Politicians across party lines are demanding that actress Kangana Ranaut’s Padma Shri be withdrawn in the wake of her controversial remarks on India’s Independence. Speaking at a media conclave, Kangana said that India got ‘true independence’ in 2014, adding that the 1947 independence was ‘bheek’ [alms or charity].
#KanganaRanaut may think India got Independence in 2014 but this cannot be endorsed by any true Indian. This is an insult to millions of freedom fighters who gave up their lives so that present generations can live a life of self-respect & dignity as free citizens of a democracy. pic.twitter.com/o0EtH0hukU
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) November 12, 2021
Tagging President Ram Nath Kovind in a tweet, Congress leader Anand Sharma demanded that her Padma award be withdrawn immediately.
“Before giving such awards, mental psychological evaluation should be done so that in future such persons do not disrespect the nation and its heroes,” he said.
Calling her comments ‘outrageous’, Sharma said “Prime Minister Narendra Modi should break his silence and tell the nation if he endorses the views of Ranaut.
If not, the government should take appropriate legal action against such people,” he added. NCP leader and Maharashtra minister Nawab Malik also condemned the actress’s remarks and called for her arrest.
On Thursday, former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi also urged the president to take back the Padma award from Ranaut. Criticism came from within the BJP too—MP Varun Gandhi lashed out at Ranaut’s statement.
The Aam Aadmi Party has submitted an application to the Mumbai Police, demanding that a case be registered against Ranaut. AAP’s national executive member Preeti Sharma Menon termed her remarks as “seditious and inflammatory”.
Ranaut was awarded the Padma Shri on Monday. She had said that the award is a reply to all those who question her statements on national issues.
