Shruti Suman
New Delhi : A security officer identified as Kulwinder Kaur, who allegedly slapped newly elected BJP Lok Sabha MP Kangana Ranaut at Chandigarh airport, stated that her action was prompted by an earlier remark made by the actor regarding the farmers’ protest. Kaur mentioned that Ranaut’s statement implying that farmers were protesting for a mere sum of ₹100 had deeply offended her, particularly because her own mother was actively participating in the protest at the time the remark was made.
Kaur, who hails from a family involved in agriculture, has been suspended from her duties and is facing legal action for her actions. She explained that her reaction towards Ranaut, who was en route to Delhi after winning the Mandi seat in Himachal Pradesh, stemmed from a perceived disrespect towards the farming community.
Ranaut, upon reaching Delhi, expressed concerns about the rise of terrorism in Punjab. She recounted the incident at the security check-in where Kaur allegedly struck her and verbally abused her, citing the guard’s support for the farmers as the reason behind the assault. Ranaut emphasized her safety but highlighted the growing issue of terrorism in Punjab.
While footage of the altercation circulated widely, it did not capture the moment of Ranaut being slapped. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini assured that an inquiry into the matter is underway, stating that appropriate action will be taken against the perpetrator. He condemned the involvement of a security personnel in such an incident, labeling it as unacceptable.
Kaur, serving as a Constable in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), referred to Ranaut’s controversial remark made on social media in 2020 during the peak of the nationwide farmers’ protest against the three contentious farm laws. Ranaut’s tweet about an elderly woman at the protest being available for ₹100 sparked public outrage, leading her to delete the post.
In addition to the 2020 incident, Ranaut drew attention in February 2021 for her response to international pop star Rihanna’s tweet expressing concern about the farmers’ protest. Ranaut’s controversial reply accused the protestors of being terrorists aiming to divide India and pave the way for Chinese dominance, which she later deleted.
The prolonged farmers’ protest, spanning from 2020 to 2021, gained significant national and international attention and potentially impacted the BJP’s performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Ranaut’s interactions with the protesting farmers, including the aforementioned incidents and her convoy being obstructed by agitators during a Chandigarh campaign, have further fueled controversy.
Khushi Sikarwar
