Congress Leader Sparks Row With 'Slap Kangana Ranaut' Remark. She Reacts

Chennai:

Former Tamil Nadu Congress chief KS Alagiri has ignited controversy after stating that actor-politician Kangana Ranaut "should be slapped" if she visits the southern state.

Mr Alagiri revealed that he advised some agricultural workers to slap Ms Ranaut following discussions about her controversial 2020 remarks regarding farmers.

During the peak of nationwide protests against the now-suspended three farm laws, Ms Ranaut, currently a BJP MP, had claimed in a social media post that an elderly woman at a protest site was being paid Rs 100 to participate. She later deleted the post after facing significant backlash.

"Yesterday, 10-15 agriculturists approached me and mentioned that Kangana Ranaut once commented about agricultural women working in feeble lands... When a reporter noted these women are prompt, brave, and capable despite field work, she immediately responded that they would come anywhere for Rs 100... I was shocked. Why is this lady, a sitting MP, criticizing agricultural women who represent rural India?" Mr Alagiri stated on Thursday.

#WATCH | Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu | Regarding his controversial remark against BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, Congress leader KS Alagiri says, "Yesterday, 10-15 agriculturists came to me and reported that during a press conference, Kangana Ranaut once said about agricultural women that they… pic.twitter.com/lE4X1K1M73

— ANI (@ANI) September 18, 2025

He continued by saying he told the agricultural workers that if Ms Ranaut visits "our area," they should slap her similarly to how a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) constable slapped her at Chandigarh airport last year.

"A few months ago, when this lady went to an airport, a lady police officer slapped her. The officer explained that 'wherever she goes, she abuses everyone and her words are very ugly'. I told the agricultural workers that if she comes to our area, you should respond like the police officer at the airport. Only then will she correct her behavior," Mr Alagiri explained.

In response to the Congress leader's comments, Ms Ranaut asserted she "can go wherever she wants" throughout India.

"No one can restrict anyone's movement. For every person who dislikes me, there are many more who appreciate me," she told reporters in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu.

She mentioned receiving positive reception in Tamil Nadu after portraying former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa in 'Thalaivii'. Ms Ranaut claimed that even Tamil Nadu opposition MPs recently addressed her as "thalaivii".

#WATCH | Kullu, Himachal Pradesh: On Congress leader KS Alagiri's reported remarks on her, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut says, "We can go wherever we want. No one can stop anyone. If there are people who hate me, there are more people who love me. People in Tamil Nadu have always… pic.twitter.com/luJK0OKQnf

— ANI (@ANI) September 18, 2025

"One individual's comments won't make any difference," she stated.

She also remarked that "dignity and integrity" are often "destroyed".