Munish Sood
MANDI: Bollywood actor and Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut has once again set the political corridors buzzing with a bold statement that could ripple through Himachal Pradesh’s power circles.
While attending a grand mahayajna at the historic Seri Manch in Mandi, Kangana Ranaut was asked if the BJP could project her as the Chief Ministerial face in the next Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections. Without hesitation, she replied: “Whichever responsibility I am given, I have the strength to fulfil it with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s blessings. My family knows that once I set my mind on something, I accomplish it.”
The statement, simple yet loaded, has thrown the state’s political landscape into speculation. Within minutes, whispers grew louder — has Kangana just staked her claim for Himachal’s top post?
From Lok Sabha election surprise to CM ambition?
Kangana Ranaut’s political journey has already been full of surprises. Her entry during the Lok Sabha elections stunned many, and she silenced critics by defeating powerful PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh in Mandi.
Soon after, she hinted in a podcast that a berth in the Union Cabinet was a possibility. Now, her open acceptance of a larger role is being interpreted as a direct signal toward chief ministerial ambitions.
Defends her absence during flood crisis
On being questioned about her absence during the recent natural calamities, Kangana Ranaut countered strongly: “We have been working day and night for Mandi. I personally met Home Minister Amit Shah and other ministries to secure relief. These are not film-related matters but service to the people.”
She pointed out that disasters had struck not just Himachal but also Uttarakhand and Punjab, and announced her plans to visit Manali to assess the situation.
In a pointed attack on the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government in Himachal Pradesh, Ranaut highlighted the Centre’s financial aid, saying Rs 10,000 crore had already been sanctioned for disaster relief while Rs 1,500 crore was recently announced by Prime Minister Modi. She also mentioned earlier instalments of Rs 1,800 crore, Rs 2,200 crore and Rs 2,300 crore.
She underlined that never before had a small hill state like Himachal received such a “historic package”. She also accused the state government of “whining instead of utilising it effectively”.
Blending religion with politics
Kangana Ranaut also used the mahayajna platform to strike a cultural and emotional chord: “This yajna is for the safety, peace and prosperity of the people of the state. I have always been associated with Ramakrishna Mission and Swami Vivekananda Charitable institutions, and since my youth, a major part of my earnings has gone into charity.”
Meanwhile, the immediate fallout of her statement on CM ambitions has led to unease within the BJP ranks. Party insiders admit that while Kangana’s star power is undeniable, her rapid political ascent could unsettle many traditional aspirants for the CM post.
Opposition leaders, on the other hand, are already sharpening their attacks, accusing Kangana Ranaut of chasing power rather than serving disaster-hit communities.
