The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has strongly condemned recent statements made by BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, labelling her comments as both derogatory and factually incorrect. In an interview, Ranaut made highly inflammatory remarks, accusing Indian farmers of being “murderers, rapists, conspirators, and anti-national.” The SKM, which has been at the forefront of the historic farmers’ movement against the BJP-led government’s pro-corporate policies, expressed deep pain and outrage at these accusations.
The SKM highlighted that such remarks from Ranaut are not surprising, considering the BJP’s long-standing policy of discrediting and insulting the farmers’ movement. Despite facing numerous provocations and insults, the SKM ensured that the farmers’ protests at the borders of Delhi remained peaceful, lawful, and in accordance with the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.
The farmers’ movement, marked by its massive participation and the supreme sacrifice of 736 martyrs, including the victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri massacre, has been a testament to the peaceful resolve of the protesters. The SKM emphasized that during the entire period of the struggle, there was not a single act of violence by farmers, even as they faced multiple attacks by the police.
Drawing a parallel between the farmers’ movement and India’s historic anti-colonial struggle, the SKM urged Kangana Ranaut to educate herself on the history and significance of the farmers’ movement before making baseless allegations.
The SKM has demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi issue a public apology to the farmers of India for the reprehensible and untruthful comments made by a member of his party. They stressed that it is the PM’s constitutional duty to stand with the ‘annadatas’ (food providers) of the nation and ensure that his party members do not disrespect those who play a crucial role in ensuring India’s food security.
Furthermore, the SKM has called on Kangana Ranaut to issue an unconditional apology to the farmers for her inappropriate and incorrect statements. Failing this, the SKM warned that it would have no option but to call for a public boycott of the BJP MP.
