'Farmers' Protests Could Have Led To Bangladesh-Like Situation': Kangana Ranaut

Ranaut's remarks were criticised by her own party colleague from Punjab. Senior BJP leader Harjit Garewal urged the actor-politician to avoid making such comments.

File photo of BJP leader and Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut

Source : PTI

BJP leader and Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut sparked another controversy on Monday by implying that the farmers' protests of 2020-21 might have led to a situation similar to Bangladesh if the government hadn't taken decisive action. Former PM Sheikh Hasina was unseated from power in Bangladesh this month after weeks of student protests. Her exit was followed by reports of attacks on minorities even as an interim government assumed office. 

In a video shared on social media platform X, the actress alleged that "amid protests against the now-repealed farm laws, many people were killed and women were raped". She also accused "vested interests" and "foreign powers" of prolonging the protests even after the laws were withdrawn.

Kangana Ranaut: Bangladesh like anarchy could have happened in India also like in the name of Farmers protest. Outside forces are planning to destroy us with the help of insiders. If it wouldn't have been foresight of our leadership they would have succeded. pic.twitter.com/05vSeN8utW

— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) August 25, 2024

"What happened in Bangladesh, it could have happened here as well. There is a conspiracy by foreign powers, and they are working in India but these filmy people thrive on it. They don’t care if the country goes to hell. Let me tell them that If the country goes to hell, you will also go to hell," she said.

BJP Distances Itself From Kangana's Remarks

BJP has officially distanced itself from Kangana Ranaut's remark concerning the farmers' protest. The party shed light that the parliamentarian from the seat of Mandi is neither authorised nor permitted to speak on the party’s policy matters.

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."

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

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

BJP Leader Harjit Garewal Urges Kangana To Avoid Such Comments

Ranaut's remarks were criticised by her own party colleague from Punjab. Senior BJP leader Harjit Garewal urged the actor-politician to avoid making such comments. “It is not Kangana's department to speak on farmers, Kangana's statement is personal. PM Modi and the BJP are farmer-friendly. The opposition parties are working against us and Kangana's statement is doing the same. She should not make such statements, on sensitive or religious issues, religious organisations,” Garewal told India Today.

Ranaut's comments come at a sensitive time for the BJP, with assembly elections in Haryana just weeks away. 

This isn't the first time Ranaut has faced criticism for her comments on farmers. In 2020, during the anti-farm-laws protest, she caused an uproar by misidentifying a woman farmer from Punjab and alleging that she could be hired for protests.