Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut, who is also the BJP MP from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, has launched a sharp critique against the Congress-led state government, asserting that if their relief efforts continue in the current manner, “Congress won’t return to power in Himachal Pradesh for the next 20 years.”
The context behind Kangana’s remarks
On Sunday, Kangana visited various flood-affected areas in her constituency, meeting families who suffered losses due to heavy rains and landslides that have devastated several districts, including Mandi, Kullu, and Kinnaur, over the past fortnight.
Speaking to media persons after interacting with affected villagers, she said:
“I am saddened to see the plight of people here. The relief work is extremely slow. If the Congress government continues like this, they will lose the trust of the people completely and won’t return to power for at least 20 years.”
Highlights of Kangana’s visit to Mandi
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Areas visited | Pandoh, Sadar Mandi, Kataula, and adjoining landslide-hit villages |
| Interactions held | Met families whose houses and farmlands were damaged; local traders facing road blockade losses |
| Relief materials distributed | Dry ration kits, tarpaulins, bottled water |
| Key issues raised | Delay in clearing blocked highways; lack of compensation disbursement; pending rehabilitation of landslide-displaced families |
| Promise made by Kangana | To take up all concerns with the Centre for urgent intervention and expedite aid |
Her criticism of the state government
Kangana directly blamed the Congress administration led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for inadequate and delayed relief operations. She stated:
“This is a natural calamity, but the suffering is made worse by the unpreparedness and negligence of the state government. The people here feel abandoned.”
Congress’ response to Kangana’s remarks
Reacting to Kangana Ranaut’s statements, Congress MLA from Mandi Sadar, Anil Sharma, countered:
“Instead of playing politics at such a time, she should coordinate with state officials and provide solutions. Relief work is being carried out continuously, despite challenging weather and road conditions.”
The ruling Congress party accused Kangana of “dramatizing natural disasters for political mileage” and highlighted that CM Sukhu has been touring affected districts, releasing funds for emergency work, and seeking additional aid from the Centre.
Mandi’s current flood and landslide situation
| Impact parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Casualties | Over 40 deaths reported in Himachal since monsoon onset |
| Damaged houses | Nearly 1,200 houses partially or fully damaged |
| Road closures | National Highway-3 and other arterial roads blocked at multiple points |
| Economic loss | Estimated at over ₹2,500 crore in agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure sectors |
The state’s Disaster Management Authority has been working with NDRF teams to restore connectivity and evacuate stranded people, but intermittent heavy rains continue to hinder operations.
Kangana’s focus as Mandi MP
Since winning the Lok Sabha seat, Kangana has made disaster management preparedness, infrastructure revival, and tourism boost her declared priorities. During her campaign, she promised improved road connectivity to remote areas and special disaster relief mechanisms for the hill state.
Experts view on her criticism
Political analyst Ramesh Negi observed:
“Such strong statements by Kangana show her intent to establish herself as a vocal leader, but they also reflect public frustration. While disaster relief is a state subject, coordination with the Centre is equally crucial. Her role can bridge this gap.”
Environmentalist Dr. Shekhar Pathak cautioned:
“While political critique is valid, leaders must remember that Himachal’s fragile ecosystem requires long-term planning beyond immediate relief, including regulated construction and scientific slope management.”
BJP leaders support Kangana’s stance
Local BJP leaders backed Kangana’s criticism, alleging that the Congress government has failed to utilise even centrally allocated disaster relief funds. Former CM Jairam Thakur said:
“People of Himachal are suffering while the Congress focuses only on blaming the Centre instead of fixing bottlenecks in local administration.”
Kangana’s social media appeal
Later in the evening, Kangana posted photos of her visit on Instagram, writing:
“It pains me to see my brothers and sisters suffer like this. Roads are broken, houses lost, and the administration is invisible. I will fight to get every possible help for Mandi.”
Her post garnered lakhs of likes, with supporters praising her ground outreach, while critics called it political opportunism amid crisis.
Congress vs BJP narrative in Himachal Pradesh
| Congress stand | Relief work is ongoing despite adverse conditions; Centre must release more funds |
|---|---|
| BJP stand | State government is incompetent; Central government ready to extend full support if local administration cooperates |
Previous record of Himachal in disaster management
Himachal Pradesh, due to its topography, faces frequent landslides, cloudbursts, and flash floods. However, poor slope stabilisation, unplanned road widening, and illegal construction have exacerbated vulnerabilities, according to a 2023 IIT-Roorkee report.
Future steps sought by Mandi residents
- Immediate road clearance and bridge repairs for restoring connectivity.
- Quick disbursement of compensation to families who lost houses, land, or livestock.
- Long-term slope stabilisation projects to prevent recurring landslides.
- Development of dedicated disaster relief units with advanced rescue equipment in all districts.
Conclusion
Kangana Ranaut’s blistering remarks against Congress’ relief operations have added a new political dimension to Himachal Pradesh’s disaster management crisis. While her statements have intensified BJP’s attack on the ruling party, affected citizens continue to await urgent aid to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
As monsoon rains continue to batter the hill state, the coming days will test both political will and administrative readiness to provide timely relief, effective rehabilitation, and resilient infrastructure development for a disaster-prone region like Himachal Pradesh.
Disclaimer: This article summarises public statements and ground realities reported from Mandi. Readers are advised to verify official government notifications and advisories before planning any travel or aid activities in flood-affected districts.
