The Congress on Wednesday intensified its criticism of the BJP following remarks by its MP Kangana Ranaut, who suggested reintroducing the three repealed farm laws. The opposition demanded her expulsion if the ruling party does not align with her statements.
Speaking at a rally, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the BJP for Ranaut’s call to revive the laws, which were withdrawn in 2021 after widespread farmer protests. He warned that voters in states like Haryana would deliver a stern response to the BJP in upcoming elections.
Earlier, Ranaut retracted her comments, clarifying that they were her personal views and not reflective of BJP’s official stance. She acknowledged her position as a BJP member and stated that her opinions should be consistent with party policies.
The controversy erupted after the Congress shared a video on social media, featuring Ranaut's comments. In the video, she suggested the farm laws, which were in the interest of farmers, should be reinstated, claiming they would foster agricultural prosperity.
Kharge, in response, slammed the BJP for failing to learn from the farmers’ protests, during which 750 farmers reportedly lost their lives. He labelled the three farm laws as anti-farmer and accused the BJP of trying to implement them again for political gain.
"The Modi government used vehicles, barbed wire, teargas, and weapons against protesting farmers," Kharge said. "States, including Haryana, will respond to this insult in the elections."
Kharge further criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ministers for what he called continuous disrespect toward the farmers, citing past remarks where they were labelled "parasites" and "andolanjeevi" (professional protesters).
Highlighting the unmet promises of the Modi government, including doubling farmers' incomes and implementing a minimum support price (MSP) guarantee, Kharge accused the government of betraying India's food producers. He added that no relief had been given to families of deceased farmers, and their plight had been ignored in Parliament.
Meanwhile, Congress spokesperson Shaktisinh Gohil also called for Ranaut’s expulsion, questioning why the BJP had not condemned her remarks. He argued that the BJP’s silence indicated its intent to bring back the farm laws.
The Congress reaffirmed its support for the farmers, vowing to block any attempt to reinstate the laws, and asserted that no matter how hard Modi and his MPs tried, the "black laws" would never return.
The three laws, known as the Farmer's Produce Trade and Commerce Act, the Farmers Agreement of Price Assurance Act, and the Essential Commodities Amendment Act, were introduced in June 2020 but repealed by Parliament in November 2021 following extensive protests that lasted nearly a year.
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