Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut has once again found herself at the center of a political storm following her controversial remarks on the now-repealed farm laws. Kangana Ranaut, the Mandi Lok Sabha MP, suggested in an interview that the three farm reform laws, which were scrapped by the government after widespread farmers’ protests, should be reinstated. The comment sparked sharp criticism, including from her own party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
On Tuesday, the BJP quickly distanced itself from Kangana Ranaut’s statements, making it clear that she was not authorized to speak on behalf of the party regarding the farm bills. BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia emphasized that her remarks were a “personal statement” and did not reflect the party’s official stance. Following this public rebuke, Kangana Ranaut issued a formal apology and retracted her statement.
In her apology, the BJP MP acknowledged that her words had caused disappointment among many, stating, “I take my words back.” She further reflected on her dual role as an actor and politician, noting that her opinions should no longer be personal but should align with the party’s collective stance. Kangana Ranaut added that while the farm laws initially garnered significant support, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to repeal them should be respected. She emphasized the need for party members to stand united behind the Prime Minister’s judgement.
Kangana Ranaut also addressed the matter on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), reiterating that her views on the farm laws were personal and not reflective of the BJP’s position. “Absolutely, my views on farmers’ laws are personal, and they don’t represent the party’s stand on those bills. Thanks,” she wrote.
The controversy erupted earlier on Tuesday when Kangana Ranaut, in an interview, expressed her opinion that the farm laws should be reinstated and urged farmers to demand their return. She argued that the laws were in the best interest of farmers, despite their repeal following intense protests in several states.
This is not the first time the BJP has rebuked its newly elected MP over her statements. Last month, Kangana Ranaut made another controversial remark when she suggested that the farmers’ protests could lead to a “Bangladesh-like situation in India.” She further claimed that instances of violence, including rapes and deaths, were taking place at the protest sites. Her comments drew widespread criticism, with the BJP distancing itself from her remarks and urging her to exercise restraint in making such statements in the future.
