Snehashish roy
Slogans of “Go back Kangana, you are late” filled the air on Thursday, September 18, 2025, as actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut visited a rain-affected area in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. Videos of locals expressing their resentment went viral on the internet, showing residents holding black flags and shouting slogans near her motorcade in the Patlikuhal area of Kullu district.
The protest turned tense as BJP leaders and others with Kangana tried to calm the residents. Police had to step in to restore peace.
The recent visit followed heavy rains on August 25 and 26 that caused landslides and flash floods in Kullu and Manali. The powerful Beas River washed away a multi-story hotel and four shops, and it also extensively damaged stretches of the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway and the Manali-Leh Highway.
Kangana Ranaut Inspects Damage and Accuses State Government
Earlier in the day, Kangana visited the disaster-affected areas of Solang and Palchan. She spoke with residents and took stock of the situation. Govind Singh Thakur, a local BJP leader, briefed her on the extensive infrastructure losses and confirmed that authorities moved families from 15-16 endangered houses to safer places. Residents also told the MP that the entire Solang village is on the verge of sliding due to the river eroding the base of the mountain. They said that diverting the river’s course is the only solution.
Speaking to reporters, Kangana noted that the frequency of such disasters has increased due to heavy rains. She blamed deforestation, heavy construction, and the lack of proper drainage for the damage. She also claimed that Himachal Pradesh has received ₹10,000 crore from the central government, with a primary focus on providing relief to affected families.
Kangana criticised the state government, claiming that while the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is working hard, officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) are nowhere to be found. This was a clear dig at Vikramaditya Singh, the son of the late former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, who currently serves as the Himachal PWD Minister. She then took a political shot at the ruling Congress government, questioning the whereabouts of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
She also responded to Rahul Gandhi’s “vote chor” campaign, accusing him of misleading people and disrespecting government institutions. “If you have evidence, go to the court,” she said.