Kangana Ranaut Under Fire For Absence Amid Mandi Flood Crisis, Responds On Social Media
BJP MP and actress Kangana Ranaut, elected from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi constituency, is facing criticism not just from the Opposition but also from her own party members over her absence during the ongoing flood disaster in the region. Heavy rainfall has caused widespread destruction in Mandi over the past few days. The Opposition alleges that Kangana has not visited the flood-affected victims or areas, and has urged her to be present on the ground during this crisis.
Responding to the criticism, Kangana posted a clarification on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “It is heartbreaking to see massive flood devastation in Himachal almost every year now, I tried reaching to flood affected areas in Seraj and other areas in Mandi, but [was] advised by Leader of Opposition Shri Jairam Thakurji to wait until the connectivity and reach to the affected areas are restored. [A] red alert is issued by Mandi DC today as well. Awaiting authorities’ approval on the same; will be there soonest possible. Thanks.
What Did Jairam Thakur Say?
A video of former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Jairam Thakur went viral on social media on Thursday (July 3), where he was asked by journalists why Kangana was absent from the affected areas in Mandi.
In response, he said, “I don’t know why she did that. We are here, standing with the people of Mandi through life and death. I don’t want to comment on those who don’t care.”
His remarks were quickly shared by the Congress party on X, targeting Kangana and posting: “MP Kangana Ranaut doesn’t care about the people of Mandi — this isn’t our claim, but the words of Himachal Pradesh’s former CM and BJP leader Jairam Thakur. While people in Mandi are suffering after a devastating cloudburst, their MP is nowhere to be seen.”
Earlier on July 2, Kangana had expressed condolences on social media, posting: “The heart-wrenching tragedy of the cloudburst in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, is deeply painful. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. May the departed souls rest in peace. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and the safe return of those missing. I appeal to the Himachal CM to expedite relief and rescue operations and ensure immediate assistance to the affected.”
