New Delhi, August 26, 2024 — The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has issued a formal reprimand to actor-politician Kangana Ranaut following her controversial remarks about the farmers' protest. The party clarified that Ranaut's statements do not reflect its stance and instructed her to refrain from commenting on policy matters in the future.
Ranaut, a BJP Member of Parliament from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, had suggested that the farmers' protests could have escalated into a crisis similar to that of Bangladesh if not for the government's intervention. Her comments sparked a backlash and drew sharp criticism from various quarters.
In response, the BJP emphasized that Ranaut is not authorized to speak on behalf of the party regarding policy issues. "Kangana Ranaut's comments are her personal views and do not represent the BJP's official stance. We have directed her to avoid making statements on sensitive topics and policy matters in the future," a BJP spokesperson said.
The party's rebuke follows advisories from BJP leaders in Haryana and Punjab, who had previously cautioned Ranaut against making inflammatory remarks. Punjab BJP leader Harjit Grewal stated, "It is not Kangana's role to comment on farmers' issues. Her statements are counterproductive, especially in a politically sensitive environment."
The Congress party has also weighed in on the controversy. Congress leader Randeep Surjewala, campaigning in Haryana—a state significantly impacted by the farmers' protests—questioned the BJP's response. "Were these merely Kangana's personal views, or do they reflect a broader sentiment within the BJP? The party's silence on this issue is concerning," Surjewala remarked.
This is not the first time Ranaut's comments have attracted controversy. In 2020, she faced criticism for misidentifying a woman farmer from Punjab who participated in the protests, erroneously calling her Bilkis Bano, a prominent figure in the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests. Ranaut also suggested the woman could be hired for protests, further inflaming tensions.
The BJP's latest move underscores its effort to distance itself from Ranaut's provocative statements and maintain its focus on its farmer-friendly policies.
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