New Delhi: In a dramatic turn of events, a protest in Uttar Pradeshs Hapur escalated into a chaotic scene on August 27 after police officers confiscated an effigy of Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut. The effigy was intended for burning by members of the Joint Kisan Morcha of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Lokhit) as part of their demonstration against recent comments made by an MP on farmers.The situation intensified when police officers intervened and seized the effigy from the protesters vehicle. A video captured the ensuing chaos, showing officers with lathis surrounding the demonstrators. The footage reveals a tense tug-of-war between the police and protesters, with an officer forcibly taking the effigy and fleeing, while another officer attempts to restrain the opposing side. In response, farmer leaders staged a sit-in protest, demanding the return of the effigy. The protest led to significant traffic congestion on the Delhi-Lucknow road in Hapur.Farmer leaders demand accountabilityHarish Hoon, the national spokesperson for Bharatiya Kisan Union (Lokhit), criticized the police action, stating, We wanted to burn the effigy peacefully, but the police came and took it from our car. If they wanted to, they could have snatched it from our hands in front of us. We believe in the rule of law and the Constitution... Until we get the effigy back, we will continue the sit-in protest. Hoon also condemned Kangana Ranauts remarks on farmers, calling them shameful and demanding a case be registered against the MP.BJPs response to Ranauts remarksThe controversy surrounding Ranauts comments led to a reprimand from the BJP, who clarified that her statements did not reflect the partys views. The BJP emphasized that Ranaut is not authorized to speak on behalf of the party regarding policy matters and instructed her to avoid making such statements in the future. Kangana Ranaut, known for her controversial remarks, had previously criticized the farmers protest against the now-repealed farm laws.
