Manali (Himachal Pradesh): A heated debate is underway in Himachal Pradesh, where Bollywood actress and newly elected MP from Mandi, Kangana Ranaut, finds herself in the center of a storm over her electricity bill.
According to a billing statement that has gone viral on social media, Kangana’s residence in Manali has reportedly consumed 65,000 units of electricity over the past 18 months, resulting in a total bill of ₹3,81,953. The data shows she holds a 94-kilowatt connection, and the monthly charges have sparked widespread reactions online.
Political Heat Rises
Cabinet Minister Vikramaditya Singh shared the billing details online, saying:
“No matter how much one tries to hide the truth, it eventually surfaces. That is the essence of life.”
In a previous remark, he accused Kangana of “creating drama” and not paying her electricity dues, questioning how someone so vocal about patriotism could neglect such basic civic duties.
Kangana’s Strong Response
Responding to the allegations, Kangana appeared at a Disha Committee meeting in Mandi and challenged the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Board (HPSEB) to investigate her bills.
“If my electricity bills are close to ₹1 lakh, I will take my words back. The state government and board officials are lying. I am a Himachali too, and I deserve honesty,” she said.
Kangana claimed she normally receives a monthly bill of around ₹5,000, and such a spike is unjustified, especially since she does not run a factory or grain mill at her property.
Authenticity in Question
Doubts have emerged about the authenticity of the viral bill, as the figures show rounded-off unit usage every month, and inconsistent charges for identical usage levels. As of now, there has been no official confirmation from the Electricity Department regarding the leaked bill’s validity.
Ministers Fire Back
Other ministers in the Sukhvinder Sukhu-led government also voiced criticism.
Harshvardhan Chauhan, speaking from Shimla, said:
“Kangana is an artist and speaks like one. She still has a lot to learn about politics. She should have paid her bills on time instead of sensationalizing the matter.”
He added that she has a responsibility as an MP to raise real issues of Mandi residents instead of creating media stunts.
Minister Rohit Thakur echoed similar sentiments, stating that her controversial statements are nothing new, and that the BJP should address the tone and language used by its representatives.
A Political Drama
This controversy is shaping into a classic case of political mudslinging, where Kangana, known for her outspoken nature, is now being seen as a provocative figure in public life, not just on screen. The opposition alleges that she is focusing more on personal publicity than addressing ground-level concerns.
What Happens Next?
The matter now hinges on whether the electricity board conducts an official probe into the billing history. Kangana has openly said she will retract her statements if proven wrong—but the state’s ministers believe her intent is to mislead and stir controversy.
Reporting by Enoxx News Team | Stay tuned for continuous updates
