Bollywood actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut is once again in the spotlight. She has raised the demand to re-implement the three withdrawn agricultural laws. Her statement has sparked reactions from the opposition, which is protesting against it. However, this isn't the first time Kangana has commented on farmer-related issues. Three years ago, she accused women activists of being paid to sit in protests. Later, she also made controversial remarks about Sikhs.
This is the second time within a month that the BJP has distanced itself from Kangana's comments. This time too, the BJP has described Kangana's statement as 'personal.'
Let's explore Kangana's controversial statements...
Kangana Ranaut is a BJP MP representing the Mandi seat in Himachal Pradesh. She joined the BJP this year, making her political debut in the Lok Sabha elections, where she defeated Congress leader and Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh. Vikramaditya is the son of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh. Vikramaditya's mother, Pratibha Singh, has previously been a Congress MP from Mandi.
Kangana's Controversial Statements?
September 24, 2024
BJP MP Kangana Ranaut caused a stir on Tuesday by stating that the three controversial agricultural laws should be re-implemented. Kangana argued that the farmers themselves should demand these laws. She acknowledged that her statement might be controversial but insisted that the agricultural laws should be brought back. She argued that the laws were beneficial for the farmers, but due to protests from farmer organizations in some states, the government repealed them. She emphasized that farmers are the pillars of the nation's development and urged them to demand the laws for their own benefit.
August 25, 2024
Kangana sparked controversy by claiming that the farmer's movement was an attempt to create a situation similar to what happened in Bangladesh. She said, what happened in Bangladesh could very quickly happen here (in India) if our top leadership wasn't strong. She described the farmers' protests as being filled with dead bodies and rapes, drawing parallels to Bangladesh. Such conspiracies... Do you think these farmers alone...? It's China, the USA... such foreign powers are operating here.
However, after Kangana's statement, the BJP clarified that it was her personal opinion and not the party's stance. The party directed Kangana not to make such statements in the future.
November 2021
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the repeal of the three agricultural laws, Kangana called it unfortunate and blamed the farmers' movement. She stated that India was being weakened by such movements and that farmers ignored national interests for their own.
February 2021
When international celebrities like pop star Rihanna and Greta Thunberg tweeted in support of the farmer's protest, Kangana expressed outrage by calling them part of a conspiracy to malign India. She labeled Rihanna as 'foolish' and termed the farmers' protests as 'terrorism.' Kangana wrote that no one is talking about this because they aren't farmers; they are terrorists trying to divide India so that China can take over.
Rihanna had shared a CNN story link on February 2, 2021, with the comment, why aren't we talking about this? Along with the tweet, she used the hashtag #FarmersProtest.
November 2021
Kangana accused some people involved in the farmers' movement of being 'Khalistani terrorists.' She claimed a conspiracy to divide the country was in play and that Khalistani elements were involved. She said in an Instagram post that Khalistani terrorists are harassing the government... but we shouldn't forget the only female Prime Minister crushed them under her shoe. Regardless of the troubles she caused, she crushed them like mosquitoes at the cost of her life, but didn't let the country break apart. This statement angered the Sikh community, leading to several complaints against Kangana. This statement also created trouble for the BJP, as the Sikh community formed an important support base for the party.
December 2020
Kangana made a controversial comment about elderly women protesters involved in the farmers' movement, claiming they were protesting for money. She targeted a woman by referencing 'Dadi' from Shaheen Bagh and said these women protest for 100-100 rupees. This statement escalated the controversy and created discomfort within the BJP.
Accusation of Paid Participation in Farmers’ Protest
Kangana allegedly misidentified a female farmer from Punjab as Bilkis Bano. However, the elderly farmer was Mohinder Kaur. Earlier, Bilkis Bano had gained international attention during anti-CAA protests in Delhi's Shaheen Bagh. Kangana had shared a tweet alleging 'Shaheen Bagh Dadi' joined the farmers' protest at the Delhi border over new agricultural laws, stating they were available for 100 rupees. Upon discovering the error, Kangana deleted the tweet.
Kangana’s statement was deemed insulting to farmers and women. Earlier this year, a female CISF constable slapped Kangana at Chandigarh Airport. Her mother had participated in the farmers' protest and was hurt by Kangana's 'paid protests' comment.
Central Government Repealed Agricultural Laws
Following prolonged protests by farmers’ unions, the central government repealed these laws in November 2021. The farmers held their ground at Singhu, Ghazipur, and Tikri borders, protesting for 14 months. On January 26, 2021, they held a tractor parade in New Delhi and stormed the Red Fort, causing chaos.
Trouble for BJP?
Kangana's recent statements on the farmers' movement have troubled the BJP twice within a month. Both times, the party distanced itself from her remarks. These statements come at a time when Haryana is preparing for assembly elections, and the BJP is facing anti-incumbency sentiment. In August, after her statement, the party issued strict instructions, but her new statements have provided the opposition with an opportunity to attack.
In Haryana, farmers constitute a significant voting block, capable of determining a party’s future. The state has been under BJP rule for the past ten years. Due to the farmer protests, the Shambhu border remains closed. Congress has leveraged this issue, with their leader Bhupinder Hooda promising to reopen the Shambhu border if they come to power. Under the leadership of United Farmers Front and Farmers Labor Front, farmers called for a 'Delhi Chalo' campaign. However, they were halted at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders and have camped at the Punjab-Haryana border since February.
