Actress-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut recently shared her candid thoughts on parliamentary life, describing politics as an “expensive hobby” rather than a lucrative profession.
Politics: An Expensive Pursuit?
Kangana Ranaut, who recently became an MP for Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, has called politics a “very expensive hobby.” This comment follows her earlier remarks about not fully enjoying her role due to “panchayat-level problems” coming her way.
During an interview with Times Now, Ranaut clarified her use of the word “hobby.” She explained that if an MP is truly honest, they can’t rely solely on their parliamentary salary to sustain a household, implying the need for another source of income.
The Reality of an MP’s Salary
Kangana, who transitioned from a successful acting career, highlighted the financial challenges. She stated that after covering basic expenses like a cook and driver, an MP’s actual take-home salary is merely around Rs 50,000-60,000, despite the official MP salary being roughly Rs 1.24 lakh per month.
She elaborated on the high costs associated with her duties. Visiting her constituency, especially with staff, involves travel expenses “in lakhs” because many locations are hundreds of kilometers away. This, she emphasized, necessitates that MPs have alternative sources of income, such as businesses or legal professions, to manage their finances.
Hopes for a Cabinet Portfolio
Kangana also touched upon her expectations for a ministerial role. She expressed surprise at not receiving a portfolio, given her distinguished background.
She mentioned her profile as a filmmaker, writer, and Padma Bhushan recipient. Ranaut felt her contributions to the party, combined with winning a challenging seat after a long campaign, warranted a cabinet position.
Financial Background
It’s worth noting that when Kangana Ranaut filed her nomination in 2024, she declared assets totaling Rs 91.5 crore. This included Rs 28.7 crore in movable assets and Rs 62.9 crore in immovable assets.
- Kangana Ranaut views politics as an “expensive hobby” for honest MPs.
- She claims an MP’s take-home salary is around Rs 50,000-60,000 after basic expenses.
- Constituency travel and staff costs can amount to “lakhs.”
- She expected to receive a cabinet portfolio given her profile and campaign efforts.
Her statements shed light on the personal financial considerations that can accompany a career in Indian politics, especially for those without additional income streams.
