Bollywood actress and politician Kangana Ranaut has once again found herself at the center of a political storm.
On Wednesday, October 2, the day India celebrates the birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, On social media, Kangana shared a contentious remark that seemed to cast doubt on Gandhi’s cherished title as the “Father of the Nation.”
Kangana’s Controversial Post
In her Instagram story, Kangana wrote, “Desh ke pita nahi, desh ke to lal hote hai. Dhanye hai Bharat ma ke ye lal,” which translates to, “The country does not have fathers; it has sons. Blessed are these sons of Mother India.” This comment, seen by many as an indirect jibe at Mahatma Gandhi’s title, “Father of the Nation,” quickly sparked a heated debate.
The timing of her remark, made on the day commemorating both Gandhi’s and Shastri’s birth anniversaries, further fueled the controversy. While paying homage to Shastri, the former Prime Minister known for his integrity and simplicity, Kangana seemed to imply that the title of “Father of the Nation” was unnecessary, which did not sit well with many.
Backlash from Political Circles
Kangana’s comment was met with criticism from across the political spectrum. Supriya Shrinate, a congresswoman, expressed her extreme disapproval of Kangana’s remark, referring to it as a “lewd jibe” directed against Mahatma Gandhi. She also accused the actress of trying to create divisions between Gandhi and Shastri. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Shrinate stated, “BJP MP Kangana made this lewd jibe on Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary. God-worshippers distinguish between Shastri ji and Bapu. Will Narendra Modi grant his party’s newest disciple of Godse unconditional forgiveness?”
This isn’t the first time Kangana has been in the spotlight for her provocative statements. Her previous remarks about the farmers’ protests and the farm laws had already sparked controversy, with many accusing her of being insensitive to the plight of farmers.
Criticism from BJP Leaders
Interestingly, Kangana’s latest comments have also drawn criticism from within her party. Manoranjan Kalia, a senior BJP politician from Punjab, openly criticized the actress. Kalia said, “I condemn Kangana Ranaut’s comments on Gandhi ji’s 155th birth anniversary,” in a video that was shared on social media. She has made contentious remarks frequently in her brief political tenure. It’s a serious business, politics. Before speaking, one must consider… Her divisive words throw the party into disarray.
Kalia’s statement highlights the growing discomfort within the BJP over Kangana’s frequent controversial outbursts. Despite being a newly elected MP from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, Kangana’s political journey has been marked by a series of contentious remarks.
Support for Cleanliness Campaign
In a follow-up post on Instagram, Kangana attempted to strike a more positive note by praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for continuing Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy of cleanliness through the “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.” This attempt to counterbalance her earlier remark, meanwhile, did little to end the ongoing issue.
A History of Controversy
Just last month, she faced backlash for advocating the return of the three farm laws that were repealed in 2021. She had alleged that the farmers’ protests had created a “Bangladesh-type situation” in India, claiming that violence and atrocities were taking place at the protest sites.
Kangana’s involvement in politics, ever since she became a Member of Parliament, has been marked by divisive and often inflammatory statements. Whether it’s her take on the farmers’ movement or her remarks on historical figures like Gandhi, her comments seem to create more controversy than constructive dialogue.
Conclusion
Kangana Ranaut’s recent comments on Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri have once again ignited a debate about the boundaries of political speech. While she remains a popular figure in both Bollywood and political circles, her tendency to court controversy raises questions about her future in politics. For now, the debate over her latest remarks continues, with both supporters and critics weighing in on the issue.
As India reflects on the legacies of Gandhi and Shastri, it’s clear that such remarks will not go unnoticed. Whether Kangana will face any political repercussions for her comments remains to be seen, but her controversial approach is certainly stirring up the political landscape.
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