'She is not authorized': BJP reacts to Kangana's comment on farmers' protest

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday distanced itself from actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut's statement on farmers' protests, while the Congress demanded an apology from her.

The BJP MP from Mandi courted controversy over his comment, which claimed that farmers' protests could have led to a “Bangladesh-like situation” if the central government had not taken drastic measures.

This comment of Ranaut has come at a time when assembly elections in Haryana are around the corner. Farmers from Haryana and Punjab had been leading mass protests in 2020 against the now-withdrawn farm laws and had been camping on Delhi's borders for over a year.

Dissociating itself from the Mandi MP's remarks, the BJP in an official statement said, “BJP MP Kangana Ranaut's statement in the context of farmers' movement is not the opinion of the party. BJP Kangana Disagree with Ranaut's statement On behalf of the party, Kangana Ranaut is neither authorized nor permitted to make statements on party policy issues.

“The Bharatiya Janata Party adheres to the principles of 'Sab Ka Saath, Sab Ka Vikas, Sab Ka Vishwas and Sab Ka Prayas' and social harmony,” the statement added.

'Anarchy like Bangladesh…': Kangana Ranaut

Anarchy like Bangladesh could have happened in India also in the name of farmers protest. External forces are planning to destroy us with help from within. Had it not been for the foresight of our leadership, they would have succeeded,” Kangana Ranaut was heard saying in a video shared on microblogging site X.

He blamed vested interests and “foreign powers” for continuing the protests even after the repeal of the laws.

What happened in Bangladesh, could have easily happened here. There is a conspiracy of external forces and these film people thrive on that. Kangana alleged that she doesn't care if Malik goes to the dogs.

Kangana calls farmers 'murderers, rapists': Congress

Congress social media chairperson Supriya Shrine said Ranaut called the country's farmers “murderers and rapists”. He asked the BJP to expel Ranaut from the party.

“A very funny statement was heard yesterday that made people hang their heads in shame and get angry. Kangana Ranaut is an expert in making such statements but now she is not just a film actress but a BJP MP. Yesterday, Kangana Ranaut called the country's farmers murderers and rapists. Hardly any politician would have used such words for the foodies of this country. He also said that the US and China are trying to destabilize the country by organizing farmers' protests, he said in a press conference.

In a subtle jibe at the Mandi MP, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala told him to “get well soon”.

Surjewala wrote on X, “After all, why do BJP people hate the country's food suppliers so much? BJP has always lied, cheated, conspired and oppressed our farmers. And once Then a BJP MP made baseless allegations against our food suppliers. The question is, is Kangana making this cheap accusation against the farmers as per BJP's election strategy?

A Congress leader from Haryana also asked, “Was it only Kangana's words or someone else copied them? If not, why is the Prime Minister of the country, the Chief Minister of Haryana and all the MPs and MLAs of the BJP silent on this issue?

When Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini was asked about Ranaut's comment, he refused to comment and said it was his personal opinion.

'Shameful anti-farmer statements': Rahul Gandhi

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP-led central government of not only failing to fulfill its promises to farmers but also insulting them.

Reacting to Kangana's statements, Gandhi said in an X-post, “A BJP MP who sacrificed 700 comrades during his 378-day marathon struggle to rape farmers and representatives of foreign powers. Saying is another proof of BJP's anti-farmer policy and intentions. These shameful anti-farmer statements are a grave insult to the farmers of the entire country including West Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab, which cannot be accepted under any circumstances.

The government committee formed at the time of withdrawing the farmers' movement is still in cold storage, the government has not been able to clarify its stand on MSP till date, no relief has been given to the families of the martyred farmers. From which their character is being destroyed. The cheating of farmers by the Modi government cannot be masked by disrespecting and attacking the dignity of food suppliers. No matter what schemes Narendra Modi and BJP do, India will ensure legal guarantee of MSP for farmers.

(with input from agencies)