Munish Sood
MANDI: As floodwaters continue to recede in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district, leaving behind a trail of destruction and displacement, a political storm is gathering force. The flashfloods, triggered by intense cloudbursts, have not only exposed the vulnerabilities of the hill state’s infrastructure but have also revealed deep fault lines in its political landscape.
At the centre of this controversy is BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, whose visit to the flashflood-affected areas has drawn criticism. Instead of providing much-needed reassurance, Kangana Ranaut’s remarks during her interaction with the media have sparked outrage and prompted a sharp response from senior Congress leader and Himachal Pradesh PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh.
Vikramaditya Singh says ‘this is No time for mockery’
In a strongly worded Facebook post late Sunday night, Vikramaditya Singh condemned the tone and content of Kangana’s public statements, saying: “One doesn’t need a position of power to help others. Whether one holds a cabinet post or not, what’s needed is willpower. It is painful to see such a serious matter being mocked.”
Though he refrained from naming Kangana Ranaut directly, the context left little room for doubt. During her visit to Mandi, Kangana Ranaut appeared more defensive than empathetic. Responding to questions about her delayed arrival and lack of ground presence during the initial days of the disaster, she claimed: “We don’t have a cabinet. We cannot function the way they do. An MP’s role is to legislate in Parliament. State matters are the responsibility of the state government.”
She further described the backlash over her absence as “politically motivated” and suggested that her two-day visit to Mumbai had been unfairly targeted.
Kangana Ranaut also attempted to shift focus by claiming that she had updated the Prime Minister’s Office on the situation and was working to bring in more central relief funds. However, her tone struck many as dismissive, particularly in a moment when locals expected visible leadership, not constitutional clarifications.
The MP also remarked that the state government “keeps remembering her” and added that the central government had sent aid, including Army deployment and ration supplies, on her request.
Jai Ram Thakur stands steady in flood-hit home district
“Despite all the political scores being settled, one leader who continues to rise above party lines and public noise is former Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Jai Ram Thakur. He has been on the ground from day one, selflessly and relentlessly working to support flood-affected residents across his constituency,” says a political analyst from Mandi.
Whether it is visiting the most remote and disconnected villages, coordinating with the administration for timely relief or personally monitoring rescue operations, Jai Ram Thakur has led by example. His presence has offered not just logistical support, but much-needed emotional strength to countless families who have lost homes, livelihoods — and in some cases, loved ones.
Locals say that Jai Ram Thakur has made it a point to ensure that “no one feels alone in this crisis”. His efforts have ranged from arranging emergency medical aid and ration kits to providing on-the-spot rehabilitation solutions in dangerously affected areas like Thunag, Seraj and Karsog.
