Kulwinder Kaur, a security officer, allegedly slapped new BJP Lok Sabha MP Kangana Ranaut at Chandigarh airport due to a remark the actor made about the farmers’ protest. Kaur, who comes from a farming family, was suspended and faces a police case. She stated her actions were triggered by Ranaut’s 2020 comment, where the actor claimed farmers were protesting for ₹100, disrespecting her mother who was part of the protests.

After the incident, Ranaut, who won Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi seat, expressed her concern about “rising terrorism in Punjab.” She recounted the event, saying the security guard hit her and used expletives, claiming to support farmers. Ranaut’s remarks and the subsequent altercation quickly went viral, though the video does not show her being slapped.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini confirmed an inquiry and assured action against the accused, highlighting the seriousness of a security personnel’s involvement. The incident relates back to Ranaut’s controversial tweet during the nationwide farmers’ protest against three contentious farm laws passed by the central government. She had mocked an elderly woman at the protest, claiming she was “available for ₹100,” a tweet that was deleted after public backlash.

Ranaut has had several confrontations with farmers, including her convoy being blocked by protesters in Chandigarh. In February 2021, she responded to international pop star Rihanna’s support for the farmers by calling the protesters “terrorists” and accusing them of attempting to divide India. This tweet was also later deleted.

The farmers’ protest of 2020/21 gained significant attention nationally and internationally, impacting the political landscape and potentially influencing the BJP’s performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.