Slogans of “Go back Kangana, you are late” echoed on Thursday when Bollywood actor and BJP MP from Mandi, Kangana Ranaut, visited a rain-hit area in Manali, Himachal Pradesh.
Videos showing locals expressing their resentment against Kangana’s visit to Patlikuhal in Kullu district went viral. In the videos, people holding black flags and shouting slogans could be seen near the actor-politician’s convoy.
Heated arguments broke out when BJP leaders and others accompanying Kangana tried to calm the residents. Police had to intervene to restore peace.
Heavy rains had caused landslides and flash floods in several places in Kullu and Manali on August 25 and 26. Strong currents of the Beas River washed away a multi-storey hotel and four shops.
Sections of the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway and the Manali-Leh Highway were washed away due to rising Beas River levels. The Right Bank Road of Manali, connecting Kullu city, the bus stand, and Bindu Dhank, also suffered widespread damage.
A house was damaged in Ramshele area in Kullu, water entered houses in the 14 Mile area near Manali and a fish farm was damaged in Patlikuhal as rivers and drains were in spate.
Earlier in the day, Kangana visited disaster-hit areas of Solang and Palchan in the Manali subdivision. She interacted with affected people and assessed the situation.
She was briefed about the infrastructural losses by BJP leader and former Manali MLA Govind Singh Thakur and local residents. They said families from 15–16 endangered houses had been moved to safer places.
Residents also warned that the entire Solang village is on the verge of sliding, as the Beas River is cutting the mountain on which the village is located. They suggested channelising the river to divert its course as a remedy.
Also Read: ₹5,000-cr monsoon losses in state; CM’s aide criticises Kangana
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