Ranaut’s comments quickly attracted public scrutiny, with critics pointing out the sensitivity of the issue. The three farm laws, which the Modi administration withdrew after sustained protests, were viewed by some as advantageous to farmers but were widely criticized for potentially undermining their livelihoods. Ranaut, in her remarks, argued that the laws had been beneficial and that the protests were largely political in nature, not representative of the entire farming community.
The controversy surrounding her comments prompted the BJP to distance itself from her stance. Party spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia clarified that Ranaut was not authorized to speak on behalf of the party concerning the farm laws, emphasizing that her views did not reflect the official position of the BJP. The party leadership has faced significant pressure to maintain a delicate balance, considering the volatile history of the laws and their subsequent withdrawal.
Ranaut’s initial statement on the farm laws was made during a public engagement in Mandi, where she expressed her belief that the laws could have strengthened the agricultural sector. She controversially claimed that the protests were staged in a manner that might have led to a "Bangladesh-like situation" within India, drawing sharp rebukes from both political leaders and farmer unions.
This marks the second instance in a short span where the BJP had to clarify its position on Ranaut's public remarks. Earlier, she had drawn the ire of party officials for similarly provocative comments on other national issues. As the backlash grew, Ranaut responded to the criticism by issuing a formal retraction, acknowledging the delicate political environment surrounding the issue and expressing regret for her choice of words.
While Ranaut has a history of making contentious statements, her role as a sitting MP has further complicated matters. Many within her party view her rhetoric as a distraction from core issues, although her celebrity status continues to garner her significant attention. Political observers have noted that her comments, while aimed at mobilizing a certain section of the population, have not always aligned with the broader objectives of the BJP.
The farm laws, passed in September 2020, were initially heralded by the government as transformative reforms that would deregulate the agricultural sector and provide farmers with more options to sell their produce. However, they faced widespread resistance, particularly from farming communities in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh, who feared that the laws would lead to the dismantling of the minimum support price (MSP) system and leave them at the mercy of large corporations.
The protests, which lasted over a year, culminated in a significant political movement that saw thousands of farmers camped at the borders of the national capital. The Modi government, in a bid to quell the unrest, eventually repealed the laws in November 2021. The decision was seen as a major victory for the farmers' unions but was met with mixed reactions from economists and agricultural experts, some of whom believed that the laws had the potential to modernize Indian agriculture.
Ranaut’s remarks on reinstating the laws have reopened old wounds for many, particularly among the farming communities who felt that their prolonged struggle had finally achieved its goal. Her call for farmers to demand the return of the laws was perceived as tone-deaf by some, given the emotional and physical toll the protests had taken.
Following her retraction, the focus has shifted to how the BJP will manage its messaging around sensitive issues like the farm laws. The party has been cautious about reigniting a debate that could potentially alienate rural voters, particularly in the run-up to key state elections. The political landscape in the aftermath of the farm law protests remains delicate, and the BJP appears intent on steering clear of controversy.