Himachal Pradesh is once again in the grip of a natural disaster, as relentless rain and flash floods have left a trail of destruction across the state. In Mandi district, the situation is especially dire—homes have been swept away, families displaced, and many have lost loved ones. According to official reports, since June 30, over 16 cloudbursts have claimed at least 14 lives, and more than 28 people remain missing.

As the crisis unfolded, all eyes turned to Mandi’s newly elected Member of Parliament, Kangana Ranaut. The Bollywood star-turned-politician visited the worst-hit areas, promising support and relief. But instead of a hero’s welcome, Kangana was met with anger and frustration from flood victims, many of whom accused her of showing up only for photo opportunities.

Locals Demand Real Help, Not Just Photos

During her tour of Saraj, one of the worst-affected regions, a local woman confronted Kangana directly. “You are only here for photos. This is not the time for just posing and leaving. People need real help!” she said, echoing the sentiments of many present. Videos of the heated exchange quickly went viral, highlighting the growing disconnect between politicians and the people they represent.

The anger wasn’t limited to one incident. Across Mandi, residents expressed deep dissatisfaction with the relief efforts so far. “We have lost everything—our homes, our livestock, our families. Where was our MP when we needed her most?” asked another resident. Many pointed out that while central government teams and the army were quick to launch rescue operations, local leaders seemed slow to respond.

Kangana Defends Her Role, Blames State Government

Responding to criticism, Kangana Ranaut defended her actions and clarified the limitations of her role as an MP. “The main job of a Member of Parliament is to raise issues with the central government and bring funds for relief. I have already informed the Prime Minister and Home Minister about the scale of this tragedy. Relief funds will be provided,” she assured.

Kangana also took the opportunity to criticize the Himachal Pradesh state government, questioning the transparency in the use of previous disaster relief funds. “Last time, thousands of crores were allocated. Where did that money go? People still haven’t seen any real help. This time, we will make sure every rupee is accounted for,” she said.

A Pattern of Delayed Responses?

This isn’t the first time that questions have been raised about the effectiveness of disaster response in Himachal Pradesh. Last year, a series of cloudbursts in Shimla, Kullu, and Mandi claimed over 50 lives. At that time, Kangana faced criticism for not visiting the affected areas or meeting victims. Now, her latest visit—marked by smiles and photo ops—has only fueled public anger.

Political opponents have seized on the moment, accusing Kangana and the BJP of using disasters for publicity while failing to deliver real solutions. Congress leaders have pointed to the ongoing suffering of flood victims as proof that more needs to be done, both in terms of immediate relief and long-term planning.

The Way Forward: Relief, Accountability, and Trust

As rescue and relief operations continue, the people of Mandi are demanding more than promises. They want transparency, accountability, and above all, genuine support from their elected leaders. With the monsoon season far from over, the risk of further disasters looms large.

Kangana Ranaut’s visit may have brought national attention to Mandi’s plight, but it has also highlighted the urgent need for better disaster management and stronger connections between politicians and the people they serve. Only time will tell if real change is on the horizon—or if the anger of Mandi’s flood victims will echo long after the waters recede.