October 3, 2024: In a new wave of controversy, actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has come under fire for her recent Instagram post that appeared to downplay Mahatma Gandhi's revered status as the Father of the Nation. The remarks coincided with Gandhi Jayanti, a day dedicated to commemorating Gandhi's contributions to India, as she paid tribute to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary.

Ranaut’s statement, "Desh ke pita nahi, desh ke to lal hote hai. Dhanye hai Bharat ma ke ye lal" (The country does not have fathers; it has sons. Blessed are these sons of Mother India), ignited immediate backlash from political circles. Critics have noted that her comments reflect a growing trend of controversial remarks since she won her Lok Sabha seat.

Her post, which followed a history of contentious statements—including recent comments on the farmers' protests—has particularly enraged members of the opposition. Congress leader Supriya Shrinate did not hold back, labeling Ranaut as the BJP's "new Godse devotee," implying that her views reflect a troubling alignment with extremist ideologies.

Even within her own party, the backlash has been palpable. BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia criticized Ranaut for her penchant for controversy, suggesting that her remarks could pose challenges for the party's image and unity.

In a subsequent post, Ranaut attempted to clarify her position by crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for continuing Gandhi's legacy of cleanliness in India. However, her comments have only intensified the debate surrounding her views and the appropriateness of her statements.