As floods continue to ravage Himachal Pradesh, especially Mandi district, the spotlight is now on BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, who recently visited flood-affected areas. Her statement — “I don’t have funds, nor a cabinet, only two brothers with me” — has raised a crucial public question: What exactly can an MP do during such disasters? Here’s a clear breakdown:
Kangana Ranaut’s Statement in ContextWhile visiting the Siraj Assembly constituency on July 6, Kangana:
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Acknowledged the devastation caused by the floods.
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Blamed the Himachal Pradesh state government for inaction.
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Said her role is limited to raising issues and requesting funds from the Centre.
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Emphasized that funds are routed through the state, and MPs don't directly hold relief funds.
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Making and amending laws.
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Debating national issues.
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Representing constituency voices in Parliament.
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Holding the government accountable.
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Raising constituency-level problems on national platforms.
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MPs do not directly control state disaster funds, but:
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They can lobby ministries for central relief packages and special grants.
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Each MP gets Rs 5 crore annually under MPLADS.
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Funds can be used for:
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Building flood-resistant infrastructure (culverts, embankments, shelters).
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Purchasing relief materials (water purifiers, tents, medicines).
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Supporting temporary housing, toilets, or food distribution units.
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Note: Though the MP can recommend projects, implementation is done by district authorities.
B. Influence and Advocacy-
Write to ministries like Home Affairs, Rural Development, or Disaster Management.
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Demand urgent central relief or NDRF/NCC deployment.
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Call for assessment teams from the Centre to evaluate and expedite compensation.
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Coordinate with:
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District collectors
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Local NGOs
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Disaster response teams
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Ensure ground relief distribution is fair and reaches remote areas.
According to her own statement:
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She visited victims and flood-hit villages.
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She claimed to have coordinated relief materials locally.
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She said she has communicated Mandi’s situation to the Centre.
However, there is no public report yet of her recommending MPLADS funds for flood relief — something she is fully entitled and empowered to do.
So, What More Can Kangana Ranaut Do for Mandi?Recommend urgent MPLADS-funded relief works, especially for:
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Roads damaged by landslides
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Temporary shelters
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Medical supply camps
Press the Union government for:
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Special central assistance to Himachal
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More NDRF deployment
Publicly assure her constituency with regular updates and progress reports.
Collaborate with opposition MLAs from her constituency for non-partisan relief efforts.
