Punjab farmers show solidarity for Kulwinder Kaur who slapped Kangana Ranaut
Image credit Special arrangement
Punjab farmers empathize with Kulwinder Kaur who slapped Kangana Ranaut
By Bhawna Malik
Chandigarh, June 19: “It was a slap, not a bullet fired,” said Sukhpal Singh Khaira, a congress leader, on the raging debate in Punjab over the suspended CISF constable Kulwinder Singh slapping newly-elected Lok Sabha MP and cine star Kangana Ranaut.
Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha held an ‘Insaf March’ in Mohali, Punjab on the June 9. The march began from the Gurudwara Ammb Sahib and reached the SSP office Mohali. The farmers demanded Justice for Kaur.
Ranaut after winning from the Mandi Lok Sabha seat had reached Chandigarh airport when, while crossing the security check, she was slapped by Kaur. The suspended CISF constable claimed that the actress had bad-mouthed the women farmers who were sitting in protest at the Singhu Border.
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“My mother was sitting at the protest. She (Ranaut) had said that the women were sitting out at the protest site for ₹100,
Kaur was heard shouting at the airport after the incident created a stir.
Ranaut, on reaching her home, recorded a personal video, narrating the incident and blamed the rise of extremism in Punjab for the incident. The incident polarised the diverse cross-sections of the society.
Sarwan Singh Pandher, and Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who are leading farmers’ protest at Shambhu Border since February, 2024, came out in support of Kaur.
They met Punjab Director General of Police, urging a fair investigation into the incident. Both Dallewal and Pandher said: “The reason for the anger of Kulwinder Kaur cannot be ignored, as no one can tolerate their mothers’ insult. We condemn and protest the arrest and suspension of Kaur.”
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“The issue is not Hindu vs Sikh as it is being portrayed, rather it was Kangana’s own comments that led to this incident,” Dallewal further added.
The political arena too saw strong reactions. Political leaders from Punjab condemned Ranaut’s statement about the state. Punjab Chief Minister, Bhagwant Singh Maan, said: “As an MP, Kangana must refrain from giving such irresponsible and hard statements. Can she prove her claim about Punjab? She hurt the sentiments of the people of Punjab and the farmer’s feelings too.”
The Congress leader, Sukhpal Singh Khaira, said: “I do not support the violence but Kangana must be careful with her views and words. She was slapped because of her nefarious, divisive agenda and hate for the farmers. How can this be termed as a terrorist act – a slap is not a bullet fired.” He also called Kangana a fascist.
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Ranaut had faced farmers’ wrath earlier also due to her comment about the women farmers protesting at the Singhu Border. While going towards Chandigarh airport from Manali, her car was stopped at the Bunga Sahib by the farmers and she was only allowed to leave once she came out of the car and apologised to the farmers for her comments.
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Cabinet Minister, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, also condemned Ranaut. “Just to please her party, Kangana throws out this venom. She must be careful with her words about Punjab,” said Badal.
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