BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut on Monday defended her recent remark about not having a cabinet post or disaster relief funds while addressing flood-hit communities in her Lok Sabha constituency, Mandi, in Himachal Pradesh.
Calling the statement a “way of expression,” Ranaut insisted there was nothing controversial in what she said.
Speaking to the media, Ranaut said, “I told the reality to the people about what is in my hands and what is not. As an MP, we have to raise our concerns and bring funds. I have an ambition. I told the people that our party will fulfil all the people's needs.”
The newly elected MP, who recently toured flood-ravaged areas in the region, was reacting to criticism, particularly from the Congress party, over her statement on Sunday.
At the time, she told news agency, “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. But I can help to get disaster funds from the Centre.”
Her comments were swiftly picked up by political opponents, with the Congress mocking her for allegedly arriving late and deflecting responsibility.
In response, Ranaut hit back, saying, “The Congress picked up my two lines and spoke against me. We need to see where they utilise the funds. I am not late to reach people.”
She further announced that she would write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to press for a special package for Himachal Pradesh, where monsoon-related disasters have left a trail of devastation.
According to the state emergency operation centre, at least 78 people have died across the state due to cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides.
Mandi district has been particularly hard hit. Fourteen people have died, and 31 remain missing. More than 150 houses, 106 cattle sheds, 14 bridges, and 31 vehicles have been damaged.
Additionally, over 200 roads are currently inaccessible, and power and water supply have been severely impacted, with 236 transformers and 278 water supply schemes disrupted. A total of 164 cattle have also perished.
Ranaut, who took office following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, said her role as MP is confined to raising issues and lobbying for support at the national level.
She maintained she is “accessible” to her constituents and criticised the Himachal Pradesh Congress-led government for failing to offer adequate relief to victims of the disaster.
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