Kangana Ranaut: Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut kicked a fresh row by stating that three agricultural reform laws, which were rolled back after weeks of farmers’ protests, must be reenacted. Political leaders of BJP took sharp retorts at the comment made by Kangana Ranaut but she immediately went public to apologize for her comment.
BJP Distances Itself from Kangana Ranaut’s Remarks
BJPs spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia also clarified his stance from a video message that the aforementioned Ranaut statements do not represent the party’s take on the farm bills, while he insisted she wasn’t authorized to speak for the BJP. Ranaut then expressed regret over these comments, saying, “I take my words back” while accepting those words disappointed many.
The actress-turned-MP had realized the necessity of getting her opinions in consonance with the party’s perception. “In the last few days the media asked me some questions on farmers’ law and I suggested that the farmers should request PM Modi to bring back the farmers’ law. Many people are disappointed and disheartened by my statement. When the farmers’ law was proposed, many of us supported it but our Prime Minister withdrew it with great sensitivity and sympathy.” she said. Ranaut said the farm laws had been widely supported in the beginning but she felt there was a need to show respect to the decision Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken regarding withdrawal of the laws.
Clarification on Personal Views
“And it is the duty of all of us workers to respect the dignity of his words. I also have to keep this in mind. I am not an artist. I am a worker of the Bharatiya Janata Party and my opinions should be the party’s stand instead of being my own.” she reiterated, pointing out the collective responsibility of BJP members who voted for the Prime Minister’s judgment.
Earlier, Ranaut had taken to X (formerly Twitter) and clarified that her views on the farm laws were personal and not a party stand, clarifying, “So if I disappoint anyone with my words and my thinking, I will be sorry and I take my words back”
Call to Action for Farmers
The controversy comes with this interview where she said, “I know this statement may sound controversial, but the three farm laws should be brought back. The farmers should themselves demand it.” Ranaut argued that the laws were beneficial for the farmers and lamented their repeal, stating: “Farmers are a pillar of strength in the nation’s development. I want to appeal to them to demand the laws back for their own good.”
Kangana’s Controversial Call for Farm Laws’ Return
This is not the first time BJP has tried to distance itself from Ranaut’s remarks. Last month, the party had attacked her for her comments suggesting that farmer protests could lead to a “Bangladesh-like situation in India.” Her comments, which also included allegations of violence and abuse during the protests, had drawn scathing criticism from not just the BJP but also the opposition, who now say she needs to be more restrained in public statements.
As the developments take their course, Ranaut’s comments remind one of the fine line that every political leader treaded with care between what they actually believed in and what the party preferred to accept.