BJP MP Kangana Ranaut expressed regret over her recent remarks regarding the three contentious farm laws that sparked significant protests among farmers in 2020. Speaking in her Lok Sabha constituency of Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, on Tuesday, Ranaut suggested that the laws—repealed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government in November 2021 after widespread unrest—should be reinstated, urging farmers to advocate for their return.
“I understand this might stir controversy, but I believe the repealed farm laws should be reintroduced. Farmers are crucial for our nation’s growth, and I appeal to them to demand these laws back for their own benefit,” Ranaut stated during her interaction with the media.
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The BJP, however, quickly distanced itself from her comments. Party spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia clarified that Ranaut’s views do not reflect the official stance of the party. “Kangana Ranaut is not authorized to speak on behalf of the BJP, and her comments do not depict the party’s view on the farm bills,” Bhatia affirmed.
In response to the backlash, Ranaut reiterated that her opinions on the farm laws were personal and not representative of the party’s position. “Absolutely, my views on farm laws are personal and they don’t represent the party’s stance on those Bills,” she asserted.
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Acknowledging that many were “disappointed” by her statements, she released a video expressing regret for any upset her comments may have caused. “I must remember that I am not just an artist but also a BJP worker. My opinions should align with the party’s stance. I regret and retract my words if they have disappointed anyone,” she said.
Ranaut, whose latest film ‘Emergency’ is currently seeking a censor certificate, has faced scrutiny from the BJP previously for her remarks related to the farmers’ protests. Notably, she had suggested that a “Bangladesh-like situation” could have arisen in India without decisive government action during the protests.
Political reactions have been swift. Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) condemned Ranaut’s comments. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate emphasized that the laws will not be reinstated, stating, “More than 750 farmers lost their lives before the Modi government acted to withdraw these black laws. Congress stands with the farmers.”
AAP’s Balbir Singh mocked Ranaut, questioning her understanding of the laws, and urged the public not to take her seriously. AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang criticized the notion of reinstating the laws, calling it an insult to the memory of the deceased farmers and demanding a response from Prime Minister Modi.
Ranaut’s controversial comments come just ahead of the Assembly elections in Haryana, where large numbers of farmers have been vocal against the government’s agricultural policies.
