BJP leader criticises Kangana Ranaut's 'consistent rant' and 'illogical statements'
PTC News Desk: Actor and BJP Member of Parliament (MP) Kangana Ranaut is facing significant backlash from party leaders regarding her recent comments on the three farm laws, which the Modi government repealed following widespread protests from farmers. During a discussion, Ranaut suggested that these laws should be reinstated, a statement that quickly drew criticism and prompted the BJP to distance itself from her views. In a subsequent statement, she clarified that her remarks were personal opinions and did not reflect the party's official stance.
Despite her apology, the fallout from her comments appears to have negatively impacted the BJP's image in Punjab, a state that has been at the forefront of the farmer protests. BJP national spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill expressed gratitude that the party distanced itself from Ranaut's statements but emphasised the damaging nature of her words.
He described her comments as "baseless and illogical," arguing that they undermine the welfare-oriented initiatives undertaken by Prime Minister Modi for the people of Punjab.
Shergill asserted, "As a Punjabi, I must say that Kangana Ranaut's consistent rants and her illogical statements against the Sikh community and farmers in Punjab are detrimental to the positive work being done for their welfare." He also affirmed that Modi's bond with Punjab and its farmers is "unbreakable" and should not be assessed through the lens of Ranaut's irresponsible remarks.
Another BJP spokesperson, Gaurav Bhatia, reiterated that Ranaut's comments were her own and did not represent the party's viewpoint on the contentious farm laws. "I want to make it clear that this statement is a personal statement of hers," Bhatia remarked, referencing Ranaut's viral comments regarding the withdrawn farm bills.
In her original statement, Ranaut had controversially suggested that farmers should demand the return of the repealed laws. "I know this statement could be controversial, but the three farm laws should be brought back. Farmers themselves should demand it," she stated, sparking outrage among party leaders.
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After being informed by the BJP that she was "not authorised" to make such declarations, Ranaut retracted her comments in a video statement. She acknowledged her dual role as an artist and a BJP worker, emphasising the need for her views to align with the party's stance. "I regret and take my words back if my comments have disappointed anyone," she stated, assuring that she would ensure her opinions reflect the party’s position moving forward.
This is not the first time Ranaut has faced criticism from within her party. Last month, she was reprimanded for her remarks suggesting that a "Bangladesh-like situation" could have emerged in India during the farmers' protests had the government not intervened decisively.
Additionally, Ranaut is currently embroiled in controversy surrounding her latest film, Emergency, which is facing challenges in obtaining a censor certificate due to allegations that it misrepresents the Sikh community and spreads false narratives against them.
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- With inputs from agencies
