BJP MP Kangana Ranaut came under criticism when she suggested that the farmer’s demonstrations may have led to a “Bangladesh-type situation”
The Himachal Pradesh assembly has adopted a Congress-backed resolution to condemn remarks made by Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Mandi Kangana Ranaut for her recent comments on farmers’ protests.
Kangana Ranaut posted a clip of her interview with Hindi daily Dainik Bhaskar in which she suggested that a “Bangladesh-like situation” could have erupted in India but for the country’s strong leadership. She then alleged that bodies were hanging and rapes were taking place during the farmers’ protest against the now-repealed three farm laws.
In the assembly of her home state, which is ruled by Congress, Kangana Ranaut made remarks that provoked intense debate and led to the House passing a resolution denouncing her claims of China and US involvement in a “conspiracy”.
For several months, thousands of farmers from Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and other regions had staged a demonstration at Delhi’s borders in opposition to the since-repealed agricultural regulations.
On October 1, Haryana will have elections. In response, the opposition attacked the BJP MP. Sushil Gupta, the head of the AAP for Haryana, stated that this demonstrated the BJP’s “mindset” against farmers. AAP organized many protests in Haryana as well.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also spoke out against Kangana Ranaut, demanding an apology. She posted on X, “Kangana Ranaut has not apologized for her statement against farmers. BJP’s statement expresses no regret about the charges made by her against farmers. She is a BJP member & MP, if no action is taken against her it’s fair to say that BJP is only paying lip service to the farmers.”
Harshwardhan Chauhan, the minister of legislative affairs in the Himachal Assembly, described Kangana Ranaut’s comments as an insult to the nation’s farmers. He requested the BJP members to state their position on the matter after they had staged a walkout and returned to the House.
As Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur stated that Kangana’s comments were personal and did not represent the party’s positions, members of both houses began yelling chants.
The BJP had already distanced themselves from the actor-turned-politician’s remarks on Monday, expressing disagreement with her views and clarifying that she was neither permitted nor authorized to comment on the party’s policy matters. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu supported the resolution and said the BJP should discuss the issue with the House itself. Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri added that farmers were enraged due to Kangana Ranaut’s remarks and the BJP should seriously consider its conduct.
Revenue minister Jagat Singh Negi even suggested that a FIR should be registered against the Mandi MP as her remarks could create a law and order situation. Samajwadi party chief Akhilesh Yadav said Kangana Ranaut’s remarks comments were “deliberate” and would be used as a “shield” so that the BJP had someone to blame for its future defeat in the Haryana Assembly polls.
