Responding to the sharp criticism directed at Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut for her absence from her rain-ravaged constituency, Ranaut clarified on Saturday that it was former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur who had advised her not to visit the region till road connectivity is restored, although she tried reaching flood-affected areas in Seraj and other parts of Mandi.
“It’s heart-breaking to see massive flood devastation in Himachal almost every year now. I tried reaching the affected areas, but was advised by Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur to wait until connectivity to rain-hit areas is restored,” Kangana posted on X. She also wrote that she was awaiting clearance from the local administration, and that she would “be there soonest possible”.
Senior BJP leader Jai Ram said Kangana had contacted him soon after the rain disaster. “As the road connectivity was snapped due to cloudbursts and flashfloods, I advised her to visit the affected areas after a day or two. She is in Mumbai currently and there’s no clarity on her visit as of now,” he said.
Questioned about Kangana’s “silence” and “absence” amid the widespread devastation, Jai Ram had earlier said, “I don’t wish to comment on people who have no concern for the public…. We are in touch with those ravaged by the rain disaster… we have to live and die together.”
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