PTI, New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken decisive steps to distance itself from recent controversial remarks made by Kangana Ranaut, a Lok Sabha MP and prominent film actress. Ranaut’s statements about the farmers’ protests have sparked significant backlash, leading the BJP to clarify its stance publicly.
In her interview, Ranaut suggested that the farmers’ protests could have escalated into a severe crisis akin to the situation in Bangladesh. She also made serious allegations, claiming there were instances of violence and misconduct during the protests.
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, 2024More Read
Responding to the controversy, the BJP issued a statement saying that Ranaut’s comments do not reflect the party’s official position. The party has instructed her to avoid making such statements in the future. This move underscores the BJP’s commitment to maintaining social harmony and addressing issues with sensitivity.
The BJP’s quick response is particularly significant given the upcoming Haryana state elections on October 1. The farmers’ protests had considerable support in Haryana, and the BJP is keen to mitigate any potential impact on their electoral prospects.
Congress, the main opposition party, has criticized the BJP for not taking stronger action against Ranaut. They have called for her expulsion from the party if the BJP truly disagrees with her statements. Congress argues that the BJP’s current position is an attempt to manage political fallout rather than a genuine disavowal of Ranaut’s views.
With elections in Haryana approaching, the BJP’s move to distance itself from Ranaut’s controversial comments reflects their strategy to minimize political risks and maintain voter support. The party’s focus is on managing potential fallout and reinforcing its commitment to inclusive and harmonious governance.
This situation highlights the challenges political parties face when navigating controversial statements from their members and the impact such controversies can have on upcoming elections.
