Actor and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut has publicly supported folk singer Neha Singh Rathore, stating that regardless of differing political ideologies, no woman should face defamation for the sake of television ratings. The support comes after a news channel aired a report containing derogatory remarks about Rathore.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the controversy began when Neha Singh Rathore alleged a news channel attempted to malign her reputation by portraying her in a negative light, specifically implying she was a sex worker. Rathore shared a note on her social media platform, X, on Sunday, directly addressing Kangana Ranaut and seeking her stance on the matter.
In her post, Rathore stated, “Dear @KanganaTeam Ji, Like you, I too am a daughter of this country. Although there is a difference in our ideologies, this difference cannot change the shared truth of us both being women. The channel deliberately ran fake news against me and called me a prostitute. This false news was seen by the entire country, and my dignity was hurt.” She further appealed to Ranaut by referencing her own family members, asking, “There must be sisters in your family too! Little girls! Don’t you feel afraid for them? Don’t you have anything to say about this thuggery by it.”
Kangana Ranaut responded to Rathore’s appeal with her own statement on X. Ranaut asserted that “baselessly defaming any woman for the sake of TRPs is absolutely despicable.” She also indicated that the responsibility for such an act should lie with the head of the news channel.
Ranaut elaborated on her position, writing, “Neha-ji, your political views and the statements you make from time to time are contrary to my own political beliefs and are unacceptable to me; however, baselessly defaming any woman for the sake of TRPs is absolutely despicable. The head of ABP should take responsibility for this.”
The news channel in question subsequently issued an apology to Neha Singh Rathore following the widespread discussion and Ranaut’s public support. The incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding media ethics, the portrayal of women in media, and the impact of defamation, particularly in the context of political discourse in India.
Neha Singh Rathore is known for her satirical political folk songs, which often critically engage with the policies and actions of the ruling BJP. Her songs have garnered significant attention for their sharp social commentary. Kangana Ranaut, a prominent actor who has transitioned into politics as a BJP MP, has often been vocal on various socio-political issues.
This public exchange underscores a rare moment where individuals with opposing political viewpoints have found common ground in condemning perceived media malpractice and advocating for the protection of women’s dignity. The incident also brings into focus the power of social media platforms in facilitating direct communication between public figures and in shaping public opinion on contentious issues.
The apology from the news channel marks a conclusion to this specific incident, but the broader concerns about journalistic standards and the responsible reporting of individuals, especially women in public life, continue to be a subject of discussion across the country.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
