BJP Criticizes Congress Over Social Media Post Targeting Kangana Ranaut

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its criticism of the Congress party following a controversial social media post from the Instagram account of Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate targeting actor Kangana Ranaut. Ranaut, who is set to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Mandi, her home state in Himachal Pradesh, on a BJP ticket, became the subject of the post.

The post in question, which has since been deleted, asked, ‘Can someone tell what is the current rate in Mandi (market)?’ alongside a picture of Ranaut. Shrinate later clarified that the post was made by someone with access to her Facebook and Instagram accounts and termed it ‘extremely inappropriate’.

Shehzad Poonawalla, a spokesperson for the BJP, referenced the ‘Ladki Hoon, Lad Sakti Hoon’ (I am a girl, I can fight) slogan introduced by Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra during the lead-up to the 2022 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. Poonawalla accused Shrinate of insulting ‘Nari Shakti’ (woman power) through the post, asserting that the remark was not only directed at Ranaut but also the women of Himachal Pradesh.

Highlighting the differences between real and reel life, BJP MP from Northeast Delhi, Manoj Tiwari, expressed surprise at the Congress’s stance towards women and artists. Tiwari emphasized that artists often play diverse roles in reel life and underscored the BJP’s respect for both artists and women in India.

Shaina NC, another BJP spokesperson, called for a push against stereotypes while defending Ranaut’s decision to join active public life by contesting with the BJP. She stressed that women from various professions, including the film and fashion industries, should have the freedom to participate in public service if driven by a desire to contribute positively to the country.

The BJP’s demand for strict action against the incident and its call for intervention from the Election Commission underscore the escalating tensions between the two political parties as the election season unfolds.