Kangana Ranaut Targets Himachal Govt, Says Only ₹1.5 Crore of MPLADS Funds Reached Ground
BJP MP Kangana Ranaut on Thursday criticised the Himachal Pradesh government over what she described as administrative delays in implementing development projects, alleging that only a small portion of the funds allocated under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) had been utilised on the ground.
Addressing reporters in Kullu, the Mandi MP said development work in her constituency was moving slower than expected despite financial allocations and support from the Central government. She also expressed disappointment over the functioning of the state administration, claiming bureaucratic delays were affecting public projects.
Referring to infrastructure development in the region, Kangana said, "With the blessings of PM Narendra Modi, I started the construction of more than 17 roads under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. More than Rs 10 Crores have to be given under MPLADS but so far only Rs 1.5 Crore has reached the ground. The laxity of the administration and its officers is frustrating even for us...The laidback attitude of Himachal Pradesh State Govt is sad and concerning."
She alleged that administrative inaction had slowed the pace of development despite the availability of funds and accused the state government of failing to ensure timely implementation of projects.
Apart from raising concerns over development in Himachal Pradesh, Kangana also commented on the political situation in West Bengal. Referring to the recent political developments in the state, she said, "The 'kushasan' in Bengal has been ended and 'sushasan' has come to power there. People of Bengal have a lot of hopes...We pray to God that may a double-engine Government come here too."
Her remarks reflected the BJP's continued emphasis on the concept of a "double-engine government", where the same party governs both the Centre and the state, arguing that such an arrangement helps accelerate development projects.
Kangana's statements come as political exchanges between the BJP and the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government continue over issues relating to governance, development and implementation of welfare schemes. Her criticism is also likely to add to the ongoing political debate ahead of future electoral contests in the hill state.
