In a developing political situation in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has intervened in the ongoing controversy surrounding BJP MP Kangana Ranaut’s comments about her visit to the flood-affected areas of Mandi. On Friday, July 4, 2025, Sukhu addressed the issue after Ranaut’s statement regarding the advice she received from Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur. Sukhu’s remarks added fuel to the fire, intensifying the ongoing verbal exchange between the ruling Congress and the BJP.

Political War of Words Over Mandi Flood Disaster

The political landscape of Himachal Pradesh saw fresh tension when Kangana Ranaut, BJP’s Mandi MP, shared her experience regarding the recent flood devastation in the region. In her post on X (formerly Twitter), Ranaut expressed her heartbreak over the recurring floods that have ravaged Himachal Pradesh year after year. The monsoon disaster, which has left 43 people dead and 37 missing in the state, has created a groundswell of concern and criticism across party lines.

The recent cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides in Mandi district have taken the heaviest toll. A total of 17 deaths were reported from Mandi alone, with the region witnessing 10 instances of natural disasters on Tuesday, July 2, 2025. The impact of these calamities has led to significant destruction, with Chief Minister Sukhu comparing the situation to that of a war, stating that the state was facing an unprecedented disaster.

Ranaut, in her post, mentioned that she had planned to visit the flood-affected areas in Seraj and Mandi but had been advised by Jai Ram Thakur, the Leader of the Opposition, to wait until the region’s connectivity was restored. “It is heartbreaking to see massive flood devastation in Himachal almost every year now,” she wrote, addressing the ongoing crisis.

In her statement, Ranaut reiterated that she would soon visit the affected areas as soon as the authorities gave the green light. She further assured the public of her commitment to stand by Himachal Pradesh during this crisis, adding that she would reach out once the situation stabilized.

Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Responds to Ranaut’s Comments

The controversy around Ranaut’s comments escalated when Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu remarked on the issue. Sukhu, in his response, criticized Ranaut’s comments, stating that she should speak directly with Jai Ram Thakur, as the Leader of the Opposition appeared to be “getting angry.” Sukhu’s remarks pointed to a growing rift between the state’s political parties during a time of crisis.

Sukhu also stated that it was important to address the situation with a sense of responsibility, as the people of Mandi and other affected areas were enduring significant hardship. He urged political leaders to work together in the aftermath of the calamity to ensure swift relief and restoration efforts, rather than engaging in political bickering.

Jai Ram Thakur Defends Himself

On Thursday, July 3, 2025, Jai Ram Thakur defended his stance during a press conference, where he responded to questions about Ranaut’s absence from the affected region. Thakur emphasized the importance of focusing on the people of the state, stating, “We live and die for the locals, and we cannot comment on those who are not here during the crisis.”

His comment came as a response to the BJP MP’s criticism that she had been advised not to visit the flood-stricken areas by him. Thakur’s statement underscored the deep-rooted political divide between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP, which has further escalated the tension.

Thakur also highlighted the magnitude of the calamity in his Seraj constituency, where significant damage to two decades of development work had been done. He expressed concern about the extensive losses across the affected constituencies, including Nachan, Karsog, Drang, Dharampur, and Mandi, stressing that recovery efforts would take years to complete.

Disaster in Himachal Pradesh: An Unprecedented Crisis

The current monsoon season in Himachal Pradesh has been disastrous, with record levels of rainfall and devastating floods. As of the latest reports, 43 people have lost their lives, and 37 individuals are still missing. Among the deceased, 14 people died in cloudbursts, eight in flash floods, and one in a landslide. The situation has caused widespread devastation in Mandi, where a series of natural calamities destroyed infrastructure, homes, and local resources.

The government has declared a red alert for Mandi, and officials have been working tirelessly to restore connectivity in the affected areas. Emergency services have been dispatched to provide relief to the affected regions, but the scale of the damage has made it a monumental task.

The Political Back-and-Forth During a Crisis

The ongoing political spat between Congress and BJP leaders amid such a critical time is raising questions about the role of elected representatives in disaster management. Critics have argued that leaders should prioritize the welfare of the affected people over party politics during such calamities. The contrast between the response from both sides highlights how the situation in Himachal Pradesh has become a battleground for political one-upmanship.

While both parties have been vocal about the need for immediate relief efforts, their public exchanges on social media and press conferences have underscored the political tensions at play. These tensions seem to be taking focus away from the ongoing relief operations that are desperately needed to support the affected communities.

Public Reactions and Calls for Unity

Amid the political squabbles, the public has expressed concern about the lack of unity in leadership during a time of crisis. Many residents of Himachal Pradesh are looking for coordinated efforts from all political sides to provide relief to those in need. Social media platforms have been flooded with calls for greater empathy and cooperation from both Congress and BJP leaders, urging them to set aside their differences for the sake of the people.

The political rivalry between the Congress and BJP is not new, but during times of natural disasters, citizens expect their leaders to put their differences aside and focus on providing effective solutions. Given the magnitude of the floods and the ongoing devastation in Mandi, the demand for bipartisan cooperation has grown louder.

As the floods continue to wreak havoc in Himachal Pradesh, the focus must shift to providing immediate relief and facilitating long-term recovery efforts. The political discourse should give way to more collaborative efforts to restore the affected areas and support the families who have suffered immense losses.

While the political leaders of the state engage in their public disputes, the people of Himachal Pradesh are looking for unity, compassion, and immediate action. The crisis demands that all leaders, regardless of their political affiliation, come together to aid in the recovery and rebuilding process.

In the coming days, it remains to be seen how both the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP will balance political tensions with the pressing need for disaster management and humanitarian efforts in the state.