SHIMLA: On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, the nation celebrates the birth anniversaries of two iconic leaders, Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri.
Tributes poured in from across the country, including a heartfelt homage from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who honoured the teachings of both figures, emphasising their continued relevance in contemporary India.
In a symbolic gesture, PM Modi participated in a cleanliness drive with schoolchildren, reinforcing Gandhi’s vision of a clean and progressive nation.
However, amidst the reverence for these leaders, Mandi BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut stirred controversy with a social media post. In response to a tribute posted by the Instagram account BJP4India commemorating Lal Bahadur Shastri, Kangana shared the post on her Instagram story, stating, “There are no fathers of the country, but Lal.
” It’s being debated whether Kangana’s reference of father was to Bapu, as Mahatma Gandhi was fondly called. This remark has ignited discussions and debates, potentially placing the BJP in a challenging position regarding her comments.
India nation widely recognises Mahatma Gandhi as the “Father of the Nation”, a title that Kangana’s statement seemingly undermines. Her post has attracted criticism and could exacerbate her already contentious relationship with political circles.
In another post, Kangana highlighted the importance of cleanliness, aligning her message with the spirit of Gandhi Jayanti. She commended Prime Minister Modi for promoting the vision of cleanliness, stating, “Cleanliness is as important as freedom.”
She emphasised that the theme of this year’s Swachchhata Abhiyan is “Swabhaav Swachhata and Sanskar Swachhata,” stressing that the true wealth of India lies not just in defence and economy but also in culture and respect for nature. Kangana urged her followers to take a pledge for cleanliness, captioning her video, “Take a pledge of cleanliness on this Gandhi Jayanti.”
