Mandi: The row over BJP MP Kangana Ranaut’s controversial “no cabinet, no funds” statement refuses to settle, as state revenue and horticulture minister Jagat Singh Negi launched a scathing attack on the actor-turned-politician, dismissing her recent visit to the disaster-hit Mandi district as nothing more than a “photo op.”

“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 told reporters on Wednesday, underscoring the Congress government's active efforts on the ground.

Negi became the third Congress leader to slam Ranaut, following sharp remarks from PWD minister Vikramaditya Singh and state Congress president Pratibha Singh.

Aiming at her preparedness, Negi added, “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 Ji if the roads were open or not. Nobody knew when exactly she was planning to visit. Perhaps she came only after the roads were cleared.”

Meanwhile, Negi shared an update on the state’s disaster situation, noting that while there has been no major rainfall-related damage since the previous evening, the overall toll of the monsoon devastation remains severe.

The political war of words comes at a time when the people of Mandi are still reeling from the aftermath of the disaster and urgently need coordinated relief efforts beyond political sparring.