Latest news with #Ranaut
India Today
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Kangana Ranaut says MPs are disrespected, work with less budget than MLAs
Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut shared her thoughts on the challenges faced by Members of Parliament (MPs) in India. Highlighting the role of MPs as a 'bridge' between the state and the Centre, she expressed concerns about the lack of respect and resources they receive. In a recent interview with Times Now, Ranaut described MPs as being in a state of 'twilight', caught between two governing bodies, and often feeling frustrated with their who is a BJP MP from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, elaborated that many MPs feel disconnected and unsupported both in their states and at the Centre. She said, "When you go to your state, you don't have a single place where you're grounded or connected, or where you're running a project. And when you go to the Centre, you're always waiting in queues outside ministers' offices." According to her, even local panchayats and MLAs enjoy greater budgets and authority, leading to a perceived lack of respect for MPs."A lot of MPs end up feeling very frustrated, and we talk to each other (about such matters). It's not like others have some privileges; you just struggle with a lot. You (the MPs) are the connecting link between the state and the Centre. So, you are basically nowhere. We are like twilight," she said. Discussing the role of MPs, Ranaut explained how their job requires significant communication and coordination. She emphasised that MPs often find themselves "floundering" due to the territorial nature of MLAs and the busy schedules of ministers."When you go to your state, you don't have a single place where you're grounded or connected, or where you're running a project. And when you go to the Centre, you're always waiting in queues outside ministers' offices. A lot of MPs also complain that even a panchayat or an MLA has a lot more budget than an MP. They don't respect us," she hailed the establishment of the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committees (DISHAs) as a significant improvement. She noted that DISHA allows MPs to better engage with state government officials, providing them with a clearer role and purpose. Ranaut remarked, "The job (of an MP) demands a lot of communication. DISHA is a huge step."Through her candid insights, Ranaut shed light on the systemic issues that MPs face, drawing attention to the need for more respect and resources. Her comments sparked conversations about the efficacy and responsibilities of MPs in the Indian political observations come as a call to recognise and address the challenges within the system, particularly the need for clearer roles and more substantial support for MPs to effectively fulfil their duties. Her remarks underscore the importance of initiatives like DISHA in bridging gaps and enhancing the functionality of parliamentary 39-year-old's interview came after she told the media that she neither had a Cabinet post nor had funds for disaster relief in Himachal Pradesh. "I do not have any funds for disaster relief or hold any Cabinet post. MPs have work that was limited to Parliament. We are very small in the scheme of things. But, I can help to get disaster funds from the Centre," Ranaut, the MP from Mandi, told news agency ANI.- EndsTrending Reel IN THIS STORY#Kangana Ranaut
News18
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Kangana Ranaut Confesses She's Not Enjoying Politics: 'People Ask Me To Use My Money...'
Last Updated: 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." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kangana Ranaut (@kanganaranaut) 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
News18
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
What Kangana Ranaut Was Told Before Becoming An MP: 'Attend Parliament For 60 Days'
Last Updated: It should also be noted that Kangana Ranaut's comment comes days after the actress also admitted that she isn't enjoying politics. Kangana Ranaut never thought that being a Member of Parliament would be such a demanding job. In a recent interview, the actress-turned-politician said that her first impression of the work as an MP was that she would be able to manage it with her other work commitments. 'I didn't naturally expect it to be so demanding as a job," Kangana told Times Now and then revealed what she was told before she became an MP: 'When I was offered, I was told maybe you have to attend Parliament for 60–70 days, and the rest of the time you can do your work — which I thought was reasonable. But it's very demanding." For the unversed, Kangana Ranaut was elected as a Member of Parliament from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi constituency on a BJP ticket. Ever since she stepped into politics, she has had only one Bollywood release – Emergency. It should also be noted that Kangana Ranaut's comment comes days after the actress also admitted that she isn't enjoying 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. '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. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Kangana Ranaut says politics is ‘a very expensive hobby': ‘You are left with ₹50-60k salary'
BJP MP Kangana Ranaut on Thursday talked about her experience as a politician, while calling it 'a very expensive hobby'. 'If you are an MP you can't have it as a profession ... you need a job,' Kangana Ranaut said.(HT_PRINT) 'I always say that politics is a very expensive hobby,' the Mandi MP said in an interview with Times Now. Clarifying her statement further, Ranaut said that one cannot just have politics as a profession if they are an 'honest person', while citing expenses as a Member of Parliament (MP). 'If you are an MP you can't have it as a profession ... you need a job,' she said. 'What you're left with is actually ₹50,000 - ₹60,000 is your salary as an MP. If I have to go to my constituency with some representation, some PAs from here, some three-four cars, the expenses are in lakhs because one place from other is 300-400 kms minimum. So you need a job,' Ranaut further said. She also cited the example of other artistes who had joined the political field before her, saying they had retained their earlier professions. 'Lot of MPs have businesses, they are working as lawyers. Even people who have come before me like Javed Akhtar ji, they kept doing their work,' Ranaut added. 'Wouldn't say I'm enjoying it': Ranaut on political career Ranaut's remarks on the expenses of a political career come a couple of days after she expressed uncertainty on whether she was 'enjoying' the profession. '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," Ranaut said, adding that this was never her 'background'. Speaking on a podcast on the YouTube channel Atman in Ravi (AIR), Ranaut said that people approach her with 'panchayat-level problems'. 'Somebody's naali (drain) is broken, and I'm like, 'But I am an MP and these people are coming to me with panchayat-level problems',' Ranaut said. 'When they see you, they come to you with problems like MLAs, 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.
