"If you consider me outsider...": Hema Malini hits back at Congress allegation

Actor-turned-politician Hema Malini, contesting for re-election as Mathura MP, responded to criticism from her Congress rival Mukesh Dhangar, who labeled her an "outsider," by asserting her deep connection to the region and her decade-long service to its people Malini rebuffed the outsider accusation, stating, "I have become a brijwasi in 10 years. I am a devotee of Lord Krishna... I am proud of the work that I have done here." "And if you consider me an outsider, then I would like to say that outsiders work better. The people who live here don't always know what is good or bad, and what can be better, but did not happen. Because we are from outside, we see more and have more experience. So we want more to happen here. As an MP, I got a lot of things done here by coordinating with ministers," she said.

Addressing the changing political landscape, Malini acknowledged the positive shift in equations with RLD leader Jayant Chaudhary, who is now supporting her candidacy after RLD's entry into the NDA. Regarding controversies surrounding Congress leader Randeep Surjewala's remarks, Malini maintained composure, emphasizing the need for respectful discourse in politics. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath came to her support, condemning derogatory remarks against women in politics. On actor Kangana Ranaut's political debut and subsequent criticism from Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate, Malini expressed confidence in Ranaut's ability to navigate political challenges, citing her success in the film industry.