BJP Distances Itself From Kangana Ranaut's Remarks On Farmers' Protest: 'Not Authorised To Speak On...'

The BJP expresses disagreement with MP Kangana Ranaut's remarks on farmers' protest. The response came after the Congress demanded that PM Narendra Modi issue his stand on her remarks.

File Photo of BJP MP Kangana Ranaut

Source : PTI

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially distanced itself from recent remarks made by its Lok Sabha MP Kangana Ranaut concerning the farmers' protest. The party clarified that the parliamentarian from Mandi's seat is neither authorised nor permitted to speak on the party’s policy matters. The controversy erupted after Kangana made serious allegations regarding the farmers' protest, which had taken place against the now-repealed three farm laws. 

In an official statement, the BJP stated, "The statement made by BJP MP Ms. Kangana Ranaut in the context of the farmers' protest does not reflect the party's stance. The Bharatiya Janata Party expresses its disagreement with her remarks. Ms. Kangana Ranaut is not authorised to speak on policy matters on behalf of the party and has not been given permission to do so. The BJP has directed Ms. Ranaut to refrain from making such statements in the future."

BJP expressed disagreement with its MP Kangna Ranaut's comments on farmers agitation, says she is not authorised to speak on policy issues. pic.twitter.com/xJ878F5pWK

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 26, 2024

The party reiterated its commitment to the principles of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas" and its dedication to fostering social harmony.

In a video re-posted by her on social media platform X, Kangana claimed that “bodies were seen hanging and rapes were taking place” during the farmers' protest, further blaming "foreign powers" and "vested interests" for prolonging the demonstrations despite the rollback of the laws.

She stated, "What happened in Bangladesh, it could have easily happened here too. There is a conspiracy by foreign powers and these filmy people thrive on it. They don’t care if the country goes to the dogs."

Congress Tears Into Kangana Ranaut's Remarks, Demands PM Modi's Response

The comments have drawn sharp criticism from the Congress, with MP Rahul Gandhi slamming BJP for "disrespecting" farmers.

"The Modi government's failure to fulfill promises made to farmers has led to its propaganda machinery continually disrespecting them. The statement by a BJP MP, calling farmers who endured a 378-day marathon struggle and sacrificed 700 of their comrades as rapists and representatives of foreign powers, is yet another proof of the BJP's anti-farmer policies and intentions, These shameful anti-farmer remarks are a grave insult to the farmers of Western Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and the entire country, which cannot be accepted under any circumstances," he wrote on X.

किसानों से किए वादों को पूरा करने में नाकाम मोदी सरकार का दुष्प्रचार तंत्र लगातार किसानों का अपमान करने में जुटा हुआ है।

378 दिन चले मैराथन संघर्ष के दौरान 700 साथियों का बलिदान देने वाले किसानों को भाजपा सांसद द्वारा बलात्कारी और विदेशी ताकतों का नुमाइंदा कहना भाजपा की किसान…

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 26, 2024

Referring to the Modi government's committee constituted to look into the farmers' demands, Rahul stated, "The government committee formed when the farmers' protest was withdrawn is still in cold storage today. The government has yet to clarify its stance on MSP, the families of the martyred farmers have not been provided any relief, and their character assassination continues unabated."

"Disrespecting the providers of our food and attacking their dignity cannot hide the Modi government's betrayal of farmers. No matter how much Narendra Modi and the BJP conspire, INDIA will ensure that farmers get a legal guarantee for MSP," he added.

Congress party spokesperson Supriya Shrinate taking to X to demand clarity on whether Kangana's remarks represent the official stance of the BJP and the government. She questioned, "Is this Kangana Ji's personal opinion, or is it the BJP and government's view? Does the BJP and the government also believe that the United States and China are destabilising our country?"

Shrinate further challenged the BJP's silence on the issue, urging them to either disavow the remarks or accept them as their official stand. She stated, "BJP MP Kangana Ranaut is saying that the farmers who were protesting for their rights were actually rapists and murderers. After saying this, the BJP is completely silent. But today, the BJP and the government must clarify whether this is Kangana Ranaut's opinion or the government's stand as well. The government cannot escape; Narendra Modi cannot remain silent. Haryana will give you a big answer for this. Either disavow this statement and have it withdrawn, or this will be considered your official stand. Otherwise, Kangana should apologise."

"Another major point she made was that foreign powers were involved in this protest. America and China had organised the protest. Everyone wants to know if the country has become so weak that external forces are spreading instability within our nation. Has the country become so vulnerable under Narendra Modi's leadership that foreign powers are creating chaos here? If that is the case, it is a very serious matter. The government must also clarify its stance on this and make it clear whether what Kangana Ranaut is saying is true," she added.

BJP MP कंगना ने देश के अन्नदाताओं को हत्यारा और बलात्कारी कहा है

उन्होंने यह भी कहा कि अमेरिका और चीन देश में अस्थिरता फैला रहे हैं

मतलब मोदी सरकार इतनी कमज़ोर है कि विदेशी ताक़तें यह सब कर रही हैं?

सरकार और BJP चुप्पी तोड़े वरना क्या यह उनका भी आधिकारिक स्टैंड माना जाये? pic.twitter.com/g2UIzGOVTl

— Supriya Shrinate (@SupriyaShrinate) August 26, 2024

Congress General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Surjewala also condemned Kangana's statement, posting on X, "Get well soon, Kangana! Why do BJP members have so much hatred for the nation's farmers? The BJP has always lied, deceived, conspired, and oppressed our farmers. And once again, a BJP MP has made baseless allegations against our farmers."

Get well soon Kangana!

आखिर भाजपा वालों को देश के अन्नदाता से इतनी नफरत क्यों है ?

भाजपा ने तो हमेशा हमारे अन्नदाताओं पर झूठ,फरेब, साजिश और अत्याचार किया है।

और एक बार फिर हमारे अन्नदाताओं पर बीजेपी की सांसद ने अनर्गल आरोप लगाया है।

सवाल ये है कि..

क्या कंगना ने बीजेपी की… pic.twitter.com/hkUQXUFOch

— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) August 26, 2024

Surjewala further questioned the intent behind the Mandi MP's remarks, asking, "Did Kangana make this vile accusation against farmers as part of BJP's electoral strategy? Were those Kangana's words, or was someone else behind them? If not, why are the Prime Minister, Haryana Chief Minister, and all BJP MPs and MLAs silent on this issue?"