BJP MP from Mandi, Kangana Ranaut, has once again sparked a political storm by accusing the Sukhu-led Congress government in Himachal Pradesh of diverting the state’s disaster relief funds. According to the actress-turned-politician, the Himachal Pradesh Relief Fund has been allegedly funneled into what she calls the “Sonia Relief Fund,” insinuating that the funds meant to assist in recovery from natural disasters are being misused to serve the political interests of the Congress Party.
Kangana Ranaut’s Allegations Against the Sukhu Government
Kangana, who has been an outspoken critic of the Congress Party, raised these allegations during a public address while launching the BJP membership campaign in a village near Shimla. She claimed that the disaster relief funds, instead of being utilized to rehabilitate and rebuild areas ravaged by natural disasters, are being funneled to former Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Kangana said, “If we give disaster fund, it should go to the CM Relief Fund, but everyone knows that this Himachal Pradesh Relief Fund money goes to the Sonia Relief Fund.”
These statements were met with strong reactions from political circles, especially as Himachal Pradesh faces a devastating financial crisis exacerbated by recent natural disasters. Kangana accused the Congress government of pushing the state into a deeper financial abyss by borrowing recklessly. According to her, the state has been burdened by loans taken by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, which she claims are being used to serve the interests of Congress leadership rather than the people of Himachal.
Congress Government’s Alleged Mishandling of Finances
In addition to the accusations concerning the misappropriation of relief funds, Kangana Ranaut took a broader swipe at the Congress government’s handling of Himachal Pradesh’s financial situation. She stated that under the Sukhu administration, the state’s financial health has worsened drastically, with rising debts and delayed payments. According to Kangana, these financial mismanagements are crippling the state’s ability to recover from disasters and provide for its citizens.
“The Congress government is taking out loans, but where is that money going? It’s not reaching the people, it’s going to Sonia Gandhi,” Kangana claimed. She painted a picture of the state being “hollowed out” by corruption, suggesting that the Sukhu-led government’s priorities lie elsewhere, specifically in serving national-level political interests, rather than addressing the pressing needs of Himachal Pradesh’s population.
A Call for Change: Kangana’s Plea to the People of Himachal Pradesh
During her speech, Kangana urged the citizens of Himachal Pradesh to remove the Congress government from power, citing the party’s alleged corruption and financial mismanagement. “Everyone knows that corruption is increasing, and Congress-ruled state governments have hollowed out their states,” she declared, urging the electorate to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in large numbers.
She underscored that the Congress administration has failed to address the basic infrastructure needs of the people, particularly in the area of road maintenance. Kangana criticized Himachal Pradesh’s Public Works Minister, Vikramaditya Singh, stating that the people are “fed up with potholes on the roads,” yet very little is being done to rectify this issue. According to her, this lack of attention to road maintenance is indicative of the broader dysfunction and inefficiency of the Congress-led government.
Financial Crisis and Worsening Infrastructure: A Bleak Picture
Himachal Pradesh is currently facing a severe financial crisis, with rising revenue expenditure and insufficient funds to meet basic governance needs. Delays in salary and pension payments, as well as the non-availability of free electricity and water, are adding to the burden on the state’s residents.
Kangana painted a dismal picture of the state’s public services, pointing to the cuts in sports facilities for primary schools as particularly troubling. She claimed that these cuts are part of a “conspiracy” against the future of Himachal Pradesh’s children, and pledged to build a sports complex in her constituency of Mandi as part of her commitment to promoting youth development and sports.
She warned that unless the Congress government is replaced, the state will continue to suffer, with inadequate resources being allocated to essential public services, and the state’s infrastructure deteriorating further. Kangana vowed to work tirelessly to bring these issues to the forefront and to ensure that Himachal Pradesh receives the attention and funding it desperately needs.
BJP’s Promise to Restore Financial Stability in Himachal Pradesh
The BJP, led by Kangana Ranaut and other prominent party figures, has blamed the Sukhu government for the state’s current economic woes. The BJP argues that poor financial planning, excessive borrowing, and rampant corruption under the Congress regime have left the state in a precarious financial situation. On the other hand, Chief Minister Sukhu has defended his government, stating that the blame lies with the previous BJP administration, which, according to him, mismanaged state funds during their tenure. He claimed that the previous government’s actions left Himachal Pradesh with a high debt burden, which the current administration is struggling to manage.
In response to these challenges, Kangana reiterated the BJP’s commitment to restoring fiscal discipline and transparency in the state. She vowed to ensure proper allocation of relief funds and improve essential services, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure. “We will work to eliminate corruption and bring back financial stability to Himachal Pradesh,” she promised, urging the public to support the BJP in the next state elections.
Conclusion: A Political Battle for Himachal’s Future
Kangana Ranaut’s accusations against the Congress government have added fuel to the already heated political climate in Himachal Pradesh. As the state grapples with a financial crisis and the aftermath of natural disasters, the allocation of disaster relief funds has become a flashpoint in the ongoing power struggle between the BJP and the Congress.
With Kangana Ranaut stepping into a prominent political role, her criticisms of the Sukhu government and her calls for political change are likely to resonate with many voters who feel disillusioned by the current state of affairs. As the next state elections approach, the battle for Himachal Pradesh’s future is sure to intensify, with both parties vying to win the support of the electorate.
