'He advised me to wait': Kangana's clarification on absence from flood-hit Mandi after Jairam Thakur's 'those not concerned' jibe

NEW DELHI: The BJP vs BJP tussle in flood-ravaged Himachal Pradesh took an interesting twist on Friday as Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut claimed "she tried reaching her constituency but was adivsed by leader of opposition Jairam Thakur to wait until the connectivity and reach to the affected areas were restored." Interestingly, on Thursday, when Jairam Thakur was asked about Ranaut's absence from Mandi in this hour of crisis, his curt reply was: "don't want to comment on those who do not have concern."

With his Seraj assembly constituency facing the brunt of nature's fury, Jairam Thakur, who is the leader of opposition in Himachal assembly, has been active on the ground meeting the affected people. However, Kangana Ranaut, who represents Mandi in Lok Sabha, has been missing in action.


When Jairam Thakur was asked about the absence of Kangana Ranaut, he said: "I don't want to comment on this issue. We are with the affected people, because we are concerned. I don't want to comment on those who are not concerned."

However, Kangana today gave an interesting twist to the debate. In a post on social media X, Ranaut shared that she was advised by Jairam Thakur to halt her visits to the flood-affected areas.

"It is heartbreaking to see massive flood devastation in Himachal almost every year now. I tried reaching flood-affected areas in Seraj and other areas in Mandi, but advised by respected leader of opposition Shri @jairamthakurbjp ji to wait until the connectivity and reach to the affected areas are restored. Red alert is issued by Mandi DC today as well. Awaiting authorities' approval on the same, will be there soonest possible. Thanks," the post read.


Chief minister Sukhu was quick to take dig at the open differences between the two top BJP leaders.

Commenting on Kangana Ranaut's social media post that tagged BJP leader Jairam Thakur, Sukhu said that she should immediately speak to Jai Ram Thakur ji.

"I would suggest she speak with Jairam ji directly. Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri has already spoken to the DC concerned," he said.

The overall destruction in the state has been massive. Chief minister Sukhu on Friday announced a series of relief measures.

Addressing the media in Shimla after a high-level review meeting with the deputy speaker and other ministers, he said, "We reviewed the entire situation in the state caused by the current natural disaster. After evaluating the situation, we have decided that families who are staying in relief shelters and find rental accommodation in their villages will be given Rs 5,000 per month by the Himachal Pradesh government." He added that the government would also ensure food and ration supply to all such affected families.


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