The political debate in Himachal Pradesh has intensified after Mandi MP and actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut claimed that the central government has already released ₹10,000 crore for the state. On Saturday, the Congress party demanded a white paper to verify her statement, arguing that no such amount has been received so far.
Senior Congress leaders, including legislators and ministers, accused Kangana of misleading the public with false numbers and urged her to present documentary proof of her claim. They also highlighted that the ₹1,500 crore relief package announced earlier by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not yet reached the state.
Congress MLA from Arki and former chief parliamentary secretary (CPS) Sanjay Awasthi strongly criticized Kangana Ranaut’s remarks, saying they lacked seriousness. He argued that the people of Himachal Pradesh deserve transparency, especially when it comes to funds meant for disaster relief and development.
“We want a white paper on the claim made by Kangana that the Centre has released ₹10,000 crore so that people know the truth. The Prime Minister visited disaster-hit areas, heard people’s concerns, and announced ₹1,500 crore as relief. That money has not yet come. Kangana ji should not only clarify her statement but also ensure the PM releases the promised ₹1,500 crore and pending dues,” Awasthi said.
His statement was supported by Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, who also accused Kangana of spreading misinformation. Singh remarked, “She is falsely claiming that ₹10,000 crore has been released. If she has the documents, she should show them to the people. If it is true, we will thank her, but the fact is that no such money has come. Even the pending amounts from 2023 have not been cleared. She must stop misguiding people.”
Singh also took offense at Kangana’s allegation that the state government had mishandled disaster relief distribution. He said Kangana was absent when people were suffering during the rains and only appeared after the situation had calmed. He added, “I would like to ask how much she has contributed personally to the relief fund and what efforts she made to get the Prime Minister to release additional funds. She should make this public.”
Kangana’s criticism of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also invited sharp reactions from the ruling party in Himachal Pradesh. During her visit to Kullu on Friday, Kangana had claimed that Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on social media showed his ignorance and even linked his statements to political developments in Nepal, where the Gen Z movement had challenged dynastic politics.
Responding to this, Town and Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani said Kangana’s comments are not taken seriously by the public, but they reflect the views of the BJP and RSS. He stated, “The Gandhi family has always acted responsibly. This is not only about Rahul Gandhi; the family has made sacrifices for the nation before and after Independence. Kangana is only echoing what her party wants her to say.”
Congress leaders also argued that instead of targeting opposition leaders, Kangana should focus on ensuring that Himachal Pradesh gets the financial support it needs. The state has faced repeated natural disasters in recent years, and timely funds from the Centre remain crucial for recovery and rebuilding.
The controversy has added to the growing political rivalry between the BJP and Congress in Himachal Pradesh. As a first-time Member of Parliament, Kangana Ranaut has been making bold statements, often attacking opposition leaders and defending the Centre’s role. However, the Congress is using this opportunity to challenge her credibility and portray her as someone making unverified claims.
For Congress, raising questions on the grant issue serves two purposes: it highlights the delay in central assistance and puts pressure on Kangana to prove her influence as an MP. For Kangana, her claim of ₹10,000 crore could have been intended to show the Centre’s generosity, but it has now turned into a political storm that demands evidence.
The debate is likely to continue in the coming days, especially with state leaders demanding more funds for disaster recovery. Whether Kangana can provide documents to support her claim or not will decide the political weight of her statement.
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At present, the situation stands at a stalemate. The Congress has publicly demanded a white paper, while ministers are openly challenging Kangana to back up her claim with hard data. The demand for the release of the ₹1,500 crore relief package is also growing louder.
For the people of Himachal Pradesh, the issue is not about political point-scoring but about timely financial help. Many regions are still struggling with the aftereffects of heavy rains and landslides, and funds are urgently needed to repair infrastructure, rebuild homes, and restore normal life.
As the political heat rises, all eyes will be on whether Kangana provides documentary proof of the ₹10,000 crore claim or if the controversy remains another flashpoint between the BJP and Congress. Either way, the debate has put disaster relief and financial transparency back at the center of political discussions in the state.
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