After facing criticism for her delayed visit to flood-ravaged Mandi, BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut on Sunday lashed out at the Congress-led Himachal Government, blaming it for mishandling the relief efforts and asserting that the way this government is functioning, the Congress will not come to power in the state for the next 20 years.   Ranaut, who represents the Mandi Lok Sabha constituency, reached Thunag panchayat, one of the areas worst hit by the recent cloudburst that devastated multiple villages in the region. I am deeply pained to see the loss of lives and the suffering of the people. Families have lost everything — their homes, their loved ones. The destruction is massive, and the time for politics is over; now is the time for action and relief, she told reporters.   At least 14 people have died, and 31 remain missing following a series of cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides across Mandi. Over 150 homes, 14 bridges, 31 vehicles, and key infrastructure including 278 water supply schemes and 236 transformers have been destroyed. Close to 200 roads remain blocked.   Kangana defended her absence by saying MPs are not authorized to use MPLAD funds during disasters, and added that she had informed both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah about the tragedy. The state government is responsible for on-ground relief and restoration. We are the link to the Centre. We raise concerns and push for support. I have done that, she said, brushing aside Congress taunts.   Her remarks came amid pointed barbs from Congress leaders and even BJPs Jai Ram Thakur, who had earlier remarked, We live and die for the locals. I cannot comment on those who are not present. Responding, Kangana posted on X (formerly Twitter), I was advised by respected Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur to wait till roads and connectivity are restored. I reached Mandi as soon as authorities allowed travel.   Family Dead Or Missing, 10-Month-Old Baby Lone Survivor Among the many heart-wrenching stories emerging from the tragedy, the survival of 10-month-old Neetika stands out. Her father Ramesh Kumar died trying to stop floodwaters from entering their home in Talwara village, while her mother and grandmother remain missing. Neetika was found alone in the debris by a neighbour and is now under the care of her uncle Balwant, a PSO to Jai Ram Thakur. The SDM has initiated steps to open a bank account for the orphaned infant, as offers for help pour in.   Meanwhile, rescue operations continue across Pawara, Thunag, Baidshad, Kanda, and Murad, the worst-affected areas, as officials race against time to trace those still missing.

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