On Tuesday, BJP MP and film actor Kangana Ranaut demanded the withdrawal of the farm laws, saying the three farm laws withdrawn by the government in 2021 were beneficial to farmers and demanded their reimplementation. But within 24 hours, Kangana had to turn around. Contrary to his character, he bowed to party pressure and apologized not once, but twice in a month. In fact, the BJP has distanced itself from his statements on the farm laws. Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia posted the video and said, “BJP MP Kangana Ranaut’s statement on central government’s withdrawal of farm bills is going viral on social media platforms went viral.” I want to clarify that this statement is his personal statement. Kangana Ranaut is not authorized to make any such statement on behalf of the BJP and does not reflect the views of the BJP on the farm bills. We condemn this statement.
Kangana also posted a video saying that she must remember that she is not just an artist but also a BJP worker. “It is the responsibility of all us workers to respect the words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” the BJP MP said.
But it’s not just about Kangana’s apology. The question is why is the BJP doing this? Because if this climate of fear is created just because of calls for the reinstatement of the law, and the party itself pressures it to apologize, then obviously the right message is not being sent to the public. This way, the public can also understand that Prime Minister Modi’s ambitious farm laws are actually black laws.
1. Does the BJP admit that the farm laws are incorrect?
Kangana said on Tuesday the government had withdrawn the laws due to opposition from farmer groups in some states. He also said, “I know this statement may be controversial, but the three agricultural laws should be restored.” Farmers themselves should demand this. He appealed to farmers to demand restoration of the three repealed farm laws for their own welfare.
In fact, Kangana Ranaut has not said anything that deserves her apology. But the opposite is true. The BJP was in trouble as soon as the country’s largest opposition party, the Congress, protested. Now look at what Prime Minister Narendra Modi said when he rolled back the farm laws.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the withdrawal of 3 agricultural laws in November 2021. Modi later said in a national address, “I apologize to my fellow countrymen and say with all my heart that maybe there is something missing in our repentance as well. “We cannot explain our views to some of our farmer brothers. Everything I do is for the benefit of farmers, and I do not diminish the hard work for all of you. Some farmer brothers are unable to clarify the truth like a lamp. The most important thing PM Modi said was ‘Our government has enacted this law in the interest of the country, in the interest of farmers, in the interest of agriculture, and is completely committed to farmers.Now, if Kangana understood this sentiment and demanded the reintroduction of farm laws, would that constitute a crime?
The Prime Minister has said that the three farm laws were brought only to improve the condition of farmers. The aim is to provide more power to farmers. They should have the largest selection to sell their products. Earlier, many governments also discussed this issue. This time, Parliament also discussed and brainstormed and proposed these laws. Many farmer organizations across the country welcomed and supported this move. I am so grateful to all of them today.
Judging from Prime Minister Modi’s remarks, while revoking the agricultural laws, he also respected the sentiments of some farmers. Otherwise, there would be no such flaw in the farm laws and hence these laws would be withdrawn. But Kangana’s mere statement that farmers themselves should come forward to enforce the farm laws upset the BJP so much that it had to condemn its own MP’s remarks.
2. From a Haryana election perspective, Kangana’s remarks are harmful to the BJP.
Farmers’ issue comes to the fore in Haryana elections. In this context, Kangana’s remarks have the potential to reignite the pent-up anti-Centre fire among farmers. The clear and forthright response of the BJP to Kangana’s statement shows that it does not want to give any opportunity to the opposition to exploit Kangana’s statement. The BJP must also be worried that farmers’ organizations may once again call for marches in Delhi as a result of Kangana’s statement. In this case, there must be no misunderstandings. But, as they say, once you say something, you can’t take it back. In this situation, the BJP condemned the farm laws and the door for their restoration was closed.
3. The BJP should clarify whether supporting the farm laws constitutes a crime in the BJP?
Is it now difficult for the BJP to praise the laws that Prime Minister Modi himself has been praising? Kangana Ranaut only praised the law. It was also said that farmer organizations should raise demands for the withdrawal of farm laws. Kangana himself has not asked the government to reinstate these laws. Elaborating on the party’s stance, Gaurav Bhatia made it clear that Kangana’s views on the farm bills are not in line with the party’s views. The BJP should make it clear once and for all what its views are on the farm laws if Kangana’s remarks are at odds with the party. Will the BJP never introduce farm reform laws again? Is the door closed for good on farm laws?
4. Has the BJP made a U-turn and is now no longer openly toying with the party?
Judging from the way party spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia dismissed Kangana’s statement on the farm laws, it seems the BJP is done playing openly now. Earlier, the party had made public statements on any bill or law. Now, she is seen making constant U-turns on her questions, statements, bills, etc. After the party’s U-turn on issues like non-implementation of the Supreme Court’s Dalit quota ruling, the Waqf Commission amendment bill, it looks like the party is now going all out on small issues. There was nothing in Kangana Ranaut’s statement that was embarrassing to the party. As far as the Haryana elections are concerned, the BJP will not get the votes of Jat and Jat farmers in any case. The party has full support from farmers of other castes, but the party is confused about the farmers’ laws and is neither a party of farmers nor a party of non-farmers.
