After BJP MP Kangana Ranaut retracted her statements advocating for the reinstatement of the repealed farm laws, social media erupted with a wave of reactions. Many users gleefully declared her an unexpected asset for the Congress party, crediting her controversial remarks for potentially bolstering their chances in the upcoming Haryana elections.
Kangana’s initial stance supporting the farm laws, which were repealed in 2021 following nationwide protests, drew immediate criticism from within her own party. The BJP swiftly distanced itself from her comments, forcing her to back down.
This unexpected turn of events ignited a social media frenzy. Users seized the opportunity to express their views, with many celebrating what they perceived as a self-inflicted wound for the BJP. “Thanks for defeating BJP in the Haryana Elections,” one user declared, adding, “We always thought you were unfit and unworthy to be in the parliament of India, which is our most important institution. Now we think that there should be more people like you in the parliament, of-coarse on the BJP side only.”
Another user went even further, proclaiming, “Kangana Ranaut is Star Campaign for Congress Party.” Others chimed in, thanking Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi constituency for electing Kangana and labelling her a “Congress asset.” “Thank you Mandi for electing her, She is an asset for Congress, keep giving statements like this,” one user wrote.
The social media storm escalated, with users speculating about the BJP’s internal dynamics and suggesting that Kangana’s comments would benefit the Congress in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir elections. “Kangana you’re making things easier for Congress in Haryana and J&K elections,” one user asserted.
Several users also seized the opportunity to criticize the BJP’s handling of dissent, highlighting what they perceived as the party’s intolerance for free speech. “Imagine you have to apologize daily for the statements you make under the pressure of the party leadership? there is no free speech in BJP??” one user lamented. Another echoed this sentiment, adding, “Imagine if they are suppressing the voice of their own MP, what they must be doing to common people. Kangana please don’t listen to BJP, speak your heart out always and make them lose Haryana. We are with you.”
One user even went so far as to claim, “Kangana Ranaut is feeling few glimpses of Undeclared Emergency under Modi’s rule.”
In her subsequent apology video, Kangana emphasized her respect for Prime Minister Modi’s decision to repeal the farm laws, stating, “When the farmers’ law was proposed, many of us supported it but our Prime Minister withdrew it with great sensitivity and sympathy. And it is the duty of all of us workers to respect the dignity of his words.”
She concluded, “I also have to keep this in mind. I am not an artist. I am a worker of the Bharatiya Janata Party and my opinions should be the party’s stand instead of being my own,” adding that if she had disappointed anyone with her words, “I will be sorry and I take my words back.”
The incident highlights the complexities of political discourse in India, where social media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion and amplifying dissenting voices. It also underscores the delicate balance between individual freedom of expression and party loyalty within a political system.
