Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Monday criticized the BJP-led central government for actor-politician and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut’s controversial remarks about the farmers’ protests, calling it a “gross insult” to farmers. In a tweet, Gandhi strongly condemned the remarks, emphasizing that such statements would not be tolerated.
Rahul Gandhi accused the Modi government of failing to deliver on its promises to the farmers, while its “propaganda machinery” continued to disrespect them. He expressed his dismay over Kangana Ranaut’s comments, which referred to the farmers as “rapists” and representatives of foreign forces, a characterization he argued was a clear reflection of the BJP’s “anti-farmer policy and intentions.”
“The BJP MP calling the farmers, of which 700 died during the 378-day marathon struggle, as rapists and representatives of foreign forces is another proof of the BJP’s anti-farmer policy and intentions,” Gandhi tweeted in Hindi. He highlighted the significant loss of life among the farmers during their prolonged protests and condemned the narrative being pushed by the BJP.
Gandhi further stated that these “shameful anti-farmer statements” represent a deep insult to farmers across the country, particularly in regions like western Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab, where the protests were most intense. He asserted that such insults could not be accepted “under any circumstances,” signaling strong opposition from the Congress party to both the remarks and the broader policies of the BJP government towards farmers.
The controversy arises from the larger context of the farmers’ protests that took place in India, where thousands of farmers, mainly from Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh, staged a prolonged protest against three contentious farm laws. The protests, which lasted for over a year, resulted in a significant number of deaths and drew widespread attention both nationally and internationally.
Rahul Gandhi’s comments reflect the ongoing political battle over the treatment of farmers and the government’s response to their demands. As the issue continues to be a flashpoint in Indian politics, Gandhi’s criticism underscores the Congress party’s positioning as a defender of farmers’ rights against what it perceives as the BJP’s neglect and disrespect towards the agricultural community.
