A special MP-MLA court in Uttar Pradesh has summoned actor and Lok Sabha MP Kangana Ranaut to appear before it on October 25, concerning her alleged objectionable comments regarding the 2020-21 farmers’ protest. The complaint, lodged by a key member of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Kisan Shakti), accuses Ranaut of making inflammatory statements during various media interviews.
During the interviews, Ranaut reportedly described the protests against the now-repealed farm laws as scenes of “violence,” “rapes,” and “murders.” These laws had sparked widespread demonstrations across India, culminating in their withdrawal by the government.
The legal proceedings were initiated on September 19, leading to the issuance of a summons by the court. “The allegations against Ms. Ranaut revolve around her disparaging comments about the farmers who partook in the demonstrations at Delhi’s Ghazipur border,” explained Advocate Sanjay Sharma, who represents the plaintiff.*
Gajendra Sharma, the general secretary (organisation) of BKU (Kisan Shakti), expressed his disdain for Ranaut’s remarks. “Before her election to Parliament, she had maligned protesting farmers as Khalistani and Pakistani. Now, as an MP, she has escalated her rhetoric, labeling them as rapists and murderers,” he stated.
The union leader also highlighted plans to escalate the issue to higher judicial authorities, including the possibility of appeals to the High Court and the Supreme Court, if necessary. “We condemn her statements vehemently and urge for her immediate censure. We are also calling on national leaders, including the President and the Prime Minister, to reconsider her parliamentary membership in light of these remarks,” Sharma added.
