Kangana apologises after her controversial remarks on farm laws irk BJP: 'Take back my words'

Actor-turned-politician and BJP leader Kangana Ranaut has issued a public apology after her controversial statement over farm laws triggered a backlash, including within her party. The Mandi MP said she regrets her statement which was her personal view.

Ranaut, during an interview, said the farm laws should be brought back and the farmers themselves should demand it. "The laws in farmers' interest be brought back. Farmers should themselves demand this (to bring farm laws back) so that there is no hindrance to their prosperity. Farmers are a pillar of strength in India's progress. Only in some states, they object to farm laws. I appeal with folded hands that farm laws should be brought back in the interest of farmers," she said. 

However, the BJP leadership wasn't amused by her remark with senior leader Gaurav Bhatia taking to X to state that Ranaut wasn't authorised to make such statements on the party's behalf. He added that her statement did not reflect BJP's view on the farm bills and the party disapproved of the statement. 

Also read: 'Kangana Ranaut not authorised': How BJP reacted to actor-turned MP's controversial statement on farm laws

The statement prompted the outspoken actor to backtrack from her earlier stance. In a video posted on X, she said she would toe the party's line on the issue. Kangana added that the remarks were her own view and did not reflect the party's stance. 

"When farmer's 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 BJP workers to respect his words. I will also have to keep one thing in mind 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 added.

This is the second time the party has been schooling Kangana about the farm laws. Earlier too, the BJP had to distance itself from the MP after she claimed the farmers' protest could have led to a Bangladesh-like crisis in India if not for the decisive actions of the Modi government. 

She then publicly acknowledged that she was rebuked by the party leadership for her derogatory remarks and would be more careful with her choice of words in the future.