Mandi, Himachal Pradesh —
BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut, who recently visited flood-affected areas of Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh, is facing criticism for her controversial remarks regarding her lack of authority and funds to assist in disaster relief.
While inspecting the devastation caused by cloudbursts and flash floods, Ranaut told ANI, “I do not have any funds for disaster relief or hold any Cabinet post. MPs have work that is limited to Parliament. We are very small in the scheme of things.”
Despite the admission, she emphasized her efforts to secure financial aid from the Centre, even as she accused the Congress-led state government of negligence, corruption, and failing to aid the affected people.
“Centre Funds Will Go To Them, Not Me”
She alleged, “People who are responsible are hiding their faces. Central funds will go to them (state government), not to me or Jairam Thakur (Leader of Opposition). I have very little capacity in policymaking at the state or panchayat level.”
According to Ranaut, the central government was responsive, sending in rescue teams swiftly and remaining aware of developments — despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi being on a five-nation tour.
“As an MP, it is my job to bring in funds and convey the ground reality to the government,” she said, adding that local BJP workers were distributing relief materials.
Political Blame Game
Facing criticism from the Congress over her absence from her constituency during the disaster, Ranaut’s visit was seen as a delayed response. Her remarks stirred further debate. Congress and social media users questioned the relevance of electing a public representative who claims to be powerless during a crisis.
Her party colleague Jairam Thakur distanced himself from the issue, stating: “We are concerned about the locals, we live and die for them. I cannot comment on those who are not.”
Ranaut, in turn, took a swipe at the Congress:
“Given how the state government is functioning, I can say that Congress will not return to power in Himachal Pradesh for the next 20 years.”
Grim Ground Reality in Mandi
The floods and cloudbursts have claimed 14 lives in Mandi alone, with 31 still missing, according to the state emergency operation centre. Damage includes:
- 150+ houses collapsed
- 14 bridges washed away
- 200+ roads blocked
- 236 power transformers affected
- 278 drinking water schemes disrupted
- 164 cattle dead
Locals continue to struggle amid blocked transport routes and disrupted electricity and water supplies.
