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The political landscape of India is once again ablaze with controversy, this time ignited by actor-politician Kangana Ranaut's accusations against the Congress party. Ranaut, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Lok Sabha MP from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi, has alleged that the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government illegally transferred funds meant for disaster relief to Sonia Gandhi, the former Congress president. This accusation has triggered a fierce backlash from the Congress, with the state's Public Works Department Minister, Vikramaditya Singh, issuing a strong warning to Ranaut to retract her statement or face legal action.
Singh, in a pointed statement, condemned Ranaut's allegations as “foolish” and devoid of any evidence. He challenged Ranaut to produce proof of even a single rupee being diverted to Sonia Gandhi and demanded an apology for the “baseless allegations.” Singh further highlighted Ranaut's previous reprimand from her own party for making controversial comments about the farmers' protest, labeling her as intellectually bankrupt. He underscored that all funds from the central government are subject to proper audits, making Ranaut's claims of financial impropriety highly questionable.
On the other hand, Ranaut, during a membership drive in her constituency, took aim at the Congress government's handling of disaster relief in Himachal Pradesh. She criticized the state's financial situation, stating that the government has taken the state back decades, and urged voters to oust the Congress. She specifically targeted Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, claiming that disaster relief funds are being diverted to a “Sonia Relief Fund” instead of being used for their intended purpose. This claim further intensifies the political tension between the BJP and the Congress, with both parties vying for political dominance in the state.
The allegations and counter-allegations surrounding the handling of disaster relief funds in Himachal Pradesh reflect the escalating political rivalry between the BJP and the Congress. The Congress' strong reaction and threat of legal action against Ranaut underscores the seriousness of the accusations and the potential for further political upheaval. This case raises questions about the transparency and accountability of government spending during times of crisis and the potential for political agendas to influence disaster response efforts.
Source: Congress' "Apologise Or" Warning After Kangana Ranaut's Sonia Gandhi Jibe