The Congress party has strongly criticized BJP MP Kangana Ranaut for what they deem as insensitive remarks made during her visit to flood-affected areas in her constituency, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. The controversy arose after a video surfaced where Ranaut, commenting on disaster relief efforts, flippantly stated she lacks an official cabinet to provide assistance, adding her brothers were her cabinet.
The Congress party swiftly condemned Ranaut's statement, calling it insensitive and highlighting the distress of the people affected by the cloudburst in Mandi. They criticized her for allegedly making light of the situation, posting on X (formerly Twitter): "In Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, a cloudburst has caused widespread devastation. People are distressed, their lives completely upended. Mandi's MP Kangana arrived there after several days and, laughing, said, 'What can I do, I don't have a cabinet position.' Show some compassion, Kangana ji".
Adding to the criticism, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate also attacked Ranaut, remarking that even BJP's Jairam Thakur was "left speechless in the face of Kangana Ji's insensitivity". Shrinate questioned how Ranaut could be in a mood for "sarcasm, jokes, and laughter" when people had lost everything.
Ranaut's visit to Mandi followed criticism regarding her delayed response and absence from the flood-hit region. Prior to her visit, when questioned about Ranaut's absence, Jairam Thakur said, "I do not wish to comment on those who do not care". The Congress party seized upon this comment, stating, "MP Kangana Ranaut is not concerned about the people of Mandi' - we are not saying this, former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur said this".
In response to the backlash, Ranaut issued a statement explaining that she had been advised by Jairam Thakur to postpone her visit until connectivity to the affected areas was restored. She also expressed her heartbreak at the devastation caused by the floods and affirmed her commitment to stand with Himachal Pradesh in every situation.
Upon visiting Mandi, Ranaut addressed the controversy surrounding her absence, stating that it was politically motivated and that she had been in Mumbai for only two days. She also claimed that Thakur's comments had been misinterpreted and that she had spoken to him personally. Ranaut further stated that she had informed the Prime Minister's Office about the damage in Himachal Pradesh and would strive to secure maximum funding to help the state recover from the disaster. She also defended herself by saying it was impossible for a MP to be present everywhere and that her team has been actively working on the ground.
The floods in Himachal Pradesh have resulted in widespread devastation, with Mandi being one of the worst-affected districts. Since June 20, the monsoon season has claimed numerous lives and caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, water schemes, and power transformers. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) estimates significant financial losses to public and private property. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of continued heavy showers in the state.
