Congress Uses Kangana Ranaut's Comments to Accuse BJP of Seeking to Reinstate Repealed Farm Laws

The Congress party has accused the BJP of attempting to reintroduce the farm laws repealed in 2021. This claim is based on remarks by BJP MP Kangana Ranaut. The Congress shared a video on X where Ranaut is heard advocating for the return of these laws, suggesting they benefit farmers and should be reinstated.

In the video, Ranaut reportedly states, "Farm laws that have been repealed should be brought back. I think this may get controversial. The laws in farmers' interest be brought back. Farmers should themselves demand this to bring farm laws back so that there is no hindrance to their prosperity." She emphasised that farmers are crucial to India's development and urged for the laws' return for their benefit.

Congress's Response and Allegations

The Congress responded strongly, alleging that the BJP plans to reinstate the controversial laws. In a Hindi post accompanying the video, they stated, "The three black laws imposed on farmers should be brought back: BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has said this." They highlighted the loss of over 750 farmers during protests against these laws before their repeal.

Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate also shared the video, reiterating that efforts are underway to bring back the laws. She declared, "We will never let that happen," signalling Haryana's potential opposition in upcoming assembly polls. The Congress vowed to stand with farmers against any attempts to reintroduce these legislations.

Background on Farm Laws

The contentious farm laws were initially enacted in June 2020. They included the Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce Promotion and Facilitation Act, the Farmers Empowerment and Protection Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, and the Essential Commodities Amendment Act. These were repealed in November 2021 following widespread protests.

Pawan Khera, head of Congress's media and publicity department, criticised the BJP's alleged intentions. He questioned how often they would deceive farmers, calling them "two-faced people" in a Hindi post on X. This reflects ongoing tensions between political parties over agricultural policies.

The farmers' protest began in late November 2020 and concluded after Parliament repealed the laws in November 2021. The demonstrations were marked by significant farmer participation and drew national attention to their grievances.

The Congress remains firm in its stance against any revival of these farm laws. They assert that despite any efforts by Narendra Modi or BJP MPs, these "black laws" will not return. The party continues to align itself with farmers' interests amid ongoing political debates.