Amid row, BJP MP Kangana apologizes, retracts 'farm laws' remark
What's the story
Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut apologized on Wednesday for her comments suggesting that the three farm laws—repealed in November 2021—should be reinstated "in the interest of all farmers."
In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), she stated that she supports her party's stance on the issue.
On Tuesday night, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) distanced itself from Ranaut's comments, clarifying that the Mandi MP is "not authorized" to speak on the party's behalf.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The three farm laws — Farmer's Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act — were repealed in November 2021.
The large-scale farmers' protests began in late November 2020 and concluded after the Parliament decided to repeal the laws.
These legislations had been enacted in June 2020 but were officially revoked in November 2021.
Statement
'I am no more an actor but MP...': Ranaut
In her video message, Ranaut said, "The media had questioned me on farm laws and I had suggested that the farmers should appeal to the Prime Minister to bring back the laws. However, my remarks have disappointed many."
"I should now keep note of the fact that I am no more an actor, but an MP for the BJP, and hence my opinions should be of the party's and not personal," she added.
Twitter Post
Watch: Ranaut's full statement here
Do listen to this, I stand with my party regarding Farmers Law. Jai Hind 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/wMcc88nlK2
— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 25, 2024
On farm laws
Ranaut's controversial comments
The apology came hours after the BJP issued a statement against Ranaut's remarks.
Responding to the BJP's criticism, Ranaut had earlier posted, "My views on Farmers Laws are personal and they don't represent party's stand on those Bills. Thanks."
Meanwhile, Ranaut's comment that sparked a controversy was: "I know this statement could be controversial, but the three farm laws should be brought back. Farmers themselves should demand it."
Twitter Post
Watch Ranaut's earlier reaction and BJP's criticism here
Absolutely, my views on Farmers Laws are personal and they don’t represent party’s stand on those Bills. Thanks. https://t.co/U4byptLYuc
— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 24, 2024
Opposition backlash
Congress leaders criticize Ranaut's statement
Ranaut's comments were met with strong criticism from opposition leaders.
Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja hit out at the MP calling her "habitually controversial."
"I think she is mentally unstable. Some people are accustomed to creating controversy, and the BJP benefits from her statements. She talks about farmers, Punjab, the Emergency, and Rahul Gandhi. There are other MPs who never make such remarks," the Congress leader said.
Criticism
'BJP's real thinking...': Congress hits out
Congress Spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said on X, "'All three farm laws should be brought back': BJP MP Kangana Ranaut. More than 750 farmers were martyred while protesting against the three black farmer laws."
"We'll never let that happen...Haryana will answer first," Shrinate said, referencing to the upcoming Haryana elections.
The Congress's Pawan Khera also shared the video on X and said it was the BJP's "real thinking".
Past incidents
Ranaut's earlier controversies
This isn't the first time the BJP has distanced itself from Ranaut's statements.
Last month, the BJP similarly separated itself from her comments regarding the farmers' protests.
"The statement made by BJP MP Kangana Ranaut in the context of the farmers' movement is not the opinion of the party," the BJP said in a release.
"Bharatiya Janata Party expresses disagreement with the statement made by Kangana Ranaut," the party had said.
Earlier comments
'Bangladesh-like...': What Ranaut had said
The statement further directed her to avoid future comments on sensitive matters, "Kangana Ranaut has been directed not to make any such statements in future.
Bharatiya Janata Party is committed to following the principles of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas' and social harmony."
Ranaut had previously alleged that the protests were leading India toward a "Bangladesh-like situation," with reports of killings and rapes at protest sites.