Kangana Ranaut Defends Statement on Limited Role in Flood Relief Efforts
Actor-turned-BJP MP Kangana Ranaut on Monday remained firm on her recent comments during her visit to the flood-affected areas of Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. She clarified that her remarks — stating she neither holds a cabinet position nor has access to disaster relief funds — were simply her way of being transparent with the public.
Speaking to India Today TV, Ranaut said, “I told the people the reality — what’s in my hands and what isn’t. As an MP, my role is to raise issues and bring funds. I have my limitations, but I assured everyone that our party will do everything needed to support them.”
Ranaut rejected the idea that her statements were controversial. “That’s just how I express myself,” she said.
She also shared her intention to write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the Centre to provide a special relief package for Himachal Pradesh, which has been devastated by heavy rain, cloudbursts, and landslides — resulting in 78 deaths statewide.
Hitting back at Congress leaders for criticizing her over the timing of her visit, she said, “They picked two lines from what I said and tried to create noise. Instead of questioning me, we should ask how they are using the funds. I wasn’t late in reaching my people.”
Ranaut had earlier told ANI, “I don’t have disaster relief funds or a cabinet post. As MPs, our work is mostly in Parliament — we are quite limited in that sense. But I’m doing everything I can to bring assistance from the Centre.”
While asserting that she remains accessible to the public, she also accused the Congress-led state government of failing to provide adequate relief to the victims.
The scale of destruction in Mandi has been massive. So far, 14 people have died in the district alone, with 31 still missing. Over 150 homes, 106 cattle sheds, 14 bridges, and 31 vehicles have been damaged. Nearly 200 roads are blocked, and hundreds of power transformers and water supply schemes have been affected, according to the state emergency operation centre.
