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 party expressed its disagreement with her comments and clarified that she is not authorized to speak on policy matters on behalf of the BJP.
The statement further directed Ranaut to refrain from making such statements in the future.
Ranaut's controversial remarks 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."
Her remarks were met with criticism within her own party, with senior BJP leader Harjit Garewal asking her to refrain from such comments. Garewal emphasized that Ranaut's statement was personal and did not reflect the party's stance. He also highlighted the BJP's support for farmers and criticized the opposition parties for using Ranaut's statement against the party.
Ranaut's comments come ahead of the assembly elections in Haryana and could potentially impact the BJP's poll prospects in the state's agri-centric areas. This is not the first time the Mandi MP has faced backlash for her comments on farmers. In 2020, she made derogatory remarks about a farmer during the anti-farm laws protest, sparking widespread outrage.