BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut on Monday stood by her remarks during a visit to flood-hit areas in her Lok Sabha constituency, Mandi, stating she neither has disaster relief funds nor a cabinet post. She emphasized that her statements were not controversial but rather an honest expression of her role and limitations as a Member of Parliament.
"I told the reality to the people about what is in my hands and what is not. As an MP, we have to raise our concerns and bring funds. I have an ambit. I told the people that our party will fulfill all the people's needs," she told India Today TV.
Ranaut also said she would write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to announce a special relief package for Himachal Pradesh, where rain-related incidents have claimed at least 78 lives.
Responding to criticism from the Congress over the delay in her visit to Mandi, Ranaut said, "The Congress picked up my two lines and spoke against me. We need to see where they utilise the funds. I am not late to reach people."
On Sunday, Ranaut had drawn attention with her comment that she lacked both cabinet authority and disaster relief funds. She clarified, however, that she is working to secure assistance from the Centre.
"I do not have any funds for disaster relief or hold any cabinet post. MPs have work that is limited to Parliament. We are very small in the scheme of things. But I can help to get disaster funds from the Centre," she told ANI.
She added that while she remains accessible to her constituents, the Congress-led state government has failed to provide adequate relief to those affected by the natural calamity.
In Mandi district alone, 14 people have died, and 31 are still missing due to cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides. Over 150 houses, 106 cattle sheds, 31 vehicles, 14 bridges, and several roads have been damaged.
So far, 164 cattle have died. Nearly 200 roads are blocked, and 236 transformers and 278 water supply schemes have been disrupted, according to the Himachal Pradesh State Emergency Operation Centre.
