New Delhi: BJP on Monday rebuked its Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut for her remarks on farmers’ protest and expressed strong disagreement with what she said. Rebuffing BJP’s damage-control effort, Congress demanded that it expel its “handpicked MP” for calling farmers “rapists and murderers” and the farm agitation a “foreign conspiracy” to destabilize India.

The actor sparked a controversy by suggesting that the farmers’ stir could have led to a “Bangladesh-like anarchy if not for strong measures taken by Modi govt”.

“The statement is not the party’s opinion,” BJP said, adding she was “neither permitted nor authorised” to comment on policies, and it was committed to social harmony.

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New Delhi: BJP on Monday pulled up its actor-MP Kangana Ranaut over her comments on the farmers’ stir even as Congress lashed out at the party demanding action against her. Stating that Ranaut has been asked to refrain from giving such statements, the party said, “BJP is committed to following the principles of sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas and sabka prayas, and social harmony.”

Ranaut, in a statement during the promotion of her upcoming movie, claimed, “Bangladesh-like anarchy could have taken place in India in the name of farmers’ protest. Outside forces are planning to destroy us with the help of insiders. If not for the foresight of our leadership, they would have succeeded.”

Sources said the BJP brass was unhappy with the remarks and Ranaut was immediately instructed that she should refrain from speaking without a mandate as the party has a system of authorizing representatives based on their expertise. There was a feeling in the party that her statement was not only “out of turn” but also against the spirit of BJP’s views on such issues as it had not made such remarks against farmers even when the agitation against the three farm laws was at its peak.

BJP’s statement cut no ice with Congress, which demanded that external affairs and home ministries issue clarifications on Ranaut’s claims that the US and China are seeking to create a Bangladesh-like situation in the country.

AICC spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said BJP cannot wash its hands off, while Randeep Surjewala raised the suspicion that the remark may be a script for BJP’s political polarization in the coming state elections. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said the “shameful anti-farmer statements” are a gross insult to the farmers.

“PM Narendra Modi’s policy of ‘I have not forgiven her from my heart’, as he had said about Sadhvi Pragya, will not work in 2024. He should make her apologize to the farmers or he should apologize himself,” Shrinate said. Congress said Modi should answer whether the country is so weak under him that foreign powers are able to orchestrate protests for destabilization. Shrinate said the PM should also explain steps undertaken in view of the threat from foreign powers that Ranaut has claimed.

Surjewala asked why does the BJP “hate the annadata” so much, and why the PM, Haryana CM and BJP MPs and MLAs were silent on the actor’s hurtful remarks about the farmers.

The government's contract with a creative agency for the 'Incredible India' promotion that featured Aamir Khan has come to an end and a decision will be taken on whether it is to be renewed, culture minister Mahesh Sharma said.

The minister told TOI that a payment of Rs 2.96 lakh has been made to the agency and a board will take a decision on the future dealings. “Tourism ministry did not have an agreement with actor Aamir Khan. The ministry's agreement was with a firm to make a film. The project is completed and the ministry has paid the fees of Rs 2.96 lakh,“ Sharma said. Asked about what happens next, Sharma said, “There is a proper process to further finalize the name. A proposal will be tabled before a board and the board will finalize the name of the agency and person. In the fresh agreement, the board can finalize Aamir Khan or any other person.“

Speculation over the Bollywood star's continuance in the 'Incredible India' campaign generated controversy in the social media as he had recently joined the debate over “rising intolerance“ saying his wife had wondered whether they should leave the country as she feared for the safety of the family in a climate of insecurity.

Congress jumped into the fray, with its spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, saying, “Non-renewal of 'Incredibile India' brand ambassador contract of Aamir Khan reflects the petty mindset, parochial approach and intemperate attitude of the Modi government. Dissent and difference of opinion have become anathema to the Modi regime, be it of artists, thinkers, writers, scientists or political activists,“ Surjewala said.

Sharma, however, said it had been creative agency McCann Worldwide's decision to feature the Bollywood icon. The minister's statement seemed intended to clear up confusion created by an earlier statement that said: “In response to certain news reports appearing in the media, about Shri Aamir Khan, the Ministry of Tourism clarifies that there is no change in the stand of the ministry in this matter. The Ministry further clarifies that at present it has a contractual agreement with creative agency Mc Cann Worldwide to produce social awareness campaign and the said campaign featured Shri Aamir Khan.“