Kangana Ranaut Retracts Controversial Farm Laws Statement Amid BJP Backlash

BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut withdrew her controversial statement calling for the return of farm laws repealed in 2021, facing backlash from her party. She expressed regret and stated her views were personal and did not reflect the BJP's stance, especially amid Haryana Assembly polls.

Facing backlash and censure from her own party for calling for bringing back the farm laws that were repealed in 2021, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut on Wednesday withdrew her statement and expressed regret as the party swung to defuse the crisis amid the Haryana Assembly polls campaign.

The actor-politician, who has often sparked political rows with her controversial statements, said on X that her remarks were her personal opinions and did not represent the BJP's view.

She said she must remember that she is not only an artiste but also a BJP member now and her statements should be in line with her party's policies. Ranaut said that she might have disappointed many with her statements on the contentious laws and expressed regret.

The actor-politician’s remarks put the BJP in a tight spot once again, more so as it is in the middle of an intense campaign to retain power in Haryana, which had witnessed protests against the three laws which were later withdrawn by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia distanced the party from Ranaut's comments, while rejecting her support for the laws. The party has not authorised her for making any such statement and nor does her stand reflect the BJP’s views, he said.

It was only in the last month that Ranaut had made controversial remarks about farmers’ agitation against the three laws, linking the protests with violence and rape. The BJP had then also pulled her up, while dissociating itself with her comments. BJP president J P Nadda had summoned her as well.