BJP Distances Itself from Kangana Ranaut's Remarks on Farmers' Protest
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has distanced itself from its Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut's remarks about the farmers' agitation. In an official statement, the BJP stated that Ranaut's comments do not reflect the party's stance and that she is not authorized to speak on policy matters on behalf of the party. The BJP has also directed Ranaut to refrain from making such statements in the future.
Ranaut's remarks, made on her social media handle, suggested that the farmers' protests could have led to a Bangladesh-like situation if strong measures had not been taken by the government. She also alleged that during the protests, "bodies were seen hanging and rapes were taking place."
Ranaut's comments have not been well-received within her party. Senior BJP leader Harjit Garewal has asked her to refrain from such comments, stating that it is not her department to speak on farmers and that her statement is personal. Garewal also emphasized that the BJP is farmer-friendly and that Ranaut's comments could further fuel farmers' outrage against the party, potentially impacting its poll prospects in agri-centric areas.
This is not the first time Ranaut has faced backlash for her comments on farmers. In 2020, during the anti-farm laws protest, she made derogatory remarks about a farmer, sparking a huge row.