Amisha Patel campaigns for Congress in Himachal

Taking a jibe at BJP's incumbent MP Anurag Thakur, who is also president of the state cricket association, Bollywood actress Amisha Patel Friday said he was seen more with celebrities.

Campaigning for Congress candidate Rajinder Rana for the Hamirpur Lok Sabha seat, the BJP's pocket borough, Amisha said: "Thakur is often seen in Mumbai, Dubai and South Africa and is well aware of the names of film stars."

Describing Rana as a down-to-earth man, the actress said: "He is so simple he hardly even knows the names of any of them (actors) and also forgot my name though I have come to seek support of the people for him."

Amisha, who also participated in road shows in the scorching heat, asked the people to vote for such a candidate who is committed to the well-being of the citizens.

State Youth Congress president Vikramaditya Singh sought vote for change and asked people to ensure victory of the candidate who was available as and when required.

The Congress, which is hoping to wrest the BJP's bastion Hamirpur constituency, has pitched Rana against two-time MP Thakur, son of former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal.

The Aam Aadmi Party has fielded Kamal Kanta Batra, mother of the 1999 Kargil war hero Capt Vikram Batra, from Hamirpur, a constituency which is home to a large number of military personnel and ex-servicemen.

The Congress won the Hamirpur Lok Sabha seat only once in the past 25 years when Vikram Singh won in 1996.

Balloting for the four Lok Sabha seats in Himachal Pradesh will be held May 7.