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 and asked her to refrain from making such statements in the future.
In an official statement released on August 26, 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 statement further directed Ranaut to refrain from making such statements in the future.
Ranaut had stirred controversy by suggesting 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."
Her remarks did not go down well within her party, with senior BJP leader Harjit Garewal asking her to refrain from such comments. Garewal stated that it is not Ranaut's department to speak on farmers and that her statement is personal. He further emphasized that the BJP is farmer-friendly and that the opposition parties are working against them.
Ranaut's comments come ahead of the assembly elections in Haryana and could potentially impact the BJP's poll prospects in agri-centric areas. This is not the first time the Mandi MP has faced backlash for her comments on farmers. In 2020, during the anti-farm laws protest, she had made derogatory remarks about a farmer, sparking outrage.