Congress Demands BJP Clarification After Kangana's Farm Law Remarks

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate urges BJP to officially respond to MP Kangana Ranaut's controversial statement advocating for the return of repealed farm laws. Criticism mounts as BJP disowns her views, and Ranaut issues an apology, reflecting the party's stance.

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate on Wednesday demanded an official statement from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in response to Mandi Lok Sabha MP Kangana Ranaut's remarks on farm laws. Ranaut had earlier suggested that the three farm laws, which were repealed following extensive farmer protests, should be reinstated.

'Kangana is not a small leader of the BJP. She is one of the 240 elected MPs. When she says that those three farm laws should be brought back... it cannot be a coincidence, it is an experiment... BJP should release an official statement on this,' Shrinate told ANI. Congress candidate from Garhi Sampla-Kiloi Assembly constituency Bhupendra Singh Hooda also criticized Ranaut, stating, 'This shows her mentality. Farmers had repealed those black laws by sacrificing their lives.'

On Haryana polls, Hooda expressed confidence in Congress' prospects, citing strong public support. 'We are getting tremendous public support, and people have made up their minds that this time Congress government will be formed. BJP is going and Congress is coming,' he said.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Pawan Khera accused the central government of planning to reintroduce the farm laws. 'This was said openly by their own MP yesterday... The farmers here will not let such conspiracies succeed. The wrestler was cheated, the farmer was cheated, the soldier was cheated, and to take revenge for this betrayal, the whole of Haryana has united. The Congress party is being made to win with a majority, and our government is going to be formed,' Khera stated.

Earlier today, Ranaut issued a public apology, expressing regret over her statement. 'I know this statement could be controversial, but the three farm laws should be brought back. Farmers themselves should demand it,' Ranaut said.

After the BJP clarified that her remarks were 'not authorized,' Ranaut retracted her comments and issued an apology. She emphasized that moving forward, her views will align with the party's stance. 'When farm laws were proposed, many supported them, but our Prime Minister retracted those laws with a lot of sensitivity, so it is the responsibility of all the party members to respect his words. I will also have to keep in mind that I am now a BJP worker. My opinions will not just be mine but will represent the party's stand. If I have hurt anyone's sentiments with my thoughts, I regret it and take my words back,' she said in a video posted on X.

This clarification comes a day after BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia stated that Ranaut's remarks were 'personal' and did not reflect the BJP's viewpoint on the farm bills. 'I want to make it clear that this statement is a personal one from her,' Bhatia said.

'Kangana Ranaut is not authorized to make such a statement on behalf of the BJP, and it doesn't depict the BJP's view on the farm bills. We disapprove of this statement,' he added. Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja also criticized Ranaut, calling her 'habitually controversial.'

(With inputs from agencies.)