Kangana Ranaut Confesses She's Not Enjoying Politics: 'People Ask Me To Use My Money...'
Kangana Ranaut, BJP MP from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi, admitted on AIR podcast that she isn't fully enjoying politics, viewing it as social service, which isn't her background.
Actress-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut, who was recently elected as a Member of Parliament from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi constituency on a BJP ticket, has opened up about her early experiences in politics. Speaking on All India Radio's Atmanirbhar in Ravi podcast, Ranaut shared her views on the challenges of her new role and admitted that politics hasn't exactly brought her joy.
'I'm getting a hang of it. I wouldn't say that I am enjoying it (politics). It's a very different kind of work, more like social service. This hasn't been my background. I've never thought of serving people," she said.
Known for her vocal stand on women's rights, Ranaut clarified that her activism in the past was quite different from the responsibilities of public office. She shared how constituents often approach her with hyper-local civic problems. 'I've fought for women's rights, but that's different… Somebody's naali is broken, and I'm like, 'But I am an MP and these people are coming to me with panchayat-level problems'. They don't care. When they see you, they come to you with problems like broken roads, and I tell them that's a state government issue, and they say, 'You have money, you use your own money'," she added.
When asked about her political ambitions and whether she sees herself as a future Prime Minister, the Queen actor dismissed the idea, saying, 'I don't think I'm competent to be the PM of India, nor do I have the necessary passion or inclination."
Explaining further, she said, 'Social work has never been my background. I've lived a very selfish kind of life. I want to have a big house, a big car, I want to have diamonds. I want to look good. That's the kind of life I've lived."
Ranaut, who faced criticism for a delayed visit to Mandi following a cloudburst, later toured the affected areas and assured locals that their concerns would be addressed swiftly. For the unversed, 14 people died due to a cloudburst and flood-related incidents in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district, as the state is experiencing inclement weather. Over 200 roads have been blocked in the state owing to extreme climatic conditions.
'I am on my way to Himachal Pradesh, I will be visiting the affected areas soon. Please be rest assured I stand with Himachal Pradesh in every situation. Jai Hind," Kangana wrote on July 4, sharing an update on her plans to visit the flood-affected state.
On Sunday, the Queen actor posted photos from different areas in Himachal, surrounded by tight security. She wrote, 'Today, I visited the disaster-affected areas of Karsog Assembly in Mandi Lok Sabha. I took stock of the devastation caused by cloudbursts at all three locations — Sanarli, Kutti, and Meghli (Karsog Old Market). I am deeply saddened to see the loss of lives, livestock, property, and livelihoods. I will be sharing detailed information about this natural calamity with the Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji, and every possible assistance will be provided to all the affected families."
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Mandi is currently facing heavy rainfall, disrupting the daily lives of its residents. Since Monday, at least 14 people have lost their lives, and over 30 are missing due to the Mandi cloudburst and flood-related incidents.
The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) reported that more than 150 houses, 106 cattle sheds, 31 vehicles, 14 bridges, and several roads have been damaged. Across Himachal Pradesh, at least 37 deaths have been recorded, with property damage amounting to Rs 400 crore.
First Published:
July 08, 2025, 13:23 IST
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