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Kangana Ranaut, a newly-elected MP from Mandi, has stirred controversy with her comments on the farmers' protests, suggesting they could have led to a crisis similar to Bangladesh's.
Her remarks, which include allegations of violence and rape during the protests, have been criticized by her own party, the BJP, with senior leader Harjit Garewal advising her against making such inflammatory statements.
These comments, coming just before the Haryana assembly elections, could potentially fuel farmers' anger against the BJP, impacting the party's electoral prospects in agriculture-dependent regions.

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BJP disapproves of Kangana's comments

'She's not authorized...': BJP on Kangana Ranaut's farmers' protests comment

By Tanya Shrivastava

Aug 26, 2024

04:57 pm

What's the story

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday distanced itself from actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut's recent comments on the farmers' protest. The party clarified that her remarks do not reflect its stance. "Kangana Ranaut is not authorized to speak on policy matters on behalf of the party and has not been given permission to do so," the BJP said in a statement.

Controversial comments

Ranaut's controversial remarks on farmers' protest

Ranaut, the newly-elected Member of Parliament from Mandi, had suggested that the farmers' protest could have led to a Bangladesh-like crisis in India if not for the government's strong actions. She shared a video alleging that during these protests, "bodies were seen hanging and rapes were taking place." The actor also blamed "foreign powers" and vested interests for prolonging the protests despite the government's decision to repeal three contentious farm laws.

Party response

BJP leader advises Ranaut against inflammatory statements

Ranaut's comments have been criticized within her own party. Senior Punjab BJP leader Harjit Garewal advised her to avoid making inflammatory statements. "It is not Kangana's department to speak on farmers, Kangana's statement is personal. PM Narendra Modi and BJP are farmer friendly," Garewal told India Today. He further added that opposition parties are working against them and Ranaut's statement is doing the same, urging her not to make such remarks on sensitive or religious issues or organizations.

Election concerns

Ranaut's comments could impact BJP's election prospects

Ranaut's controversial remarks come just weeks before the Haryana assembly elections, potentially exacerbating farmers' anger against the BJP, reports said. This could negatively affect the party's election prospects in regions heavily dependent on agriculture. The actor has previously faced backlash for her comments on farmers. In 2020, during anti-farm laws protests, she sparked controversy after misidentifying a woman farmer from Punjab and making derogatory remarks about her.