Munish Sood
MANDI: Amid the ongoing devastation caused by natural disasters in Himachal Pradesh, APMC Chairman and senior Congress leader Sanjeev Guleria has launched a scathing attack on Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut, accusing her of failing to stand with her constituency during its worst crisis.
Speaking to The Newz Radar, Guleria said, “The state is battling one of the biggest calamities in recent history and Mandi parliamentary constituency has been the worst affected. Yet, the MP was seen only after heavy criticism, when she visited Seraj following the tragedy. Since then, multiple disasters have struck Mandi, Kullu, Manali, Lahaul-Spiti, Bharmour and Chamba, but neither has she issued a message nor has she come forward in person. The only time she tweeted, it turned out to be misleading, spreading fear rather than relief.”
Taking a dig at Kangana’s recent statement thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for approving Rs 3.98 crore for the restoration of the Kullu-Manali highway (NH-3), Guleria retorted, “Someone should explain what will happen with just Rs 3 crore? Will it rebuild the devastated Kullu-Manali highway? If she really has influence, she should have pressed the Prime Minister for at least Rs 3,000 crore. But the truth is, Modi ji is simply watching the destruction in Himachal like a spectacle, without granting any special package for the state. None of the MPs have the courage to demand one either.”
Kangana’s tweet read: “I thank Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji and Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari ji for sanctioning ₹3.98 crore for the restoration of Kullu-Manali National Highway (NH-03). This decision will provide relief to the people of Himachal and ensure smoother, safer connectivity across the region.”
But Guleria didn’t stop there. He further questioned the role of Himachal-origin celebrities in Bollywood, saying, “What have these so-called big names given to Himachal besides a few tweets?”
Veteran actor Anupam Kher recently shared a video on Instagram expressing grief over the destruction in Himachal, Uttarakhandand Jammu & Kashmir, attributing such tragedies to unchecked construction and reckless exploitation of nature. While he extended condolences to affected families, Guleria asked, “Words of sympathy don’t rebuild bridges, homes or lives.”
Similarly, actress Rubina Dilaik, who belongs to Shimla, posted an emotional video saying her family’s farmhouse had no electricity or network for three days, adding that in the face of nature, humans are helpless. “But beyond emotional appeals, has she contributed anything tangible?” Guleria questioned.
As for actress Preity Zinta, Guleria took a sharper jibe: “She can extend her support to Punjab, but when it comes to her own Himachal, she goes silent. Not even a single rupee comes back to her homeland!”
