Kangana Ranaut: A BJP Asset or Liability?

Kangana Ranaut, the acclaimed Bollywood actress-turned-politician and current Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, has become a lightning rod for controversy. Her unrestrained commentary, particularly on contentious political issues, has repeatedly tested the patience of her party’s leadership. The latest controversy surrounding her statement advocating the return of the now-repealed farm laws highlights a pattern of behaviour where her personal opinions have forced the BJP to distance itself publicly.

While Kangana's celebrity status gave the BJP a glamorous face in Himachal, her repeated controversial remarks raise questions about her political understanding and discipline within the party. This article explores how Kangana’s uninhibited statements, often driven by a thirst for the limelight, have placed her in direct conflict with the BJP's image of control and unity.

Kangana’s Political Missteps: A Recurring Issue

Kangana’s most recent remarks on the farm laws, which were repealed after a prolonged and highly charged farmer protest, provide insight into her lack of political foresight. The farm bills—passed by the Modi government in 2020—triggered months of protests, primarily from farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh. The protests, which led to multiple rounds of negotiations and eventually forced the government to withdraw the bills in 2021, were a sensitive issue. The BJP worked hard to mitigate the damage caused by the perception that it was indifferent to farmers' concerns.

Kangana's unsolicited call for the return of the farm laws not only ignored the political sensitivity around the subject but also revived an issue the BJP had been trying to move past. This forced BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia to clarify that her statement was her “personal opinion” and did not represent the party’s official stance. Bhatia’s video message was a clear indication of the party’s desire to distance itself from Kangana’s comments, a move aimed at pre-empting any political backlash.

This, however, is not the first time Kangana’s statements have forced the BJP into damage control. Her inflammatory comments on various topics, including her attacks on the Shiv Sena during the Maharashtra political crisis in 2020, her belittling of the freedom struggle by calling India's independence in 1947 as "bheekh" (alms), and her repeated slights against fellow politicians, have all sparked controversies. Each time, the BJP has had to either issue clarifications or ignore her remarks to avoid fueling unnecessary political tension.

The Desire for Attention: A Political Liability

Kangana's frequent political gaffes seem to stem from her deep-seated need to remain in the public eye. As a celebrity, she was used to being in the spotlight, and this need for attention has carried over into her political career. However, what works in entertainment does not always translate to politics. Indian politics, especially within a highly disciplined party like the BJP, demands calculated speech and strategic action. Kangana’s compulsive urge to offer her opinions on complex issues without fully grasping their consequences shows a clear disconnect between her star persona and her responsibilities as an MP.

Her remarks on sensitive topics, whether it’s the farm laws or national history, are often viewed as ill-informed and self-serving. Her constant need to engage in public spats with opposition leaders or her own party colleagues reveals an undisciplined approach, making it difficult for the BJP to manage its public image. Unlike other BJP leaders who maintain a careful balance between ideology and diplomacy, Kangana's outbursts appear driven more by personal opinion than party strategy.

A Lack of Political Acumen: The Consequences of Unrestrained Speech

Kangana’s controversial statements demonstrate a consistent lack of political insight. Her comments about the farm laws, a highly emotional and divisive issue, show that she has little understanding of the ground realities that led to the repeal. The BJP’s decision to withdraw the laws was a significant political concession, aimed at quelling farmer unrest and avoiding further electoral losses, particularly in states like Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, where farmers form a crucial voting bloc. For Kangana to casually suggest bringing them back demonstrates not only a disregard for party decisions but also a profound lack of political awareness.

This disconnect is evident in her other statements as well. When she called India’s hard-earned independence “bheekh,” she ignited a firestorm of criticism from all political quarters. Such statements do not reflect a thoughtful or nuanced grasp of India’s complex political and historical landscape, which is essential for any serious politician. Instead, they come across as attention-seeking stunts, further isolating her from mainstream political discourse.

BJP’s Dilemma: Managing a Star With a “Big Mouth”

The BJP, known for its strict adherence to party discipline and centralized leadership, now faces the challenge of managing Kangana Ranaut’s unpredictable nature. While her celebrity status initially brought attention and glamour to the party, the downside of her unfiltered remarks has created more headaches than positive media coverage. Each time Kangana speaks without the party’s approval or on sensitive issues, it risks diverting attention from the BJP’s core messaging and policies.

This creates a unique dilemma for the BJP. On one hand, side lining or disciplining Kangana could alienate her large social media following and a section of the electorate that admires her outspokenness. On the other hand, continuing to tolerate her unchecked comments risks damaging the party’s carefully maintained image of discipline and message control. With upcoming elections in key states and a general election in 2024, the BJP cannot afford distractions that undermine its focus.

Conclusion: Can the BJP Afford to Keep Kangana Ranaut?

Kangana Ranaut’s political career has been marked by a pattern of controversial remarks that suggest she lacks the maturity and wisdom required for serious political engagement. Her constant need to remain in the limelight, often at the expense of political prudence, puts the BJP in a difficult position. While her star power brought early attention, her unchecked outbursts now threaten to overshadow the party’s key policies and electoral strategies.

The BJP must now decide whether to continue accommodating Kangana’s behaviour or take stronger steps to rein her in. As the party gears up for future elections, the cost of tolerating such unpredictable behaviour may outweigh any potential benefits of her celebrity status. Ultimately, if Kangana Ranaut does not learn to temper her statements and respect the party’s discipline, the BJP may be forced to reassess her role within its ranks—before her remarks do lasting damage to its public image.