Indian Express
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Kangana Ranaut's cameo in flood-hit Mandi lands BJP in muddy waters
Actor-turned-BJP MP Kangana Ranaut's brief, one-day visit to cloudburst-affected areas of her parliamentary constituency of Mandi earlier this week has left a section of the state BJP in an uncomfortable position, providing fresh ammunition to the Congress. Ranaut has been accused of being an absent MP, with Congress leaders saying she was not bothered about the problems in the flood-hit region. On July 6, Ranaut stated that relief and restoration work was the responsibility of the Congress-led state government. 'As an MP, I can only apprise the prime minister and the home minister of the situation and request central assistance,' she said. The following day, she added that she neither had agencies nor a Cabinet and that it was not her assignment. This drew a swift response from the Congress and state ministers, among them Jagat Singh Negi, the Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Affairs Minister. Taking a dig at Ranaut, he said politics was not a 'cup of tea for Bollywood actresses' such as Ranaut, and she should resign if she was struggling to discharge her duties. State Congress president Pratibha Singh said Mandi was the biggest parliamentary constituency in the state and it was 'unfortunate that an MP representing two-thirds of Himachal is saying that she has no funds, agencies or a Cabinet'. Singh said such statements showed that Ranaut was 'not taking her work seriously'. While state BJP president Rajiv Bindal defended Ranaut, a section of the leadership and local unit workers flagged her 'disconnect' from party affairs. So far, Ranaut's fellow BJP MPs Anurag Thakur (parliamentarian from Hamirpur), Suresh Kashyap (Shimla), and Rajeev Bhardwaj (Kangra) have sent hundreds of relief kits from their constituencies to Mandi. 'There are many issues that people within the party are hesitant to speak about publicly. These matters are being observed closely. It has only been a year since she was elected. The high command and senior leadership are carefully tracking her actions and responses,' said a senior state BJP working committee member. The BJP functionary added, 'She remains largely disconnected from party affairs. Her absence from key party events is nothing new. For instance, on July 2, the day Dr Bindal was appointed state party president in the presence of Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh in Shimla, all BJP MPs from the state, both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, were present. Kangana was absent. Even the day before, during the nomination and voting process for the party president at the Shimla headquarters, she was expected to be there, but she didn't turn up.' A BJP leader from Mandi said it seemed that the actor was still 'struggling to strike a balance between her two professions'. 'Her actions reflect a lack of political maturity. For example, after the recent cloudbursts, she called former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur to get a sense of the ground situation. Thakur casually told her that 'roads were severely damaged and it was taking days to reach some areas for him also'. He never advised her against visiting. But she indirectly blamed Thakur for telling her not to go.' The leader also pointed out how, recently, Ranaut took down a post on X comparing US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and then publicly said it was done on the instructions of BJP president J P Nadda. 'It only reflected her political immaturity.' A section of local BJP workers in the state blames the leaders who pushed for Ranaut's candidature for the current situation. 'Although Jai Ram Thakur was given the responsibility of ensuring Kangana's victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, she got the ticket only after a consensus could not be built around local leaders such as Bihari Lal Sharma and Ajay Rana,' said a local worker. 'Now, those who blocked the local candidates must take responsibility. People in Mandi still remember the working style of politicians such as the late MP Ram Swaroop Sharma, who began and ended his day listening to the grievances of his constituents.' A local leader claimed that Ranaut, in a recent podcast interview, appeared to be dismissive of public concerns, saying people approached her with petty complaints such as sewage issues or street repairs. 'It seems she has bigger ambitions, some grand plans for herself,' said the party functionary. However, Ranaut continues to enjoy the support of state BJP president Bindal. Dismissing the criticism of the Mandi MP, Bindal said, 'There is no reason to question her. Instead, the focus should be on questioning the state government. The entire BJP has been actively campaigning in Mandi since the cloudbursts. BJP leaders and volunteers brought thousands of relief kits. There are severely affected areas where even Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu took almost 10 days to visit. The question of our woman MP reaching Mandi late simply doesn't arise.'
