The Himachal Pradesh Assembly has passed a resolution condemning remarks made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Kangana Ranaut regarding the farmers’ protests. The resolution was backed by the Congress party and reflects the intense reaction to Ranaut’s comments.
In a recent interview with Hindi daily Dainik Bhaskar, Ranaut claimed that India could have faced a situation similar to Bangladesh’s, and alleged that the farmers’ protests had involved violent incidents including deaths and rapes. She also suggested that there was a “conspiracy” involving China and the US.
Ranaut’s remarks provoked strong reactions in the Himachal Assembly, where members from both sides voiced their objections. Thousands of farmers had staged prolonged protests at Delhi’s borders against the now-repealed farm laws, and the controversy surrounding Ranaut’s comments sparked heated debates in her home state’s assembly.
The upcoming Haryana elections on October 1 have intensified scrutiny of Ranaut’s statements. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Haryana criticized the BJP’s stance, with AAP Haryana president Sushil Gupta accusing the party of revealing its “mindset” toward farmers. AAP also organized several protests in Haryana.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also condemned Ranaut’s remarks, calling for an apology. She stated on X (formerly Twitter), “Kangana Ranaut has not apologized for her comments about farmers. The BJP’s statement shows no regret for her allegations. As a BJP member and MP, if no action is taken against her, it suggests the party is merely paying lip service to farmers.”
In the Himachal Assembly, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan labeled Ranaut’s remarks as an affront to the farming community. Following a walkout by BJP members, Chauhan challenged them to clarify their position on the issue.
Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur argued that Ranaut’s comments were personal and did not represent the party’s stance. The BJP had distanced itself from her statements, clarifying that she was not authorized to speak on party policy.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu supported the resolution, urging the BJP to address the issue directly with the House. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri emphasized that Ranaut’s remarks had angered farmers and called on the BJP to reconsider its conduct.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi even suggested filing an FIR against Ranaut, citing concerns that her statements could incite law and order issues.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized Ranaut’s comments as “deliberate,” suggesting they were intended to serve as a “scapegoat” for the BJP in the upcoming Haryana elections.
