Kangana Ranaut stirred controversy once again with a social media post regarding Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, as she paid tribute to Shastri on his 120th birth anniversary. In her post, she seemed to diminish Gandhi’s significance as the Father of the Nation, which has drawn criticism.
She stated on her Instagram Stories, “Desh ke pita nahi, desh ke to lal hote hai. Dhanye hai Bharat ma ke ye lal” (“The country does not have fathers; it has sons. Blessed are these sons of Mother India”). In another post, she acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi for upholding Gandhi’s legacy related to cleanliness in the country.
Ranaut’s remarks have prompted backlash, particularly from Congress leader Supriya Shrinate, who accused Ranaut of making a “lewd jibe” at Gandhi, especially on his birth anniversary. She challenged Modi to respond to what she described as Ranaut’s connection to Godse worshippers who seek to differentiate between Gandhi and Shastri. Shrinate emphasized that all figures earn respect, including the Father of the Nation and martyrs.
Senior BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia also condemned Ranaut’s comments, stating in a social media video that she has a pattern of making controversial statements in her brief political career. He urged her to think before speaking, noting that her remarks could cause problems for the party.
This incident comes after Ranaut’s previous contentious statements, including her calls for the reinstatement of the three farm laws that were revoked in 2021. She faced backlash for claiming that the farmers’ protests were creating a “Bangladesh-type situation in India,” suggesting violent conditions at protest sites. Later, she acknowledged that she needs to remember her dual role as an artist and a BJP member.
