The BJP on Monday distanced itself from remarks made by MP Kangana Ranaut about the farmers' protest and asked the actor-turned-politician to refrain from giving such statements in the future.
"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," BJP said in an official statement.
"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 statement added.
The response from the ruling party came a day after Kanagana Ranaut, known for her provocative statements, courted yet another controversy by suggesting that the farmers' protest could have led to a Bangladesh-like crisis in India if not for the decisive actions of the Modi government.
The newly-elected Mandi MP took to her X handle and shared a video alleging that during the farmers' protest, "bodies were seen hanging and rapes were taking place".
Kanganan further accused vested interests and "foreign powers" for continuation of the protests despite the government's decision to roll back the three contentious farm laws.
"What happened in Bangladesh, it could have easily happened here too. There is a conspiracy by foreign powers and these filmy people thrive on it. They don’t care if the country goes to the dogs," she alleged.
Soon after Kangana Ranaut's video went viral on social media, Punjab unit of the BJP took offence over her claims and advised her to refrain from making such inflammatory statements.
"It is not Kangana's department to speak on farmers, Kangana's statement is personal. PM Modi and 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," Punjab BJP leader Harjit Garewal said.
Source: India Today