Himachal Pradesh Minister Shares Update on Local Elections and Slams Actor Kangana Ranaut Over Disaster Relief Claims
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh – Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh announced on Saturday that Himachal Pradesh’s Panchayati Raj elections should happen before December. The Election Commission will soon issue notifications, starting with district council polls in tribal areas.
Talking to reporters in Shimla, Singh made it clear these local elections have nothing to do with the upcoming Congress Working Committee formation. "Panchayati Raj institutions in Himachal run without party symbols," he said. The state Congress body will get announced shortly, but it won’t affect the panchayat polls.
Singh didn’t hold back when responding to actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut’s recent criticisms. Ranaut, who represents Mandi in Parliament, accused the state government of mishandling disaster relief funds after heavy rains and floods hit Himachal Pradesh hard.
"Kangana ji only showed up among the people after the rains stopped and the crisis eased," Singh pointed out. He challenged her directly: "I’d like to know how much she’s donated from her own pocket to the relief fund, and how much she’s convinced Prime Minister Narendra Modi to contribute. She should share those details publicly."
Singh accused Ranaut of spreading false information. "She claims the central government released Rs 10,000 crore for relief, but that’s not true," he said. "Bring the papers and data to back it up. If it’s real, we’ll thank her. But honestly, we haven’t seen a single rupee of that – not even the pending dues from 2023. She needs to stop misleading Himachal Pradesh residents."
On Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s recent foreign trip during the disaster, Singh defended it as a personal matter. "The CM had already overseen relief efforts, got roads cleared, and made sure departments were on track before leaving for his daughter’s school admission abroad," he explained. "Now, post-disaster recovery needs funds for health, water supply, and more. Kangana ji should push the Centre to release proper support for these areas."
Singh also brushed off Ranaut’s jabs at Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh’s wedding timing. "Navratras and Dussehra are lucky times for weddings in our culture," he said. "The floods damaged the whole state, and we’re tackling it seriously. People should research before commenting – speak responsibly."
As for the damage from the Himachal Pradesh floods and landslides, Singh said early estimates put losses over Rs 6,000 crore, with numbers still climbing. "Rainfall has dropped, but teams are finishing assessments," he noted. "We’re reopening roads, finding alternate paths, and fixing drinking water projects – even temporary ones. The Manali road cleared up this morning."
The minister stressed that the central government promised Rs 1,500 crore for restoration work, but the money hasn’t arrived yet. "Once it does, we’ll put it straight into repairs," he said. "Let me say it again: No Rs 10,000 crore has come, and Kangana ji is flat-out wrong."
Himachal Pradesh continues to recover from the summer’s devastating rains, with local leaders focusing on elections and relief as the state pushes forward.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
