Munish Sood
MANDI: The devastating cloudburst and flashfloods that struck Mandi district on the morning of July 1, 2025, have left a trail of unimaginable destruction: more than 50 lives lost, over 700 homes swept away, hundreds of bighas of farmland and orchards destroyed, livestock lost, power projects damaged, dozens of bridges and roads washed out and entire villages cut off from the outside world.
But as the region mourns and struggles to recover, public outrage is now turning toward Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut, who has neither visited the affected areas nor issued any substantial statement or relief effort, sparking growing anger on social media and in the streets.
People react angrily, question her visit to Manali, Lahaul
What has especially enraged the residents is that just days before the Mandi disaster, the MP was seen in Manali and Lahaul, accompanied by singer Mohit Chauhan and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, smiling in photos and enjoying the Himalayan landscape.
“She had time to stroll the valleys with celebrities, but not a moment to meet the families who lost everything?” asked Sanjay Mandayal, an advocate from Mandi town.
“It’s not like she was abroad. She was in Manali just days ago. And now, when Mandi is drowning in grief, she disappears,” said Satish Thakur from Seraj, the worst-hit place.
“Our homes are gone. Our cattle, our fields — everything is lost. But our MP is nowhere to be seen,” said Meena Devi from Dharampur.
“Disaster shows who stands by the people. She’s failed that test — again,” remarked Mohit Sharma of Karsog, referencing her absence during the 2023 Himachal floods as well.
Kangana Ranaut has a pattern of absence, says Congress
“This isn’t the first time Kangana Ranaut has been accused of vanishing during a calamity. In August 2023, when Himachal faced one of its worst monsoon disasters, she similarly failed to visit affected areas in her constituency. At the time, state ministers publicly questioned her silence and lack of on-ground presence,” said a senior Congress leader.
“She tweets condolences from a studio. We need leadership on the ground,” said Manoj Kumar from Thunag, whose village has been partially submerged. “In movies, she fights for justice. In real life, she’s missing in action,” quipped Deep Kumar from Chachyot.
Despite the severity of this week’s tragedy, the only reaction from the MP so far has been a brief tweet posted on July 2 — a full 24 hours after the flashfloods started. “No site visit, no press briefing, no public appearance. Her team has not announced any relief camp visits or meetings with survivors,” said the Congress leader.
A senior journalist who has been covering Himachal’s recurring climate disasters alleged that Kangana Ranaut’s absence raised deeper questions about celebrity politicians and the expectations of public accountability. “Being an MP isn’t about photo-ops in peacetime. It’s about standing with your people in their darkest hour,” he said.
Even her supporters seem disillusioned. “I voted for her. I believed in her voice. But this silence is unbearable,” said a first-time voter from Sundernagar, who didn’t want to be named.
