the Prime Minister, and practical in advocating for policies like ONOE that could transform electoral management. Her condemnation of Rahul Gandhi’s tactics also underscored a political messaging strategy, framing the opposition as focusing on distractions rather than substantive reform.

In summary, Kangana Ranaut’s intervention in the Lok Sabha was a blend of praise for the Prime Minister, advocacy for electoral reform, and criticism of opposition tactics. By highlighting both the emotional connection between Modi and the electorate and the practical need for efficient election management, Ranaut reinforced the BJP’s dual messaging: that governance under Modi is effective and broadly supported, and that reforms like One Nation One Election are essential for reducing election-related strain on national resources. Her remarks also served to underscore her party’s stance that electoral transparency and fairness can coexist with strategic governance reforms, while portraying opposition protests as unproductive.