BJP Disavows Kangana Ranaut’s Remarks on Farmers’ Protests, Directs Mandi MP to Refrain from Future Statements
In a rare public admonition, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday expressed its strong disagreement with the recent remarks made by Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut regarding the farmers’ protests, directing her to refrain from making such statements in the future. The party clarified that Ranaut, a prominent Bollywood actress and a newly elected member of Parliament, was “neither permitted nor authorized” to speak on party policy.
The controversy erupted after Ranaut, during the promotion of her upcoming film “Emergency,” made comments that compared the farmers’ protests to potential “Bangladesh-like anarchy” in India. She alleged that “outside forces” were attempting to destabilize the country “with the help of insiders” and credited the BJP leadership for preventing such a scenario.
“Bangladesh-like anarchy could have taken place in India in the name of the farmers’ protest,” Ranaut remarked, implying that the situation could have escalated into a severe national crisis. She further added, “If it wouldn’t have been the foresight of our leadership, they would have succeeded.”
These comments quickly drew sharp criticism from various quarters, including political opponents and farmer organizations, who accused her of undermining the legitimacy of the farmers’ movement. The farmers’ protests, which began in late 2020 against three controversial farm laws, had garnered significant national and international attention, with the farmers demanding the repeal of the laws, citing concerns over potential threats to their livelihoods.
The BJP, which had been navigating the delicate political landscape surrounding the protests, swiftly moved to distance itself from Ranaut’s comments. In a statement, the party emphasized that Ranaut’s views were personal and did not reflect the official stance of the BJP.
“The statement made by BJP MP Kangana Ranaut in the context of the farmers’ movement is not the opinion of the party. The Bharatiya Janata Party expresses its disagreement with the statement made by Kangana Ranaut,” the party said, making it clear that such remarks were not endorsed by the party leadership.
The BJP’s statement also highlighted the importance of maintaining discipline among its members, particularly those holding public office. “Kangana Ranaut is neither permitted nor authorized to make statements on the party’s policy. We have directed her to refrain from making such comments in the future,” the statement added.
Ranaut’s entry into politics as the Mandi MP had been marked by her outspoken nature and a penchant for making controversial statements, often stirring public debate. Her transition from a popular film actress to a political figure has not been without its challenges, as evidenced by the BJP’s recent cautioning.
The farmers’ protests had been a significant point of contention in Indian politics, with the government initially defending the farm laws as necessary reforms while facing persistent opposition from the farming community. The protests, which saw hundreds of thousands of farmers camping on the borders of Delhi, eventually led to the government’s decision to repeal the laws in November 2021.
Ranaut’s comments, which seemed to reignite the controversy surrounding the protests, came at a time when the BJP has been focusing on other key issues ahead of the upcoming elections. The party’s decision to publicly disavow her remarks indicates a desire to avoid any further polarization on the subject, particularly in the politically sensitive region of Punjab and Haryana, where the farmers’ protests had been most intense.
Political analysts have noted that the BJP’s response to Ranaut’s remarks is indicative of the party’s broader strategy of maintaining a cohesive narrative and avoiding unnecessary distractions. As the BJP gears up for the next round of elections, it appears keen to keep its focus on governance and development issues, rather than getting embroiled in controversies that could alienate key voter segments.
Ranaut, for her part, has yet to respond to the BJP’s directive. Her political journey, still in its early stages, will likely be closely watched by both supporters and critics as she navigates the complexities of being a public figure in both the entertainment and political arenas.
In conclusion, the BJP’s swift and unequivocal response to Kangana Ranaut’s remarks on the farmers’ protests underscores the party’s commitment to maintaining discipline and clarity in its public messaging. The directive for Ranaut to refrain from making unauthorized statements serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with balancing personal views with the responsibilities of public office.
