Preity Zinta vs Congress: Political Tug-of-War in Himachal

Bollywood star and IPL team owner Preity Zinta has sparked a political storm in Himachal Pradesh. The Kerala Congress alleged that Zinta got her ₹18 crore loan written off after handing over her social media accounts to the BJP. The allegations surfaced after the collapse of New India Cooperative Bank, leaving depositors in distress.

Zinta, who hails from Shimla, hit back on social media. She called the claims “fake news” and clarified that she repaid the loan more than a decade ago. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), she wrote:

“No, I operate my social media accounts myself, and shame on you for promoting FAKE NEWS! No one wrote off anything or any loan for me. I'm shocked that a political party or their representative is promoting fake news & indulging in vile gossip & click baits using my name & images.”

The Kerala Congress responded, asking Zinta to provide proof. They acknowledged that their post was based on media reports. Their reply read:

 “Good to know you're managing your own account, unlike other celebs who have handed theirs over to the notorious IT cell.

Thanks for the clarification... We are glad to accept mistakes if we have made any. We shared the news as reported by media outlets. 

The row soon reached Himachal Pradesh, with BJP leader Chetan Bragta jumping into the fray. Bragta, who hails from Jubbal and Kotkhai in Shimla, accused Congress of targeting independent women from the state.

“Himachal’s daughters are victims of Congress and its fake propaganda. First, they insulted Kangana Ranaut. Now, they are targeting Preity Zinta with false accusations,” Bragta said.

The Congress hit back, accusing Bragta of blowing the issue out of proportion. But the damage is done. The controversy has become a political tug-of-war in Shimla, with Bollywood stars now caught in the crossfire.