Mandi: BJP MP Kangana Ranaut addresses the media in Mandi (Photo: PTI)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially distanced itself from the recent statements made by actress-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut on the farmers’ movement. In a press release issued by the BJP’s Central Media Department on Monday, the party clarified that Ranaut’s statements do not reflect the party’s views and stated that she is neither authorised nor permitted to speak on matters of party policy.
“The statement made by BJP MP Ms Kangana Ranaut in the context of the farmers’ movement does not represent the views of the party. The Bharatiya Janata Party expresses its disagreement with the statement made by Ms Kangana Ranaut. On behalf of the party, Ms Kangana Ranaut has not been given permission nor is she authorised to speak on party policy issues,” the party said.
The statement stressed that the BJP does not agree with Ranaut’s comments and has directed her not to make similar statements in future. The party reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas”, which focus on inclusive growth, trust and social harmony.
What did Kangana Renaut say about the farmers’ movement?
This clarification comes after Kangana Ranaut, a first-time BJP MP from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, made controversial comments comparing the farmers’ protests in India to a possible “Bangladesh-style anarchy”. In an interview, she suggested that outside forces, with the help of insiders, were trying to destabilise India under the pretext of the farmers’ protests. Her comments have drawn widespread criticism, particularly in light of her previous statements on the farmers’ movement.
Renaut doubled down on her comments by sharing the clip of the interview on her social media account. It came with the caption: “Kangana Ranaut: In Bangladesh, like in India, anarchy could have happened, like in the name of farmers’ protest. Outside forces are planning to destroy us with the help of insiders. Had it not been for the foresight of our leaders, they would have succeeded.”
Previous comments on the peasant movement
The actress-turned-politician was embroiled in a controversy when a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel was transferred to Bengaluru from Chandigarh after allegedly assaulting Kangana Ranaut last month. The incident occurred soon after Ranaut was elected to the Lok Sabha. A video circulating on social media shows the agitated officer, upset by Ranaut’s comments on the protests, expressing her frustration, particularly since her mother had participated in the farmers’ protests.
Renaut had attempted to undermine the farmers’ movement by criticising an elderly woman, who she claimed only sat at the protest for money. She later deleted the post after being accused of spreading misinformation.
The BJP’s decision to publicly distance itself from Ranaut’s remarks highlights the sensitivity of the issue and also attempts to play down the fallout, especially as the party prepares for the upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana.
First published: August 26, 2024 | 17:19 IS
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