By Anil Merani: Kangana Ranaut’s repeated social media faux pas, which often prompt the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership to intervene, stem from a combination of her outspoken personality, polarising rhetoric, and tendency to make inflammatory statements that deviate from the party’s official stance.
She recently commented on US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Modi, which she had to delete.
Ranaut had speculated about Trump’s “love loss” toward India, suggesting the US leader was jealous of Modi’s global popularity.
“Is this jealousy or diplomatic insecurity?” she had said in the now-deleted post.
Below is an analysis of the key reasons behind this pattern, based on her public actions and the BJP’s responses:
Outspoken and Unfiltered Personality:
Kangana, a Bollywood actress-turned-politician and BJP MP from Mandi, is known for her bold and unfiltered communication style. Her social media posts often reflect her opinions, which can be provocative or controversial. For instance, her remarks on the farmers’ protests in 2024, where she alleged a “Bangladesh-like situation” could have occurred and claimed “bodies were hanging and rapes were taking place,” were seen as inflammatory and factually exaggerated. These statements align with her history of making polarising comments, such as her 2021 Twitter posts about post-poll violence in West Bengal, which led to her account suspension for inciting violence. Her unfiltered approach often clashes with the BJP’s need for disciplined messaging, especially during sensitive political periods like elections.
Misalignment with Party Policy:
Kangana’s statements frequently contradict the BJP’s official positions, forcing the party to distance itself publicly. For example, in August 2024, the BJP issued a statement clarifying that her remarks on the farmers’ protests did not reflect the party’s views and that she was “neither permitted nor authorised” to speak on policy matters. Similarly, in September 2024, her call to reinstate the repealed farm laws sparked backlash, leading the BJP to reiterate that her views were personal and not reflective of the party’s stance. This recurring misalignment suggests Kangana prioritises her perspective over adhering to the party’s strategic narrative, which is particularly problematic in states like Haryana, where farmers’ issues are politically sensitive.
Seeking Attention and Relevance:
Kangana’s controversial posts may be an attempt to maintain visibility and relevance, both as a politician and a public figure. Her background in the entertainment industry, where bold statements often garner attention, likely influences her social media behaviour. Posts on X have speculated that her actions are driven by a desire to stay in the spotlight, with one user noting her tendency to “bark loud, delete faster” after controversial tweets, such as one praising PM Modi that was allegedly removed after party intervention. Her remarks, like those targeting opposition leaders or alleging foreign conspiracies, often generate significant media coverage and social media buzz, even if they later require damage control.
Lack of Political Discipline:
As a relatively new politician, Kangana may lack the nuanced understanding of political communication required to navigate complex issues. A steep learning curve has marked her transition from a film star to a BJP MP. The BJP has repeatedly directed her to refrain from making unauthorised statements, indicating her struggle to adapt to the party’s disciplined structure. For instance, her comments on the farmers’ protests were criticised by BJP leaders in Punjab, who noted that such statements work against the party’s interests. Her inexperience is further highlighted by allies like Janata Dal (United), who called her remarks a “liability” during election periods.
Ideological Overreach:
Kangana’s rhetoric often aligns with hardline nationalist sentiments, which resonate with a section of the BJP’s base but can alienate broader audiences or create diplomatic issues. Her claims of foreign involvement (e.g., China and the US) in the farmers’ protests or her inflammatory comments about opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi reflect an ideological overreach that exceeds the BJP’s official narrative. While these statements may appeal to her personal following, they risk escalating tensions and complicating the party’s efforts to maintain social harmony, as emphasised in the BJP’s commitment to “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”
BJP’s Strategic Rein In:
The BJP leadership’s frequent interventions are driven by the need to mitigate electoral and reputational damage. Kangana’s controversies, especially in poll-bound states like Haryana, have prompted swift rebuttals from party spokespersons like Gaurav Bhatia, who clarified that her statements are personal and not endorsed by the party. Her controversies’ potential electoral and reputational damage includes [insert specific examples or details here]. The party’s reprimands, such as directing her to avoid similar remarks in the future, reflect a balancing act: leveraging her popularity as a celebrity MP while containing the fallout from her statements. However, the BJP’s reluctance to take stricter action, such as expulsion, suggests that her star power and appeal to certain voter segments remain valuable, as noted by some party leaders who believe her political career is “down but not out” if she corrects cours
External Backlash Amplifies Impact:
Kangana’s faux pas are amplified by strong opposition from political rivals, farmers’ groups, and social media users, necessitating BJP intervention. For example, her farmers’ protest remarks drew condemnation from Congress leaders like Supriya Shrinate, who demanded her expulsion, and farmers’ unions in Jind, who burned her effigies and called her a “habitual offender.” This external pressure, combined with the potential to alienate key voter bases, forces the BJP to publicly rein her in to limit electoral damage, particularly in agrarian states.
Conclusion:
Kangana Ranaut’s social media faux pas are a result of her unfiltered personality, misalignment with BJP’s official positions, and a lack of political discipline, compounded by her desire for attention and ideological overreach. The BJP leadership reins her in to protect the party’s image and electoral prospects, particularly in sensitive regions, while still valuing her celebrity status. However, her repeated controversies suggest a pattern that may persist unless she adapts to the party’s expectations for restraint and alignment.
