Kangana Ranaut Flags Lack of Cabinet Role, Funds Amid Rain, Flood Crisis

Kangana Faces Criticism Over Flood Relief Remarks in Mandi: ‘No Cabinet, No Funds.’

BJP MP from Mandi and actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut has drawn sharp criticism over comments made during her visit to flood-affected areas of Himachal Pradesh. Facing questions on disaster relief efforts, Ranaut said she had no cabinet role or allocated funds to carry out direct assistance — a remark that has triggered political backlash, particularly from the ruling Congress.

“Whether it’s disaster relief or the disaster itself — I don’t have any official cabinet. I have my two brothers with me, they are my cabinet,” Ranaut said with a laugh while speaking to reporters on Sunday. “I don’t hold a Cabinet post or have funds for relief. MPs are primarily responsible for parliamentary work and act as a link between the state and the Centre.”

Congress Slams ‘Insensitive’ Remarks
The Congress party reacted strongly, accusing Ranaut of trivialising the suffering of flood victims. Sharing a video of her remarks on X (formerly Twitter), the party said:

“In Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, a cloudburst has caused massive destruction. People are distressed, their entire world has been ruined. Mandi’s MP Kangana arrived there after several days and, laughing, said – ‘What can I do, I don’t have a cabinet position’. Please show some sensitivity, Kangana ji.”

Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate echoed the criticism, saying Ranaut’s tone during the visit was “out of touch” with the severity of the crisis.
“Kangana ji’s insensitivity has even left BJP’s Jairam Thakur stunned. This is not a film promotion — people here have lost everything,” she said.

Ground Reality: Devastation in Mandi
The criticism comes as the region continues to reel from the impact of relentless rainfall, cloudbursts, and landslides. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, 14 people have died, 31 remain missing, and infrastructure damage is widespread. Over 150 houses and 100+ cattle sheds have been destroyed, along with 14 bridges. More than 200 roads are blocked, severely affecting rescue and relief operations.

Electricity and water supply systems have also collapsed in many areas, leaving local authorities scrambling to restore essential services.

Kangana Defends Her Role, Hits Back at Congress
Responding to the criticism, Ranaut said her visit had been delayed on the advice of Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur due to road blockages.

“It is heartbreaking to see massive flood devastation in Himachal almost every year now,” she posted on X. “I tried reaching affected areas in Seraj and Mandi but was advised to wait until connectivity was restored.”

Ranaut emphasised that MPs do not directly conduct relief operations and their role is limited to facilitating central support. “The responsibility for relief and restoration lies with the state government. As an MP, I can only raise the issue with the prime minister and the home minister and request financial assistance,” she said.

Taking aim at the state government, Ranaut added, “How the Congress government is functioning — I can say with confidence that they will not return to power in the state for the next 20 years.”

She also stated that local administrative teams were actively working on the ground. “Relief efforts are ongoing, and road connectivity is being gradually restored. Our government and administration are closely monitoring the situation,” Ranaut said.