TNR News Network
Chandigarh/Shimla: More than a year after being slapped by a CISF woman constable at Chandigarh airport over her alleged comments against Punjab farmers, actor-turned-politician and BJP MP from Mandi Kangana Ranaut has once again stirred a controversy — this time over her remarks on drug abuse in Punjab, drawing sharp criticism from leaders across the political spectrum.
Her comment, made during a media interaction in Delhi while backing a statement by Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, has triggered a backlash in Punjab, with ministers and opposition parties accusing her of tarnishing the image of both Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.
Punjab minister slams Kangana’s ‘irresponsible’ remarks
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema hit back strongly at Kangana Ranaut, calling her statement “irresponsible and uninformed”. He questioned her silence on drug-related issues in BJP-ruled states like Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, and urged her to look beyond political bias.
“Before pointing fingers at Punjab, Kangana should demand a drug abuse survey in states governed by her own party. Punjab has made progress, while drugs are funneled into the country through Gujarat. Everyone knows this. Kangana lacks understanding of society and should choose her words carefully,” Cheema said.
Several Congress and opposition leaders echoed this sentiment, accusing Kangana of using her platform to score political points rather than offer constructive dialogue.
Kangana’s Delhi statement sparks uproar
Kangana, the first-time Lok Sabha MP from Mandi, had said that Himachal was on the verge of becoming like “those Punjab villages” where only widows and elderly women are left due to rampant drug abuse. She linked the growing addiction among Himachali youth to trafficking routes from Pakistan via Punjab.
“Himachal’s youth are falling into addiction. Children are selling parents’ jewellery and vehicles, locking themselves in rooms, breaking furniture — this is worse than death,” she said. Her comments followed the Himachal Governor’s warning that the state’s geographical location — bordered by Punjab, J&K, Uttarakhand and Tibet — made it vulnerable to international drug cartels.
Airport incident still fresh in minds
The latest backlash comes after a CISF constable, Kulwinder Kaur, allegedly slapped Kangana at Chandigarh airport in June 2024. Kaur, reportedly upset over Ranaut’s comments on women in the farmers’ protest, was later transferred and suspended. A video of her defending her actions went viral, saying, “My mother was one of those women farmers Kangana mocked.”
With emotions running high, Kangana’s remarks are fast becoming a political issue in both Himachal and Punjab. Her critics accuse her of deepening divides rather than healing them.
