Himachal Pradesh Floods Spark Political Controversy Over Delayed Response

Severe Flooding in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh has been severely impacted by heavy rainfall and sudden flooding, resulting in the tragic loss of 78 lives and damage estimated at ₹400 crores. The Mandi district, which is the parliamentary constituency of BJP's Kangana Ranaut, has suffered the most with 15 fatalities. The delayed response from Ranaut regarding this disaster has ignited a political controversy, even drawing ire from her party colleague, Jairam Thakur. The Congress party has also raised questions about Ranaut's actions.

Political Reactions and Responsibilities

On Thursday, Himachal Pradesh Minister Jagat Singh Negi stated that if Kangana Ranaut is dissatisfied with her responsibilities as an MP, she should resign immediately. This comment came after Ranaut's remarks during her visit to the disaster-affected areas of Mandi district. She had asserted that the responsibility for relief and rescue operations lies with the state government.

Ranaut mentioned, 'As an MP, I can only inform the Prime Minister and the Home Minister about the situation and request central assistance. We act as a link between the center and the state, raising constituency issues before the central government. I do not have a cabinet or bureaucracy; I can only review the situation with the deputy commissioners and provide details.'

Negi, speaking to a news media outlet, remarked, 'If she is unhappy with her duties as an MP, she should resign immediately to make way for someone capable who understands the people's suffering and stands with them at the grassroots level.'

Impact of the Disaster

Recently, Mandi district experienced multiple incidents of cloudbursts, leading to sudden floods and landslides, resulting in 15 deaths, five injuries, and 27 individuals reported missing. Negi accused the central government of discriminating against the state in disaster relief efforts, stating that despite the severe monsoon disaster in 2023 causing over ₹10,000 crores in damage, the center provided only ₹2,006 crores in relief aid, and that too after two years.