Mumbai, India – Actress-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut, who recently transitioned into public service as the Member of Parliament representing Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, has publicly expressed reservations about her new career path.
Speaking on the podcast ‘Atman In Ravi’, hosted by spiritual mentor Ravi V. Melwani, Ranaut articulated a sense of discomfort and a perceived lack of fulfillment in her political role, hinting at potential second thoughts about her future in governance.
Reflecting on Public Service
Ranaut, known for her candid remarks, stated during the podcast that she feels unsuited for the demands of public service. She conveyed a personal preference for focusing on her own well-being and embracing a lifestyle of luxury, suggesting these aspects were more aligned with her personal inclinations than the responsibilities of political office.
She contrasted her current feelings with her previous life, describing it as driven by personal ambition, a state she now finds politics less fulfilling than.
Encountering Local Realities
In her comments, Ranaut specifically highlighted her interactions with constituents grappling with what she described as hyper-local issues. She cited examples such as broken drains and damaged roads. Ranaut posited that addressing these types of localized problems typically falls under the purview of panchayat officials or the state government, implying a mismatch between her role as a national legislator and the immediate concerns raised by residents.
Context of Recent Calamities
These public remarks followed Ranaut’s visit to Mandi in the wake of severe natural calamities that struck the region. Himachal Pradesh, and Mandi district particularly, experienced torrential rains, cloudbursts, and landslides, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life.
According to figures provided by the Press Trust of India (PTI), the scale of the disaster in Mandi district alone was significant. The report indicated a death toll of at least 14 individuals, with 31 people reported missing. The infrastructure suffered extensive damage, including over 150 homes and 106 cattle shelters demolished. Furthermore, 31 vehicles were swept away by the force of the waters and debris, and 14 bridges collapsed, severing vital connections within the district.
Defining the MP’s Role
Ranaut also addressed the limitations of her position regarding immediate disaster relief efforts. In a statement given to the news agency ANI, she clarified her role as an MP, explaining that she lacks a Cabinet portfolio. This distinction, she noted, means she does not have direct access to relief funds typically allocated through ministerial departments.
She emphasized that her primary focus and constitutional duties as a Member of Parliament lie in legislative work, rather than direct executive action or fund disbursement for local crises.
Adding further context to her political outlook, Ranaut also explicitly stated in her remarks that she has no aspirations to become Prime Minister.
Ranaut’s candid reflections offer a rare glimpse into the personal adjustments and perceived challenges faced by a prominent figure transitioning from a highly successful career in entertainment to the intricacies of public service and political representation.
