Kangana Ranaut apologises for offensive remarks on farmers, retracts statement

BJP leader and actor Kangana Ranaut has apologised for her controversial remarks calling for the reinstatement of India’s repealed farm laws.

Facing widespread backlash, including from the opposition, Ranaut posted a video on social media retracting her statement.

The Mandi MP acknowledged that she needed to align her opinions with those of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), of which she is now a member.

“In the past few days, the media questioned me on farm laws, and I suggested that farmers should appeal to the Prime Minister to bring back the laws. Many were upset by my statement, and I apologise for any hurt caused,” she said in the video shared on X.

Kangana emphasised the importance of following party lines, stating, “I must remember that I am not just an actor but a BJP member, and my opinions should reflect the party’s stance. If I have disappointed anyone, I sincerely apologise. I take my words back.”

Her apology followed clarification from BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia, who disassociated the party from her remarks, stating that Kangana was not authorised to speak on the issue. “Kangana Ranaut’s statement on the farm laws is personal and does not reflect the party’s position,”Gaurav said in a statement.

Earlier, Kangana had argued for compensating farmers for losses caused by the repeal of the farm laws, a stance that was met with criticism. The three laws were repealed in 2021 after protests by farming groups across the country.

BJP distances itself from Kangana Ranaut's controversial remarks on farmers

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had distanced itself from its member of parliament and actor Kangana Ranaut following her controversial comments about the recently repealed farm laws.

BJP’s national spokesperson, Jaiveer Shergill, condemned her remarks, calling them baseless and illogical.

He noted that her statements were damaging the welfare work Prime Minister Narendra Modi had undertaken for Punjab.

"Kangana Ranaut’s unjust and unfounded statements, particularly against the farmers and Sikh community of Punjab, are harmful to the good work done by PM Modi for Punjab, Punjabi, and Punjabiyat," Shergill stated.

Following the backlash, BJP clarified that her statements were personal opinions and not reflective of the party's stance. In response, Kangana issued a public apology, promising to align her views with party policy moving forward.