New Delhi, Aug 26 (FN Representative) The Congress on Monday slammed the BJP over the outrageous statement of its Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut for describing farmers as “rapists” and “murderers”. The party also sought clarification from the union government on the MP’s statement that foreign powers including America and China were trying to create a Bangladesh-like situation in the country through these protests. Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters here, party spokesperson Supriya Shrinate referred to Ranaut’s statement where she had alleged that murders and rapes took place during the farmers’ protest With regard to the BJP’s clarification distancing itself from the MP’s statement, Shrinate asked, if it is so, what action does the party plans to take against Ranaut as she didn’t deserve to sit in the Parliament.
The Congress spokesperson also demanded clarification from the government on the allegations by the BJP MP that the US and China were trying to destablise the country by orchestrating such protests. She pointed out that this statement had come from an MP of the ruling party, hence the government owed an answer and clarification. She asked, if it is really so, what was the government of India doing. Shrinate said, the ministries of Home Affairs and External Affairs must come out with clarification on the issue as it is a serious matter. The Congress spokesperson said, the BJP cannot simply shrug off its responsibility by a token denial without following it up with any concrete action against the MP, who has been repeatedly and regularly making controversial statements.