Kangana Ranaut, the outspoken actor-turned-politician, has found herself in the middle of another controversy. This time, her remarks about Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri have ignited a political storm. As she paid tribute to Shastri on his 120th birth anniversary, her comments seemed to downplay Mahatma Gandhi’s status as the Father of the Nation, sparking heated responses from political figures and the public alike.
Kangana’s Tribute to Shastri: A Controversial Post
On October 2, 2024, Kangana Ranaut took to social media to honor Lal Bahadur Shastri, but her tribute quickly turned controversial. She posted a message on Instagram, stating, “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 remark was widely interpreted as an attempt to downplay Mahatma Gandhi’s position as the Father of the Nation, a title he has held since India’s independence.
Immediate Backlash
Unsurprisingly, Ranaut’s comments triggered immediate backlash. Critics, especially from the opposition, were quick to express their outrage. Congress leader Supriya Shrinate was among the first to respond, accusing Kangana of making a “lewd jibe” at Mahatma Gandhi. Shrinate tweeted, “BJP MP Kangana made this lewd jibe on Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary. Godse worshippers draw distinctions between Bapu and Shastri ji. Will Narendra Modi wholeheartedly forgive his party’s new Godse devotee?”
Her statement was a pointed reference to Gandhi’s assassin, Nathuram Godse, and questioned Kangana’s position within the BJP.
Support and Criticism from Political Circles
Ranaut, who was elected as a Member of Parliament in June, has become known for her controversial statements. While some within her party may have supported her outspoken nature, others, like Manoranjan Kalia, a senior BJP leader from Punjab, were less forgiving. Kalia criticized her remarks, saying, “Politics is not her field. Politics is a serious affair. One must think before speaking… Her controversial remarks cause trouble for the party.”
Kalia’s statement reflects the growing concern within the BJP over Ranaut’s increasingly inflammatory rhetoric, especially now that she holds a formal political position.
The Gandhi-Shastri Divide
Kangana’s comments have brought to light an ongoing debate in certain circles about Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy versus that of other leaders, including Lal Bahadur Shastri. Shastri, known for his humility and the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”, holds a special place in the hearts of many Indians. However, Gandhi,
as the leader of the nonviolent independence movement,
has long been revere as the Father of the Nation.
By making such a statement, Kangana Ranaut seems to be amplifying a divide between two figures who, historically, have been seen as complementary rather than in opposition. It raises the question: Can the legacies of Gandhi and Shastri coexist without comparison, or is this a political strategy to shift focus from Gandhi’s contributions?
Ranaut’s Follow-up Post: Praise for Modi
In a follow-up post, Kangana credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for continuing Gandhi’s legacy of cleanliness, a reference to Modi’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan campaign,
which was inspire by Gandhi’s vision of a clean and self-reliant India. This attempt to align herself with Modi’s initiatives,
while simultaneously downplaying Gandhi’s title, could be seen as a strategic move to stay in favor with the ruling party.
Previous Controversies
This latest controversy is far from Kangana Ranaut first. In recent years, the actor-turned-politician has involve in multiple contentious debate. Just last month,
she face backlash for her comments advocating for the return of the three farm laws, which were repeale after massive protests. She had claim that the farmers’ protests were leading to a “Bangladesh-type situation in India,” suggesting that violence and lawlessness were rampant at the protest sites.
Kangana later retracted these statements, acknowledging that, as a BJP MP, she needs to be more cautious with her words. However,
this new controversy shows that she has not shied away from making bold, divisive statements.
Criticism from Multiple Fronts
While Congress leader Supriya Shrinate and BJP’s Manoranjan Kalia were among the first to voice their disapproval, the criticism against Kangana’s remarks continues to grow. Many see her comments as a reflection of a broader trend within certain political factions to question Gandhi’s legacy, often in favor of other nationalist figures.
Critics argue that such remarks sow unnecessary division,
especially at a time when the country should united in honoring all its historical leaders. Others see it as a deliberate move to shift the narrative around the country’s independence,
possibly to serve a political agenda.
Is This a Pattern for Kangana?
Looking back, it seems like controversies follow Kangana wherever she goes. From her statements about Bollywood’s nepotism to her fiery social media posts about political and social issues, she has consistently made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Yet,
her popularity remains strong among certain sections of the public,
who admire her outspoken and unfiltered personality.
But now that she’s a politician, many are questioning whether she should be more responsible with her words. In politics,
making controversial statements can have far-reaching consequences,
and it remains to seen whether Kangana will tone down her rhetoric or continue down this path.
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Conclusion
Kangana Ranaut’s “Country Don’t Have Fathers” remark has certainly added fuel to the fire in an already polarized political landscape. Her attempt to elevate Lal Bahadur Shastri’s legacy while downplaying that of Mahatma Gandhi has led to yet another controversy that could have long-term implications,
both for her political career and for the larger discourse around India’s freedom struggle.
While some might see her comments as a simple tribute to Shastri, others view them as a deliberate attempt to rewrite history or, at the very least, stir the pot. Whether Kangana will face any significant consequences for this latest remark is yet to seen. But one thing’s for sure: when it comes to controversy,
Kangana Ranaut knows how to keep herself at the center of it.
