Row Erupts as Congress Leader KS Alagiri Says Kangana Ranaut ‘Should Be Slapped’ Over 2020 Farmers Protest Remark
GG News Bureau
Chennai, 19th Sept: A political storm has broken out after former Tamil Nadu Congress chief KS Alagiri made a controversial remark against actor-turned-politician and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut. Speaking to farmers, Alagiri said that if Ranaut visits Tamil Nadu, “she should be slapped” for her past comments during the 2020 farmers’ protest.
The controversy was reignited when farmers reminded Alagiri of Ranaut’s remarks made at the peak of the nationwide agitation against the three farm laws. Back then, Ranaut had accused an elderly protester of being paid Rs 100 to participate, a statement that drew widespread outrage and forced her to delete the post.
Alagiri recounted his meeting with farmers, saying they were hurt by the actress’s statement. “Yesterday, 10–15 agriculturists came to me and reported that Kangana Ranaut once told the press that agricultural women are only present because they are paid. I was shocked. Why is this lady, a sitting MP, criticising rural women who are the backbone of agriculture?” he said.
In his remarks, Alagiri referenced an incident from 2024 when a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) constable allegedly slapped Ranaut at Chandigarh Airport over her controversial statements. “The police officer said that wherever she goes, she abuses everyone. I told the farmers that if she comes to Tamil Nadu, they should do the same so that she realises her mistake,” Alagiri added.
Kangana Reacts
Responding to Alagiri’s remarks, Kangana Ranaut said she has the right to travel freely anywhere in India and that people of Tamil Nadu respect and love her. “No one can stop anyone. If there are people who hate me, there are more who love me,” she told reporters in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu.
The actress-politician also reminded her critics of her widely appreciated role as former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in the biopic Thalaivii. “After Thalaivii, Tamil Nadu’s opposition MPs called me ‘thalaivii’ with respect. That is the love I received from Tamil Nadu,” she added.
Political Fallout
Alagiri’s remarks have triggered sharp criticism from BJP leaders, who accused Congress of indulging in hate speech and promoting violence against a sitting Member of Parliament. Political observers believe the episode could further polarise the political atmosphere ahead of upcoming state elections, with both BJP and Congress trying to consolidate their positions in southern India.
For now, the row underscores how past controversies around the 2020 farmers’ protest continue to echo in Indian politics, with Kangana Ranaut often at the centre of heated debates.
