Kangana Ranaut, the Bollywood actor who transitioned into politics and currently serves as a Member of Parliament for the Mandi constituency, has recently expressed reservations about her political career. In an interview, Ranaut confessed that she is not enjoying politics and feels unsuited for the role.
Ranaut stated that she finds herself dealing with issues that seem to her like panchayat-level problems, such as complaints about broken drainage systems. She recounted an instance where people asked her to use her own money to solve these local issues. This is not the kind of work I envisioned, she implied. She said, "Somebody's naali is broken, and I'm like, 'But I am an MP and these people are coming to me with panchayat-level problems'. They don't care. When they see you, they come to you with problems like broken roads, and I tell them that's a state government issue, and they say, 'You have money, you use your own money'".
Ranaut contrasted her current role with her previous work, saying that she had never thought of serving people in this capacity. While she has fought for women's rights, she views that as different from the day-to-day issues she now encounters. She described herself as a "selfish" person who enjoys her luxuries. She further stated that she hopes "God doesn't make me the Prime Minister".
These statements align with her earlier acknowledgement that working in the film industry is easier than politics. She noted that politics requires a lot of effort and described it as a harsh life where only troubled people approach you. In contrast, she said that people are relaxed when they go to watch a film.
Ranaut's journey into politics began with her contesting and winning the Lok Sabha elections in 2024 from the Mandi constituency on a BJP ticket. Despite her initial enthusiasm, she now seems to be grappling with the realities of political life and questioning her suitability for it.
Adding to her troubles, Ranaut has recently faced criticism for her remarks about disaster relief efforts in her constituency, which was affected by monsoon floods. She stated that she does not have any disaster relief funds or a cabinet post. She also said, "I do not have any cabinet, I have two brothers, who keep moving together. This is my cabinet and this is my everything". These comments were perceived as insensitive, especially in light of the suffering caused by the floods.
Amidst the criticism, Ranaut defended her remarks, stating that she was merely conveying the reality of her limitations as an MP. She emphasized that she can only apprise the Prime Minister and Home Minister of the situation and request central assistance. She also pointed out that relief and restoration work is the responsibility of the state government.
Despite her reservations and the controversies, Ranaut has affirmed her commitment to raising concerns and bringing funds to her constituency. She has also criticized the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh for allegedly failing to provide adequate relief to those affected by the floods.