NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday demanded a clarification from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his stand over BJP MP Kangana Ranaut‘s proposition to bring back the repealed farm laws in the interest of the farmers.
In a social media post on X, the Congress leader said that INDIA block will make PM Modi apologise again if any step to harm the farmers will be taken.
“BJP keep testing ideas. They tell someone to present an idea to the public and then observe the reaction. This is exactly what happened when one of their MPs talked about reviving the farmer laws, which were black laws. Modi Ji, please clarify whether you are against this or if you are up to mischief again,” Gandhi said.
“Will those farmer laws be revived or not? If they are, I guarantee that the entire India alliance will stand against you. 700 people were martyred; we need to remember and respect them. Modi Ji did not allow even two minutes of silence for them. We will never forget this. Thank you,” he added.
This comes a day after BJP distanced itself from party Kangana controversial statement suggesting the government should bring back the repealed farm laws in the interest of the farmers.
BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia condemned Kangana’s statement and said that she is not authorised to make such statement on behalf of the party and it doesn’t depict BJP’s view on the 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“On the social media platforms, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut’s statement on the farm bills that was withdrawn by central govt, is going viral.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 in social media post on X.
“Kangana Ranaut is not authorised to make such a statement on behalf of BJP and it doesn’t depict BJP’s view on the farm bills. We condemn this statement,” he added.
Earlier, talking to reporters, Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut had said, “I think the losses that farmers have faced should be compensated. It could be controversial, but I believe the losses should be compensated, and farmers themselves should demand this so that they do not face setbacks.”
“In the development of the country, farmers are our pillar of strength. So, I want them to appeal themselves that the three laws, which were objected to by only a few states, should be reconsidered keeping in mind the interests of all farmers. I fold my hands and request that these laws be reconsidered for the benefit of all farmers,” she added.
Later, Kangana posted a video apologising over her remark and said that she needs to be mindful that her opinions are in sync with the party lines as she is now a BJP member.
“In the past few days, media questioned me on farm laws and I suggested that farmers should appeal to the Prime Minister to bring back the farm laws.Due to my statement, a lot of people were upset. When the farmers’ laws were proposed…many people supported it. But with the utmost sensitivity and sympathy…our PM rolled back the laws,” Kangana said in a video she posted on X.
Kangana said it is the “duty of every member (of the BJP) to uphold the dignity of his (PM Modi’s) words”. “I also need to mindful that I am not a actor but a BJP member and that my opinions shouldn’t be mine but party’s stand. If I have disappointed anyone with my words or opinion, I apologise. I take my words back,” Kangana further said.