Heavy monsoon rain, cloudbursts and landslides have killed at least 85 people across Himachal Pradesh this season, including 17 in the Mandi district, according to the State Disaster Management Authority. Homes, bridges and roads have been washed away, and power supply to hundreds of localities remains disrupted. During a 6 July visit to flooded villages, newly elected Mandi MP and actress Kangana Ranaut told reporters that she “does not have any Cabinet post or funds for disaster relief,” adding that her role was limited to raising matters in Parliament. The remark drew sharp criticism from the state’s ruling Congress Party, which said MPs can tap as much as Rs 25 crore over five years under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme and accused Ranaut of evading responsibility. BJP president J.P. Nadda, accompanied by former chief minister Jairam Thakur and other state leaders, travelled to the worst-hit areas on 10 July in what party officials described as a damage-control exercise. While Ranaut was not present on that tour, the party has assigned local lawmakers to coordinate relief, and Nadda pledged continued support for reconstruction. Ranaut later defended her comments, saying she was merely explaining the limits of an MP’s mandate and would seek a special federal package for the state. She also accused the Sukhu-led Congress government of delaying aid distribution. The political exchange comes as residents press for immediate assistance and the monsoon season, which typically lasts until September, shows no sign of easing.