Despite BJP’s warning, Kangana Ranaut stokes controversy again over farm laws amid Haryana elections

Mandi: BJP MP from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, Kangana Ranaut, has once again triggered a controversy by touching on the highly sensitive issue of agricultural laws, just as Haryana gears up for Assembly elections on October 5.

In a controversial statement made during the closing ceremony of the Nalwad fair at Khyod in Gohar sub-division of Mandi, Kangana expressed her support for the return of the three repealed farm laws, asserting their importance for the nation’s farmers.

“These farm laws should be reinstated for the benefit of farmers. I appeal to the farming community to come forward and demand their revival,” Kangana urged. Acknowledging the controversy her statement might provoke, she added, “This may be a controversial statement, but farmers are a significant part of our country’s development.

It was only a few states that objected to these laws.” The farmers from Punjab and Haryana had protested on the Delhi borders for more than a year about four years ago until Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the repealing of the three farm laws. Kangana had recently, amid the agitation over Kolkata medic’s rape-murder, stoked a row by alleging that murder and rape took place at the site of the farmers’ protest too.

Kangana’s latest remarks are expected to reignite debates, especially given the timing with Haryana’s elections. The BJP leadership had previously cautioned its members against reigniting the farm law debate, which had led to massive protests and political turmoil across the nation. However, Kangana, known for her unfiltered opinions, has once again placed herself at the centre of a potentially explosive issue.

This is not the first time Kangana has courted controversy over the farm laws. During the height of the farmers’ movement, her statements attracted widespread criticism. Recently, she faced backlash again when CISF personnel Kulwinder Kaur allegedly slapped her at Chandigarh airport, reportedly over her previous remarks on the issue.
In her speech, Kangana also addressed what she described as attempts to defame her through false narratives.

“A lot of false news is being spread to defame me, but this won’t last long,” she asserted. “I am the only daughter of this country who thinks about the nation’s benefit, even at the cost of personal loss. While others think of their own gain, I put the country first.”

Kangana went on to highlight the challenges she has faced, stating, “Today, after ruining my career, I am walking around with security and advocating for the interests of the nation’s daughters. I stand alone against the ‘tukde tukde gang,’ and the entire country is watching. In my most difficult times, the people have stood by me.”