SHIMLA: Facing backlash over her remarks calling for bringing back the farm laws that were repealed in 2021, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut on Wednesday said her views on the contentious legislations were "personal" and do not represent the party's stand.
On Wednesday, Kangana withdrew her remarks advocating for the reinstatement of the three farm laws repealed in 2021.
In a post on X, Ranaut wrote, "My views on Farmers Laws are personal and they don't represent the party's stand on those Bills."
The actor also posted a video statement on X in which she said, "When farmers' laws were proposed, several of us had supported them. But with great sensitivity and sympathy, our respected prime minister had withdrawn those laws."
"I withdraw my remarks. I have to remember and keep in mind that I am not just an artist, but a party worker of BJP. My opinions should not be personal and my actions should align with the party’s stand. I regret and take my words back if my comments have disappointed anyone," she said in the clip.
Speaking at an event in Mandi district on Tuesday, the actor-politician said the three farm laws faced protests only in some states.
"Farmers are a pillar of strength in India's progress. Only in some states, they had objected to farm laws. I appeal with folded hands that farm laws should be brought back in the interest of farmers," she had said.
She said the country is on the path of progress and restoring the farm laws would ensure better financial stability and growth for farmers, ultimately benefiting the agricultural sector.
BJP spokesman Gaurav Bhatia said, "on social media platforms, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut’s statement on the farm bills, which were withdrawn by the central government, is going viral. I want to make it clear that this statement is a personal statement by her, she is not authorized to make such a statement on behalf of BJP, and it does not depict BJP’s view on the farm bills. We disapprove of this statement.”
The BJP's Himachal Pradesh unit has also distanced itself from the Mandi MP's statement.
The Congress alleged that the remarks are an indication that the ruling party was making efforts to bring back the three laws and asserted that Haryana will give a befitting reply to it.
Ranaut's remark came at a time when political parties are preparing for the assembly polls in Haryana slated on October 5.
Haryana had witnessed major protest by farmers, especially at Delhi borders, demanding that the three laws be repealed.
The laws were eventually withdrawn by the Modi government in 2021.
Last month, the BJP was forced to distance itself from Kangana's disparaging remarks about the farmers' protest when she had said that bodies were found hanging and rapes were committed during the agitation against the farm laws.
The BJP had denounced her remarks and made it clear she is neither permitted nor authorised to comment on the party's policy matters. "The Bharatiya Janata Party has directed Kangana Ranaut to not make any statement of this kind in future," the ruling party had said in a statement.
(With inputs from PTI)
