Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India] July 9 : Amidst ongoing monsoon-related devastation in Himachal Pradesh, the state's Revenue, Horticulture, and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi has taken a sharp swipe at actor-turned-politician and Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut, saying there is a huge difference between "what one says and what one actually does."
"She just came to click a few photographs and left. People on the ground know who is really working and who's just coming for a photo-op," Negi said while speaking with ANI, when asked about Ranaut's visit to the flood-affected areas.
Negi further remarked, "Please don't waste your and my time by asking about her. She is an elected MP from that area and should have clarity on what she wants to do for her region. Earlier, she was asking Jai Ram if the roads were open or not. Nobody knows exactly when she was planning to visit."
He added, "She came only after the roads were cleared. At one location, a woman even asked her, 'Are you just here to click pictures and leave?' People know who is doing real work on the ground."
The minister added, "As far as her comments about being excluded from the state cabinet are concerned, I don't have a cabinet to offer her. That's something she should ask from PM Modi. There is no place for her in our cabinet. There's a big difference between making big statements and actually working on the ground, and we know what kind of work she really does."
He added, "We want to assure people that the government is concerned for them. Not just relief, but rehabilitation is also our responsibility, and we are doing our best."
Minister Negi also strongly criticised Kangana Ranaut over her recent public statements comparing herself to iconic freedom fighter Rani Lakshmi Bai.
He said, "I stand by what I said. Acting in films is a different thing altogether. In movies, different people do different things. Someone rides a horse, someone wields a sword, but in real life, you have to do everything yourself."
Taking a jibe at Kangana, the newly elected MP from Mandi, comparing anyone with Laxmi Bai would be a disgrace to her.
"You can see her yourself, she says she only had two brothers supporting her. Even Jai Ram ji was standing there with her. She walked only with their support, 'Poor Kangana'. Rani Lakshmi Bai was one of the earliest revolutionaries of our country. No one can compare themselves to her. She was great and always will be," he added.
Negi emphasised that playing the role of a revolutionary on-screen is one thing, but living that life in reality is entirely different.
Minister Negi added, "In films, she's shown riding horses and fighting with swords. But in real life, she says, 'I don't have anything.' The real truth comes out when you're on the ground. You may speak big things on the election stage, but when it comes to working in the field, that's when reality hits."
He also endorsed a viral comment by a local woman who had said that "just clicking photos and leaving won't work."
"She was absolutely right," Negi said. "There's a world of difference between reel life and real life. In cinema, everything is makeup. Someone else sings, someone else writes the dialogues. Everything is designed. In real life, you have to do it all on your own."Negi said.
Providing an update on the disaster response, Negi said that restoration and relief efforts are currently underway in the state. He added that although there has been no significant rainfall-related damage since last evening, the overall impact of the monsoon remains severe.
"As of today, around 1,200 houses, both pucca and kutcha, have been damaged. Around 250 roads were blocked, and while some have been cleared, fresh landslides continue to occur. This is a daily process where roads open and then close again," he said.
In Mandi district alone, around 45 JCB machines have been deployed to restore road connectivity.
Minister Negi told ANI, "PWD has also mobilised large machinery and is working around the clock to open blocked routes. The Jal Shakti Department has reported damage to more than 250 drinking water schemes. Many potable water projects have been hit and are under restoration, but new disruptions are also happening."
Electricity infrastructure has also taken a hit. " Around 200 electricity distribution schemes are currently affected. Some have been restored, but the situation remains fluid," the minister informed.
Multiple departments are carrying out relief and restoration efforts. "Our SDMs, tehsildars, patwaris, and other revenue staff are all involved in relief work. NDRF, SDRF, and even Army teams are also engaged in remote areas. We currently have around 17 relief camps functioning, sheltering nearly 700 people. Some have been housed in local schools as part of emergency arrangements," he said.
Negi also added that people whose houses were completely damaged are being provided with Rs 5,000 per month for rent. Furthermore, over 26 people are still missing.
"We've prepared nearly 3,000 food packets and other essentials. Work is ongoing. Many people have lost their fields, orchards, and cowsheds. While road connectivity will be restored soon, the real challenge is rehabilitation. That will take time, but we are fully committed to the task," the minister assured.
Negi emphasised that local communities are also coming forward to help themselves and others.