Mandi: BJP Member of Parliament and actor Kangana Ranaut has sparked widespread criticism over her comments during a recent visit to flood-hit regions of Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district, the constituency she represents. Her remarks, seen by many as dismissive, have been condemned by the ruling Congress, with party leaders accusing her of mocking the suffering of disaster-stricken residents.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Ranaut said she lacked both cabinet authority and access to government funds, stating, “Whether it’s disaster relief or the disaster itself – I don’t have any official cabinet. I have my two brothers who are always with me. That’s my cabinet… 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.” The statement, delivered with a laugh, quickly drew public backlash.
The Congress Party wasted no time in responding. Sharing a video clip of Ranaut’s media interaction, the party wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “In Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, a cloudburst has caused massive destruction. People are distressed, their entire world has been ruined. Mandi’s MP Kangana arrived there after several days and, laughing, said – ‘What can I do, I don’t have a cabinet position’. Please show some sensitivity, Kangana ji.”
Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate also criticized Ranaut’s demeanor, saying her response was out of touch with the scale of human suffering: “Kangana ji’s insensitivity has even left BJP’s Jairam Thakur stunned… People have lost everything, and she finds sarcasm, mockery, and laughter appropriate?”
Ranaut’s visit came several days after flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall devastated large parts of the district. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, 14 people have lost their lives and over 30 are still missing. More than 150 homes and dozens of bridges have been destroyed, while hundreds of roads and utility lines remain out of service.
Attempting to clarify her role, Ranaut emphasized that MPs do not handle on-ground disaster response but instead act as intermediaries between the Centre and state. “The relief and restoration works have to be done by the state government, and as an MP, I can only apprise the prime minister and the home minister about the situation and seek liberal assistance,” she said.
She also expressed frustration with the state’s handling of the crisis and made a bold political prediction: “How the state government is functioning, I can say that Congress will not come to power in the state for the next 20 years.” Despite distancing herself from direct relief responsibilities, Ranaut affirmed that she would push for central aid, “Our government and administration are closely monitoring the situation, and relief efforts are underway. Road connectivity is being restored. Our teams [are present] in every affected area,” she added.
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