Congress lambasts BJP after actor-turned-MP Kangana Ranaut called farmers 'rapists', 'murderers’

New Delhi: Congress lambasted Bharatiya Janata Party after its MP Kangana Ranaut described farmers as “rapists” and “murderers”.

The party also sought clarification from the union government on the MP’s related statement that foreign powers including America and China were trying to create disturbances like in Bangladesh through these protests.

Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters here today, Chairperson of the Social and Digital Platforms, Supriya Shrinate referred to Ranaut’s statement where she had alleged that murders and rapes took place during the farmers’ protest

Referring to the BJP’s clarification distancing itself from the MP’s statement, Shrinate asked, if so, what action the party planned to take against her (Ranaut) as she did not deserve to sit in the parliament.

The Congress spokesperson observed that the BJP MP had insulted the country's farmers by making outrageous and provocative statements against them.

She also demanded clarification from the government on the allegations by the BJP MP that the US and China were trying to destabilize the country by orchestrating such protests.

She pointed out that this statement had come from an MP of the ruling party, hence the government owed an answer and clarification. She asked if it was so, what the government of India was doing. She said the ministries of Home Affairs and external affairs must come out with clarification on the issue as it is a serious matter.

Shrinate said the BJP cannot simply shrug off its responsibility by a token denial without following it up with any concrete action against the MP, who has been repeatedly and regularly making controversial statements.