Kangana Ranaut “takes words back” on farm laws

Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut has once again stirred controversy after she suggested that the three farm reform laws, which were scrapped following farmers' protests, should be brought back. As her comments drew sharp criticism from the BJP, the Mandi Lok Sabha MP issued a public apology, and said, "I take my words back."

On Tuesday, the BJP distanced itself from her remarks and stated that Kangana Ranaut is “not authorised” to make such remarks on the party's behalf.

After facing criticism from the party, the BJP MP offered a public apology, and stated, "My remark has disappointed several people." "I need to remind myself that I am no longer just an actor, I am a politician too, and my opinions should not be personal, but a reflection of the party," she stated.

Earlier today, Ranaut took to social media platform X to emphasise the personal nature of her views. She wrote, "Absolutely, my views on Farmers Laws are personal, and they don’t represent' party’s stand on those Bills. Thanks."

The controversy began earlier on Tuesday when, in an interview with the media, Ranaut remarked, "I know this statement could be controversial, but the three farm laws should be brought back. The farmers should themselves demand it." She argued that the three laws were beneficial for the farmers but were repealed by the Centre in the wake of the protests by farmer groups in some states.

Notably, this isn't the first time the BJP has rebuked remarks by the Lok Sabha MP. Last month, the party distanced itself from Kangana Ranaut's comments on the farmers' protest and urged the actor-turned-politician to exercise restraint in making such statements in the future. The BJP MP had then claimed that the farmer protests were a build-up to a "Bangladesh-like situation in India". She further alleged that dead bodies were found hanging and that rapes were occurring at the protest sites, drawing sharp criticism from the BJP and the Opposition.