In a strong response to recent comments made by BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, Congress leaders have sharply criticized both her and the ruling party. The controversy began after Kangana Ranaut suggested that India could have faced a situation similar to Bangladesh’s during the farmers’ protests against the now-repealed farm laws. She further alleged that bodies were hung and rapes occurred during the protests, and even implicated foreign powers like China and the US in a conspiracy.
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, condemned Kangana Ranaut’s remarks as a “shameful anti-farmer ideology” and a “grave insult” to farmers across India. Rahul Gandhi emphasized that the BJP’s failure to meet promises made to the farming community was being compounded by such derogatory statements. He argued that these comments were part of a broader strategy to undermine the dignity and sacrifices of the farmers who participated in the year-long protest.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge echoed Rahul Gandhi’s sentiments, labeling the comments as reflective of the Modi government’s underlying anti-farmer stance. Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for previously referring to farmers as “andolanjeevi” (protesters) and “parasites” and for failing to fulfill promises related to Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the formation of a committee to address farmer concerns. Kharge called for Kangana Ranaut’s expulsion from the BJP if the party truly disagrees with her remarks.
Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate demanded clarification from the government regarding Kangana Ranaut’s claims about foreign involvement in India’s internal unrest. She urged the BJP to either disavow Kangana Ranaut’s statements or issue a formal apology to the farmers. Shrinate pointed out that no previous leader had used such inflammatory language against farmers, and she criticized the BJP for only distancing itself from Kangana Ranaut’s comments after significant backlash.
In response to the controversy, the BJP issued a statement disavowing Kangana Ranaut’s remarks. The party clarified that her statements do not reflect its official stance and directed her to refrain from making such statements in the future. The BJP reiterated its commitment to social harmony and the principles of inclusive development.
The debate highlights the continuing tension between the BJP and opposition parties over the handling of farmer issues and underscores the sensitivity of the topic in the upcoming electoral context. The Congress’s reaction also brings to light ongoing dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of agricultural policies and the treatment of those who have protested against them.
