Kangana Ranaut Rebukes Officials Over Slow MPLADS Fund Use, Calls Delays a ‘Bloody Joke’

Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut criticised government officials during a District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (Disha) meeting in Mandi on Saturday, questioning the slow progress of development projects funded through the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS).

Ranaut, who chaired the meeting, expressed frustration over the fact that a significant portion of the funds allocated for development works remained unused. She questioned officials about delays and said the situation had become embarrassing, particularly as the performance of development projects in her parliamentary constituency was attracting attention beyond the region.

During the meeting, the Mandi MP asked the Block Development Officers (BDOs) present to stand and explain the status of development works in their respective areas. She made it clear that while an MP's role includes recommending and providing funds, government departments are responsible for ensuring that the sanctioned money is used effectively.

Ranaut also warned officials against treating Disha meetings as routine exercises. She said decisions and recommendations made during previous meetings should result in visible action on the ground rather than remaining limited to paperwork and discussions.

Kangana Questions ₹11 Crore Fund Utilisation

Ranaut highlighted that nearly ₹11 crore had been allocated, but less than half of the amount had reportedly been utilised. She demanded a detailed performance report showing how MP funds had been spent and why several sanctioned works had not progressed as expected.

Expressing her frustration, she described the situation as “incompetent” and a “bloody joke”, while questioning what she could tell the media about the lack of progress.

Officials reportedly cited several reasons for stalled projects, including land-related complications, pending approvals and the requirement for No Objection Certificates (NOCs).

MP Seeks Project-Wise Status Reports

Ranaut directed officials to prepare a comprehensive record of every pending project. The report, she said, should clearly mention the amount of work completed and the portion that remains unfinished.

She specifically sought separate categorisation of projects that have reached 40%, 50%, 60% and 80% completion. Officials were also asked to prepare action plans and timelines for finishing the remaining work.

The MP further stressed that a project could not simply be marked as resolved because officials had asked the concerned party to return unused funds. According to her direction, the money should actually be deposited into the government account before the matter is considered settled.

Kangana Warns Officials of Accountability

Ranaut instructed departments to accelerate stalled development projects and determine responsibility wherever unnecessary delays were identified.

She also said development activity in the Mandi parliamentary constituency was being closely observed and warned that administrative negligence could create a negative impression about the region's progress.

The MP indicated that the performance of different departments would be reviewed in a similar manner and that cases involving negligence would be escalated to senior authorities through formal reports.

The meeting underlined Ranaut's demand for greater accountability in the implementation of development projects and more effective utilisation of public funds in her constituency.