Mandi, India – On July 6, 2025, Kangana Ranaut, a Member of Parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) representing Mandi, visited flood-ravaged areas in Himachal Pradesh, India, to assess the damage caused by recent cloudbursts and heavy rainfall. Accompanied by former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur, Ranaut met with affected families, offering support and promising to raise their concerns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to secure urgent assistance.
The floods, triggered by relentless monsoon rains, have caused widespread destruction in Mandi, with reports of over 75 deaths across the state, blocked roads, damaged bridges, and disrupted essential services. The Thunag subdivision in Mandi has been among the hardest hit, with homes destroyed and families displaced. Ranaut emphasized her role as a bridge between the state and central government, stating, “As an MP, my job is to inform the Prime Minister and seek maximum support for our people.”
The central government has already deployed forces for relief operations, and over 1,300 food kits have been distributed to affected families. Ranaut expressed confidence in the government’s response, noting that Modi is aware of the crisis despite being on a foreign visit. She also criticized the state’s Congress-led government, accusing it of mismanaging relief efforts and warning that such failures could impact its future electoral prospects.
Ranaut faced criticism earlier for her delayed visit to the region, with some questioning her absence during the initial days of the disaster. She clarified that she was advised by local authorities and Thakur to wait until road connectivity was restored due to safety concerns. “I was in Mumbai for just two days, and the controversy over my absence is politically motivated,” she told reporters.
The floods have caused damages worth over $47 million (₹400 crore), according to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority. Rescue and restoration efforts continue as the region grapples with the aftermath of this natural disaster.
Ranaut’s visit underscores the urgency of addressing the crisis in Himachal Pradesh, a mountainous state prone to monsoon-related calamities. Her pledge to brief Modi highlights the need for coordinated efforts between state and central authorities to support the affected communities and rebuild infrastructure.
