NEW DELHI: BJP leader Kangana Ranaut on Wednesday posted a video apologising over her “bring back three farm laws” remark, which triggered a massive controversy, with opposition cornering the BJP and seeking action against the Mandi MP.
Kangana said she needs to be mindful that her opinions are in sync with the party lines as she is now a BJP member.
“In the past few days, media questioned me on farm laws and I suggested that farmers should appeal to the Prime Minister to bring back the farm laws.Due to my statement, a lot of people were upset. When the farmers’ laws were proposed…many people supported it. But with the utmost sensitivity and sympathy…our PM rolled back the laws,” Kangana said in a video she posted on X.
Kangana said it is the “duty of every member (of the BJP) to uphold the dignity of his (PM Modi‘s) words”.
“I also need to mindful that I am not a actor but a BJP member and that my opinions shouldn’t be mine but party’s stand. If I have disappointed anyone with my words or opinion, I apologise. I take my words back,” Kangana further said.
Hours before the Mandi MP put out the clip, she had said that her views on the now-rolled-back farm laws were “personal” and did not represent the party’s take.
“Absolutely, my views on farmers’ laws are personal and they don’t represent party’s stand on those Bills. Thanks,” Kangana wrote on X while clearing her stand.
Kangana’s response was to BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia’s statement clarifying that she was “not authorised to make such a statement on behalf of the BJP”.
“On the social media platforms, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut’s statement on the farm bills that was withdrawn by central govt, is going viral. I want to make it clear that this statement is a personal statement of her. Kangana Ranaut is not authorised to make such a statement on behalf of BJP and it doesn’t depict BJP’s view on the farm bills. We disapprove of this statement,” Gauvrav Bhatia said in a clip posted by news agency ANI.
Ranaut has stoked a controversy by saying the three farm laws, which were repealed after protests by farm groups, should be brought back.
Talking to reporters, Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut had said, “I think the losses that farmers have faced should be compensated. It could be controversial, but I believe the losses should be compensated, and farmers themselves should demand this so that they do not face setbacks.”
“In the development of the country, farmers are our pillar of strength. So, I want them to appeal themselves that the three laws, which were objected to by only a few states, should be reconsidered keeping in mind the interests of all farmers. I fold my hands and request that these laws be reconsidered for the benefit of all farmers,” she added.