Makes her anger known during interaction near her Manali house
Munish Sood
Manali/Mandi:
Just a day after her remarks on chief ministerial role triggered a political storm in Himachal Pradesh politics, Mandi MP and Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut found herself in the middle of a media controversy during her visit to flood-hit areas near her home in Manali.
Kangana, who arrived in Manali on Wednesday evening after attending a blood donation camp in Mandi on PM Narendra Modi’s birthday, began her Thursday (September 18, 2025) by visiting disaster-affected areas in Solang, Palchan, Bahang, Sama, Aleo and Old Manali. However, during interactions with the media, her response to questions turned heated.
Kangana pours heart out on business losses, media pressure
Visibly upset by questions around her absence during earlier phases of the disaster, Kangana responded emotionally: “My house is here. My land, my restaurant, my projects — everything is here. The roads have collapsed. My business is suffering. Yesterday, my restaurant made only Rs 50 in sales and I pay Rs 15 lakh in salaries. Please understand my pain too. I’m also a single woman.”
She went on to tell reporters: “You’re not here to ask questions, you’ve come to attack. Please don’t jump on me. If you claw at me, how can I work?”
MP defends her relief efforts, rejects crowdfunding idea
When asked why she hadn’t used her celebrity status to raise large funds for victims, Kangana firmly responded: “No office-bearer or individual is allowed to collect money for relief. I urge everyone not to donate to individuals or NGOs. The BJP, RSS, DC office and PM Relief Fund all have systems in place. Donating outside these channels is not permitted — it’s an offence.”
She also listed her efforts, including meetings with Home Minister Amit Shah and various central ministries to push for relief for Mandi. “You may think I’m a big star, but I don’t think any MP has worked as hard — running from one office to another like I have.”
Political storm over CM comments
Kangana’s comments come just a day after she made headlines by saying she was “capable” of handling any responsibility given to her, including the Chief Minister’s post, during a public event in Mandi.
“With PM Modi’s blessings, I can handle any role,” she had said, sparking speculation over whether she was eyeing the top post in Himachal Pradesh.
While BJP insiders are tight-lipped, many admit that her fast-paced political journey — from film sets to Parliament and now possibly the state leadership — has created ripples within the party ranks. Opposition leaders, meanwhile, have accused her of prioritising ambition over ground work, pointing out her delayed visit to disaster-hit regions.
Before ending her media interaction, Kangana appealed to locals and journalists alike: “Don’t hold anger in your hearts for me. I am your daughter. If you treat me like an outsider, it breaks my spirit. This is a time to stand together, not to divide.”
Kangana will continue visiting affected families in the Kullu-Manali region till Thursday evening. She also directed local officials to ensure immediate assistance to impacted families, including the disbursal of relief funds.
