Kangana Ranaut on Farmers' Protest: ‘We've Chosen Nationalistic Govt Yet Anti Nationals Are Winning’

For Indians, a day that started on a joyous note turned sour on Tuesday after a rally by protesting farmers in the capital New Delhi descended into violence. The event, in which more than 300 police were injured, elicited a strong response as public figures and celebrities took the lead in condemning the violence. 

Widely followed Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, known for her outspokenness, posted shocking scenes of what the Delhi police were having to endure and called to account those who were supporting the protestors.

Taking a dig at celebrities - including actors Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Diljit Dosanjh - Ranaut wrote: “I did my best to avoid this but I failed.... I may be a speck in the scheme of things but my failure is enormous... my head hangs in shame." Kangana condemned the act and added, “125 policemen are beaten to death, all hospitalised on Republic Day... price of loyalty and duty.”

I did my best to avoid this but I failed.... I may be a spec in the scheme of things but my failure is enormous.... at least it feels like that .... my head hangs in shame. I could not protect the integrity of my nation. I am no one still I am everyone ..and I am a failure today. https://t.co/ymoL1BnFMj

— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) January 27, 2021

Scenes posted by Ranaut showed policemen with folded hands beseeching the protesters to stop the violence. Some were seen willfully falling down from the ramparts of the Red Fort in what might have been desperate attempts to avoid being lynched. 

Referring to the 2019 large-scale protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Ranaut said that parties which had a vested interest in anti-national movements could have infiltrated the farmers' protest.

“CAA is on hold after so much terror I am sure Farmers bill will also be pushed on back burners, we as a democracy have chosen a nationalistic government yet anti-nationals are winning. Black day for India,” she added.​

Although both the actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas and singer Diljit Dosanjh refrained from commenting on the farmer's violence, many other Bollywood celebs took to social media to condemn the act.

Singer/composer Vishal Dadlani, casting suspicion on politicians who would benefit were the protests discredited, said it is beyond belief that farmers, who have been demonstrating peacefully for more than two months on the borders of Delhi, should suddenly turn violent. 

​According to Delhi police, a total of 300 policemen were injured in the clashes that erupted in various parts of Delhi during the tractor rally. More than 300 barricades were broken, 17 government vehicles damaged, and one farmer's life was lost in the violence. Security has been increased across Delhi and its borders.