On August 26, the BJP rebuked its star MP from Mandi, Kangana Ranaut, for her remarks on the farmers’ protest and distanced itself from what she said. Reacting to BJP’s damage-control effort, the Congress demanded that it expel its “handpicked MP” for calling farmers “rapists and murderers” and the farmers’ agitation a “foreign conspiracy” to destabilize India. The Congress also said that it wanted an apology from the Prime Minister for the actress’ ridiculous remark.
The actress-MP, known for shooting from the lip, sparked yet another controversy by suggesting at a recent promotional event of her film, Emergency, that the farmers’ stir in India during the COVID-19 lockdown could have led to a “Bangladesh-like anarchy if not for strong measures taken by Modi government”.
“This statement is not the party’s opinion,” the BJP said in an obvious attempt to convey that Kangana had exceeded her limits and said something that had embarrassed the party. It added, “Kangana is neither permitted nor authorized to comment on policies.” Expressing disagreement, it made it clear that the actress had been directed not to make any statement of this kind in the future. The party said it was committed to social harmony.