In a strikingly candid remark, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has called politics a “very expensive hobby,” revealing that despite an MP’s official salary of ₹1 to 1.5 lakh per month, most honest parliamentarians are left with just ₹50,000–60,000 after fulfilling basic responsibilities, reported Hindustan Times. The actor-turned-politician, elected from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, shed light on the often-overlooked financial realities of political life.
The High Cost of Representing the People
Kangana said that while MPs are compensated on paper, the actual costs of public service quickly eat into their income. From hiring a driver and cook to paying a personal assistant and bearing extensive travel costs across large constituencies, the expenses mount fast. She explained that frequent trips, especially in geographically challenging areas like Himachal, can mean driving 300 to 400 km regularly. After these operational expenses, the amount left is minimal.
Juggling Multiple Careers to Stay Afloat
To make political life sustainable, Kangana believes MPs need alternate sources of income. She pointed out that many parliamentarians, including lawyers and businesspeople, pursue their original professions alongside politics. She cited examples like lyricist Javed Akhtar who continued writing even after entering public life. Kangana, too, intends to balance her film career with her new role as a public representative.
Waiting for a Bigger Role
Kangana did not shy away from expressing her expectations. Despite her high-profile campaign and win in Mandi, she admitted that she had hoped for a ministerial portfolio. Given her stature and contribution, she thought she would be “given something,” but added that she respects the party’s decision. She clarified that she was not upset, but also not particularly excited either.
Ground-Level Reality and Public Expectations
What perhaps struck her the most is the nature of demands from people. She shared how citizens approach her expecting immediate solutions to local issues—sometimes as basic as giving them money for medical bills or schools—mistaking the MP’s role for that of a municipal officer or MLA. This, she said, can feel overwhelming when you’re personally funding responses to public needs.
Clean Politics Comes at a Price
Kangana underlined that for politicians who are committed to honesty and transparency, the financial pressure is even more intense. There’s little room for savings or personal gain if one wants to remain above board. Her remarks indirectly raised uncomfortable questions about how others might be supplementing their income, hinting at the potential risks of systemic corruption.
Reflections on Her New Role
Despite the heavy responsibility, Kangana said she is still adjusting to her role as an MP. Politics, she admitted, doesn’t feel like a career but more like social service. She’s still discovering how much of it she enjoys. Her honesty stood out: while many shy away from discussing the harsh truths of public life, Kangana’s transparency offers a rare insight into what it takes to serve in Indian politics today.
Bigger Questions for Indian Democracy
Her statement has sparked conversations beyond her individual case. If honest MPs are struggling financially, what does it say about the accessibility of politics to citizens who are not wealthy or well-connected? Should Parliament revisit the allowances and support systems available to elected representatives? Is there a need for a clearer separation of financial responsibility between national MPs and local administrators?
A Wake-Up Call in Designer Clothes
Kangana Ranaut, known for her bold style and unapologetic statements, has once again raised eyebrows—this time not for a film or controversy, but for exposing a rarely discussed truth about the economics of political life. Her assertion that “politics is a very expensive hobby” is not just a soundbite; it’s a wake-up call to rethink how we support those who step into public service for the right reasons.
Photo Credit: HT
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