Political temperatures soared in Punjab as both the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) launched sharp attacks on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut, over her recent remarks advocating for the reinstatement of the controversial farm laws that were repealed in 2021. The statements have reignited tensions surrounding the contentious legislation, with both opposition parties accusing the BJP of using Kangna as “a tool to further its anti-farmer agenda”.
Bajwa’s Scathing Attack: ‘BJP Using Kangana as a Proxy for Anti-Farmer Agenda’
Leader of the Opposition in Punjab Vidhan Sabha Partap Singh Bajwa did not mince words as he blasted the BJP for employing Bollywood actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut to reignite debates on the farm laws that were met with widespread protests before their repeal. In a strongly worded statement, Bajwa accused the BJP of orchestrating a “veiled assault” on the farming community by using Kangna as its mouthpiece.
“BJP is using Kangana Ranaut to propagate an agenda that has already caused deep sorrow among the farming community. The remarks made by the Mandi MP on reinstating the farm laws are not random — they are part of a carefully crafted strategy by the BJP to test the waters and eventually reintroduce these laws,” Bajwa charged.
Bajwa called on the Union Government to either support or distance itself from Kangna’s statements, demanding immediate clarification and action. “If the BJP does not stand behind Kangana’s remarks, it must act decisively against her. The BJP is playing a dangerous game by allowing her to repeatedly target the farming community, which has already suffered so much under these laws,” he added.
Senior Congress leader also took a direct dig at Kangana’s understanding of the farm laws, dismissing her statements as the product of someone with little knowledge of the ground realities. “Instead of reviving a divisive debate, Kangana should focus on salvaging her fading Bollywood career rather than dabbling in politics at the behest of the BJP,” Bajwa quipped.
Bajwa also reminded the public of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unfulfilled promises made after the repeal of the farm laws, particularly concerning the legalization of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. He noted that despite the creation of a committee in 2022, little progress has been made. “Farmers are still protesting at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders, demanding their rights. Meanwhile, the BJP is busy launching political stunts through people like Kangana Ranaut,” he said.
AAP MP Kang’s Outrage: ‘Kangana's Remarks Insult 750 Martyred Farmers’
Echoing similar sentiments, AAP MP from Sri Anandpur Sahib Malvinder Singh Kang also came down heavily on both the BJP and Kangana, accusing them of deliberately creating social tension through inflammatory remarks. Kang expressed outrage over Kangna’s comments, stating that discussing the reinstatement of the farm laws was not only tone-deaf but also an insult to the 750 farmers who lost their lives during the prolonged protests against the legislation.
“Her remarks are not only disrespectful to the farmers but also a clear provocation aimed at reigniting social unrest. BJP must take responsibility for this, as it is using its MPs to stir up divisive debates,” Kang said.
Kang also directed sharp criticism towards Prime Minister Modi, questioning his leadership and demanding an explanation. “Prime Minister Modi, you apologized to the farmers when you withdrew the farm laws. You admitted that the government had made a mistake. So why are your MPs now making contradictory statements? Do they not listen to you? Or do you no longer care about the farmers” sentiments?” he asked.
The AAP leader did not stop there, and went on to demand that the Prime Minister clarify whether he stood with the farmers or with Kangana. “If you truly stand with the farmers, then take immediate action against Kangana Ranaut. If you remain silent, it will be clear that her statements are scripted and intended to divide society,” Kang asserted.
Political Fallout and Demands for Accountability
Both Bajwa and Kang expressed concerns that the BJP’s silence on Kangana’s remarks could lead to a resurgence of farmer protests, potentially destabilizing the already fragile social fabric in Punjab. With the paddy harvesting season set to begin, the situation is particularly precarious. Both leaders also criticized the BJP for ignoring the Punjab BJP unit, implying that the state leaders had no control over national party figures like Kangana. “Even Punjab BJP leaders, like Harjit Grewal, are left making excuses that they are powerless when it comes to controlling Kangana. This clearly shows the BJP’s central leadership does not care about the concerns of Punjab’s farmers or its own leaders in the state,” Kang said.
