Munish Sood
MANDI:
Days after launching a sharp attack on Himachal Pradesh minister Vikramaditya Singh, Mandi BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has struck a more conciliatory tone, offering her best wishes to the “Rajkumar” on his recent wedding.
Kangana Ranaut, who had recently accused Vikramaditya of “celebrating honeymoon” while Himachal grappled with natural disasters, clarified that her criticism was political, not personal.
“I extend my best wishes to Vikramaditya Singh on his wedding. Whatever our political and ideological differences may be, we are not personal enemies,” said Kangana Ranaut while speaking to reporters during her visit to disaster-hit areas in Kullu district.
The Bollywood actress-turned-politician said that she had great respect for the late Virbhadra Singh, Vikramaditya’s father and a towering figure in Himachal politics. “Virbhadra Singh ji had always shown me warmth and respect, and I held him in high regard as well,” she said, subtly reaching across the aisle amid recent political friction.
Political firestorm before the olive branch
Just two days earlier, Kangana had launched a blistering critique of the state government and the Public Works Department (PWD), headed by Vikramaditya Singh, during her tour of flood and landslide-hit areas.
“Where is the PWD minister? While Himachal suffers, he’s off honeymooning. This is not a time for honeymoon,” she had remarked, sparking political controversy. She also targeted CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who is in London for the admission of his daughter.
She further accused the Congress-led state government of administrative apathy, alleging that the government had abandoned disaster-hit people and was engaged in corruption even amid tragedy.
“The roads are buried under debris, people are struggling, and the administration is sitting in offices. Despite the central government releasing Rs 40 crore for the Manikaran Valley road, no work is visible,” she said.
