Kangana Ranaut’s outbursts: A lingering headache for BJP leadership

Kangana Ranaut — actor and MP from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh — has emerged as a double-edged sword for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Though her star power and fiery oratory attract media attention and youth support, her repeated public outbursts have become a source of acute embarrassment and unease for both the central leadership and the Himachal Pradesh unit of the party. BJP leaders’ dilemma Some of the top BJP leaders in Shimla and Delhi, on the condition of anonymity, confided to this writer that repeated attempts at informal counselling and behind-the-scenes persuasion have proven futile. Kangana Ranaut continues to cross the proverbial ‘Lakshman rekha’ with impunity, often disregarding the party’s code of public decorum and discipline. Her outbursts, they admit, have left the leadership red-faced on multiple occasions, especially when her remarks veer into foreign policy, national history, or internal politics — areas where uninformed or intemperate commentary carries wider consequences. Secondly, these leaders acknowledge that initiating any disciplinary action against her —such as a public reprimand, a show-cause notice or curtailing her party visibility — could backfire immensely. Kangana commands a vast following, not only as a Bollywood actor, but also as a vocal champion of aggressive nationalism. Her core support base in Mandi and across Himachal Pradesh includes thousands of die-hard fans, BJP loyalists and first-time voters who identify with her straightforward approach. Any move to sideline her could alienate these constituencies and damage the party’s appeal in a state where it is striving to retain relevance amid the Congress resurgence. Thirdly, her temperament adds a layer of complexity. Kangana is seen as headstrong and fiercely independent, with little patience for party hierarchy or traditional political moderation. Several leaders fear that a disciplinary move could provoke her into open defiance or even a political rebellion —something she is fully capable of, given her history of combative public engagements. Such a scenario would not only create an internal rift but also project the BJP as intolerant of high-profile individuals who refuse to conform. Provocative tweet: Hyper-nationalism meets sarcasm Kangana recently sparked yet another storm with a tweet that blended admiration, sarcasm and nationalism. In a now-deleted post, she commented on a report suggesting that Donald Trump had asked Apple CEO Tim Cook not to expand manufacturing in India. “Why this sudden love loss?” she mused. Her tweet went on to suggest three provocative reasons: Trump may be an alpha male, but in her view, India’s Prime Minister, Narender Modi, was “sab alpha male ka  baap” (the ultimate alpha). The post was a bold display of hyper-nationalism, framing the Indian PM as a figure towering even above Trump. Minister Vikramaditya Singh’s sarcastic jibe At this juncture, Himachal Pradesh minister Vikramaditya Singh — who had unsuccessfully contested against Kangana Ranaut in the Mandi Lok Sabha seat — seized an opportunity to take a jibe at her, further aggravating the BJP’s predicament. In a sarcastic tone, the minister endorsed Kangana’s comments on Trump, referring to her as his “elder sister who tried to speak the truth but was silenced”. With a touch of mockery, he quipped, “Hum unke param mitar hain Na” (I am her great friend). Singh has frequently taken jabs at Ranaut, labelling her as the “queen of controversies”.

Kangana Ranaut’s entry in politics brought star power to the BJP, but her relentless outbursts on history, foreign policy and dissent have unsettled the leadership. Managing her unpredictability is now a tightrope walk — as disciplinary action risks backlash, but inaction threatens the BJP’s image. (The writer is a senior political analyst based in Shimla)

Himachal Tribune