BJP MP and actress Kangana Ranaut has publicly criticized the film industry for their silence regarding an incident at Chandigarh airport where she was allegedly assaulted by a CISF constable. This incident unfolded on Thursday while Ranaut was on her way to Delhi to attend her first Parliament session following her recent victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.
Newly-elected BJP MP from Mandi, Kangana Ranaut, found herself in the midst of controversy after a CISF constable allegedly slapped her at Chandigarh airport. Ranaut was on her way to Delhi to participate in her first session of Parliament since her successful bid in the recent Lok Sabha elections.
In a now-deleted Instagram story posted on Friday morning, Ranaut expressed her disappointment with the film industry for not addressing the attack. “Dear film industry, you all are either celebrating or are totally mum on the airport attack on me. Remember, if tomorrow you are walking down some street unarmed and a stranger assaults you or your children just because you stood up for a cause, I will be there fighting for your right to free speech. Remember why I am where I am – because you are not me,” she wrote.
According to Ranaut, the incident occurred during the airport security check. After completing the security checks, she was allegedly struck on the face by a CISF constable, who also verbally abused her. Ranaut claims that when she questioned the officer, the constable stated that she supported the ongoing farmers’ protest.
“I am safe,” Ranaut later reassured her followers in a video posted on her Twitter and Instagram accounts. “However, my concern is broader – how do we address the rising violence and terrorism in Punjab?” she queried.
Ranaut’s allegations have sparked heightened attention, prompting authorities to establish an inquiry committee comprising senior CISF officers to investigate further. The CISF has yet to release an official statement regarding the alleged altercation.
Meanwhile, Ranaut arrived at Delhi airport ahead of a scheduled National Democratic Alliance (NDA) meeting in Parliament’s central hall. Her victory in the Lok Sabha elections is noteworthy, as she defeated Congress candidate Vikramaditya Singh in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi by a margin of 74,755 votes.
. According to the Election Commission of India, Ranaut received 5,37,022 votes, while Singh garnered 4,62,267 votes.
Mandi holds significant symbolic importance for the Congress party, historically considered a stronghold of the Virbhadra family. The seat was previously occupied by Pratibha Devi Singh, the widow of the late Congress leader. Ranaut’s victory thus represents a pivotal shift in the political landscape of the region.
The 2024 Lok Sabha elections concluded with the BJP securing 240 seats, and with its allies, the NDA’s total stands at 293 seats. Notably, Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) (JDU) have extended their support to the NDA, further solidifying the alliance’s standing. The TDP and JDU won 16 and 12 seats respectively in their states.
In contrast, the opposition INDIA bloc managed to secure 234 seats in the newly formed Parliament, with the Congress party winning 99 of those seats. The election results mark a significant political shift and reflect the changing dynamics within Indian politics.
Ranaut’s public criticism of the film industry’s silence regarding the assault at Chandigarh airport underscores a broader narrative about the intersection of politics, personal safety, and public discourse in India. As a newly-elected member of Parliament, her outspoken stance may resonate with her supporters while generating controversy among her critics.
The incident raises pressing questions about the security and safety of public figures in India. It also prompts a dialogue around the responsibilities and reactions of various segments of society, including the film industry, when confronted with acts of violence against known personalities.
As investigations unfold, Ranaut’s experience at Chandigarh airport will likely remain a focal point of discussion, both within political circles and the general public. The outcome of the inquiry and any consequent actions taken could have broader implications, shaping perceptions of security enforcement and the adequacy of their protocols in public spaces.
With tensions high and emotions stirred, the situation invites a broader reflection on the complexities of public life and the entangled relationship between politics, personal security, and societal expectations in India.
