"Take my words back..." BJP MP Kangana Ranaut retracts remark on farm laws after party distances itself from comment
New Delhi, India: A day after the Bhartiya Janata party distanced itself from Kangana Ranaut's recent remarks on the farm laws, the actor-turned politician on Wednesday issued a public apology and expressed "regret" over her statement.
Mandi Lok Sabha MP Kangana Ranaut had suggested that the three farm laws that were repealed following prolonged farmer protests should be brought back.
The actor-turned-politician was quoted as saying, "I know this statement could be controversial, but the three farm laws should be brought back. Farmers themselves should demand it."
After the BJP stated that her comments were "not authorized", Kangana retracted her remarks and issued an apology. She added that moving forward, she will ensure her views align with the party's stance rather than representing her personal opinions.
"When farmers laws were proposed, a lot of people came out in support of them, but with a lot of sensitivity, our Prime Minister retracted those laws, so it is the responsibility of all the workers of his party to respect his words. I will also have to keep one thing in mind that now I am not an artist but a BJP worker. My opinions will not just be mine but will represent the party's stand. So if I have hurt anyone's sentiments with my thoughts, I regret it and take my words back," Kangana said in a self made video, posted on X.
This comes a day after BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia in a statement on Tuesday, said the remarks are "personal statement" of Ranauat and doesn't depict BJP's view on farm bills.
"On the social media platforms, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut's statement on the farm bills that was withdrawn by central govt, is going viral. I want to make it clear that this statement is a personal statement of her," Bhatia said.
"Kangana Ranaut is not authorised to make such a statement on behalf of the BJP, and it doesn't depict the BJP's view on the farm bills. We disapprove of this statement," he added.
The Mandi MP has drawn ire over her remarks on farm laws. Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja criticised the actor, calling her "habitually controversial."
"I think she is mentally unstable. Some people are accustomed to creating controversy, and the BJP benefits from her statements. She talks about farmers, Punjab, the Emergency, and Rahul Gandhi. There are other MPs who never make such remarks," the Congress leader said.
Last month, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) distanced itself from Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut's statement about the farmers' agitation and also asked the actor-turned-politician to refrain from giving such statements in the future.