BJP Mandi MP draws sharp criticism on social media for being ‘cold’ to people’s suffering, ‘blaming her mentor’
Munish Sood
MANDI: A day after former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur distanced himself from actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut’s absence from her constituency Mandi that has been ravaged by cloudbursts and flashfloods, the BJP MP has now claimed that Jai Ram himself had advised her not to visit until the situation normalised.
As flashflood-hit Mandi reels under devastation on the third consecutive day, the conspicuous absence of BJP MP Kangana Ranaut from her parliamentary constituency has triggered widespread criticism. Until now, she has neither visited the affected people nor even acknowledged the crisis on social media, sparking sharp reactions from the public and political circles alike.
On Thursday (July 3, 2025), when asked about Kangana’s absence and silence, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur had declined to defend her, saying, “We are with our people till the very end. What is there to say about those who aren’t concerned?” His statement was seen as a subtle but firm distancing from Kangana’s lack of engagement.
However, on Friday morning, Kangana broke her silence on social media and shifted the blame to Jai Ram Thakur himself, claiming he advised her to delay the visit. “Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur ji told me not to visit Seraj and other flood-hit areas of Mandi until connectivity is restored,” she wrote on X.
Kangana added that the Mandi administration had issued a red alert even today and she was waiting for formal approval from the authorities for her visit. “I will be with the people very soon,” Kangana assured.
Actor’s post invites sharp criticism
The response to Kangana’s post has been critical. Many have accused her of deflecting responsibility and showing poor leadership in a time of crisis.
“You couldn’t have even won a panchayat election. Jai Ram ji made you an MP — now you need him to guide you for everything? He is standing with the people of Himachal. Madam, what are you doing? Please tell us that too,” wrote one Kartavya Vaidya on social media.
Kiran Rajesh Thakur wrote: “Sorry to say, but this delay is deeply disappointing. This is not what we expected from you. People need you in this crucial time. Just visit the affected areas and see their suffering.”
Narinder Kumar posted: “Madam MP ji, everything is almost restored now. What’s the point of your visit later? People needed help earlier — they’re managing now. You’ve woken up after four days.”
Nidhi Gupta added a stinging note: “So now you’re holding Jai Ram ji responsible for your delayed visit? As if you are a little kid — not a ‘starkid’ or ‘raja babu’ kind of kid — who needs to be spoon-fed where and when to go.”
Attacked for going ‘missing’ during 2023 tragedy too
This isn’t the first time Kangana Ranaut’s slow response during a disaster has drawn fire. In 2023, when torrential rains wreaked havoc in Mandi, her delayed arrival had triggered similar criticism. The pattern seems to be repeating, raising questions over the seriousness with which the MP treats her public responsibilities.
As Kangana continues to issue statements on social media, residents of Mandi are still waiting — not just for relief, but for their elected representative to show up on the ground.
