A police complaint has been lodged in Himachal Pradesh against Mandi Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut, alleging derogatory and misleading statements made on social media regarding former All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Sonia Gandhi.
Complaint Filed with State Police Chief
The complaint, submitted to Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Tewari by Capt Atul Sharma, seeks the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Ranaut. The complainant asserts that Ranaut’s social media posts promote hatred, question constitutional loyalty, and disseminate false information.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that Ranaut had recently commented on Sonia Gandhi’s memoir. She reportedly questioned how Gandhi could claim ignorance of events surrounding the deaths of Gandhi family members, which occurred years after Sonia Gandhi became associated with the family. These remarks were made in the context of Ranaut’s personal experiences while researching and producing her film ‘Emergency’.
Congress Criticises Remarks and BJP’s Candidate Selection
Taking exception to the statements, Sharma formally approached the state police chief, requesting legal action against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP. Concurrently, Naresh Chauhan, Media Advisor to the Chief Minister and a prominent Congress leader, strongly condemned Ranaut’s comments about Sonia Gandhi. Chauhan described the remarks as unfortunate and indicative of Ranaut’s mindset.
Chauhan further questioned the BJP’s decision-making process, suggesting that the party had overlooked seasoned leaders and dedicated party workers who had contributed significantly over the years. He pointed out the selection of a celebrity candidate for a key parliamentary constituency like Mandi, implying a prioritization of publicity over political experience. Chauhan noted that Ranaut has frequently been in the news for controversial statements since becoming a Member of Parliament. He also alluded to questions raised regarding her conduct during a natural disaster that affected Himachal Pradesh.
The Congress leader alleged that the BJP had placed greater emphasis on publicity and public image rather than the political interests of Himachal Pradesh and the genuine concerns of its populace. He stated that such pronouncements damage political decorum and negatively impact the state’s reputation. Chauhan emphasized that making disparaging comments about an individual’s life and personal struggles without fully comprehending their experiences is inappropriate. He reiterated the demand for an explanation from the BJP regarding its decision to prioritize Ranaut over established party loyalists and experienced leaders for the Mandi constituency.
The incident highlights ongoing political tensions and scrutiny of public figures’ statements, particularly on social media platforms. The complaint filed with the police signifies a potential legal avenue for addressing remarks deemed defamatory or inciting hatred. The Congress party’s response underscores a broader critique of the BJP’s candidate selection strategy in the state.
The Chenab Times News Desk
