Kangana Ranaut once again found herself in the midst of a political storm following her controversial remarks regarding the three farm laws that were repealed by the government after massive protests. During an interview, the actor-turned-politician stated that the farm laws should be reintroduced, suggesting that farmers themselves should demand their reinstatement. Ranaut's comments ignited a strong backlash, especially from within her own party, the BJP, which was quick to distance itself from her statements.
BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia clarified that Ranaut's views were her own and did not represent the party’s stance on the matter. He emphasized that the BJP had no involvement in her remarks and underscored that her statements were made in a personal capacity. This led to mounting pressure on the Mandi MP, who eventually issued a public apology. Acknowledging the backlash, she expressed regret, stating, "My remarks have disappointed several people, and I deeply apologize for that. I take my words back."
In her apology, Ranaut reflected on her dual role as both an actor and a politician. She recognized that, as a member of Parliament, her opinions can no longer be solely personal and must align with the collective vision of the party. She emphasized the importance of standing by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to repeal the farm laws, respecting the choice that was made after careful consideration.
Ranaut also took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where she reiterated that her views were strictly personal and did not reflect the BJP’s official position. Despite her assertion that the laws were ultimately beneficial to farmers, she acknowledged the Prime Minister’s decision and admitted that, as a politician, her responsibility was to support the government’s stance.
The controversy surrounding her comments is not an isolated incident. Ranaut has previously faced criticism for her incendiary remarks on the farmers’ protests. Just last month, she made controversial claims, alleging that the protests were leading to lawlessness, including crimes at the protest sites—claims that were swiftly condemned by both her party and opposition figures. This ongoing pattern of contentious statements has put Ranaut at odds with the BJP on more than one occasion, with the party publicly urging her to exercise caution and restraint in expressing her views.
Despite the initial support the farm laws garnered from certain sectors, the widespread protests that ensued forced the government to withdraw the legislation. Ranaut, however, has been a vocal advocate of the laws, asserting that they were designed to empower farmers. In her recent interview, she reiterated that the laws were misunderstood and should have been retained for the betterment of the agricultural sector. Her appeal to farmers to demand their reimplementation, however, has sparked a renewed political debate, drawing widespread criticism from various quarters, including her own political party.
Her apology and retraction of the statement are seen as efforts to repair her relationship with the BJP and to avoid further distancing herself from the party’s core leadership. Ranaut’s acknowledgment of her responsibility as a politician highlights the delicate balance she now faces as she transitions from a high-profile actor to a public servant, where personal views must be tempered by party loyalty and the broader political landscape.
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