Kangana Ranaut, the Bollywood actress who transitioned into politics and now serves as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, has stirred a new debate by calling politics a "very expensive hobby". This statement, made in a recent interview, has drawn attention to the financial realities and expectations surrounding political office in India.
Ranaut explained that being an MP cannot be considered a full-time profession, especially for those who are honest. She pointed out that after accounting for essential expenses such as staff salaries (cook and driver) and constituency-related travel, an MP is left with a significantly reduced income. According to her, the remaining amount could be as low as ₹50,000-₹60,000, despite the official salary of an MP being around ₹1.24 lakh.
The actress-turned-politician elaborated on the high costs associated with representing a constituency, stating that travel expenses alone can amount to lakhs of rupees. She noted that visiting different parts of her constituency requires extensive travel with staff, often involving distances of 300-400 km between locations. These logistical demands contribute to the financial burden of holding public office. Ranaut also mentioned that many MPs have additional sources of income, such as businesses or legal practices, to sustain themselves. She cited the example of Javed Akhtar, a Rajya Sabha MP from 2010-2016, who continued his work in the arts while serving in Parliament.
Ranaut's comments have sparked mixed reactions. Some have questioned her understanding of the financial responsibilities of an MP, while others have criticized her for what they perceive as a sense of entitlement. Congress MP Pratibha Singh accused Ranaut of failing to utilize her MPLAD (Member of Parliament Local Area Development) fund of ₹5 crore during flood relief efforts in Mandi. Online, many social media users have expressed skepticism, with some suggesting that politicians often recover their expenses through illicit means.
In addition to her remarks on the cost of politics, Ranaut has also spoken about her initial expectations upon entering Parliament. She admitted that she had hoped to be given a ministerial portfolio after the 2024 elections, considering her background as a filmmaker, writer, and recipient of the Padma Bhushan, India's fourth-highest civilian honor. However, she has also expressed disillusionment with some aspects of her new role. In a conversation with a spiritual guru, she revealed that she finds it challenging to address the everyday issues brought to her by constituents, such as complaints about broken drains, which she considers to be "panchayat-level problems". She also noted that some residents expect her to use her personal wealth to solve local issues, regardless of jurisdictional boundaries.
Ranaut has also stated that she does not aspire to become the Prime Minister and prefers a life of luxury and personal well-being. She described herself as someone who has lived a "selfish life" and admitted that she is not naturally inclined towards selfless service.
Kangana Ranaut, known for her outspoken views and right-wing ideologies, has been a supporter of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Since entering politics, she has faced both praise and criticism for her comments on various political and social issues.
