Don't link BJP with Kangana Ranaut's 'illogical' remarks, say party leaders on Mandi MP's comment on farm laws

The Mandi MP had initially suggested reinstating the laws but later apologized when the BJP distanced itself from her statements.

Ranaut clarified that those were her personal views and not the party's stance, adding that her opinions should align with the party’s position.

However, her apology did little to mitigate the harm to the BJP's image in Punjab.

BJP national spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill dismissed her comments as “baseless and illogical” and urged people not to assess Prime Minister Narendra Modi's relationship with Punjab based on such remarks.

"I am grateful to the BJP for distancing themselves from the comments of Kangana Ranaut. But as a Punjabi, I must say that Kangana Ranaut's consistent rant, useless, baseless and illogical statements against the Sikh community, the farmers of Punjab are damaging all the good work, the welfare-oriented, the Vikas-oriented work being done, that has been done by PM Modi for the welfare of Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiyat," he told ANI.

"Having said that there should not be any doubt that PM Modi's bond with Punjab, the farmer of Punjab and Punjabiyat is an unbreakable, unshakable bond and that bond should not be judged or seen through the lens of irresponsible comments being made by one MP Kangana Ranaut," Shergill added.

Another BJP spokesperson, Gaurav Bhatia, said yesterday that Ms Ranaut's remarks were her "personal statements" that don't depict the BJP's stand view on the farm bills.

"On the social media platforms, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut's statement on the farm bills that were withdrawn by centre is going viral. I want to make it clear that this statement is a personal statement of her," Bhatia said.

Ranaut, who won Lok Sabha elections from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi constituency earlier this year, had stated that "farmers themselves should demand" the reinstatement of the three farm laws that the government had repealed.

"I know this statement could be controversial, but the three farm laws should be brought back. Farmers themselves should demand it," she had said.

After being reminded by the party that she was "not authorized" to make such statements, Ranaut retracted her comments and stated in a video message that she would ensure her views align with those of the party.

"I have to keep in mind that I am not just an artist but also a BJP worker. My opinions should not be personal and should be the party's stand. I regret and take my words back if my comments have disappointed anyone," she said.

Last month, the BJP had chastised Ranaut- over her comment that a "Bangladesh-like situation" could have developed in India during the farmers' protest had the Centre not taken strict measures.

Ranaut is also facing controversy over her recent film, Emergency, which is struggling to secure a censor certificate amid accusations that she has misrepresented Sikhs in the film and made false allegations against the community.